The most popular filming locations in the world

Unfortunately, a lot of the scenery we see in movies today is computer generated, but there’s no substitute for real life. Even though Hollywood is synonymous with the entertainment industry, you’d be surprised to know that it’s not the world’s most popular filming location. And while the most used locations are indeed in the US and the UK, there are a number of other movie settings you’ll recognize from around the world.

1. Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

This fortified clay village has been the setting of 21 films. It’s the location where Russell Crowe shouts “Are you not entertained?” in the 2000s ‘Gladiator.’

2. Greenwich Village, New York City

Having appeared in flicks like ’13 Going on 30′ (2004) and the iconic ‘Sex and the City,’ this iconic neighborhood has been looked at by moviemakers by all angles.

3. South Bank, London, UK

Home to the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Globe Theatre, London’s South Bank has featured in over 72 films since 2002, including ‘About a Boy’ (2002) and James Bond’s ‘Spectre’ (2015).

4. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

While 21 films have been shot here, Angelina Jolie’s 2001 film ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ was reportedly the first feature to be shot here since the ’60s.

5. Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina and Brazil

There have been 25 productions filmed in this massive waterfall, including 2018’s ‘Black Panther’ and 2008’s ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.’

6. Astoria, New York City

Another popular filming location in NYC, Astoria has been the backdrop of productions like ‘Goodfellas’ (1990), ‘Scent of a Woman’ (1992), and even ‘Orange is the New Black.’

7. Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Ireland

This lush, green estate with a picturesque waterfall has been featured in 26 films, including 1992’s ‘Far and Away,’ starring then-married Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.

8. Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California

Home to the best views in LA, the observatory now boasts a lengthy list of 170 filming credits, including films like ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993) and ‘La La Land’ (2016).

9. Karnak Temple, Luxor, Egypt

This ancient Egyptian complex has appeared in 29 films, including 1977’s ‘The Spy Who Loved Me.’

10. University of California, Los Angeles, California

In the past century, over 280 titles have used UCLA’s campus for filming, making the school a prime location for Hollywood productions.

11. Alexanderplatz, Berlin, Germany

More than 30 films have been shot here, including 2004’s ‘The Bourne Supremacy,’ which shows Matt Damon meeting Julia Stiles beneath the square’s world clock.

12. Praha hlavní nádraží, Prague, Czech Republic

So far, 35 films have used Prague’s main railway station for filming, including 2006’s ‘The Illusionist’ and ‘Casino Royale’ that same year.

13. Williamsburg, New York City

This Brooklyn neighborhood is another popular NYC filming location. Past productions include ‘Don’t Say a Word’ (2001) and ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009).

14. Atacama Desert, Chile

Reportedly the driest place on Earth, 50 movies have been shot here. It has served as a substitute for Mars, and it was also used in 2004’s Che Guevara biopic, ‘The Motorcycle Diaries.’

15. St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy

The town’s main square has been used in over 50 movies, including 2019’s ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ for a battle between the hero and a water monster.