Movies About Scotland

From Danny Boyle, starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd
Rated R

Trainspotting is a British black comedy drama film directed by Danny Boyle and released in 1996. It is based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh. The film follows the lives of a group of heroin addicts in late 1980s Edinburgh, Scotland. It follows the life of Renton, a young man trying to find a way out of his addiction while dealing with his friends' varied and often destructive behavior. Other characters include Sick Boy, Spud, Begbie, and Tommy. Throughout the movie, the characters try to navigate the chaos of drug addiction, poverty, and the prospect of a better life. The film is a classic for its raw and sometimes humorous take on the lives of drug addicts, and its unique visual style.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim, Godfrey Tearle
Rated Approved

The 39 Steps is a 1935 British drama-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Robert Donat as Richard Hannay, a Canadian visitor to Britain who becomes embroiled in a dangerous espionage plot. Hannay is framed for the murder of a mysterious woman he meets in a music hall. He is forced to go on the run and must prove his innocence if he is to survive. Along the way, he is aided by a young woman, Pamela (Madeleine Carroll). The two become involved in a variety of adventures as they travel across Scotland to find the killers and clear Hannay's name. The 39 Steps also features a memorable score by composer Dimitri Tiomkin. The film is often seen as a classic example of Hitchcock's use of suspense and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Robin Hardy, starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Britt Ekland
Rated R

The Wicker Man (1973) is a British cult classic horror film directed by Robin Hardy. It tells the story of Sergeant Neil Howie, a devoutly Christian police officer sent to a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan. As his investigation progresses, he discovers the locals are followers of an ancient Celtic religion and are preparing for a human sacrifice. Howie desperately tries to save Rowan, but ultimately discovers a terrifying truth about his own fate. The film is a dark exploration of religious fanaticism, pagan ritual, and the consequences of blind faith.

From Lynne Ramsay, starring Tommy Flanagan, Mandy Matthews, William Eadie, Michelle Stewart
Rated Not Rated

Ratcatcher is a Scottish drama film directed by Lynne Ramsay. Set in 1970s Glasgow, the story follows 12-year-old James Gillespie, a working-class boy who lives with his family in the slums and dreams of escaping the poverty and filth of his environment. As James struggles to cope with the harsh realities of his life, he finds solace in his imagination and friendship with Margaret Anne and the other children his age who live in the area. Together, they find moments of beauty within the dismal world they inhabit. When tragedy strikes, James must find a way to move forward, leaving behind the past and embracing a new hope for the future.

From Ken Loach, starring Martin Compston, Michelle Coulter, Annmarie Fulton, William Ruane
Rated R

From Robert Wise, starring Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Henry Daniell, Edith Atwater
Rated Approved

From Bill Forsyth, starring Burt Lancaster, Peter Riegert, Fulton Mackay, Denis Lawson
Rated PG

From Danny Boyle, starring Kerry Fox, Christopher Eccleston, Ewan McGregor, Ken Stott
Rated R

From Russell Mulcahy, starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart
Rated R

From Ken Loach, starring Paul Brannigan, John Henshaw, Roger Allam, Gary Maitland
Rated R

From Michael Caton-Jones, starring Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth
Rated R

From Jonathan Glazer, starring Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Lynsey Taylor Mackay, Dougie McConnell
Rated R

From Richard Jobson, starring Kevin McKidd, Laura Fraser, Susan Lynch, Stuart Sinclair Blyth
Rated R

From Paul McGuigan, starring Stephen McCole, Maurice Roëves, Garry Sweeney, Jenny McCrindle
Rated Unrated

From John Landis, starring Bill Bailey, Tom Wilkinson, Michael Smiley, Tim Curry
Rated R