A movie location can really set the tone or enhance a scene. It can really make you feel connected to the characters and the story. Want to escape? Here is our list of the best movie locations that you just have to visit!
New Zealand
New Zealand is a mesmerizing country filled with amazing scenery and rambling countryside. Filmmakers flock here for its beautiful landscapes, including mountains and jaw-dropping lakes. If you consider yourself a film buff, then New Zealand is the place to go! You have probably seen this gorgeous backdrop in the Lord of the Rings movies, the most famous to be filmed here. The Hobbiton film set was constructed in 1999 especially for the trilogy and is based near Matamata. Lord of the Rings nerds now travel especially to the set to live the full experience. You can get a guided tour and visit Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ home, and of course, the watering hole.
If you love other fantasy films such as Narnia, then we have news for you! You can also visit Whanganui-A-Hei to the northeast of the island. Its Cathedral Cove featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. You can see the location in the part where the Pevensie children return to Narnia. Want to see more from the movie? Then Christchurch will be your next stop. The area featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, during the final battle scene. It is also a stunning place to visit. You can view the lush green botanic gardens whilst you’re there.
Greece
You may not need any reason to visit Greece other than its spectacular aqua blue water and its beautiful Mediterranean architecture. It is also one of the best movie locations in the world. The fishing village of Damouchari may look familiar as it was the backdrop for the Mamma Mia movies. In particular, the beach. The Sakali Mansion is where the main characters stay for the first night, and you too can enjoy the beautifully decorated accommodation and eat a delicious meal. The movies were also filmed in Skiathos and Skopelos, unspoiled locations that just ooze Mediterranean charm. They also boast a breathtaking view over the Aegean Sea.
Greece is highly favored by Netflix productions, and the upcoming movie Beckett, starring John David Washington, has been filmed there recently. The director deliberately chose locations which were less known by viewers to really showcase the country. One of the locations is the quaint mountain village, Tsepevolo. Even Washington himself fell in love with the incredible locations.
Cambodia
Fall in love with the country behind the Tomb Raider movie success. It is the biggest Hollywood movie to be filmed there to date. The adventure scenes in the temples are not a fictional setting, but instead ancient temples loved by tourists and locals alike. The Angkor Temples became hugely popular after the movie came out in 2001. Visit the Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm alongside an archaeologist. They will help you to delve into the temples’ diverse past. Just note that these spots aren’t always accurately depicted throughout the movie. For example, Angkor Wat is shown to loom over a Cambodian Village and a river, although in real life, this isn’t the case.
Cambodia has also been chosen as a location for more recent movies. First They Killed My Father was filmed in this part of Asia. Funnily enough, this was also was an Angelina Jolie project. This time however, she was behind the camera. The movie tells the story of a child forced to move out of Phnom Penh to the countryside. Most of the movie was filmed in Cambodia’s second biggest city, Battambang. Jolie even returned to Cambodia to be photographed by iconic photographer Annie Leibowitz. Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon was also filmed in the stunning country. Again, this film depicts one of the striking Angkor Temples, more particularly, Angkor Thom.
England
England is an extremely popular movie location, and a tourist destination. Needless to say, the Harry Potter movies were filmed in the UK, and a lot of the scenes were filmed in Christ Church College. The hallways of iconic Hogwarts were actually taken from Christ Church College’s halls. The staircase scenes were also filmed there. Their Bodleian Library was featured in three Harry Potter movies, and was used as Hogwarts’ library. Professor McGonagall’s classroom scenes were in fact filmed at Durham Cathedral. The eerie mood was really captured thanks to this magical setting. If you want to discover the Leaky Cauldron pub, then head to Leadenhall Market. Just behind the market you can find the Diagon Alley shopping street, where the wizards would purchase potions throughout the films.
If you’re more into romantic comedies, then you’ll know that Notting Hill was filmed in London. Though some scenes were filmed in a studio, others were actually filmed in Notting Hill itself. This movie put this area on the map, and tourists all over the world visit this chic part of London today. Filming took place in Portobello Road, and particularly, The Travel Bookshop. This didn’t exist at the time, but a local commerce has used the name now to attract tourists. William Thacker’s iconic bright blue door was located at London W11 1EH. The door has been auctioned off for charity, but you can still stop by and take in the atmosphere of west London.
Paris
We know that Paris is the city of love and light. But it is also one of the world’s best movie locations. The Musée Rodin is the home to Rodin’s most famous piece, The Thinker, and it is also where the Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris was filmed. The movie will transport you through Paris and its rich history in the arts. After watching it, you will really want to fly over and embrace the Parisian nightlife.
If you’re not a Christopher Nolan fan, then you know someone who is. His movie, Inception, with Leonardo Di Caprio was filmed on the world renowned Bir-Hakeim bridge in central Paris. The bridge’s structure is beautiful. You can spot it when Dom Cobb tries to teach Ariadne to create dreams. It is also the perfect photo opportunity, as you can see across Paris and you’re looking over the glistening Seine.
Paris is also well known for its fashion scene, so it’s hardly surprising that The Devil Wears Prada was filmed here. In the movie, Anne Hathaway enjoys the sights of the 1st arrondissement. She strolls through Avenue Montaigne and all its luxury flagship stores. You may have seen the ferris wheel at Jardins des Tuileries, just behind the perfect fountain.
Another iconic movie that has been filmed in Paris is the Da Vinci Code. The Louvre Museum with its unique pyramid structure is the setting for a large majority of the film. They also chose Saint-Sulpice Church, set in the 6th arrondissement, and not far from the hustle and bustle of Saint Germain des Près and Montparnasse.
Italy
Italy ticks all the boxes – ancient architecture, delicious food and beautiful views. It is also the perfect location for a movie fan. The Talented Mr. Ripley, released in 1999, was filmed in several locations in Italy such as Rome, Venice, Palermo, Naples and Positano but to name a few. Le Grand Hotel in Rome shot to fame after the release of the movie. Follow the steps of Ripley and stop off at Caffè Florian in Venice for a cup of gourmet tea with luxuriously fruity flavors. Though the menu is pricey, you’ll have an incredible view of the city.
Gladiator was filmed in Italy and released in 2000, with the main flashbacks being filmed in Tuscany. The rolling hills, vineyards and Mediterranean architecture made it the ideal backdrop for the movie. Several James Bond movies also featured Italian landscapes. Casino Royale (2006) features Venice, while Spectre (2015) takes place in the backstreets of Rome.
Another movie classic to be filmed in Italy is the aptly titled, The Italian Job. Some of Britain’s best actors starred in this movie, such as Michael Caine and Benny Hill. See them plan a heist for the stunning city of Turin, and its unique landscapes with winding cliffs and lush green scenery. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, released in 1999, featured the baroque Royal Palace of Caserta, in the Campania region. This was a former royal residence for the kings of Naples, and you can still visit its picture perfect gardens today!
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