Location, Location, Location!
Everyone loves a good film set piece or backdrop! What better way to highlight the allure of a film’s setting than by shooting some of its most iconic landmarks? For as long as movies have been around, they’ve always used real-world landmarks to take things to the next level. Here are 20 of the most filmed locations in the world.
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1. Central Park, New York City, USA
New York City’s green oasis amidst the metropolis’ concrete jungle has featured prominently in some major films including “When Harry Met Sally” and “The Avengers.” Not only is Central Park one of NYC’s most recognizable tourist destinations, but it also provides a tremendously diverse landscape for filmmakers to utilize in a number of ways.
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2. Times Square, New York City, USA
No doubt the epitome of New York City’s bustling and vibrant nature, many films use Times Square to depict the vast urban landscape of the city. Its neon-laden streets and humongous billboards are known around the world and are featured prominently in films like “Spider-Man,” “Birdman,” and “Vanilla Sky.”
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3. Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, USA
With its famous Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre, this legendary strip in Los Angeles represents the heart and soul of America’s unparalleled film industry. So it's no surprise that Hollywood Boulevard has made so many appearances in a variety of films including “La La Land,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.”
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4. Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Easily one of London’s most recognizable and iconic landmarks, Trafalgar Square has featured prominently in a number of British and American films. The famous public square located in Central London is often used to depict the beauty and grandeur of the English capital. Movies like "Captain America: The First Avenger,” "V for Vendetta," and several James Bond films have all had scenes shot in Trafalgar Square.
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5. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
You simply can’t film a movie in Paris without having at least one shot of the Eiffel Tower. The charm, history, and grandiosity of Paris are all perfectly put on full display with a glimpse at the Eifel Tower, which is why films like “Mission: Impossible – Fallout," “Midnight in Paris,” and “National Lampoon's European Vacation” all made sure to showcase the iconic French tower.
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6. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
This ancient relic of the Roman Empire has stood the test of time, becoming one of the world’s most important landmarks. Its grandeur and historical significance have made it a perfect filming location for period pieces and contemporary action films alike, including hits like “Gladiator,” “Spectre,” and “The Way of The Dragon.”
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7. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
This striking orange bridge with its surrounding views of the iconic San Francisco Bay is undoubtedly one of the city's most iconic landmarks. So it should come as no surprise that several films which take place in the Northern California city prominently feature the Golden Gate Bridge including “Vertigo,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.”
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8. The Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
This globally recognized marvel of architectural design and construction is famous for its iconic look and scenic harbour, making it the perfect cinematic backdrop for many major films. The Sydney Opera House has been the target of destruction in several disaster films like “Pacific Rim,” “Independence Day,” and “Godzilla: Final War.”
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9. The Vatican, Vatican City
Serving as the ultimate symbol of the Catholic Church, the Vatican is rife with aesthetic depth as well as religious and historical significance — making it a rather intriguing filming locale. Several major motion pictures have taken the opportunity to film in the Catholic city-state including “Angels & Demons, “ “The Godfather Part III,” and “Mission: Impossible III.”
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10. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
This natural wonder is not only surrounded by breathtaking landscapes but it also provides the perfect backdrop for a number of films, especially Westerns. Many films have presented the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon such as “Transformers,” Thelma & Louise,” and “Into the Wild.”
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11. The Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, USA
The epitome of “Vegas, baby, Vegas!” there isn’t a single film shot in Sin City that doesn’t prominently feature this iconic street. Filmmakers love showcasing the strip’s neon-drenched streets and vibrant energy all of which are put on full display in classic films like “Ocean’s Eleven,” “The Hangover,’ and “Casino.”
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12. Buckingham Palace, London, UK
As the official residence of the world’s foremost monarch, it's no surprise that so many filmmakers have taken to filming this iconic British landmark. Its stately architecture and historical significance only add to period pieces like “The King’s Speech” and “The Queen,” while films like “Die Another Day” and “Johnny English” have used Buckingham Palace in a more contemporary context.
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13. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
These ancient Egyptian wonders are hotbeds of tourism and filmmaking too! The ancient grandeur of the pyramids provides the ultimate backdrop for films, especially those dealing with archaeological themes like “The Mummy.” The Pyramids of Giza also serve as a fantastic spectacle in globe-trotting action adventures like “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and “Jumper.”
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14. The Forbidden City, Beijing, China
This renowned UNESCO World Heritage site is the ultimate look-back at China’s imperial past, making it a highly coveted filming location for Hollywood movies. Featuring ancient palaces and stunning courtyards, the Forbidden City is prominently showcased in films like “The Last Emperor” and “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”
15. Venice Canals, Venice, Italy
The iconic Venice Canals, with their picturesque views and historic architecture, create an enchanting and unparalleled atmosphere that filmmakers just can’t wait to get their hands on. Perfectly serving many genres, but particularly thrillers and romantic dramas, the Venice Canals have been showcased in movies like “Casino Royale,” “The Italian Job,” and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
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16. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, USA
Home to the world’s most infamous former prison, Alcatraz Island provides a tremendously isolated and dark locale perfectly befitting films like “The Rock,” “Escape From Alcatraz,” and “The Book of Eli.” San Francisco’s notorious former prison serves as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks alongside the Golden Gate Bridge.
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17. The Great Wall of China, China
This awe-inspiring ancient structure is one of the most vital and recognizable landmarks in the world. The immensity and grandiose nature of The Great Wall of China is the perfect backdrop for films, especially those dealing with historical themes like “The Great Wall” and “Mulan.” However, even contemporary themes are explored in films like “The Bucket List.”
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18. Petra, Jordan
This ancient rock-cut city is not only a stunning architectural marvel, but it also serves as an excellent backdrop for action-adventure films. Along with being featured prominently in the climax of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Petra was also used in films like “Alladin,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “Dune.”
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19. Santorini, Greece
Featuring its iconic blend of white-washed buildings and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is as famous as a filming locale as it is a tourist destination. The island’s picturesque landscapes have featured prominently in major films like "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "Mamma Mia!"
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20. The Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA
This famous American icon is regularly displayed in a number of films set in the Big Apple. As New York’s most recognizable landmark, it's hard to find a film set in NYC that doesn’t at least show a glimpse of the massive sculpture. Disaster films like “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow” make excellent use of the Statue of Liberty to depict the destruction and devastation inherent in their respective plots.
