(Image: The Northern Echo)
The North East has long attracted filmmakers looking for dramatic landscapes, historic buildings and instantly recognisable locations.
From Hollywood blockbusters and Oscar-winning dramas to cult classics and homegrown favourites, the region has appeared on cinema screens for decades.
Newcastle University recently highlighted the area’s best-known filming credits, but many locations across County Durham, Teesside and Northumberland have also appeared on screen.
Here are 12 famous films shot in the North East.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Alnwick Castle was transformed into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for scenes in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. (Image: The Northern Echo)
For many film fans, Durham Cathedral is one of the North East's most famous screen locations.
The cathedral’s cloisters became Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and visitors can walk through the same corridors seen in the film.
Durham Cathedral's Chapter House became Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration classroom, while its Triforium featured in the trio's discovery of Fluffy.
The North East's connection to the wizarding world continued in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with scenes also filmed at Alnwick Castle.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Cast and crew film scenes for Avengers: Endgame inside Durham Cathedral, which was used as the Marvel kingdom of Asgard in the blockbuster superhero film. (Image: The Northern Echo)
One of the biggest films ever made also has a County Durham connection.
The historic cathedral helped put the North East in one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Night and Day (2026)
One of the most recent productions to film in the region is Night and Day.
Based on a novel by Virginia Woolf, the film was shot at locations across the North East, including Newcastle's historic Lit & Phil Library.
The production was directed by Dr Tina Gharavi, a Reader in English: Screenwriting & Film at Newcastle University.
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Newcastle city centre was transformed into the setting for explosive action scenes when Transformers: The Last Knight arrived in the region.
Filming took place around Grey's Monument and down Grey Street, with military vehicles, special effects and large-scale stunt sequences drawing crowds of onlookers.
Purely Belter (2000)
(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Few films capture life in the North East quite like Purely Belter.
The cult favourite follows two Newcastle teenagers raising money for Newcastle United season tickets and was filmed across the city, including at St James’ Park.
More than two decades on, it remains one of the region’s best-loved films.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
(Image: Getty)
Northumberland's iconic Sycamore Gap became famous around the world thanks to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The Kevin Costner adventure featured Sycamore Gap and stretches of Hadrian’s Wall, showcasing the region’s scenery to an international audience.
Get Carter (1971)
Often regarded as one of Britain's greatest gangster films, Get Carter used several North East locations to create its gritty atmosphere.
The Michael Caine classic featured Newcastle Central Station and Gateshead's now-demolished Trinity Square car park, which became one of the film's most recognisable settings.
1917 (2019)
Sam Mendes' award-winning First World War drama brought a major Hollywood production to County Durham.
Parts of 1917 were filmed around Teesdale, with the area's dramatic landscape helping provide the backdrop for one of the most acclaimed British films of recent years.
Billy Elliot (2000)
(Image: IMBD)
The North East's mining communities formed the backdrop to Billy Elliot, one of Britain's most successful modern films.
Filming took place at locations including Easington Colliery, helping bring the story of a young boy pursuing his dream of becoming a ballet dancer to the big screen.
The film went on to become an international success and was later adapted into a hit stage musical.
Atonement (2007)
The Oscar-winning wartime drama Atonement also has strong links to the North East.
Starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, the film used locations in Redcar and Middlesbrough during production.
Its North East filming locations are often overlooked, despite the film’s acclaim in the 2000s.
Elizabeth (1998)
(Image: Durham Cathedral.)
Long before superheroes and wizards arrived, Durham Cathedral was already attracting major film productions.
The cathedral featured in the Academy Award-winning historical drama Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I.
Its stunning Norman architecture helped recreate the grandeur of Tudor England on screen.
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The Old Oak (2023)
Ken Loach's final film brought international attention back to County Durham.
The Old Oak was filmed in several former pit villages, including locations in East Durham, and told the story of a community facing social and economic change.
The film received widespread critical attention and further cemented the region's reputation as a popular filming destination.