
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Stunning backdrops breathe life to films, helping directors weave stories and actors embody their characters through visual aids. Among global destinations, New York, London, Madrid, and Argentina ranked highest as popular filming locations.
According to Euronews, new research by film location expert Giggster has revealed the all-time most filmed landmarks in the U.S., UK, and beyond, including some of the most iconic backdrops to cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
Despite being popular tourist destinations in their own right, being featured on the silver screen helps draw tourists, eager to experience the iconic backdrops firsthand and trace the footsteps of movie legends.
The Most Filmed Destinations in Films
The most filmed destinations in the world are certainly in the home state of Hollywood. California has appeared in over 380,000 films, but not all of them set in it. For example, in the movie 'Sideways', it highlights the wine-producing region of Santa Barbara, and Alfred Hitchcock's thriller 'Vertigo' is set in San Francisco. California has been the backdrop for many Oscar-winning or shortlisted films.
Meanwhile, New York ranks second, with over 294,000 films set in the Empire State. Most of them, including notable films like 'Taxi Driver' and 'King Kong', feature the city of New York itself.
Outside of the United States, the UK ranks second for filming locations. London tops the list with almost 77,500 movies, three times more than Manchaster’s 22,710, the second most popular shooting location in the UK. Unfortunately, outside the United States, this study does not include India’s Bollywood.
Iconic Landmarks
Sydney Opera House in Australia is the most filmed landmark in the world outside of the U.S. and the UK. The iconic structure and UNESCO World Heritage Site has appeared in over 160 films, ranging from romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers, including 'Anyone But You' and 'Pacific Rim: Uprising'.
In second place is the Eiffel Tower, which has been featured in 158 films. This landmark is synonymous with love and adventure, which can be seen in many classic romantic films, including 'Midnight in Paris' and ‘Amélie’. Another Parisian landmark listed in the research is the Louvre Museum with 110 films, and the Arc de Triomphe ranks tenth with 73 films.
Meanwhile, Italy boasts the most filmed landmarks, as the country counts six locations in the list. From Colosseum, immortalized in 'Gladiator', the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the ruins of Pompeii.
Most-Filmed Destinations in the World
According to Giggster's research, Madrid appears in most film scenes, excluding the U.S. and the UK. Perhaps thanks to the combination of historical architecture and over 300 sunny days a year, the capital of Spain has appeared in almost 55,000 films, including 'The Bourne Ultimatum' and 'Spartacus'.
Meanwhile, on a national scale, Argentina tops the list as the most filmed country. This country is featured in over 112,000 movie titles. From the rugged landscapes of Patagonia to the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, its diversity has attracted producers of films such as 'Evita' and 'Seven Years in Tibet'.
Destinations for the Best Film Oscar Nominations 2025
The romantic comedy film 'Anora' mostly features Brooklyn, including easily recognizable locations such as Coney Island. The movie also has scenes featuring the notorious Las Vegas. 'The Brutalist', starring Adrien Brody, was filmed in Budapest and Tuscany.
The biographical film about Bob Dylan, 'A Complete Unknown', starring Timothée Chalamet, was filmed in New Jersey. Meanwhile, 'Conclave', a political thriller about the papal election, was made in Rome and features a replica of the Sistine Chapel.
EURONEWS
Editor’s Choice: Every Best Actor Oscar Winner from 2016 Onwards; Adrien Brody in 2025
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