15 filming locations for cult movies or series that make you want to travel!
Today I’m sharing with you my selection of the 15 filming locations for cult movies and TV series thanks to Spotern.com, a new online platform that allows you to discover the filming locations of films, series, or even the most iconic clips! Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Wadi Rum desert, the filming location of the film Only on Mars, or of riding a quad at Kuala Ranch in Hawaii, the spectacular setting of the film Jurassic Park?
On Spotern, you can discover filming locations for cult movies and series, but also earn money by joining the 40,000 contributors who recommend tourist sites, shops, restaurants, and hotels that appear on TV or in the cinema. The principle is simple: you recommend a film or series filming location by indicating the associated service (visit, accommodation, restaurant, etc.) among more than 150,000 partner merchant sites, and you receive 50% of the commissions on the sales generated 🙂 Isn’t that nice?
But also, the platform allows you to find or reference items that appear in movies, TV series, shows, or clips. You can buy the watch or the replica of Marty Mc Fly’s Hoverboard from Back to the Future (I already have them!), or you can always buy the Nike that Ben Stiller wears in Walter Mitty’s Dream Life. Anyway, I think the concept is really cool, an original and convenient way to buy an item or a performance that appears in a movie without having to spend hours browsing through the film fans’ forums 🙂
Well, below you will find a selection of film and TV series filming locations that strongly inspire you to travel. I also invite you to contribute to Spotern by sharing your favorites. Moreover, with the code TRAVELMEHAPPY, your donation will be credited with 5€ upon registration 🙂
The filming locations of cult films and series in America
Stampe Trail in Alaska in the film Into The Wild
Into The Wild is definitely in my top 10 of the best movies! The one that we watch once a year (or more!) and that always makes us dream… If, like Chris Mc Candless, you want to fill your eyes with it, enjoy the spectacle of Mother Nature and discover the famous 142 bus, then you’ll have to travel part of the Stampede Trail in Alaska. A little tip: here are the GPS coordinates of the Magic Bus: N°63 °52.096 W 149 °46.131. We dream of going there one day! One more on the bucket list 🙂
Monument Valley in the United States in the film Forrest Gump
If, like me, you are a fan of Forrest Gump, then if you visit the great American West, make sure you visit Monument Valley at Forrest Gump Point, the place where Forrest ends his mythical journey through the USA, followed by dozens of fans.
Kuala ranch in Hawaii in the movie Jurassic Park
This is one of the films that left the deepest mark on my childhood; in fact, I wanted to be a paleontologist… Even today, I remember all the mythical lines from this cult film! Want to discover the filming locations of Jurassic Park? Head to Hawaii at the Kuala Ranch!
Indian River in Dominique in the film Pirates of the Caribbean 2
In May 2016, Capucine had the chance to go to the island of Dominica, a 100% nature destination, and she had the chance to climb part of the Indian River (click here to see the video). Read the article about the island of Dominica again). According to her it’s really impressive!
Arecibo antenna in Puerto Rico in the film Goldeneye
Do you remember the final scene from Goldeneye? You see that parabolic antenna in the middle of the jungle in Puerto Rico and I was fascinated by that shot! If I ever get the chance to travel there, I’ll definitely go there 🙂
The filming locations of cult films and series in Europe and Africa
Stykkisholmur in Iceland in the film The Dream Life by Walter Mitty
Some people like it, others don’t; I love it… Besides traveling and seeing breathtaking scenery, this film transports us to a somewhat fantastical universe 🙂 Did you know that a large part of the film was filmed in Iceland? I’m so excited to go back there in late October!
Village of Chora on the island of Amorgos in Greece in the film The Great Blue
Another mythical film that marked my childhood! I even had the poster in my bedroom… Do you remember the village of Chora that we see at the very beginning of the film (the black and white part)? I found an aparthotel in the heart of the village on Spotern. The opportunity to rediscover all the filming locations, scattered all over the island of Amorgos. There are, in particular, the monastery, the cargo ship wreck where Enzo goes scuba diving to save a diver, and the small port where we see Enzo and little Jacques having fun diving to retrieve a piece of equipment. My favorite quote: Roberto, mio plamo…!
Ait Ben Haddou in the Moroccan role in the film Gladiator
We continue with Gladiateur, a film that also left a deep impression on all of us! Some of the filming took place in Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified city in Morocco between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit it if you’re planning a trip to the country; the scenery is breathtaking and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time…
Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland in the Game of Thrones series
This is one of the most popular series of recent years. If you go to Northern Ireland, you’ll be able to see many Game of Thrones sets, like the famous Dark Hodges here. Check out Spotern; I’ve listed an activity there that allows you to see all these locations in one day.
Glacier Svínafellsjökull in Iceland in the film Interstellar
My big crush of the last few years… Nolan always gives me a real kick, even recently with the film Dunkerque! The scene in the film Interstellar that takes place on an ice planet was filmed in Iceland on the Svinafellsjokull glacier and I hope we’ll have the opportunity and time to visit it with Capucine in October!
The filming locations of cult films and series in Asia and Oceania
The desert of Wadi Rum in Jordan in Seoul on Mars
Even though I really enjoyed the film, it’s mainly the scenery that is breathtaking! In September 2016 I had the chance to go to the desert of Wadi Rum in Jordan and I was able to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets, it’s fabulous… Find here my review article about Jordan.
Maya Bay in Thailand in the film La Plage
Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi has been made famous by the movie The Beach, and we all have the memory of that scene when Leo first discovers the beach. The scenery is not pretty, unfortunately… Hundreds of tourists come there every day and this exceptional spot loses much of its charm… If you want to go there, choose the morning, very early, or late afternoon.
The town of Petra in Jordan in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
«The Canyon of the Crescent Moon...» Ahah. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is in my top 20 of films that marked my childhood! I was lucky enough to visit the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, and it is simply exceptional... A must-see once in a lifetime! Find my review here article about Petra in Jordan.
Village Hobbit in Matamata in New Zéland in the film Hobbit
If you want to see the filming locations of the film The Hobbit, head to Matamata in New Zealand; you’ll be able to see the famous little Hobbit houses that have become famous. A must-see if you’re passing through the area 🙂
Tam Coc in Vietnam, Ninh Binh province in the film Kong Skull Island
Even though I didn’t really enjoy the film Kong Skull Island, the filming locations are truly spectacular! There’s Ha Long Bay, Quang Binh, and here the Ninh Binh region. I found an activity on Spotern that allows you to discover Tam Coc, this beautiful site in Ninh Binh.
Temple Beng Mealea in Cambodia in the film Two Brothers
The Beng Mealea temple is not as popular as Angkor’s, yet the site is exceptional! It’s no wonder that Jean-Jacques Annaud filmed the film Two Brothers there, a beautiful little masterpiece to watch with the family 🙂
Sponsored article, created in collaboration with Spotern.com. The content of this article reflects only my opinion; I maintain complete freedom in my statements and my recommendations are always objective.
Comments
Excellent this little thematic guide! It’s always very pleasant to be able to put a name and a destination on the landscapes of a film. It’s a shame there isn’t a map to help you find your way around more easily, and see if you don’t miss one of those places during your next vacation. We did a bit of the same thing with Game of Thrones recently, even though most of the locations in the series have already become well-known tourist attractions…. Here’s where you can take a look: https://www.easyguiders.com/fr/guide/visiter-les-lieux-emblematiques-de-game-of-thrones-2017-08-28-13-24 Nice day!
This article is very original, and indeed it makes you want to go away!!!
KissingIt’s all there lol. For me, it’s the movie with Matt Damon that also made me want to go to Jordan in October; I can’t wait!
The Wadi Rum in Jordan is also the setting of the film ((a bit more classic, admittedly) starring Lawrence of Arabia!
Samantha
11 September 2017
This is a great article that must surely appeal to many people. I want to visit the village in New Zealand from the movie The Hobbit. It looks so beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful sharing.