12 Unexpected Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit Right Now

The magic of cinema often lies not just in the stories told but in the places that bring these narratives to life. Films have the power to transport us to different worlds, eras, and dimensions, often through the lens of unexpected and breathtaking locations. The allure of visiting these filming sites offers fans a tangible connection to their favorite movies, allowing them to step into scenes that once existed only on the silver screen. This article invites you on a cinematic journey through 12 unexpected filming locations that you can visit right now, each offering a reel-like experience in the real world. From the bustling streets of a historic city to the serene landscapes of a remote island, these locations promise an adventure that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

1. The Enigmatic Charm of Matamata, New Zealand

Matamata, New Zealand, is best known as the real-world setting for the Shire in the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies. Nestled in the heart of Waikato, this picturesque town transforms into the lush, rolling hills of Hobbiton, home to Frodo, Bilbo, and countless other beloved characters. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained movie set, complete with hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the iconic Party Tree. Walking through this enchanting landscape, one can almost hear the echoes of hobbit laughter and the distant strains of a Shire tune. The attention to detail in recreating Tolkien's vision is astounding, offering fans a truly immersive experience. Beyond its role in cinematic history, Matamata is a testament to New Zealand's natural beauty. The verdant countryside, dotted with sheep and framed by distant mountains, captures the essence of Middle-earth. Guided tours offer insights into the filmmaking process, revealing how this small town became a global icon. For those seeking a deeper connection to the films, special evening tours include a traditional Hobbit feast, complete with ale and hearty fare. Matamata is not just a destination; it's an invitation to step into a world of fantasy and wonder, where the line between fiction and reality is delightfully blurred.

2. The Historic Allure of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a city steeped in history and beauty, its ancient walls and stunning architecture providing the perfect backdrop for the fictional city of King's Landing in "Game of Thrones." This UNESCO World Heritage site has become a mecca for fans of the series, offering a chance to walk the same cobblestone streets as Cersei Lannister and Tyrion. The city's imposing walls, with their panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, evoke the grandeur and intrigue of Westeros. Visitors can explore Fort Lovrijenac, known as the Red Keep, and the Jesuit Staircase, the scene of Cersei's infamous walk of atonement. The impact of "Game of Thrones" on Dubrovnik has been profound, boosting tourism and transforming the city into a living museum of sorts. Local guides offer detailed tours that delve into the history of the city and its role in the series, providing fascinating insights into how the show's creators brought the world of Westeros to life. Beyond its cinematic connections, Dubrovnik is a city of stunning beauty and rich culture, with its vibrant markets, historic churches, and crystal-clear waters. For fans of the series and lovers of history alike, Dubrovnik offers an unforgettable journey into a world of fantasy and reality.

3. The Mystical Landscape of Skellig Michael, Ireland

Skellig Michael, a rugged island off the coast of Ireland, gained international fame as the filming location for the final scenes of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi." This remote and mystical landscape, with its ancient monastic settlement perched atop steep cliffs, served as the perfect setting for the isolated island of Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker makes his home. The island's dramatic scenery, with its sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and its unique wildlife, offers a sense of otherworldly beauty that is both haunting and awe-inspiring. Visiting Skellig Michael is an adventure in itself, as the island is accessible only by boat and weather conditions can be unpredictable. However, for those who make the journey, the rewards are immense. The island's history is as fascinating as its cinematic connections, with its well-preserved monastic cells and beehive huts offering a glimpse into Ireland's early Christian past. Guided tours provide insights into the island's history and ecology, as well as its role in the "Star Wars" saga. Skellig Michael is a place where history and fantasy converge, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

4. The Urban Jungle of Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, Canada, is a city renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban culture, but it is also a favorite location for filmmakers seeking a versatile backdrop. Known as "Hollywood North," Vancouver has stood in for countless cities and worlds in films and television shows, from "Deadpool" to "The X-Files." The city's diverse architecture and landscapes, from its sleek skyscrapers to its lush parks and forests, offer filmmakers a wealth of options for creating dynamic and visually stunning scenes. For fans of cinema, visiting Vancouver offers a chance to explore the real-world locations behind their favorite films and shows. The city's film industry is thriving, with numerous studios and production companies based in the area. Visitors can take guided tours of popular filming sites, learning about the history of the city's film industry and the creative process behind some of their favorite films. Beyond its cinematic connections, Vancouver is a city of incredible diversity and culture, with its vibrant arts scene, world-class dining, and stunning natural surroundings. For film lovers and urban explorers alike, Vancouver offers a unique and exciting adventure.

5. The Surreal Beauty of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, is the world's largest salt flat, a vast and surreal landscape that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and travelers alike. This otherworldly location served as the backdrop for the climactic scenes of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," where the stark white expanse of the salt flats stood in for the mineral planet of Crait. The Salar's unique beauty, with its endless horizons and mirror-like reflections, creates a sense of infinite space and wonder, making it an ideal setting for a galaxy far, far away. Visiting Salar de Uyuni is a journey into a world of breathtaking beauty and tranquility. The salt flats are best explored during the wet season, when a thin layer of water creates a stunning mirror effect, reflecting the sky and creating the illusion of walking on clouds. Guided tours offer insights into the geology and ecology of the area, as well as its cultural significance to the local indigenous communities. For fans of "Star Wars" and lovers of natural beauty, Salar de Uyuni offers an unforgettable experience that is both cinematic and deeply moving.

6. The Timeless Elegance of Highclere Castle, England

Highclere Castle, England, is an iconic location known to millions as the setting for the beloved television series "Downton Abbey." This magnificent estate, with its grand architecture and lush gardens, perfectly captures the elegance and opulence of the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the castle's lavish interiors, including the drawing room, library, and dining hall, all of which played a central role in the series. The estate's beautiful grounds, with their sweeping lawns and ornamental gardens, offer a glimpse into the world of the Crawley family and their servants. Highclere Castle is more than just a filming location; it is a living piece of history, with a rich and fascinating past. The castle has been the home of the Carnarvon family for over 300 years, and its history is intertwined with that of the British aristocracy. Guided tours provide insights into the castle's history and architecture, as well as its role in "Downton Abbey." For fans of the series and lovers of history, Highclere Castle offers a unique and enchanting experience, where the past and present come together in a setting of timeless elegance.

7. The Majestic Wilderness of Monument Valley, USA

Monument Valley, USA, is a breathtaking landscape of towering sandstone formations and sweeping desert vistas, a place that has become synonymous with the American West. This iconic location has been featured in countless films, from classic Westerns like "Stagecoach" to modern blockbusters like "Forrest Gump." The valley's dramatic beauty, with its striking red rock formations and vast open spaces, offers a sense of awe and wonder that is both cinematic and deeply moving. Visiting Monument Valley is an opportunity to explore one of the most stunning and iconic landscapes in the world. The valley is located on the Navajo Nation Reservation, and guided tours offer insights into the area's geology, ecology, and cultural significance to the Navajo people. Visitors can explore the valley's many trails and viewpoints, taking in the breathtaking beauty of this unique and timeless landscape. For fans of cinema and lovers of the natural world, Monument Valley offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the American West.

8. The Vibrant Streets of Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba, is a city of vibrant colors, rich history, and dynamic culture, a place that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and travelers alike. This iconic city served as the backdrop for the opening scenes of "Fast & Furious 8," where its bustling streets and stunning architecture provided the perfect setting for high-speed chases and daring escapades. Havana's unique charm, with its colorful buildings, classic cars, and lively music, offers a sense of energy and excitement that is both cinematic and deeply captivating. Visiting Havana is an opportunity to explore a city of incredible diversity and culture. The city's historic neighborhoods, with their colonial architecture and vibrant street life, offer a glimpse into Cuba's rich and fascinating past. Guided tours provide insights into the city's history and culture, as well as its role in the "Fast & Furious" franchise. For fans of the series and lovers of travel, Havana offers an unforgettable adventure into a world of color, music, and excitement.

9. The Ethereal Beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China, is a place of ethereal beauty and breathtaking landscapes, a place that served as the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron's "Avatar." This stunning park, with its towering sandstone pillars and lush greenery, offers a sense of wonder and awe that is both cinematic and deeply moving. The park's unique beauty, with its mist-shrouded peaks and dense forests, creates a sense of otherworldly magic that is both captivating and unforgettable. Visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is an opportunity to explore one of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the world. The park's many trails and viewpoints offer breathtaking views of its towering peaks and lush valleys, providing a sense of adventure and exploration that is both exhilarating and deeply rewarding. Guided tours provide insights into the park's geology and ecology, as well as its role in "Avatar." For fans of the film and lovers of the natural world, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers an unforgettable journey into a world of beauty and wonder.

10. The Enchanting Streets of Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland, is a city of enchanting beauty and rich history, a place that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and travelers alike. This iconic city served as the backdrop for the thrilling chase scenes in "Avengers: Infinity War," where its historic streets and stunning architecture provided the perfect setting for superhero battles and daring escapades. Edinburgh's unique charm, with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and vibrant culture, offers a sense of energy and excitement that is both cinematic and deeply captivating. Visiting Edinburgh is an opportunity to explore a city of incredible diversity and culture. The city's historic neighborhoods, with their medieval architecture and vibrant street life, offer a glimpse into Scotland's rich and fascinating past. Guided tours provide insights into the city's history and culture, as well as its role in the "Avengers" franchise. For fans of the series and lovers of travel, Edinburgh offers an unforgettable adventure into a world of history, culture, and excitement.

11. The Serene Beauty of Alnwick Castle, England

Alnwick Castle, England, is an iconic location known to millions as the setting for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the "Harry Potter" films. This magnificent castle, with its grand architecture and lush gardens, perfectly captures the magic and wonder of the wizarding world. Visitors can explore the castle's lavish interiors, including the Great Hall and the library, all of which played a central role in the films. The castle's beautiful grounds, with their sweeping lawns and ornamental gardens, offer a glimpse into the world of Harry Potter and his friends. Alnwick Castle is more than just a filming location; it is a living piece of history, with a rich and fascinating past. The castle has been the home of the Percy family for over 700 years, and its history is intertwined with that of the British aristocracy. Guided tours provide insights into the castle's history and architecture, as well as its role in the "Harry Potter" films. For fans of the series and lovers of history, Alnwick Castle offers a unique and enchanting experience, where the past and present come together in a setting of timeless magic.

12. The Rugged Beauty of Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan, is a place of rugged beauty and ancient history, a place that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and travelers alike. This iconic site served as the backdrop for the climactic scenes of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," where its stunning rock-cut architecture and dramatic landscapes provided the perfect setting for adventure and discovery. Petra's unique beauty, with its rose-red cliffs and ancient ruins, offers a sense of wonder and awe that is both cinematic and deeply moving. Visiting Petra is an opportunity to explore one of the most stunning and unique archaeological sites in the world. The site's many trails and viewpoints offer breathtaking views of its ancient ruins and dramatic landscapes, providing a sense of adventure and exploration that is both exhilarating and deeply rewarding. Guided tours provide insights into the site's history and archaeology, as well as its role in the "Indiana Jones" films. For fans of the series and lovers of history, Petra offers an unforgettable journey into a world of beauty and wonder.

The journey through these 12 unexpected filming locations offers more than just a glimpse into the worlds of our favorite films; it provides a deeper connection to the stories and characters that have captured our imaginations. Each location, with its unique beauty and history, offers a reel-like experience that blurs the line between fiction and reality. From the enchanting landscapes of Matamata and Skellig Michael to the vibrant streets of Havana and Edinburgh, these places invite us to step into the world of cinema and experience the magic firsthand.