Films have long been a source of immersing oneself in the world of what could be and what can be. Visiting locations where movies were filmed not only gives us an insight into how things went about during production but also a bridge to connect things!
#1 Spain: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara
This film is filled with beautiful locations, but the tomato festival is its biggest highlight. The city of Buñol is the setting of the song Ek Junoon in the movie where the main cast is featured participating in the La Tomatina festival.
#2 Fort Aguada, Goa: Dil Chahta Hai
This one will always remain a classic. The fort has long been a setting for many Bollywood films but Dil Chahta hai gave squad goals to the entire country. Goa became the go-to place for squad vacation solely because of this film.
#3 Hidimba Mandir, Manali: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
The temple is dedicated to the deity Hidimba, mentioned in Mahabharata as the wife of Bhima. Hidimba vowed to marry the person who was brave and strong enough to defeat her brother, Hidimb. She and Bhima had a son named Ghatotkacha. Hidimba Devi is worshipped as a deity in Himachal Pradesh, especially Manali.
#4 Rohtang Paas, Himachal Pradesh: Jab We Met
If you are a true Bollywood fan, then you know that Jab We Met is a tutorial on how to make a romantic comedy. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Kareena Kapoor is seen strolling in the setting of Rohtang Paas with the background score of “Yeh Ishq Haye”.
#5 Udaipur palace: Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram Leela
Sanjay Leela Bhansali always brings larger than life grandeur in his films especially with his eye of detailing, each frame is presented as a visual treat. But his job was made a little easier due to the already extravagant beauty of this palace. The culture and folk fare around the palace makes it a trip worth taking.
#6 Munnar Tea Plantations: Chennai Express
You can go to both Kashmir and Kanyakumari, yet the beauty of this place is unmatched. No wonder, the first thing you notice in the song “Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari” is not Deepika, but the extremely lovely locale in the background and rightfully so. Long road trips were made with the thought of such views.
#7 Pangong lake, Ladakh: Jab Tak Hai Jaan
Pangong lake served as the setting for the introduction of Anushka Sharma’s character in Jab Tak Hai Jaan. The beauty of this lake should be enough to make you pack your bags now!
#8 Nahargarh fort: Rang De Basanti
Do you remember seeing the iconic Nahargarh fort in “Masti Ki Paathshala”? That song is still our theme song in life. No kidding!
#9 Gulmarg, Kashmir: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Gulmarg served as the setting for the trekking scenes in “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” and we’re not complaining!
#10 Doraha Fort, Ludhiana: Rang De Basanti
The song “Tu Bin Bataye” was shot at this hidden marvel in Ludhiana!
#11 Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Kahaani
Due to the rich heritage sites of Kolkata, it has served as the primary settings for many movies like Kahaani, Vicky Donor, Gunday and many more. One such cultural site is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple.
#12 Mall Road, Shimla: Bang Bang
Mall Road was in the movie, Bang Bang! An entire scene was shot here, including the song “Tu Meri”.
#13 India Gate: Jannat 2, No One Killed Jessica, Rang De Basanti
India Gate has been featured predominantly in films dealing with the concepts of nationalism, and what it means to be an Indian in the 21st century. These films include No One Killed Jessica, Rang De Basanti and many more.
#14 Marine Drive: Munnabhai MBBS
No one can forget the conversations between Munna Bhai and Circuit in the film Munnabhai MBBS, the marine drive, although, featured in many other movies, was the primary setting of one such scene in the film.
#15 Sophia Museum: Dil Dhadakne Do
Dil Dhadakne Do was a traveler’s delight, and honestly, when has Zoya Akhtar ever disappointed us anyway. But one of the most beautiful places featured in the movie was that of the Sophia Museum at Istanbul.
#16 Amer Fort: Jodhaa Akbar
Jodhaa Akbar is an aesthetically beautiful film mostly for the reason that it was shot at Amer Fort. Due to the huge size of the palace, it was utilized for filming selective scenes only. A slight tone of complaint? Oh no, we have always been preoccupied with the stunning beauty that this film is.
#17 Pataudi: Eat Pray Love
Julia Roberts has so gracefully given life to the novel, Eat Pray Love and made this adaptation worth watching! While she travels to different places in order to experience different things, we get a glimpse of how she attains each of the attributes in the title. They shot a few scenes in Pataudi and she describes the place as an out of the world experience. We couldn’t agree more!
#18 Vrindavan: Jobs
Vrindavan is one of the most important sites for Hindu pilgrims, which was one of the reasons it attracted Steve Jobs in the first place. Can you believe a few scenes were shot here as well?
#19 Pune: A Mighty Heart
Angelina Jolie was a rock in this awe-inspiring of a film, but since the film’s team didn’t get permission to shoot in Pakistan, Pune was selected as the filming location for the movie.
#20 Bora Bazar, Mumbai: Mission Impossible 4
Mission impossible featured more than just an Indian setting, it featured one of India’s leading actors in a role that nobody noticed. So, it should not come as a surprise that the movie had to market Anil Kapoor as one of the leads to generate enough buzz regarding the movie in India.
#21 Mehrangarh Fort: The Dark Knight Rises
Mehrangarh Fort has been the setting of many Bollywood films, but the entire world was taken by surprise when Christopher Nolan’s Batman escaped the Lazarus Pit only to reveal that Jodhpur was the real setting of the scene.
#22 Udaipur And Jaipur: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
This one’s special since this movie gave Dev Patel and Dame Judi Dench a chance to show just how marvellous they are. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was shot entirely in Rajasthan and we couldn’t be happier about the choice.
#23 Chandigarh: Zero Dark Thirty
Since Kathryn Bigelow (First Woman to win an Oscar for Best Director) didn’t get permission to shoot in Abbottabad, Pakistan, she zeroed down the setting of the film to Chandigarh, India to film all the outdoor scenes of this 21st century classic.
#24 Puducherry And Kerela: Life of Pi
Life of Pi showed just how visually aesthetic a director Ang Lee is. He knew what he wanted, and he delivered perfection by weaving reality of the filming locations of Puducherry and Kerala with his magic.
#25 Jodhpur: The Darjeeling Limited
Director Wes Anderson has his own style of storytelling that is unmatched by none other. So, when he decided to feature Jodhpur as the primary setting for his film we knew that this one would be special, and so it was.
#26 Christ Church College: Harry Potter Film Series
Every child born in the last two decades, at some point, has wished to study at Hogwarts. Well, we can’t help you with the magic part, but we can tell you the setting of the film which featured as Hogwarts. The Christ Church College is one of the most intelligent pieces of architecture in the world and we couldn’t be happier.
#27 Al Khazneh, Jordan: Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones was the movie that made Angelina Jolie a star, though she was always an amazing actor, this movie established her star power. She requested the director to film in real life locations, and aren’t we glad about that.
#28 Görlitzer Warenhaus Department Store, Germany: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Director Wes Anderson is a visionary, his films have always featured a form of storytelling that even – Steven Spielberg describes amazing. So, it shouldn’t come as any surprise when he chose a department store as the setting of his entire film, yet here we are.
#29 Marriott Marquis, Atlanta: The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games was for Jennifer Lawrence what Indiana Jones was for Angelina Jolie. Due to the dystopian themes of its source material, the team was very clear on what they wanted for depicting the Capital – the ever so grand Marriot Marquis at Atlanta.
#30 Hellbrunn Palace: Sound of Music
The sound of music made Julie Andrews a cultural icon and a beacon for the LGBTQ community all at the same time. But due to the requirement of the script, every place had to be chosen carefully and the director made sure he did justice to this classic. Hence the decision to feature one of the most visually appealing palaces in the movie gave an entire generation some over-arching wedding goals.
#31 Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Paris: Inception
Christopher Nolan never disappoints – are we right or are we right? One of the film’s most iconic scenes was shot right smack in the middle of Paris! The Bir-Hakeim Bridge looks absolutely fantastic in real life as Mr. Nolan has portrayed in the film to be, minus the moving mirrors, mind you. That’s a work of art.
#32 Marshall Point, Maine: Forrest Gump
Although Tom Hanks has always been an amazing actor, Forrest Gump gave him the chance to show off his range as an actor and boy, sure did he. With one of the best performances of the century, every ardent fan hopes to visit the delicately chosen filming locations including the Marshall Point, Maine where most of his and Robin Wright’s scenes were shot.
#33 Timberline Lodge, Oregon: The Shining
Stephen King is a genius and there are no two ways about it but credit has to be given to director Stanley Kubrick for featuring one of the most amazing vacation spots in the movie and turning it into a nightmare for most.
#34 King’s Canyon, Australia: Priscilla Queen of The Desert
This film gave momentum to the LGBTQ movement and quickly became a cultural icon. Fans all over the world travel to the King’s canyon on pride month to show their support for the same.
#35 Muang Boran, Thailand: The Hangover II
As bad as this movie was, we couldn’t help but laugh due to the exuberant presence of the amazing Zach Galifianakis and also due to the amazing locales of Thailand featured in the movie including Muang Boran, serving as the setting for the the monastery scenes.
#36 Silverton, Australia: Mad Max Fury Road
Mad Max Fury Road is one of the best films of 2015. But due to the subdued themes and excruciating sequences of the source material, director George Miller thought it would be best to film in real places to get the actors in proper mindset of their characters.
#37 Tikal, Guatemala: Star Wars Episode IV
“May the force be with you”, these aren’t just words anymore. With such strong themes in storytelling by George Lucas, it was very important for the team to find equally compelling locations, due to the limited scope CGI offered at that time. Hence Tikal was chosen for filming Yavin 4 in the Star Wars saga.
#38 United Methodist Church, LaVerne, California: The Graduate
The graduate was not only one of the first successful romantic comedies, it went on to establish an entire genre in filmmaking and established Anne Bancroft as a star. The filming locations in the film are an important blueprint for aspiring directors.
#39 Firehouse, Tribeca, NYC: Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters was a global phenomenon and one of the most successful films of its time. Everyone wanted to be a ghostbuster and seeing how it took over the pop culture, the shooting locations quickly became fan favorite tourist spots including the firehouse in Tribeca that served as the primary setting for the office of the Ghostbusters.
#40 Bare Island, Sydney: Mission Impossible II
Mission Impossible II has been one of the most important films in Tom Cruise’s career and he gave this one his all which is why his fans along with the entire world went gaga over this genre-defining action film. Like most of this movie’s locations, the Bare island was one of the most interesting and smart choices taken by director John Woo.
#41 Casa Loma, Toronto: X-Men
After Hogwarts, if there has been any school that young millennials have wanted to enroll in, it’s the Charles Xavier School For Gifted Youngsters and Patrick Stewart gave a career-best performance to become the awe-inspiring headmaster of the same. Visit Casa Loma in Toronto if you want to experience the amazing marvel of the X-men Films.
#42 Avon Weir, Bath, UK: Les Misérables
Les Misérables is one of the emotionally exhausting experiences of this decade. To truly enjoy and understand the musical, one must completely devote themselves to the director’s storytelling. Which is one of the reason every location was picked after careful consideration, so that the audience doesn’t feel out of place and boy, aren’t we glad.
#43 Varda Viaduct, Turkey: Skyfall
Daniel Craig gave James bond his own take in one of the best bond films ever and it also gave us Adele and we couldn’t be more thankful to director Sam Mendes for the same. Turkey being one of the filming locations for the film hit it out of the park with its extraordinary beauty and visuals.
#44 Burghley House, UK: Pride and Prejudice
‘Oh Mr. Darcy, why do you exist’ – that’s what every boy whose girlfriend is a Jane Austin fan thinks. The setting had to fit the description as in the original novel, so the team had a big job in finding the perfect house for our protagonist and so they did. Pride and Prejudice not only was a visual delight, but it also introduced Keira Knightley to the world’s audience. The Burghley house still remains a popular tourist hotspot and why shouldn’t it be!
#45 Palace of Fine Arts as seen in “Vertigo”- San Francisco
This movie didn’t have much to go its way in terms of storytelling, but jaw-dropping visuals insured it a safe run at the world box-office. Visit the palace of fine arts to experience the beauty that tends to last a lifetime.
#46 586 Lexington Ave, NYC: The location of Marilyn’s white dress scene
Marilyn Monroe was a star but never an actress with much reportage. However, that didn’t stop her from becoming a cultural icon, this picture of hers outside 586 Lexington Avenue is the reason why fans still gather outside the same to pay their tributes and homage to the mega-star till date.
#47 Fox Plaza, LA: Die Hard
Fox Plaza served as the setting for Nakatomi Plaza in the fan favorite film, Die Hard. The 1988 classic made Bruce Willis an overnight sensation and inspired ardent fans of action genre to push the envelope even more. The Plaza is open for visits throughout the week and is a popular tourist attraction in America!
#48 Captain George Flavel House Museum, Oregon: The Goonies
Steven Spielberg is a master storyteller and The Goonies is further proof of the same. The Captain George Flavel House Museum was used as the Museum of the Pirate. The film brought out the hidden treasure seeker in all young kids which is why you need to visit this house if you need inspiration for the same.
#49 Dallas City Hall, Texas: Robocop
The Dallas City Hall served as the OCP Headquarters in the film, and what a film it was. Being the multimillion-dollar franchise that it became, it is responsible for many pop cultural phrases including “I’d buy that for a dollar!”.
#50 Wells, Somerset, UK: Hot Fuzz
Hot Fuzz is the second in Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy and was preceded by 2004’s Shaun of the Dead and followed by 2013’s The World’s End, each of them featuring a different flavor of Cornetto ice cream. The film is famous for introducing the procedural comedy genre in the movies. The locations used for filming is further proof that the writers were doing their career-best work.
#51 Calton Street Bridge, Edinburgh: Trainspotting
The director of Slumdog millionaire firstly grabbed global attention with his 1996 film “Trainspotting”. Due to the specifications in the original novel, the director wanted to keep the vision of the author intact which is why he made sure that every location fits the description as specified in the novel. Luckily for him, he found the Calton street bridge and us fans found another entry in our dream list for filming locations.
Honorable mentions: BELFAST& DUBROVNIK – Game of Thrones.