Cinephiles, Take Note! These Are The World's Most Cinematic Destinations

If the studio set is the longstanding spine of cinema, then the shoot locations are surely its soul—giving films their desired atmospheric footing and bringing stories to life with landscapes that linger in the audience’s imagination. Over time, some of these live locations have so frequently lent themselves as the backdrops of great films that they have accrued an aura of becoming ‘cinematic destinations.’ Ranging from vast expanses of desert to apocalyptic cityscapes, cinematic icons have increasingly encouraged tourists to follow the footsteps of films for exploration. In a recent report by Giggster, some of the world’s most cinematic locations, eminent for their roles in popular films and television shows, were brought forth.

World's Most Cinematic Destinations

Middle-earth And Fantasy Realms: New Zealand & Ireland

Few landscapes have defined a cinematic universe with as much power as New Zealand did for "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogy. From the rolling green hills of Matamata’s Hobbiton to the dramatic peaks of Fiordland National Park (Misty Mountains), this country is a dream for Tolkien fans. Meanwhile, Ireland’s rugged Skellig Michael made for Luke Skywalker’s refuge in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," offering visitors a chance to explore the mystical setting that made the island look otherworldly. One can hardly overlook the picturesque desolation of Ireland’s landscape where the patches of the earth gave the world writers like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. It is where the recent tongue-in-cheek tragicomedy "The Banshees of Inisherin" was localised.

Timeless Allure Of Italy: Venice & Amalfi Coast

Filmmakers have long been drawn to Italy—the birth land of the bittersweet Italian neorealism—for its maximalist environs left behind by giants like Michelangelo and da Vinci that lend themselves brilliantly for cinematic allure. The scenic Amalfi Coast served as Wonder Woman's Themyscira, and the meandering canals of Venice provided the backdrop for exciting chase scenes in classics like "Casino Royale" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." The Amalfi region is as stunning in-person as it is on film, with its pastel-hued cliffside villages and turquoise waters. Film buffs would hardly skip a beat before they’re reminded of Villa Malaparte on Capri, just off the Amalfi Coast, that set the tone for "Contempt" (pun intended!) by Jean-Luc Godard.

Desert Wonders And Ancient Legends: Jordan & Morocco

A plethora of films that pander to the lore of the Orient, such as David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Mummy Returns," have canonised Jordan's Petra as a scenic location. One of the most breathtaking ancient cities, Petra, was masterfully portrayed in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." "The Martian" used the towering sandstone mountains of Wadi Rum as a background. Likewise, the Hollywood of Africa—Morocco’s Ouarzazate—has played host to epic productions like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones"; its expansive dunes and desert forts serving as the ideal backdrop for epic historical dramas.

Urban Icons And Neon Dreams: New York & Tokyo

Urban landscapes, among other things, have come to chiefly symbolise modern loneliness and alienation. One of the most frequently photographed cities in the world is New York City—a city that has immensely rewarded the world in terms of film and TV—whose skyline and streets can be seen in a host of creations, from "Spider-Man" to "Breakfast at Tiffany's." In Times Square or Central Park, visitors can relive their favourite movie scenes.

On the other hand, Tokyo's electric skyline, as depicted in "Kill Bill" and "Lost in Translation," provides an immersive impression of the city's rich duality by contrasting the calm of its old temples with contemporary neon-lit neighbourhoods like Shibuya.

Fairytale Towns And Medieval Marvels: Croatia & Scotland

The medieval city of Dubrovnik achieved global recognition as King’s Landing in "Game of Thrones," with its towering walls and fortresses transporting fans into the fantasy world of Westeros. Edinburgh in Scotland also boasts cinematic grandeur, having appeared in Danny Boyle’s drug-horror "Trainspotting" and "Avengers: Infinity War," where its gothic architecture and cobbled streets add an atmospheric charm to any historical film set.