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As the Oscars approach this weekend, the true stars aren’t only the performers and filmmakers. Iconic global locations add their own cinematic charm and enchantment to the movies we love.
As the 97th Academy Awards approaches, recent findings from film location specialists at Giggster have unveiled the perennially favorite filming spots across the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world.
Spanning from the shores of California and the bustling heart of downtown London to the towering skyscrapers of Sydney and the historic arena of Rome’s Colosseum, these settings have captivated directors for over a hundred years, serving as the stage for many of film history’s most iconic scenes.
Away from merely serving as well-known locations in film productions, these places are also favored travel spots that attract tourists keen on personally encountering these legendary scenes and following the paths trodden by cinematic icons.
Which locations have appeared in the highest number of movies?
Not surprisingly, the destinations with the highest number of film productions are located in California, where Hollywood resides.
California Has been featured in over 380,000 movies. These weren’t confined solely to Hollywood. For instance, 'Sideways', an independent film celebrated for showcasing the vineyards of Santa Barbara, alongside Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful tale ' Vertigo' set in San Francisco, demonstrate how California has served as a setting for numerous Academy Award-winning or nominated productions.
In both the United States and globally, New York ranks second place, featuring over 294,000 movies situated within the Empire State. Many of these, which include iconic films like 'Taxi Driver' and the classic 'King Kong,' showcase New York City specifically — totaling an impressive 273,569 instances indeed.
Outside of the United States —excluding India’s Bollywood, which was not included in the study— the UK stands as the second largest location for film production. At the top of this ranking is London, featuring in approximately 77,500 films, over three times the amount recorded for Manchester, the next prominent filming site within the UK with around 22,710 productions.
Iconic landmarks in Sydney, Paris, and Italy steal the spotlight
The most photographed monument globally, excluding those in the US and UK, isn't the Eiffel Tower Or think of the Roman Colosseum. In Australia, it’s the iconic Sydney Opera House.
The iconic Sydney structure has been featured in more than 160 films. UNESCO World Heritage Site Has been used as a setting in movies spanning various genres, from romance-comedy to action-thrillers, such as 'Anyone But You' and 'Pacific Rim: Uprisings'.
The second most prominent spot goes to the Eiffel Tower, appearing in 158 films. This worldwide symbol of romance and exploration appears frequently in numerous classic love stories such as 'Midnight in Paris' and 'Amélie'.
While filmmakers aren’t solely drawn to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum ranks third with 110 movies featuring it, and the Arc de Triomphe claims tenth place with 73 appearances. This solidifies Paris’ status as a beloved destination for filmmakers, mirroring the preferences of the city’s 50 million yearly tourists who also frequent these iconic sites.
However, Italy leads with the greatest number of frequently filmed landmarks. The nation has six sites on this list, which includes the Colosseum - memorialized in 'Gladiator' - the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the ruins of Pompeii This makes it an ideal location for those aiming to maximize their set-jetting opportunities in one go.
The world’s most filmed destinations
Giggster’s research includes multiple unexpected film locations. For instance, Madrid Has featured in the highest number of movie scenes, apart from those set in American and British locations.
Maybe due to its blend of historic buildings and more than 300 sunny days annually, Madrid has been featured in approximately 55,000 movies, such as 'The Bourne Ultimatum' and 'Spartacus'.
On a national scale, Argentina secures the number one position as the most depicted nation in movies, appearing in over 112,000 film titles. Whether it’s the wild terrains of Patagonia or the vibrant avenues of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires , its diversity has attracted the producers of films such as ‘Evita’, the Eva Perón biopic, and ‘Seven Years in Tibet’, a movie about the Dalai Lama starring Brad Pitt.
Where were the nominees for the Best Picture award at the 2025 Academy Awards filmed?
The lead romantic comedy 'Anora' primarily takes place in Brooklyn, highlighting recognizable spots like Coney Island, though various scenes also unfold in Las Vegas.
'The Brutalist,' featuring Adrien Brody, was filmed in Budapest and Tuscany.
Even though Bob Dylan is frequently linked to New York, his biographical film titled 'A Complete Unknown,' featuring Timothée Chalamet, was filmed in adjacent New Jersey.
'Conclave,' a political suspense film centered around the process of selecting a new pope—and a strong contender as an underdog for Best Picture—was filmed in Rome and includes a reproduction of the Sistine Chapel.
Thinking about planning your next vacation inspired by your favorite film? Think about considering a visit to its filming locations. train journey capturing Europe's most film-worthy views.
