17 Movies with Stunning Locations That Will Inspire Your Next Vacation
Movies transport us to beautiful scenes (terrains and cities) in an idealist way, allowing us to daydream about escape. Films have become the gateway for movie buffs and travel lovers who want to visit spectacular places, from beaches to villages to locations enveloped by great natural treasures. Each of these movies has something that will ignite your wanderlust.
These movies showcase awe-inspiring locations that deserve a spot on your next vacation itinerary.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – New Zealand
The Middle-earth myth is set on the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand. Every scene in this fantasy series seems untouched by that reality — from the tall peaks of the Southern Alps to the final scenes on a lush green farm in Matamata that gave away to Hobbiton.
Hobbiton is an excellent place for visitors to tour. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, aka Mount Doom, is a daunting hike for those who want to push it, and Fiordland National Park is also stunning. No wonder New Zealand is still on anyone’s bucket list.
The Beach – Thailand
Maya Bay in Thailand is one of the paradises in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s iconic film has attracted global attention. This tropical haven is nestled on Ko Phi Phi Le island on limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters. Restricted access to Maya Bay meant it has since reopened after temporarily closing due to the damage caused by tourism over the years to keep an eye on its natural beauty.
Visit the island in combination with island hopping or snorkeling on nearby marine reserves for a sustainable adventure.
The Sound of Music – Austria
The rolling hills of Salzburg, Austria, became immortalized by “The Sound of Music.” From Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi,” to the serene Lake District, this charming city mixes cinematic history with timeless elegance.
Visit Mondsee Cathedral, where the wedding scene was filmed, or take the “Sound of Music” tour to trace the Von Trapp family’s footsteps.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – Jordan
The climactic scenes in the film were set in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, featuring its stunning rock-carved architecture. Petra is renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World for its unique blend of history and mystique.
Imagine yourself on an archaeological quest that belongs as much to Indiana Jones as visiting the Siq Canyon and trekking through it.
The Godfather – Sicily, Italy
The Godfather features Sicily’s charm, yet it is rustic. Michael Corleone’s exile: The town of Savoca, with its panoramic views and quaint streets, was used for this purpose.
A visit to Bar Vitelli and the church of San Nicolò for a cinematic jump into the past is the first step for an all-in-the-experience, combined with the rest of Sicily’s treasures, from Mount Etna to coastal vineyards.
Mamma Mia! – The Greek Islands
Mamma Mia! is one of the few films that captures the carefree beauty of the Mediterranean. The movie, shot across Skiathos and Skopelos, shows dazzling blue waters, sunlit beaches, and whitewashed buildings. The Agios Ioannis Chapel filming location is great, with unbeatable views.
You can also swim in Kastani Beach or hike to the stunning Agios Ioannis Chapel while you catch a hint of romance and simplicity from these islands, the perfect place for your Grecian holiday.
Avatar – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
Pandora is a fictional world, but the surreal beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspires the idea behind its floating mountains.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site looks as otherworldly as it comes with its towering sandstone pillars shrouded in mist. For the experience of a lifetime, ride in any glass elevator, such as the Bailong Elevator, or walk the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Görlitz, Germany
Plan to take in old-world charm with cobblestone streets and impressive architecture in Görlitz, Germany, the quirky Republic of Zubrowka that doubled as the set for Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Wander through the mist to soak up the ambiance of 20th-century-style department stores and Art Nouveau buildings that inspired the fictional world.
Out of Africa – Kenya
Sweep away on the plains and golden savannas that were the soul of Out of Africa. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts who come for its diverse wildlife and stunning sunsets.
Try to pair your safari with a hike or a drive to the Ngong Hills to get panoramic views that look familiar if you have read or seen Karen Blixen’s memoir.
The Revenant – Canadian Rockies
The harsh yet magnificent landscapes of the Canadian Rockies—especially Alberta’s Kananaskis Country—set the stage for Leonardo DiCaprio’s survival epic. Discover the rugged beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks, with glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering pines.
China-Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Ang Lee’s masterpiece seamlessly blends ethereal beauty with martial arts, capturing the essence of China’s bamboo forests and misty mountains in its filming locations.
The iconic fight scenes fought among its emerald leaves remain, but the Anji Bamboo Forest, which served as such a setting, is a tranquil escape. Wudang Mountain offers a similar mix of natural serenity and cultural significance.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Iceland
Experience Iceland’s raw and wild beauty as seen in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. The country is a photographer’s paradise, from the black sand beaches of Vík to the dramatic cliffs of Snæfellsjökull National Park to the highlands and the southwest. Every corner in this Nordic nation seems like a film set, and Walt’s adventures have captured the heart of this country.
Iceland’s surreal landscapes offer many activities for adventurers. Discover the world-renowned glacier lagoons, like Jökulsárlón, where you will wander upon majestic icebergs gently floating like a mirage through turquoise waters.
Lawrence of Arabia – Jordan & Morocco
Desert vistas on this epic scale are matched only by the scale of Lawrence of Arabia’s epic quality, shown in Jordan’s Wadi Rum and Morocco’s Aït Benhaddou.
With its vivid sandstone cliffs, Wadi Rum is perfect for stargazing and hot-air balloon rides. Meanwhile, daydreaming in its earthen architecture presents visitors with a time machine to Aït Benhaddou.
Montana, USA – A River Runs Through It
Relax in the rugged beauty of the American West in A River Runs Through It. While the film is set in Montana, it showcases several stunning locations. For peace and tranquility among nature’s majesty, fly fish pristine rivers or hike remote trails in Glacier National Park.
Check out the Yellowstone River, Montana’s longest undammed river. It is home to the longest fishing spot, one of the best areas to relax in a kayak, and a mile of wildlife observation.
The Hunger Games trail in DuPont State Recreational Forest, North Carolina
The first Hunger Games were set in this forest, the lush wilderness of Katniss Everdeen’s deadly arena. For perfect waterfalls that echo that of the film, venture to Bridal Veil or Triple Falls. It is in this dystopian cinematic setting that the DuPont State Forest trails give a glimpse.
The forest, spanning 10,000 acres, is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It boasts a rich biodiversity and is a popular tourist destination for naturalists and photographers due to its scenic landscapes.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – Angkor, Cambodia
The mysterious temples of Angkor, especially Ta Prohm, were nearly lost when they were rediscovered just before being overrun by the jungle. The temple’s tangled roots became known as Tomb Raider. Explore Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple, and other ancient and mystical places of Angkor Thom.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses these iconic landmarks and spans over 400 square kilometers. This vast realm offers a profound connection to ancient Khmer architecture and history, as well as a stunning sunrise from Angkor Wat, among many other attractions.
Jurassic Park – Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii
The cinematic home of “dinosaurs,” Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, provides postcard-perfect visuals. A tropical paradise sprung from the prehistoric jungles, it carries the charm of verdant valleys, jungle-rimmed mountains, and secluded shorelines that can only be accessed by kayak.
Aside from Jurassic Park, this private nature reserve is also the location of other major movies and TV shows, such as Jumanji and Lost. A variety of guided tours are available to visitors, allowing them to see filming locations.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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