30 Famous Movie Settings You Can Visit Today

1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Queenstown, Glenorchy & Arrowtown, New Zealand

Image Source: Reddit.com

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was completely filmed in New Zealand.  At around 150 locations, in fact!  Director, Peter Jackson, was convinced the beautiful island was the perfect location to recreate Middle Earth.  Visitors can take a tour along New Zealand's most scenic highway and visit some of the memorable locations, including Queensland, Glenorchy, and Arrowtown.

2. The Beach: Kho Phi Phi Le, Thailand

Image Source: Reddit.com

The Beach

was set on the stunning Maya Beach on Kho Phi Phi Le, an island just off the west coast of Thailand.  Its turquoise lagoons and white sand attracts so many tourists but this has, unfortunately, taken its toll on the island.  In fact, the government closed it in 2018 to help to replant the damaged coral reef and it only opened back up in 2022!

3. Jaws: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Image Source: Reddit.com

Duuuuuuun DUN... Yes, we've all been terrified of Bruce the shark from Jaws (yes, that was the mechanical shark's name!), but what if we told you that you can actually swim in the water where the movie was filmed?  Martha's Vineyard is, in fact, a picturesque island just off the coast of Massachusetts that is popular with tourists because of its pristine beaches, animal sanctuaries, beautiful cliffs, and marshland.

4. Ghostbusters: Hook & Ladder Company 8 Firehouse, New York

Image Source: Reddit.com

Whilst in New York City, you can visit the iconic fire station that was used as the Ghostbusters

' famous base.  It's still a working fire station, so you can't actually go inside for a look around, but it's a good photo opportunity and it's an awesome addition to your sightseeing!  Who you gonna call?

5. The Martian: Wadi Rum, Jordan

Image Source: Reddit.com

Wadi Rum is an excellent place for adventure seekers to visit, and its vast landscapes and red sands provided the perfect setting for depicting Mars in the movie, The Martian

.  There's lots to do and visitors can explore on foot, on a bike or on a camel!  In fact, people from all over the world visit Wadi Rum for its amazing rock climbing.

6. Star Wars: Mayan Temple Ruins, Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Image Source: Reddit.com

The Mayan Temple Ruins in Tikal National Park were used in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope as the setting for the rebel base on Yavin4.  There are more than 3,000 structures on the site, located deep in the rainforests of northern Guatemala.  Visitors are truly amazed by the ruins that remain from the capital of one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world.

7. Forrest Gump: The Bench at Chippewa Square, Savannah, Georgia

Image Source: Reddit.com

Chippewa Square was made famous when it was used as a location for the bench in Forrest Gump. 

In fact, they actually used four benches during filming and one has since been donated to the Savannah History Museum.  And despite there being nowhere to sit, the square is still a hotspot for visitors and a good photo opportunity!

8. Avatar: Hamakua Coast, Hawaii

Image Source: Reddit.com

Hamakua Coast provided the perfect location for Pandora in Avatar and is the home to two of Hawaii's most famous waterfalls: 442-foot-high Akaka Falls and 100-foot-high Kahuna Falls.  Visitors flock to the coast for a memorable drive along the scenic Hamakua Heritage Corridor, where you can see deep water-carved gulches, thick exotic foliage,  cascading cliffs, and rolling green hills.

9. The Talented Mr. Ripley: Island of Ischia, Naples, Italy

Image Source: Lelongweekend.com

Have you ever wanted to visit Mongibello after watching The Talented Mr. Ripley?

  Chances are that you couldn't find such a place because it was fictional.  But all is not lost, you can actually visit the Island of Ischia, the largest volcanic island located in the bay of Naples, as it provided the beautiful setting for the movie.

10. Jurassic Park: Kauai, Hawaii

Image Source: Readyandroam.com

The lush island of Kauai, nicknamed 'The Garden Isle'

(because it is said to be the wettest place in the world!), is home to the Jurassic Kalihi Ranch

which was the filming location for Jurassic Park

.  The Ranch is a popular place for horseback riding but it is not always open to the public.  If you're lucky enough, though, you might be able to book a hike and explore package!

11. The Hunger Games: Marriott Marquis, Atlanta

Image Source: Reddit.com

The Marriot Marquis hotel in Atlanta has been a popular filming location for a number of movies, including The Hunger Games, Loki

, and Manhunter

.  And there are a few good reasons for its popularity!  It not only provides visitors with elegant rooms with a floor-to-ceiling view of the Atlanta skyline, but it also has an iconic atrium, which was once the largest in the world!

12. Mama Mia: Skiathos; Skopelos, Greece

Image Source: Reddit.com

The 2007 adaptation of the West End musical, Mamma Mia, 

was filmed on two beautiful Greek islands Skiathos and Skopelos.  The cast and crew stayed in the friendly Skiathos Princess Hotel on the beachfront so they could take in their stunning surroundings.

13. The Amityville Horror: Amityville Horror House, Toms River, New Jersey

Image Source: Reddit.com

The Amityville Horror was an adaptation of the original novel based on the famous claims of the paranormal experiences of the Lutz family.  And the original house is still standing today on 112 Ocean Avenue.  However, it looks very different today as it has been renovated to stop people from visiting!  Film-makers were even denied permission to film there in 1979 so they renovated a house near Toms River which is still there today!

14. Good Will Hunting: L Street Tavern, Boston

Image Source: Thatswhatshehad.com

The L Street Tavern was used to film some of the scenes from Good Will Hunting and you can still get a bite and a drink at the bar today on 658 East 8th Street in South Boston.  The bar has been described to have great hospitality with an Irish charm and a 'homey' feel.

15. X-Men: Hatley Castle, British Columbia, Canada

Image Source: Reddit.com

Hatley Park in Colwood, British Columbia, is a popular visitor spot with its beautiful, historic and castle-like mansion and extensive and breathtaking gardens.  The castle was made famous when it provided the setting for scenes in the X-Men

movies.

16. Harry Potter: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland

Image Source: Reddit.com

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is world famous.  And not just because it's Scotland's longest concrete rail bridge, but because it carried Harry Potter and his magical pals on The Hogwarts Express to school.  And visitors come from all over the world to ride on the Jacobian steam train and breath in the stunning scenery.

17. Star Wars: Skellig Michael, County Kerry, Ireland

Image Source: Reddit.com

The remote island of Skellig was once a retreat for medieval monks to practice their faith without distractions but this wild Atlantic island is now a popular visitor spot for Star Wars fans!  It's also a popular spot for puffins, and these were the inspiration behind the Porg

(seabird) scene.

18. Saving Private Ryan: Ballineskar & Curracloe Beaches, Wexford, Ireland

Image Source: Reddit.com

The views from Curracloe Beach will be familiar to movie fans as it was the setting for the D-Day Landings scene in Saving Private Ryan.  The sandy beaches of Curracloe and Ballineskar are perfect for those interested in birdwatching as they are close to Wexford Waterfowl Reserve.

19. Die Hard: Fox Plaza, LA

Image Source: Reddit.com

The iconic Fox Plaza skyscraper is home to 20th Century Fox and is located in Los Angeles.  It was used in Die Hard

as the Nakatomi Plaza which was overtaken by terrorists led by Hans Gruber, and (spoiler alert!) defeated by John Mcclane.  The $200 million, post-modernist building is still there, and a good place to snap a few photos if you walk past!

20. The Truman Show: Seaside, Florida

Image Source: Reddit.com

Seaside is a picturesque resort community in northwest Florida and with its pastel-painted houses and white picket fences, giving a small-town Americana feel, it was the perfect setting for The Truman Show.  And you can still visit some of the locations today, including the Modica Market, Coleman Tower, and even The Truman House!

21. The Shining: Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregan

Image Source: Reddit.com

The Timberline Lodge is a mountain lodge located in Clackamas County, Oregan.  Outside and aerial shots of the lodge were used in The Shining

to depict The Overlook Hotel.  Skiiers and those looking for a mountain retreat stay at the lodge for the pristine alpine landscape.

22. Inception: Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan

Image Source: Reddit.com

Inception 

Is not the simplest film to get your head around, and it seems it wasn't the simplest to film either.  It was filmed in numerous locations, including Los Angeles, Japan, Paris, London, Morrocco, and Alberta.  The castle in the film was inspired by the Nijo Castle in Kyoto which was built in 1603 and is now a popular tourist spot.

23. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Petra, Jordan

Image Source: Reddit.com

Many of the scenes in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

were filmed inside Petra in Jordan, including its dramatic climax.  Thousand of visitors from all over the world flock to Petra each year to visit the ancient city, located in the town of Wadi Musa, also known as the 'Rose City'

because of its amazing colored landscape.

24. When Harry met Sally: Katz's Delicatessen, New York

Image Source: Reddit.com

Katz's Delicatessen is located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and rose to fame after providing one of its tables for THAT scene in When Harry Met Sally.  

And whoever visits will tell you why the Jewish deli is frequented by so many - it's their famous hand-sliced monster pastrami on rye.  Yum!

25. Groundhog Day: Cherry Tree Inn, Woodstock, Illinois

Image Source: SillyAmerica.com

The Cherry Tree Inn is a historic Victorian bed and breakfast that was put on the map when its exterior appeared in the iconic movie, Groundhog Day.  

The famous B&B is popular amongst tourists as it's located close to several visitor attractions in Woodstock, including the Woodstock Opera House and Ryders Wood Park.

26. 127 Hours: Bluejohn Canyon, Utah

Image Source: Reddit.com

The boulder that traps Aron Ralston's arm in 127 Hours

is located in Bluejon Canyon in Utah.  Ralston is played by James Franco in the movie, but it was actually based on a true story.  Some concerned visitors wonder whether his arm is still trapped there, but, fear not, it was actually retrieved!

27. Rain Man: Caesar's Palace, Las Vagas

Image Source: Reddit.com

Las Vegas's Caesar's Palace has been an iconic location for many movies.  But Rain Man

was actually one of the first movies to be shot in this location.  The Babbit Brothers in the movie spent the night in the luxurious Emperor's Suite after winning on Blackjack and to this day, that suite is still named The Rain Man Suite.

28. Breakfast At Tiffany's: Tiffany's, New York

Image Source: Reddit.com

Tiffany's flagship store in Manhattan was the setting for the iconic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. 

The high-end retailer of fine jewelry went through a complete renovation in 2022 but has since welcomed customers back through their doors... And they're open for breakfast again!

29. Notting Hill: Notting Hill, London

Image Source: Reddit.com

Notting Hill was the iconic setting for the famous romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.  The neighborhood attracts visitors to the Notting Hill Carnival, great restaurants, and filming locations for the movie.  And the Portobello Road Market is a must for any visitors hoping to snap up a quirky antique souvenir.

30. The Grand Budapest Hotel: Gorlitz Department Store, Gorlitz, Germany

Image Source: Reddit.com

Most of The Grand Budapest Hotel interior was, in fact, fictional but the lobby was set in a real place.  It was the stunning 1913 Art Nouveau-style Gorlitz Department Store which is one of the best-preserved department stores in 20th Century Europe.  The movie also utilized other locations around Gorlitz, including the Dreifaltigkietskirche (The Holy Trinity Church) which is the oldest gothic structure in the town.