Movie sets, whether they are famous houses or busy city streets, frequently take us to realms we will never forget. However, what if you were able to enter such scenes yourself? These 30 real-life movie sets and locales will help you experience the enchantment of cinema but in real life.
1. Amityville House, New York, USA – The Amityville Horror
Inspired by a real paranormal event, Amityville Horror is a must-see for horror aficionados. The film was shot in an ancient colonial-style home in the state of New York to heighten the spooky mood. You must view the house for yourself, even though they claim it isn’t haunted.
2. Los Angeles, USA – La La Land
La La Land, which stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, continues to be a classic, and because of its success, it increased Los Angeles tourism. The principal characters sang their well-known song, “What a Lovely Night,” at Cathy’s Corner in Griffith Park, which is not to be missed. The City of Angels is home to Warner Bros. Studio, El Rey Theatre, and Smoke House Restaurant, among other La La Land filming sites.
3. Saint Tropez, France – Emily in Paris
As the name implies, the series was set in Paris and showcased the glamour and sparkle of the city. But Saint Tropez is another city that attracts the audience’s attention. The protagonist and her pals flee to this pleasant city on the French Riviera in season two. Following Emily’s plan will allow you to enjoy sweet delicacies at Senequier Cafe and sunbathe at Paloma Beach.
4. Balmoral Castle, Scotland – The Crown
The Crown was filmed in the United Kingdom and is based on true stories about the British Royal Family. Scotland’s Balmoral Castle is among the most stunning sites. This place is a magnificent building from the 18th century with stunning Gothic architecture.
5. Bali, Indonesia – Eat Pray Love
The movie Eat Pray Love has increased awareness of Bali’s beauty and appeal. It portrays the island’s immaculate beaches, amiable people, and ethereal ambiance. A Balinese healer can give you a fortune telling while you enjoy the sun at Padang-Padang Beach.
6. Namib Desert, Namibia – Mad Max
The post-apocalyptic premise and action-packed visuals of the award-winning Mad Max series captivated millions of fans. The film, which was shot in the Namib Desert, depicts an apocalyptic, desolate, and dry Earth. The Namib Desert’s unearthly dunes provide the ideal backdrop for the film.
7. Petra, Jordan – Indiana Jones
The Ancient City of Petra was chosen as one of the filming locations to heighten the enigmatic mood. In the film, there are hints of reddish sandstones and pillars with Greek influences. Going to Petra will make you feel like you belong in one of the Indiana Jones movies.
8. Seoul, South Korea – Avengers: Age of Ultron
The battle between Ultron and the Avengers may be familiar to Marvel fans. The scene was set in Seoul and included views of the enormous Han River and the skyscrapers of the city. Furthermore, Seoul served as the home of the fictional U-GIN Genetic Research Facility. The director decided to film the sequence in Gangnam, a posh neighborhood, in order to incorporate the facilities into the film.
9. Tokyo, Japan – The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Even now, the Fast & Furious franchise remains recognizable. Tokyo Drift is among the films that remain in our memories. Explore Tokyo’s underground drift realm by following racer Sean Boswell’s lead. It was shot in a number of well-known locations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku.
10. Ninh Binh, Vietnam – Kong: Skull Island
The Kong movie was filmed on Skull Island in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. This place offers a tranquil natural setting and is two hours’ drive from the capital. Gaping caverns, emerald lakes, and tall limestone cliffs decorate the area. As a result, you can witness how Kong is brought to life in this stunning area of Vietnam.
11. Notting Hill, London, UK – Notting Hill
The Travel Book Company is the name of the bookstore operated by the main character, William. It’s interesting to note that the bookstore is actually located at 13 Blenheim Crescent in London. The business is still open today and sells souvenirs and classic English books. You can take a walk around Notting Hill in addition to the bookstore.
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones
Some famous Game of Thrones filming locations may be found in this historic Croatian city. The actual House of Underlying is seen near the King’s Landing in Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the stone walls of Minčeta Tower. Discover how the Pile Harbour, located on Dubrovnik’s southeast coast, brings King Landing’s port to life.
13. Sicily, Italy – The Godfather
The Godfather is a timeless film that is difficult to forget. Some scenes were also shot in Italy in order to fit in with Italian culture. Savocan Town in Sicily was selected by the director as the shooting site. Michael Corleone’s refuge was in the charming movie.
14. Salzburg, Austria – Sound of Music
This stunning city borders Germany and is nestled in the Eastern Alps. Music is the main reason it draws tourists from all over the world! Although Mozart was born in Salzburg, the city gained more notoriety after the success of the Sound of Music. See Mirabellgardten, where Maria sang the well-known song “Do-Re-Mi” with the kids. Don’t forget to stop at Schloss Hellbrunn, where Liesel and Rolf performed “16 and 17.”
15. Hanapepe Valley, Hawaii – Jurassic Park
The Hanapepe Valley is home to the actual Isla Nubar. Hawaii’s fourth-largest island, Kauai, is where it is nestled. In addition to the waterfall, Hanapepe Valley served as the filming location for several Jurassic Park and Jurassic World vistas.
16. Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
As you explore the temple complex, pretend to be an adventurous heroine like Lara Croft. Admire the imposing pagodas, witness enormous trees sprouting from the temple buildings, and enter through the centuries-old stone gates.
17. Skopelos, Greece – Mamma Mia!
Strolling through the blue-tinted towns will make you feel like a dancing queen. Ascend to the Agios Ioannis Chapel on the mountaintop, where Donna performs the heartbreaking song “The Winner Takes It All.” Additionally, you can go to the immaculate Kastari Beach, where Sophia fell in love.
18. Lake Como, Italy – Star Wars
Lake Como was chosen as the location of Anakin and Padme’s wedding. The scene was filmed in Villa Balbianello, creating a magical cut in the cult-classic series. The villa sits on the top of a meadowed hamlet, adorned with majestic magnolias and terraced gardens. Until today, visitors dream of recreating Anakin and Padme’s iconic wedding or simply enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Como.
19. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland – Harry Potter
Have you ever dreamed of boarding the Hogwarts Express? You can make it happen by visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland. Tucked in the lush valleys of the Scottish Highlands, its picturesque landscapes will spoil your sight. The viaduct cuts between verdant forests, which turn into astonishing shades of orange during autumn.
20. Hobbiton, Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand – The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies
The home of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins may have been created specifically for The Lord of the Rings films, but the storybook-like set remains. If you ever find yourself in the New Zealand town of Matamata, you can book one of several guided tours that take fans to filming spots like the Green Dragon Inn, Hobbit Holes, and the Mill.
21. Mokule’ia Beach, Oahu, Hawaii – Lost
Do you want to see where Oceanic Flight 815 crashed? Visit Mokule’ia Beach on Oahu, which served as both the crash scene and the survivors’ camp during the first season of the wildly famous television show. Fans of the show frequently visit Mokule‘ia to witness where it all started, even if the series moved its filming locales in later seasons.
22. Astoria, Oregon – The Goonies
The port town of Astoria, Oregon, is teeming with Goonies artifacts because the 1980s classic was both set and filmed there. Fans frequently make their own tours by going to the homes of Mikey (Sean Astin) and Brand (Josh Brolin) on 38th Street, Ecola State Park (where the Fratellis’ restaurant used to be), Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, and other must-see movie locations, even if there isn’t a thorough tour of all of them.
23. Oxford University, England – Harry Potter
Several sequences in the Harry Potter series were filmed at this renowned English university. Numerous areas of the university, including cloisters, staircases, and the Bodleian Library, have been transformed into Hogwarts, and visiting there seems like a trip to the real wizarding realm. Furthermore, Hogwarts’ Great Hall is almost exactly like Oxford’s Christ Church College’s great hall, which served as its model.
24. Baseball Field, Dyersville, Iowa – Field of Dreams
“If you build it, he will come!” People travel from all over the world to view the Iowa baseball field that was constructed for the film, thus, the famous sentence from 1989’s “Field of Dreams” must have been somewhat prescient. On each summer day, you may visit Dyersville and see throngs of moviegoers congregate on the pitch to play ball, explore the area, or even rent out the movie’s house.
25. Devil’s Tower, Wyoming – Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Devil’s Tower is the enigmatic peak at the heart of the “Close Encounters” movie’s narrative, which any fan will recognize. The flat-topped, otherworldly formation is a real mountain (or butte) in northeastern Wyoming’s Bear Lodge Ranger District. In 1906, it was designated as the first national monument in the United States.
26. Painted Ladies, San Francisco – Full House
The Tanner family having a picnic in front of a picturesque row of colorful houses is a moment from Full House‘s opening titles that most ’90s babies will recall. Here, you can sit on the lawn and enjoy the view of the seven famous Victorian houses across the street if you visit San Francisco’s Alamo Square.
27. Apartment Building at 90 Bedford Street, New York City – Friends
Over the years, Friends has developed a kind of cult following, so it makes sense that the apartment complex where the characters’ apartments are filmed from the outside has grown to be a popular tourist destination. Although the show’s two major flats’ interiors were merely Burbank-based sets, the exteriors’ greenish-gray facade was located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village at the intersection of Bedford and Grove Streets.
28. Albuquerque, New Mexico – Breaking Bad
The residence located at 3828 Piermont Dr. NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is recognizable to any viewer of Breaking Bad as Walter White’s home. You can visit other locations from the show throughout town, though. Visit the Mexican eatery Twisters on Isleta Boulevard, which served as the Los Pollos Hermanos fast food restaurant in the show, after stopping by the A1A Car Wash (really known as Mister Car Wash) at 9516 Snow Heights Circle.
29. Doune Castle, Doune, Scotland – Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The producers merely changed the perspectives to give the impression that other locations were used. If you want to go, head to the Stirling district in central Scotland. Since moviegoers frequent the area, there should be plenty of people there to talk to about the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.
30. Point Dume, Malibu – Planet of the Apes
Despite having a similar appearance to other beaches on the California coast, this unassuming beach is a part of one of the most well-known narrative twists in movie history. The remnants of the Statue of Liberty are discovered by the protagonists who, thinking they are on a different planet, stroll along this exact beach at the conclusion of the first “Planet of the Apes” movie.
