10 of The Most Popular Filming Locations that You Can Visit
Ever wondered what are the most popular filming location in the world? Find out now with our top 10 list of popular filming locations.
Movies are a magical experience and they all need a great plot, good acting and a stunning filming location. Luckily, the modern world has plenty of places for filmmakers to choose from, and they seem to keep pinning the map in the same places.
Central Park, New York
Used over 230 times in movies, Central Park is an iconic area of New York City. A famous and world-renowned attractions, the park sees droves of visitors every year hoping to see the places where films such as Men in Black, Superman Returns, John Wick and Spiderman III were all filmed.
The idyllic park with little stone bridges and snowy casing of magical wonders during the wintertime is a fantastic and popular place to film and set movie scenes from filmmakers all around the world. As a public place, it’s easy to go and see the magic for yourself, and you can even book specific movie tours that show you the specific spots where iconic scenes were shot.
Canary Wharf, London
Probably the most used filming location within the UK, the grace of London’s Canary Wharf is found in its beautiful stretches and views of the River Thames, as well as the bustling financial high-rises and modern-era aesthetic.
Several movies have chosen to adorn their pictures with scenes from the world-famous Canary Wharf, chosen for its wonderful backdrop.
Which movies feature Canary Wharf? We’re glad you asked. Among some of the most popular are Love Actually, Rogue One, Batman Begins and Casino Royale.
You can visit Canary Wharf and stay in one its luxury hotels as you explore the bridges, O2 arena and walk the modern streets of the financial district on your search for locations where the best scenes were shot.
Times Square, New York
Another entry in New York, Times Square is one of the most famous places on our list, although not the most popular with filmmakers. Used in over 100 blockbuster movies, the famous area of New York has streets lined with bright buildings, billboards with moving images and an array of beautiful lights to illuminate up the skyline of the big apple.
Movies such as Vanilla Sky, Spider-Man and Birdman have all been filmed in Times Square and you’re free to visit the busy area by yourself or as part of a walking tour.
Coney Island, New York
The location of the Statue of Liberty, Coney Island, is a popular tourist attraction and a well-used choice of filming location for directors and filmmakers. The colourful amusements parks that spread out across the island, as well it’s stretches of beautiful beaches, make it the perfect place for many a movie.
Famous films that have been shot here include Requiem For a Dream, Pi and The Other Guys.
Venice Beach, California
This gorgeous location is one of the most popular locations for movies to be filmed because, well, because it’s beautiful. The sleepy village vibe mixed with an abundance of sunshine (it is in California after all) and the feel and look of a seaside haven are what make Venice Beach the perfect place for several sun-drenched scenes.
With movies such as American Pie, The Big Lebowski, American History X, He’s Just Not That into You and Million Dollar Baby all being filmed here, it’s definitely worth a trip to the seaside wonderland of movie making magic.
Griffith Observatory, California
Prominently featured in films such as La La Land, Jurassic Park, Transformers, Charlie’s Angels, The Terminator and Les Misérables, the Griffith Observatory is a gateway to the cosmos — and to the scenes of outstanding cinema over the years.
It’s scientific use, real-world application and stunning views from Mount Hollywood are what make this popular destination a bit hit with moviemakers.
Trafalgar Square, London
The second entry from the UK, Trafalgar Square, is a very popular and well-known city square in the Trafalgar area of London. Its beautiful fountains and artsy architecture, parkland and wonderful on-camera vibe have made it a popular choice for directors.
With movies such as Love Actually, Wonder Woman, 28 Days Later, Children of Men and Skyfall all featuring scenes at locations within the easy-to-access Trafalgar square, you should definitely put this one on your list of movie filming locations not to miss.
Big Bear Lake, California
An idyllic city in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is a beautiful testament to the natural beauty of California’s landscape. The fish-filled river features in many movies, with its blue waters and surrounding national forest, not to forget the ski resort nearby!
This absolutely stunning filming location has been used in almost 50 big-name movies; utilised for the calm waters, oasis-like views and beautiful landscape in films such as City of Angels, Magnolia, Doctor Dolittle and many more.
Piccadilly Circus, London
Favoured in almost 50 different movies, Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s home to the famous statue of Eros as well as the Piccadilly screens that are reminiscent of Times Square in New York.
The busy junction in the area of Westminster is a popular spot for movie makers thanks to its modern-day look and busy city feel. It’s been featured in Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, 28 Days Later, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Dark Knight.
UCLA, California
UCLA is a world-renowned research university that has been used in over 100 feature films to date. The stunning buildings and art deco feel, as well as its beautiful grounds, make it a relaxing and inspiring place to film in.
With such films as Legally Blonde, Angels & Demons, Hancock and Scream 2 all having scenes here, it’s a popular and interesting location that you should definitely pay a visit to.
— —
How many have you visited in the flesh?
