If you are a big movie fan, you will note Hollywood and other cinemas, are known for their iconic movie locations that have been repeatedly used in various films and TV shows.
Movie locations provide a variety of settings for different types of stories. While some like Central Park, for example, can be used for romantic scenes, action scenes, or horror scenes, others make a popular choice for indie films, adventurous movies, or period dramas.
Some of the most popular movie locations around the world include:
Central Park, New York
Central Park is a popular filming location because of the variety of settings it offers within its 843 acres of greenery, including open fields, wooded areas, lakes, and architectural structures – from the Bethesda Fountain to the Bow Bridge, The Mall, the Central Park Zoo, and the Ramble. Since Central Park is a famous tourist spot, it can bring a big audience for movies it is featured in.
Its central location in Manhattan, New York makes it easily accessible for film crews, actors, and equipment.
Classics like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, When Harry Met Sally, Elf, Enchanted, Night at the Museum, John Wick: Chapter 2, and Birdman have been filmed here.
French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
The French Quarter is a popular movie location because of its distinctive architecture, narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene. The historic area has buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Also, Louisiana offers tax incentives that attract film and television productions to choose New Orleans as a shooting location.
The Originals (2013-2018),12 Years a Slave (2013), The Princess and the Frog, and Django Unchained were shot here.
Times Square, New York City
Times Square’s dazzling lights and massive digital billboards make it an instantly recognizable site in movies. Its bustling atmosphere of crowds, traffic, and street performers provides a visually captivating backdrop for scenes in movies. It symbolizes the heart of New York City.
The Avengers (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), and The Devil Wears Prada (2006) were all shot here.
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
It is located in Vancouver, which is known as “Hollywood North” due to its thriving film and television industry. Its proximity to film production companies and studios makes it a convenient location for shooting.
Notable movies shot there include X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), The Age of Adaline (2015), The Adam Project (2022), and Final Destination 3 (2006).
The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA, is a highly iconic and frequently used filming location in movies and television. It is also one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.
The bridge which spans the Golden Gate Strait, provides a breathtaking backdrop of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. Hence, it is used in various cinematic contexts, from action sequences and dramatic moments to apocalyptic scenes.
Emphasis is always placed on its distinctive red-orange colors and Art Deco design to enhance the visual appeal of a movie production.
The Social Network (2010), San Andreas (2015), The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) all had scenes featuring the bridge.
The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA
The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, USA, is another popular filming location, due to its breathtaking topography, with its rugged cliffs, winding Colorado River, and vast vistas. This offers filmmakers a wide range of settings for different types of scenes, from adventure and westerns to dramatic and science fiction films.
Into the Wild(2007), Transformers (2007), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) featured the canyon.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is a symbol of the ancient Rome. Its rich history was notable for its gladiatorial contests and events. This makes it an attractive setting for films set in ancient Rome. Its imposing architecture consisting of massive stone arches and an arena makes it a visually striking backdrop for movie scenes.
Gladiator (2000), Spectre (2015), and The Tourist (2010) were also shot here.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world and as such a popular choice for filmmakers. It represents China’s rich history and symbolizes its ancient civilization.
The wall which stretches for thousands of miles across varied landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and grasslands, allows filmmakers to capture a wide range of settings and atmospheres.
The Great Wall (2016), Chandni Chowk to China (2009), and Chandni Chowk to China (2009) were all shot here.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel that is world-renowned for its historical and cultural significance. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
Machu Picchu’s well-preserved ruins, terraces, and structures can be used to depict various historical and adventure settings.
The Lost City of Z (2016) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) were shot here.
The Northern Lights in Norway
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, in Norway, are a popular and stunning natural phenomenon that attracts filmmakers, photographers, and travelers from around the world.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower is an enduring symbol of Paris and France, making it instantly recognizable. It evokes a sense of romance, elegance, and European charm. It is often seen in romantic dramas, comedies, action films, and travel documentaries.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), The Da Vinci Code (2006), Midnight in Paris (2011), and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) are among the many films filmed here.
The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil
It has been featured in movies like Tomb Raider: Lara Croft (2001), The Lost City (2022) and The Beach (2000).
The Shire, located in New Zealand, is a fictional filming location created for “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” film trilogies directed by Peter Jackson, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels.
