Top film and TV locations
Some of the top film and TV locations around the world include iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo, as well as stunning natural landscapes such as the beaches of Hawaii, the deserts of Arizona, and the mountains of New Zealand. These locations have been featured in countless movies and TV shows, and their unique settings and landmarks have become synonymous with the stories they have helped to tell.
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From the bustling streets of New York City to the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, film and TV productions have utilized these iconic locations to bring their stories to life. The skyscrapers of Manhattan have provided the backdrop for countless romantic comedies and action films, while the rugged terrain of New Zealand has served as the setting for epic fantasy adventures. Whether it's the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or the historic landmarks of London, these locations have become just as much a part of the storytelling as the characters themselves. Audiences are transported to these places through the magic of film and television, and the locations themselves often become just as famous as the projects they have appeared in.
New Zealand (The Lord of the Rings)View AllNew Zealand (The Lord of the Rings) - Stunning landscapes, filming location for The Lord of the Rings.
Skellig Michael (Star Wars)View AllSkellig Michael (Star Wars) - Remote island, featured in Star Wars, UNESCO World Heritage site.
New York City (Spider-Man)View AllNew York City (Spider-Man) - Urban playground for the friendly neighborhood web-slinger.
Hobbiton (The Hobbit)View AllHobbiton (The Hobbit) - Charming, peaceful, picturesque village in Middle-earth.
Albuquerque (Breaking Bad)View AllAlbuquerque (Breaking Bad) - Methamphetamine empire, Walter White, desert setting, criminal activity.
Glencoe (Harry Potter)View AllGlencoe (Harry Potter) - Magical village in the Harry Potter series.
Griffith Observatory (La La Land)View AllGriffith Observatory (La La Land) - Iconic observatory featured in "La La Land" movie.
Hawaii (Jurassic Park)View AllHawaii (Jurassic Park) - Tropical island overrun by cloned dinosaurs.
Rome (Gladiator)View AllRome (Gladiator) - Epic historical drama set in ancient Rome.
Top film and TV locations
1.
New Zealand (The Lord of the Rings)
New Zealand is the picturesque filming location of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson. Known for its stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Shire to the dramatic peaks of the Misty Mountains, New Zealand provided the perfect backdrop for the fantasy world of Middle-earth. The country's diverse terrain, including lush forests, rugged mountains, and sparkling lakes, created a sense of otherworldliness that brought J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale to life on the big screen. The natural beauty of New Zealand continues to attract fans of the films and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Pros
Stunning landscapes- tourism boost
- cultural impact
Cons
Environmental impact- overcrowding
- potential exploitation of indigenous culture
2.
Skellig Michael (Star Wars)
Skellig Michael is a real-life, remote island off the coast of Ireland that gained international fame as a filming location for the Star Wars franchise. The island's rugged, rocky terrain and ancient monastic settlement provided the perfect backdrop for the planet Ahch-To, where the reclusive Jedi Master Luke Skywalker is found in the films. Skellig Michael's stunning natural beauty and historical significance have made it a popular tourist destination, drawing fans of the movies and those looking to explore the island's unique history and breathtaking landscapes.
Pros
- Stunning location
- historical significance
- iconic Star Wars filming location
Cons
- Inaccessibility
- preservation concerns
- limited visitor capacity
3.
New York City (Spider-Man)
New York City in the Spider-Man universe is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, filled with towering skyscrapers, bustling street life, and iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Times Square. It is the home of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, who swings through the city streets, fighting crime and protecting its citizens. The city is a blend of diverse cultures and neighborhoods, from the upscale Upper East Side to the gritty streets of Hell's Kitchen. New York City serves as the perfect backdrop for Spider-Man's adventures, providing endless opportunities for thrilling superhero action.
Pros
- Vibrant city life
- diverse culture
- iconic landmarks
Cons
- High cost of living
- crowded streets
- potential for crime
4.
Hobbiton (The Hobbit)
Hobbiton is a fictional village in the Shire, as depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit." It is the home of Bilbo Baggins and the starting point of the journey that leads to the Lonely Mountain in the story. Hobbiton is known for its quaint, peaceful atmosphere and its charming hobbit holes, which are built into the hillsides. The village is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, making it a picturesque and idyllic setting. Hobbiton has become an iconic location in popular culture, with its depiction in Peter Jackson's film adaptations of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
Pros
- Beautiful
- picturesque setting; well-preserved movie set; immersive experience
Cons
- Crowded with tourists; expensive entry fee; limited access to certain areas
5.
Albuquerque (Breaking Bad)
Albuquerque is the setting of the hit TV show Breaking Bad, known for its portrayal of the city as a gritty, crime-ridden landscape. The show follows the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, and his descent into the criminal underworld. The city of Albuquerque serves as a character in itself, with its unique Southwestern culture and landscape providing a stark contrast to the darkness and violence that unfolds within it. The show's portrayal of the city has sparked an increased interest in tourism to Albuquerque, with fans eager to visit the iconic filming locations.
Pros
- Strong character development
- intense storytelling
- iconic scenes.
Cons
- Graphic violence
- drug use
- morally ambiguous characters
6.
Glencoe (Harry Potter)
Glencoe is a fictional village in the Harry Potter series, located in the Scottish Highlands. It is home to Hagrid, the gamekeeper of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The village is described as being nestled in a picturesque valley, with towering mountains and a tranquil lake. Hagrid's hut, where he lives with his pet dog Fang, is located on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Glencoe is a remote and isolated place, providing a perfect backdrop for the magical and mysterious events that unfold in the Harry Potter series.
Pros
- Engaging plot
- well-developed characters
- imaginative world-building
Cons
- Lengthy books
- complex narrative
- may be overwhelming for some readers
7.
Griffith Observatory (La La Land)
The Griffith Observatory is a famous Los Angeles landmark featured in the movie La La Land. Perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, the observatory offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It has also become a popular tourist destination due to its iconic appearance in the film. Visitors can explore the observatory's exhibits on astronomy and space exploration, as well as enjoy live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. The Griffith Observatory is a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles, offering both educational and breathtaking experiences.
Pros
- Stunning views of LA
- iconic filming location
Cons
- Crowded
- limited parking
- may have to pay for certain exhibits
8.
Hawaii (Jurassic Park)
Hawaii served as the primary filming location for the iconic movie "Jurassic Park." The stunning landscapes of the Hawaiian islands provided the perfect backdrop for the fictional Isla Nublar, the home of the dinosaur theme park in the movie. The lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters of Hawaii brought the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs to life on the big screen. The breathtaking scenery of Hawaii adds to the sense of wonder and adventure in the film, making it a memorable and integral part of the "Jurassic Park" experience.
Pros
- Beautiful scenery
- diverse wildlife
- tropical climate
Cons
- Isolated location
- high cost of living
- susceptibility to natural disasters
9.
Rome (Gladiator)
Rome is a historical drama television series that follows the rise of the Roman Empire through the eyes of two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. The show is set in the first century BC, during the time of Julius Caesar and his eventual assassination. It explores the political intrigue, power struggles, and epic battles that defined the era. The show also delves into the personal lives of its characters, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in ancient Rome. Gladiator fights, betrayal, and a rich tapestry of historical events make Rome a gripping and immersive viewing experience.
Pros
- Epic scope
- impressive visuals
- compelling storytelling
Cons
- Historical inaccuracies
- stereotypical characters
- excessive violence