Scottish cinema offers more than bagpipes and kilts — it delivers raw emotion, powerful storytelling, and unforgettable characters. In this guide, we explore the very best of Scottish movies, highlighting 25 outstanding films that have scored above 7.0 on IMDb.
From haunting urban dramas to sweeping historical epics, each entry reflects the unique voice of Scotland on screen. Whether you’re discovering the grit of Glasgow or the beauty of the Highlands, these films capture the soul of a nation like no others. The evolution of Scottish movies also shows how regional storytelling can achieve global resonance.
Let’s explore the top 25 Scottish masterpieces — all must-sees for any true cinephile.
25 Best Scottish Movies (IMDb 7.0+)
The following list of Scottish movies includes drama, comedy, and thrillers that all surpass a 7.0 IMDb rating — a testimony to the quality of Scotland’s cinematic output.
25. Shell (2012)
- Starring: Chloe Pirrie, Joseph Mawle
- Director: Scott Graham
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 91 min
Set in a remote Highland gas station, Shell is a haunting character study of isolation and quiet trauma. The film follows a young woman named Shell who lives with her father, a man struggling with disability and his own inner demons. Their relationship is intense and complex, shaped by solitude and emotional entrapment. With sparse dialogue, lingering silences, and evocative cinematography, the film paints a deeply intimate portrait of rural life and the psychological toll it can take on those who remain behind. It’s a hidden gem in the landscape of Scottish movies.
24. The Legend of Barney Thomson (2015)
- Starring: Robert Carlyle, Emma Thompson
- Director: Robert Carlyle
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 96 min
This darkly comic film follows Barney Thomson, a socially awkward barber in Glasgow whose accidental killing of his boss drags him into a bizarre series of murders. As Barney attempts to cover up his crime, his eccentric and domineering mother (played hysterically by Emma Thompson) gets involved, making things worse. With a backdrop of absurdity, crime, and a touch of horror, this film delivers a unique blend of grotesque humor and Scottish wit, all wrapped in a stylish neo-noir aesthetic.
23. The Flying Scotsman (2006)
- Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Billy Boyd
- Director: Douglas Mackinnon
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Runtime: 96 min
This biographical drama chronicles the life of Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree, who broke the world one-hour distance record on a bike he designed himself from scrap parts. Battling mental health issues and institutional pushback, Obree’s determination and innovation become symbols of perseverance. The film showcases the psychological and emotional toll of pushing the limits of human endurance and features gripping race scenes that place viewers right on the pedals.
22. Sunshine on Leith (2013)
- Starring: George MacKay, Antonia Thomas
- Director: Dexter Fletcher
- Genre: Musical, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 100 min
Based on the music of The Proclaimers, Sunshine on Leith tells the story of two soldiers returning home to Edinburgh and attempting to rebuild their lives. Love, friendship, and family struggles are woven through musical numbers that bring a bright, heartfelt energy to the narrative. The film’s emotional resonance is elevated by catchy tunes and relatable themes, making it one of the most joyful entries in modern Scottish cinema.
21. Red Road (2006)
- Starring: Kate Dickie, Tony Curran
- Director: Andrea Arnold
- Genre: Drama, Mystery
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 113 min
Red Road is a slow-burning psychological thriller centered on a CCTV operator in Glasgow who becomes obsessed with a man from her past. As she watches him from a distance, the film builds a tense atmosphere of surveillance, grief, and confrontation. Kate Dickie’s performance grounds the story in raw emotion, as we witness her character unravel and confront unresolved trauma in an increasingly voyeuristic urban setting.
20. Restless Natives (1985)
- Starring: Vincent Friell, Joe Mullaney
- Director: Michael Hoffman
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Runtime: 90 min
This cult comedy follows two bored teenagers from Edinburgh who become modern-day highwaymen, robbing tourist buses in the Highlands while wearing masks and riding a motorbike. What begins as a prank evolves into national legend, as their exploits gain public sympathy and fame. The film is a light-hearted but insightful look at rebellion, youth identity, and the romanticism of the outlaw figure in Scottish culture.
19. Orphans (1998)
- Starring: Douglas Henshall, Gary Lewis
- Director: Peter Mullan
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 101 min
Following the death of their mother, four siblings each cope in wildly different ways during a single night in Glasgow. The film masterfully blends surreal humor and poignant emotion as each character embarks on a chaotic journey of grief and self-discovery. Peter Mullan’s debut as director brings a unique voice to Scottish cinema, unafraid to balance absurdity with heartbreak.
18. The Angels’ Share (2012)
- Starring: Paul Brannigan, John Henshaw
- Director: Ken Loach
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 101 min
This charming caper follows a young father with a criminal past who discovers he has an exceptional sense of smell for fine whisky. With a group of fellow misfits, he plots to steal a rare cask of the world’s most expensive whisky. Both hilarious and heartwarming, the film celebrates second chances and Scotland’s proud whisky heritage.
17. Sweet Sixteen (2002)
- Starring: Martin Compston, Annmarie Fulton
- Director: Ken Loach
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Runtime: 106 min
Set in Greenock, this powerful coming-of-age story centers on Liam, a teenager trying to escape a cycle of poverty and violence before his mother’s release from prison. The film explores themes of hope, desperation, and the limits of free will in an environment where options are scarce. Martin Compston delivers a raw and unforgettable debut performance. You can find more about Ken Loach’s influential work on Creative Scotland.
16. Local Hero (1983)
- Starring: Peter Riegert, Burt Lancaster
- Director: Bill Forsyth
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Runtime: 111 min
An American oil executive is sent to a small Scottish village to purchase land for a refinery, only to find himself enchanted by the community and natural beauty. As he becomes increasingly conflicted, the film subtly critiques materialism while celebrating the simplicity of life. Local Hero is a warm, humorous, and visually poetic classic. It’s also been featured on the British Film Institute’s all-time greatest films list.
15. The Illusionist (2010)
- Starring: Jean-Claude Donda, Eilidh Rankin
- Director: Sylvain Chomet
- Genre: Animation, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Runtime: 80 min
Though animated and set in Edinburgh, The Illusionist is a deeply human story about the fading magic of live performance and the bond between an aging magician and a young girl. Inspired by an unproduced script by Jacques Tati, the film beautifully portrays the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Its hand-drawn aesthetic and haunting score make it a cinematic gem.
14. Outlaw King (2018)
- Starring: Chris Pine, Florence Pugh
- Director: David Mackenzie
- Genre: Action, Biography, History
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 121 min
An epic historical drama chronicling the real-life rebellion of Robert the Bruce against English rule after the death of William Wallace. Featuring gritty battle scenes, majestic Highland vistas, and a powerful lead performance by Chris Pine, Outlaw King brings a visceral and emotionally charged view of Scotland’s struggle for independence. The film provides historical context and national pride, and was released globally on Netflix, helping bring Scottish history to a wider audience.
13. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
- Starring: Maggie Smith
- Director: Ronald Neame
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Runtime: 116 min
Set in 1930s Edinburgh, this adaptation of Muriel Spark’s acclaimed novel stars Maggie Smith in one of her most iconic roles. As an unconventional teacher at a conservative girls’ school, Miss Jean Brodie encourages her students to embrace art, politics, and life — often with troubling consequences. Smith’s performance earned her an Academy Award and the film remains a cornerstone of Scottish literary and cinematic culture.
12. T2 Trainspotting (2017)
- Starring: Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle
- Director: Danny Boyle
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Runtime: 117 min
A reflective sequel to the original Trainspotting, this film revisits the same characters two decades later. Weaving nostalgia with themes of regret, addiction, and aging, T2 explores the emotional scars and enduring bonds between its now middle-aged anti-heroes. Danny Boyle’s stylish direction and the return of the original cast make for a moving follow-up that stands on its own merit. It further highlights how Scottish movies evolve in style while staying grounded in personal storytelling.
11. I Know Where I’m Going! (1945)
- Starring: Wendy Hiller, Roger Livesey
- Director: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Runtime: 92 min
This classic romantic drama follows a headstrong Englishwoman who travels to the Hebrides to marry a wealthy man, only to fall in love with the land and a local laird. With breathtaking black-and-white cinematography and poetic storytelling, I Know Where I’m Going! celebrates Scottish culture and landscape through timeless themes of love, destiny, and the pull of place.
10. Brave (2012)
- Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly
- Directors: Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews
- Genre: Animation, Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Runtime: 93 min
Pixar’s foray into Scottish folklore centers on Merida, a fiery-haired princess who defies ancient traditions to forge her own destiny. With stunning animation inspired by the Highlands and an empowering narrative about mother-daughter bonds, Brave introduces a bold Scottish heroine to the global stage. The film also helped spark interest in Scottish culture among younger audiences worldwide.
9. The 39 Steps (1935)
- Starring: Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Runtime: 86 min
An early Hitchcock classic, this gripping spy thriller sees an innocent man caught up in a web of espionage and murder. Much of the action unfolds against the sweeping backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, blending suspense with landscape-driven storytelling. The 39 Steps played a crucial role in cementing Scotland as a cinematic setting for international thrillers.
8. My Name is Joe (1998)
- Starring: Peter Mullan, Louise Goodall
- Director: Ken Loach
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Runtime: 105 min
Set in working-class Glasgow, this emotionally raw film follows Joe, a recovering alcoholic who finds solace in a new relationship while trying to stay clean and help a troubled young man. Peter Mullan delivers a career-defining performance that earned him Best Actor at Cannes. The film is a stark portrait of hardship, love, and the everyday fight for dignity.
7. The Last King of Scotland (2006)
- Starring: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy
- Director: Kevin Macdonald
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Runtime: 123 min
Though set in Uganda, this powerful film is deeply connected to Scotland through its lead character — a fictional Scottish doctor who becomes Idi Amin’s personal physician. Whitaker’s chilling portrayal of the dictator won him an Oscar, while McAvoy’s performance highlights the moral ambiguity and cultural displacement of the Scottish protagonist. Directed by Glasgow-born Kevin Macdonald, the film underscores Scotland’s global narrative reach.
6. Calibre (2018)
- Starring: Jack Lowden, Martin McCann
- Director: Matt Palmer
- Genre: Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Runtime: 101 min
Two friends on a weekend hunting trip in the Highlands accidentally shoot the wrong target, setting off a nightmarish chain of events. Tense, atmospheric, and morally complex, Calibre explores guilt, panic, and community pressure in an isolated village. Its psychological realism and stark cinematography earned critical acclaim, confirming its place among the finest modern Scottish movies.
5. Ratcatcher (1999)
- Starring: William Eadie, Mandy Matthews
- Director: Lynne Ramsay
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Runtime: 94 min
Set during a garbage strike in 1970s Glasgow, Ratcatcher follows a young boy grappling with guilt after a tragic accident. The film blends poetic visuals with gritty realism, painting a haunting portrait of childhood in a decaying urban landscape. Lynne Ramsay’s debut cemented her as one of Scotland’s most visionary filmmakers, and Ratcatcher remains a cornerstone of Scottish movies.
4. Shallow Grave (1994)
- Starring: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, Kerry Fox
- Director: Danny Boyle
- Genre: Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Runtime: 92 min
Before Trainspotting, Danny Boyle made this razor-sharp noir thriller about three flatmates who discover their new tenant dead — and a suitcase full of cash beside him. Greed, paranoia, and betrayal ensue in this chilling morality tale. Stylish and sinister, Shallow Grave marked a new era for bold, modern Scottish movies.
3. Trainspotting (1996)
- Starring: Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Ewen Bremner
- Director: Danny Boyle
- Genre: Drama, Crime
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Runtime: 93 min
Arguably the most iconic entry in all Scottish movies, Trainspotting is a whirlwind of energy, addiction, and rebellion. Set in 90s Edinburgh, the film follows a group of heroin addicts navigating the highs and horrors of their lifestyle. With a pulsating soundtrack, unforgettable visuals, and razor-sharp writing, it became a cultural phenomenon and a defining moment in UK cinema.
2. Braveheart (1995)
- Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau
- Director: Mel Gibson
- Genre: Action, Drama, History
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Runtime: 178 min
A sweeping epic dramatizing the life of William Wallace, Braveheart brought Scotland’s fight for independence to global audiences. While historically debated, the film’s emotional power, rousing score, and majestic Highlands cinematography made it a box-office triumph and Oscar winner. It remains one of the most internationally recognized Scottish movies.
1. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
- Starring: Cillian Murphy, Pádraic Delaney
- Director: Ken Loach
- Genre: Drama, War
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Runtime: 127 min
Though set in Ireland, this Palme d’Or-winning film by Ken Loach resonates strongly with Scottish themes of rebellion, class struggle, and identity. The story of two brothers torn apart during the Irish War of Independence echoes many of the tensions seen in Scottish history. Its universal message of resistance and loss places it among the most powerful politically driven Scottish movies ever featured on screen.
Exploring the Best of Scotland Through Film
Scottish movies provide a cinematic journey through a nation’s soul. Whether you’re drawn to drama, comedy, or historical epics, these films offer a view of Scotland that’s both deeply personal and powerfully cinematic. This list celebrates the best Scottish movies that have captured hearts around the world.
From poetic indie gems to epic historical sagas, Scottish movies reflect the resilience, humor, and cultural richness of the Scottish people. They don’t just tell stories — they embody identity, provoke thought, and stir emotion. As more global audiences discover these works, the future of Scottish cinema looks brighter than ever. So whether you’re watching for the first time or returning to familiar favorites, the magic of Scottish movies is always worth revisiting.
