Find Movie Locations: 6 Websites to Track Down Film Sets

The Allure of Movie Tourism: Exploring Filming Locations

Films have consistently sparked a sense of wonder and inspired travel, often leaving viewers captivated by the landscapes they portray. The sheer beauty showcased in cinematic productions frequently evokes a desire to experience these locations firsthand.

Consider the idyllic south of France featured in ‘A Good Year’ – a film that charmed audiences with its relaxed rhythm and stunning scenery. The appeal of such places is undeniable, prompting thoughts of a similar lifestyle.

Films like ‘The Sound of Music’ (Austria) and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy (New Zealand) have similarly fueled travel aspirations, adding destinations to countless itineraries.

Ten Destinations for Movie Buffs and Travelers

For those who enjoy combining a passion for film with a love of travel – a practice now commonly referred to as movie tourism – numerous locations offer immersive experiences. Below are ten sites celebrated for their appearances in popular movies.

• Bonnieux, France: Featured in ‘A Good Year’, this picturesque village embodies the charm of the Provençal countryside.
• Salzburg, Austria: The backdrop for ‘The Sound of Music’, Salzburg offers tours exploring iconic filming locations.
• New Zealand: The breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand served as the primary setting for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies.

These destinations represent just a small selection of the many places around the globe that have benefited from their on-screen exposure. The impact of film on travel continues to grow, inspiring individuals to explore the world through the lens of their favorite movies.

The desire to visit these locations stems from a longing to connect with the stories and visuals that have resonated with us. Movie tourism provides a unique opportunity to step into the worlds we’ve seen on screen.

Where Was It Filmed (Beta)

A seemingly straightforward search engine dedicated to pinpointing film locations globally is, in reality, a website driven by user contributions. This platform empowers users to discover where their favorite movies were shot.

Contributing and Earning

Users are not only able to search for locations but can also actively participate by submitting their own findings. Points are awarded for both contributions and for validating submissions made by fellow users.

Navigating the Database

The site features an alphabetical index of locations, which is continually expanding. This allows for easy browsing and discovery of filming sites.

Visual Location Mapping

As demonstrated on the interface, each location is conveniently displayed on a Google Map. This provides a clear visual representation of where scenes were captured.

The platform effectively combines search functionality with a collaborative community, offering a comprehensive resource for movie enthusiasts.

Movie Locations

This platform positions itself as a comprehensive resource for discovering filming locations globally.

Beyond its professional presentation, the site contains a substantial and continually refreshed database.

It’s enhanced with unique location photography, interesting trivia, relevant links, and practical travel information.

Key Features

• A world map is included to visually represent the locations.
• Users can explore content by movie title.
• Searching by actor's name is also supported.

The site offers a wealth of information for film enthusiasts and travel planners alike.

Its consistent updates and detailed content make it a valuable tool for anyone interested in visiting locations featured in their favorite films.

Movie Locations Guide [No Longer Available]

A website sharing a similar name to a previously mentioned resource offers a slightly less extensive collection of film locations.

However, it distinguishes itself by incorporating supplementary features.

Unique Features

• Google Earth integration allows users to visualize locations on a virtual globe.
• A location quiz is provided to test and stimulate memory.

While the database of covered films isn't particularly large, and the site appears to be inactive in terms of updates, it still presents a worthwhile experience for enthusiasts.

Despite its limitations, the resource remains an engaging exploration for those interested in discovering where their favorite movies were filmed.

Film Maps

Filmmaps is a resource we’ve included in our directory, distinguished by its specific focus on movie tourism. The platform currently catalogs an impressive 4304 film locations sourced from 1861 different films.

Key Features

Users have the option to register and connect using their Facebook accounts, enabling them to contribute and expand the database by adding their own favorite films and associated locations.

The site offers several ways to explore its content. Visitors can browse Popular Locations, discover Featured Films, or navigate by country to pinpoint filming sites.

Planning Travel

The country-specific breakdown is particularly useful for travel planning. Each country is further subdivided into regions, detailing the films that were shot within those areas.

This granular level of detail can be invaluable when organizing trips abroad, allowing you to identify and visit locations featured in your preferred movies.

IMDb

Returning to a consistently reliable resource for film information, IMDb remains a premier destination for movie enthusiasts. While numerous websites focus on cinema, IMDb functions as a comprehensive encyclopedia of film data.

A powerful search engine, accessible via the Advanced Search page, is a key feature. This allows users to specifically locate films based on their shooting locations.

Location Matching

IMDb provides a unique location matching function. This feature displays a complete list of all other movies filmed at a specified location, enabling exploration of cinematic connections.

Users can discover which productions shared the same filming sites, adding another layer of interest to their movie research.

The platform’s extensive database and specialized search tools make it invaluable for anyone interested in the geographical aspects of filmmaking.

Wikipedia

Utilizing Google to search for a film's title commonly prioritizes IMDb in the results, followed closely by Wikipedia.

A comprehensive examination of many films, including specifics regarding filming locations, can often be found on Wikipedia.

It may require some focused reading, as location details aren't always directly listed under a dedicated 'Production' section.

Refer to the provided screenshot for an example; the film in question should be readily identifiable.

Exploring Movie Locations Through Data

For a broad survey of movie locations spanning a century of filmmaking, drawing data from IMDb, consider exploring 100 Years of Set Locations - 2,001 Films Mapped.

A Passion for Film and Travel

Discovering renowned film locations is a particularly enjoyable pursuit for those passionate about cinema.

This enjoyment is amplified for individuals who also share a love for travel.

Do you identify as both a movie enthusiast and a travel buff?

Have you ever intentionally organized a journey to visit a location featured in a favorite film?

We invite you to share your experiences and favorite spots with us.

Image Credit: Wikipedia