Chasing Movie Magic: Exploring Iconic Filming Locations Around the World
From the bustling streets of New York to the lush landscapes of New Zealand, discover how your favorite movies and TV shows can inspire your next travel adventure.
Movies and TV shows transport us to far-off lands, bustling city streets, and sometimes even entirely different worlds, all from the comfort of our couches. But what if you could step onto the very streets, parks, or castles where these magical moments were created? In this episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner takes us on a globe-trotting journey through some of the most iconic and unexpected filming locations. Here’s how your screen obsessions can shape your ultimate travel destinations.
The Allure of Filming Locations: More Than Just a Visit
There’s something enchanting about walking in the footsteps of beloved characters or seeing a famous movie landmark up close. Filming locations offer fans the chance to see the magic of storytelling manifest in real life. Whether you plan an entire trip around your favorite series or stumble upon a site during your travels, these spots invite a unique kind of connection to the stories you love.
Hollywood and Beyond: Classic American Film Destinations
Los Angeles and Studio Tours
California’s allure to filmmakers is undeniable, with the state boasting over 380,000 movies filmed there. In LA, iconic sites like Griffith Park, home to the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, have appeared in classics like Rebel Without a Cause, La La Land, and Back to the Future. Studios such as Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios offer diverse tours, allowing fans an insider look at active sets, famous backlots, and storied history.
New York City: Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Filmed
New York State is a cinematic powerhouse, second only to California, with nearly all of its movies shot in NYC’s recognizable neighborhoods. Central Park alone has starred in hundreds of titles, from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to The Avengers. Popular shows like Only Murders in the Building film in Amanda’s old neighborhood, the Upper West Side, making the city a living, breathing set.
Atlanta: Hollywood of the South
Georgia’s generous tax incentives have attracted major productions, especially in the Atlanta area. Shows like Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, and several MCU films use the city’s suburbs, schools, and small towns as backdrops. Jackson, Georgia now has a dedicated Stranger Things tour and fan store, offering immersive fan experiences in this area that served as downtown Hawkins, Indiana on the show.
Unexpected Filming Hotspots
Vancouver: Hollywood North
Vancouver, BC, stands in for both Canadian and American towns, seen in movies like Elf and shows like Virgin River (which Amanda highly recommends for its beautiful scenery and compelling characters). A haven for Hallmark Christmas movies, its versatility keeps it busy year-round. Several tours are offered, including a Hollywood North Experience tour.Â
Milwaukee and Beyond
Who knew Major League and Bridesmaids had strong ties to Milwaukee? Thanks to local insight, Amanda reveals that even less obvious locations can play starring roles in cinematic history.
International Adventures in Movie-Land
London and Paris: European Classics
London’s stately landmarks appear in everything from Harry Potter to James Bond, with specialty tours for every interest. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must-do for Harry Potter fans. The Old Royal Naval College features in Les Misérables, Pirates of the Caribbean, and hit series like The Crown. Across the Channel, Paris dazzles in Amelie, The Da Vinci Code, and Netflix’s Emily in Paris.
Scotland, Ireland, and Morocco: Epic Landscapes
Dramatic vistas in Scotland’s Highlands form the backdrop for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express, while Morocco’s Atlas Studios reimagines landscapes for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Aladdin. These sweeping environments are as much characters as the people in the stories themselves.
New Zealand: Middle-earth Awaits
No destination is more synonymous with fantasy than New Zealand, the real-world home to Hobbiton and countless scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Tours here are a dream for Tolkien fans, with every hill and valley recognizable from the movies.
Plan Your Own Movie-Inspired Journey
From Hawaii’s lush backdrops for Jurassic Park and Lost, to real castles in England featured in Downton Abbey, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next trip. Whether traveling solo or with fellow fans, exploring filming locations promises new layers of adventure and belonging.
Kualoa Ranch in Oahu offers tours through Jurassic Valley. Back in Episode 091, Josh Fiedler joined Amanda to share his review of his first stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort. Josh is a huge Jurassic Park fan, so of course he and his husband toured Kualoa Ranch, also discussed on this episode.
For Downton Abbey fans, check out Visit Britain’s guide to the various filming locations around England.
One of Amanda’s all-time favorite TV shows is Ted Lasso. Richmond is a neighborhood in London where much of Ted Lasso is filmed. There are many Ted Lasso tours offered, or go explore solo. The Original Ted Lasso tour is highly rated.Â
Ready for more?
To join Amanda and other magic-seekers on group trips (like Dollywood or cruising the Seine), and for links and resources on planning your own film-inspired adventure, visit Me and the Magic Events.