Wouldn’t everyone love to step inside their favorite movie and explore? To see the locations that their favorite character lived, walk the same paths they did, and experience the wonder firsthand? We can’t jump inside the movie, but we can go to the film locations because most are available to the public. Here are 15 that we think you should add to your bucket list.
Hobbiton
Located in New Zealand, this location is designed to be cozy, and the set remains. Many people have traveled here to honor the books and movies, and it’s been added to bucket lists all over the world. If you take a guided tour, you can visit film spots like the Mill, Hobbit Holes, and more.
Goonies
The Goonies took place in Astoria, Oregon. The town is filled with relics from the movie, but there is no official guided tour. You’ll have to explore on your own. You can visit Brand’s home and Mikey’s home. You can also visit Ecola State Park, the beach, and other sites. You can make your own tour and explore the town to your heart’s content.
Mamma Mia!
This location is in Skopelos, Greece. The vibrant and stunning architecture of the island makes it a beautiful place to visit. The movie was shot on this island, and you can see several of the filming locations, including the beach and the chapel. The best option would be to take a bus tour to see as many locations as possible.
Rocky
The most iconic part of Rocky (arguably) is the stair scene. Head to Philadelphia and climb the stairs yourself. You can recreate the scene (and many do for social media), and then you can go inside the building if you’re willing to buy a ticket. The building is the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Avatar
If you remember the scene where Sam’s character meets Zoe’s, they’re standing in a lush rainforest so beautiful that people literally gasped in the theater. They filmed this on the Hamakua Coast in Hawaii. The gorgeous landscapes were shot in a Hawaiian rainforest with waterfalls, hills, trails, and more. Be sure to check out Waipio Valley’s beach.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
The stone palace that Lara traveled to was not a set; it was a real location in Cambodia known as the Bayon Temple. It’s located in the capital of Angkor Thom. Originally, it was a Buddhist temple, but now tourists like to come for the art and the face towers. It’s a great location to visit to see natural beauty and wonder.
Star Wars Episode II
Padme and Anakin were married in a beautiful ceremony at the Villa del Balbinello on the banks of Lake Como. It’s only available for visitors from March to November, but people hold weddings here, and the famous kissing scene with the iconic movie pair takes place in the garden to the left of Loggia Durini.
The Dark Knight Rises
India’s breathtaking landscapes are something everyone should see. The movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed at Mehrangarh Fort. It sits 400 feet above Jodhpur, and visitors can see courtyards and beautiful palaces. It has a rich history, and the fort is fascinating to explore. Be sure to check out the gardens.
Gladiator
Gladiator was filmed in part at Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco. However, it wasn’t the only movie shot here. The Mummy, Prince of Persia, and Kingdom of Heaven were all filmed here, too! The desert landscapes are so stunning. It’s another area that has great historical significance, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pirates Of The Caribbean
Wallilabou Bay on St. Vincent was where the Port Royal scenes were filmed for the first and second parts of the film’s franchise. Unfortunately, there was damage to the dock, resulting in differences in the second film. It’s a good idea to visit during the slower season if you want to avoid tourists.
Lost In Translation
Lost in Translation is one of Sofia Coppola’s most well-known films. The movie was mainly shot in two different areas of Tokyo: Shinjuku and Shibuya, because they were not only beautiful but also colorful and vibrant. Bob and Charlotte’s meeting takes place at the Park Hyatt. It’s absolutely incredible to see.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
In the movie, Clementine whispers to Joel that she will meet him in Montauk. Then, their relationship is erased. The movie was released a while ago, so many of the settings aren’t around anymore, but when you visit the beachside suburb, you’ll think of the movie and imagine the characters walking along the sand.
Field Of Dreams
In Dyersville, Iowa, you’ll find the famous baseball field that was built for the movie. You can visit at any time during the summer and watch tourists gather to take pictures, tour the site, and play baseball. Others opt to rent out the home from the movie and treat themselves to a lovely vacation.
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade
If you liked this movie, you’ll want to see Al Khazneh in Petra, Jordan. The Holy Grail structure featured in the movie is, in real life, an ancient mausoleum. While you can’t go inside the temple, you can see the exterior, and in truth, you’re not missing much. The movie isn’t real, of course—there are no traps inside; it’s just a small room.
Black Panther
Parts of Black Panther were filmed in Busan, Korea. Set locations include the famous Gwangan Bridge and the Jagalchi Fish Market. The bridge was used for the car-chasing scenes, and the fish market served as the entrance to the casino. The shots were beautiful, and they inspired many people to visit Korea.
Come See The Sights!
When you want to take a trip to your favorite movie locations, you’ll be happy to know that many are open to the public, and you can have a great time exploring natural wonders and historic landmarks. Add your favorites to your travel list, and remember: if you travel in the off season, you’ll save money and avoid tourists.
