The world is filled with breathtaking landscapes and iconic cities that have captured the imaginations of filmmakers and audiences alike. Some locations have become synonymous with the silver screen, providing the backdrop for countless films and TV shows. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most filmed locations around the globe, with a special focus on Venice, Monument Valley, New York City, Jordan, Sydney, New Zealand, Ireland, and Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park.
Venice, ItalyVenice, with its winding canals, historic architecture, and romantic ambiance, has been a favorite of filmmakers for decades. This enchanting city, built on a network of over 100 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges, provides a uniquely picturesque setting.
"The Italian Job" (2003) - This heist film features a thrilling boat chase through the Venetian canals, showcasing the city's unique waterways and historic bridges.
"Casino Royale" (2006) - James Bond's adventures take him to Venice, where dramatic scenes unfold against the backdrop of the city's stunning architecture, including the iconic Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica.
"Don't Look Now" (1973) - This psychological horror film uses Venice's labyrinthine streets and canals to create an atmosphere of eerie suspense, with the city's misty, narrow passageways adding to the film's haunting mood.
“Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2009) – This superhero blockbuster features a memorable sequence in Venice, where Peter Parker and his classmates visit the city as part of a European school trip. The scenes showcase Venice's beautiful canals and historic landmarks, and the city becomes a dramatic battleground when Spider-Man faces off against a giant water elemental in the heart of Venice.
Beyond the silver screen, Venice's rich history, art, and culture continue to draw millions of visitors each year. The city is renowned for its grand palazzos, beautiful piazzas, and the annual Venice Film Festival, which celebrates its deep connection to cinema.
Monument Valley, UtahMonument Valley's striking red rock formations and vast desert landscapes have made it a quintessential setting for Westerns and other genres. Located on the Arizona-Utah border, this iconic region is characterized by its towering sandstone buttes, which rise dramatically from the flat valley floor.
"Stagecoach" (1939) - This classic Western directed by John Ford helped establish Monument Valley as an iconic film location. The film's expansive shots of the valley's unique rock formations set the standard for Westerns to come.
"The Searchers" (1956) - Another John Ford masterpiece, this film features breathtaking shots of the valley's dramatic landscape, with its towering buttes and expansive vistas.
"Forrest Gump" (1994) - The valley appears in the scene where Forrest runs across America, highlighting its stark beauty and timeless appeal.
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018) – Featured briefly in the end sequence, the grand canvas of the valley is the perfect scale to show the size of an Allosaurus.
Monument Valley is a favorite of filmmakers and a significant cultural landmark for the Navajo Nation, which calls the area home. Visitors can explore the valley through guided tours that offer insight into its geological wonders and the cultural heritage of the Navajo people.
New York City, New YorkNew York City, often considered the ultimate urban filming location, has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, providing a vibrant and diverse backdrop. From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the historic brownstones of Brooklyn, the city's dynamic energy is palpable on screen.
"Taxi Driver" (1976) - Martin Scorsese's gritty portrayal of New York City in the 1970s remains one of the most iconic uses of the city in film, capturing its raw, urban atmosphere of the seventies.
"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" (1992) - This family comedy takes viewers on a tour of some of NYC's most famous landmarks, including Central Park and the Plaza Hotel, offering a whimsical view of the city's holiday charm.
"The Avengers" (2012) - The climactic battle in this superhero blockbuster takes place in the heart of Manhattan, with the city's skyline playing a crucial role in the epic showdown.
Beyond its appearances in film, New York City is a global cultural capital known for its art, theatre, fashion, and cuisine. Its neighborhoods each have their unique character, from the bohemian vibe of Greenwich Village to the upscale elegance of the Upper East Side.
Jordan
Jordan's dramatic landscapes and ancient ruins have made it a favorite location for epic adventures and historical dramas. The country's diverse terrain ranges from the vast deserts of Wadi Rum to the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) - The vast deserts of Wadi Rum stand in for the Arabian Peninsula in this epic biographical film, with its sweeping vistas and dramatic landscapes providing a stunning backdrop.
"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989) - The ancient city of Petra serves as the location for the final, climactic scenes, with its intricately carved rock facades lending an air of mystery and grandeur.
"The Martian" (2015) - Jordan's Wadi Rum desert is used to depict the surface of Mars in this sci-fi survival story, highlighting its otherworldly landscapes.
Jordan's rich history and cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for visitors. From Jerash's ancient Roman ruins to Amman's vibrant capital city, Jordan offers a unique blend of old and new, with a warm and welcoming culture.
Sydney, AustraliaSydney's iconic skyline, harbour, and landmarks make it a popular choice for filmmakers seeking a vibrant and modern urban setting. The city's stunning coastal location, with its world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, provides a picturesque backdrop for a wide range of films.
"The Matrix" (1999) - Sydney's architecture and streets double for the film's dystopian cityscape, with key scenes filmed in locations such as Martin Place and the Sydney Tower.
"Finding Nemo" (2003) - Although an animated film, this beloved Pixar movie prominently features the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour, capturing the city's maritime charm.
"Mission: Impossible 2" (2000) - The city's landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge, provide the backdrop for some of the film's thrilling action scenes, showcasing Sydney's dynamic cityscape.
Sydney is not just a filming hotspot but also a vibrant cultural hub. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, lively arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.
New ZealandNew Zealand's diverse and stunning landscapes have made it a prime location for fantasy and adventure films, particularly those requiring vast, untouched natural settings. The country's dramatic mountains, lush forests, and serene lakes offer a breathtaking backdrop for epic storytelling.
"The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy (2001-2003) - Peter Jackson's epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels brought the breath-taking scenery of New Zealand to a global audience, with locations such as Matamata (Hobbiton) and Fiordland National Park becoming iconic in their own right.
"The Hobbit" Trilogy (2012-2014) - Continuing the Middle-earth saga, these films also showcase New Zealand's varied landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Shire to the eerie depths of Mirkwood.
"The Last Samurai" (2003) - Parts of this historical drama were filmed in the Taranaki region, standing in for 19th-century Japan, with New Zealand's diverse scenery providing an authentic backdrop.
New Zealand's natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities make it a dream destination for travelers. From Rotorua's geothermal wonders to Queenstown's adventure capital, the country offers something for every kind of explorer.
IrelandIreland's lush green countryside, historic castles, and rugged coastlines have made it a beloved location for period dramas and fantasy films. The country's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes provide a magical backdrop for storytelling.
"Braveheart" (1995) - While primarily set in Scotland, much of this epic historical drama was filmed in Ireland, taking advantage of its dramatic landscapes and historic sites.
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (2009) - The Cliffs of Moher provides the stunning backdrop for a pivotal scene in this fantasy film, showcasing Ireland's dramatic coastal scenery.
"P.S. I Love You" (2007) - This romantic drama showcases Ireland's scenic beauty, with key scenes filmed in picturesque locations such as Wicklow and Dublin, capturing the charm of the Irish countryside and city life.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015) and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017)—The remote and rugged Skellig Michael island, a UNESCO World Heritage site off the coast of County Kerry, served as Luke Skywalker's secluded hideaway. The island's dramatic cliffs and ancient monastic ruins provided a mystical and awe-inspiring setting for the final scenes of "The Force Awakens" and the opening sequences of "The Last Jedi."
Ireland is not just a film location but also a country rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore ancient castles, vibrant cities, and the Wild Atlantic Way, experiencing the warmth and hospitality Ireland is known for.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, CaliforniaVasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, located in Agua Dulce, California, is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and striking landscapes. These unique geological features have made it a popular filming location, especially for science fiction and Westerns.
"Star Trek" (Various) - Vasquez Rocks has appeared in multiple episodes and films of the "Star Trek" franchise, often serving as an alien planet due to its otherworldly appearance.
"Blazing Saddles" (1974)—This satirical Western comedy prominently features the rocks in several scenes, using their distinctive formations to humorous effect.
"Planet of the Apes" (1968) - The park's iconic rock formations provide the backdrop for key scenes in this classic sci-fi film, adding to its rugged and mysterious atmosphere.
In addition to its cinematic appeal, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The park's trails offer stunning views of the rock formations and the surrounding desert landscape, making it a must-visit spot for those exploring Southern California.
From Venice's romantic canals to Monument Valley's rugged deserts, these iconic filming locations have become almost as famous as the films themselves. Each location offers a unique backdrop that helps bring stories to life, captivating audiences around the world.
Whether you’re a movie buff or a traveler, our Private Jets team can assist with arranging your flights to these wonderful destinations.
