Many countries around the world are popular for movie and TV show filming due to their unique landscapes, culture, and infrastructure.
1. United Kingdom
- Popular Filming Locations: London, Scotland, Northern Ireland
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Harry Potter Series – Filming took place in various locations such as the Warner Bros. Studios in London, Alnwick Castle, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland.
- Game of Thrones – Many of the iconic scenes were filmed in Northern Ireland, particularly in locations like Dark Hedges (The Kingsroad) and Ballintoy (Iron Islands).
- James Bond Series – The UK is home to many Bond movies, including scenes filmed in iconic locations such as London’s MI6 building and the Scottish Highlands.
- Doctor Who – Filming for this long-running TV series has taken place in various locations across the UK, including Cardiff and London.
2. Australia
- Popular Filming Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Outback, Great Barrier Reef
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Mad Max: Fury Road – Filmed in the desert regions of New South Wales and Northern Territory.
- The Great Gatsby – Primarily filmed in Australia, despite being set in the U.S.
- Home and Away – A beloved Australian soap opera filmed in the coastal town of Palm Beach, Sydney.
3. New Zealand
- Popular Filming Locations: Wellington, Auckland, Fiordland, Waikato
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – Filming took place in iconic locations such as Tongariro National Park, Fiordland, and Matamata (Hobbiton).
- The Hobbit Trilogy – Many locations in New Zealand were used for The Hobbit films, including the Wellington region and the Southern Alps.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Parts of the movie were filmed in the forests and countryside of New Zealand.
4. Spain
- Popular Filming Locations: Barcelona, Madrid, Canary Islands, Andalusia
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Game of Thrones – Several locations in Spain were used, such as Seville (for the Water Gardens of Dorne) and Girona (King’s Landing).
- Vicky Cristina Barcelona – Filmed in various spots in Barcelona, showcasing the city’s unique architecture and vibrant culture.
- The Spanish Princess – Filmed in several historic sites in Spain, including the Palace of Aljafería in Zaragoza.
5. Italy
- Popular Filming Locations: Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- The Godfather Series – Filming took place in Sicily, particularly in the towns of Corleone and Savoca.
- Gladiator – The movie was shot in various locations, including Rome and the Tuscan countryside.
- Rome – HBO's historical drama series was filmed in several Italian locations, including the iconic Cinecittà Studios.
6. France
- Popular Filming Locations: Paris, French Riviera, Loire Valley, Normandy
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Amélie – Filmed in various Parisian locations, including Montmartre.
- Inception – Filmed in parts of Paris, with notable scenes at the Palais des Congrès and the Rue Jules Verne.
- The Da Vinci Code – Shot in various French locations, including the Louvre in Paris and the Château de Villette.
7. South Africa
- Popular Filming Locations: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Mad Max: Fury Road – Filmed in the arid landscapes of the Northern Cape.
- District 9 – Shot in and around Johannesburg, capturing the city’s distinctive urban environment.
- The Dark Tower – Filming took place in several South African locations, including Cape Town.
8. Iceland
- Popular Filming Locations: Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Vatnajökull Glacier
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Game of Thrones – Numerous scenes were filmed in Iceland, particularly in Thingvellir National Park and Lake Myvatn.
- Interstellar – Filming took place in Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, such as the Vatnajökull glacier and black sand beaches.
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Filming took place in several remote areas in Iceland.
9. Croatia
- Popular Filming Locations: Dubrovnik, Split, Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Game of Thrones – Dubrovnik served as the setting for King’s Landing.
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Filming took place in the historic city of Dubrovnik.
- Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – Filming occurred on the island of Vis, Croatia.
10. Turkey
- Popular Filming Locations: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Antalya
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Skyfall – Some scenes from the James Bond movie were filmed in Istanbul.
- The Water Diviner – Directed by Russell Crowe, filmed in various locations across Turkey, including Istanbul and the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
- The Magnificent Century – A historical TV series set in the Ottoman Empire, filmed in the grand Topkapi Palace and other Istanbul locations.
11. Germany
- Popular Filming Locations: Berlin, Bavaria, Munich, Rhine Valley
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- Inglourious Basterds – Filmed in several parts of Germany, including the village of Görlitz on the Polish border.
- Run Lola Run – Set and filmed in Berlin, capturing the city's dynamic and modern atmosphere.
- Babylon Berlin – Set in 1920s Berlin, the show captures the interwar period’s glamour and decay in various iconic Berlin locations.
12. Thailand
- Popular Filming Locations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phi Phi Islands, Phuket
- Notable Movies and TV Shows:
- The Beach – Filmed in the Phi Phi Islands, showcasing Thailand’s beautiful beaches and clear waters.
- Hangover Part II – Shot primarily in Bangkok, the movie captures the city's vibrant nightlife and bustling streets.
- James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun – Filming took place in the stunning islands of Phang Nga Bay.
These countries are not only known for their beautiful and diverse landscapes but also for offering excellent production facilities and incentives, making them popular choices for both international and local filmmakers.