Movies can take us anywhere, but some of the movie locations actually exist in real life, and filmmakers often use real-world locations to bring their stories to life.
This guide covers some of the most memorable movie spots around the world. If you love films or travel, these places offer a chance to see your favorite movie scenes up close.
Hobbiton, New Zealand
The lush hills of Matamata became the Shire in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ films. You can visit the Hobbiton set, complete with hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.
Petra, Jordan
This ancient city, carved into red cliffs, was Indiana Jones’s backdrop in ‘The Last Crusade.’ The Treasury building is a notable highlight.
Skellig Michael, Ireland
‘Star Wars’ fans will recognize this island as Luke Skywalker’s hideout. Its rugged beauty and old monastery make it feel otherworldly.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Famous from ‘Tomb Raider,’ this temple complex offers intricate carvings and a jungle setting that screams adventure.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This coastal city played King’s Landing in ‘Game of Thrones.’ Its medieval walls and buildings are super impressive in real life.
Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii
This Oahu ranch has been in many films, including ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘50 First Dates.’ Its diverse landscape makes it ideal for filming.
Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Outside of this lodge was the Overlook Hotel in ‘The Shining.’ It’s less scary in person but still striking against Mount Hood.
Ait Benhaddou, Morocco
This mud-brick village has been in several films, from ‘Gladiator’ to ‘Game of Thrones.’ Its desert setting is perfect for historical and fantasy stories.
Gion District, Kyoto, Japan
Featured in ‘Memoirs of a Geisha,’ this area’s narrow streets and old buildings take you back in time.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This famous statue has been in many different films, and the views from its base are just as good as any movie scene.
Venice, Italy
Venice’s canals and old buildings have been in countless films, including ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Casino Royale.’
Monument Valley, USA
This desert landscape on the Arizona-Utah border has been in films since the early Westerns, including ‘Forrest Gump.’
Glencoe, Scotland
The dramatic highlands of Glencoe have been in ‘Braveheart,’ ‘Skyfall,’ and ‘Harry Potter.’ Its moody scenery is perfect for epic films.
Central Park, New York City, USA
Central Park has been in hundreds of movies. It’s practically a character itself in films like ‘When Harry Met Sally.’
Salzburg, Austria
‘The Sound of Music’ made Salzburg famous. You can still visit many locations from the film.
Maya Bay, Thailand
This beach became famous after ‘The Beach.’ It’s been closed at times for environmental reasons, but it’s still beautiful.
Tunisia
Parts of Tunisia were Luke Skywalker’s home planet in ‘Star Wars.’ You can visit several filming locations.
Shanghai Film Park, China
Parts of the ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ set are still here. It’s a unique look into Chinese filmmaking.
Notting Hill, London, UK
This charming area became famous after the film ‘Notting Hill.’ It still has that movie-like charm.
Skiathos, Greece
This Greek island was in ‘Mamma Mia!’ Its clear waters and white buildings are picture-perfect.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
The red desert of Wadi Rum has been an alien planet in films like ‘The Martian.’ It really does look like another world in real life!
Bran Castle, Romania
While not actually Dracula’s castle, this fortress is linked to the vampire legend and has been in several films.
Katz’s Delicatessen, New York City, USA
This deli was in the famous scene from ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ The food is well worth trying, too.
Fox Plaza, Los Angeles, USA
‘Die Hard’ fans know this as Nakatomi Plaza – but It’s actually a real office building.
Alnwick Castle, England
This castle has been in ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Downton Abbey,’ and more. Its grand look makes it perfect for many types of films.
A New Appreciation for Movies
These places let you step into movie worlds. They show how films can inspire travel and how real places can fuel imagination. Think about which movie scenes have stuck with you.
Which places have you wanted to see for yourself? Visiting these spots can add a new layer to your movie experiences.