Have you ever watched a movie or series and thought, “Wait—where is that?” Whether it’s an epic battle in a city street, a pirate cove on the high seas, or a dystopian desert showdown, some filming locations leave such a mark that they end up on your travel bucket list. From South Africa’s rising film scenes to some of the world’s most legendary movie sets, here’s how you can take your wanderlust from the screen to the streets.
South Africa – The Unsung star of global cinema
South Africa has quietly become a major player in the film and television world. With its range of landscapes, world-class studios, and lower production costs, it’s attracted everything from Hollywood blockbusters to Netflix series. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan, drama lover, or fantasy buff, you’ll find something familiar in the scenery.
Avengers/Wallpaper.com
Johannesburg: The gritty, futuristic playground
- District 9 (2009) – This Oscar-nominated sci-fi cult classic was filmed in Soweto and downtown Jo’burg, turning the city into an alien-infested zone that felt all too real.
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – Remember when Iron Man and Hulk caused street chaos? Yep, that battle happened in central Johannesburg.
- Chappie (2015) – A futuristic Jo’burg was the perfect setting for this action-packed story about AI, gangsters, and survival.
Cape Town: Pirates, spies & high-octane action
- Black Sails (2014–2017) – An entire pirate town was built at Cape Town Film Studios, bringing the golden age of piracy to life.
- Tomb Raider (2018) – Cape Town stood in for Hong Kong in this globe-trotting reboot starring Alicia Vikander.
- Safe House (2012) – Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds brought high-stakes drama to Cape Town’s city streets and gritty urban backdrops.
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The Wild Side: Raw landscapes on the big screen
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – While mostly filmed in Namibia, parts of this post-apocalyptic masterpiece bled into South Africa’s desert-scapes.
- Blood Diamond (2006) – The Drakensberg Mountains doubled for war-torn Sierra Leone in this gripping drama led by Leonardo DiCaprio.
- The Kissing Booth trilogy (2018–2021) – This Netflix teen sensation was filmed along the Garden Route and in various parts of Cape Town, offering a sunnier, rom-com view of SA.
The Wheel of Time/Wikipedia
South Africa’s newest film & TV stars
It’s not just throwbacks—South Africa is still very much in demand for new productions:
- White Lies (2024) – This glossy British-South African miniseries stars Natalie Dormer and was filmed in Cape Town’s elite suburb of Bishopscourt. Think: drama, mystery, and lush cityscapes.
- Street Trash (2025) – A grungy remake of the 1987 cult horror film, now set in a dystopian Cape Town where society has decomposed.
- The Wheel of Time (2021– ) – Amazon’s fantasy epic shot several episodes in and around Cape Town, blending the country’s dramatic backdrops into its sprawling magical world.
- Black Mirror (selected episodes) – Even this British dystopian anthology couldn’t resist Cape Town’s modern, eerie vibe. Keep an eye out—you might spot familiar streets behind all that tech terror.
Picture/Tourist Journey
Global hotspots for film lovers
Of course, movie magic doesn’t end at our borders. Here are a few global filming locations worth travelling for:
Fantasy worlds that feel real
- Hobbiton, New Zealand – Step into the Shire with a visit to the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit set.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – You’ve walked these streets before—just as a Lannister or a Stark. Game of Thrones turned this medieval city into King’s Landing.
- Scotland & England – From Hogwarts’ Great Hall to Diagon Alley, Harry Potter fans will find plenty to geek out about in Oxford and Edinburgh.
Action & adventure across the globe
- Paris, France – Mission: Impossible – Relive Tom Cruise’s stunts at iconic Paris landmarks.
- Italy, London & Jamaica – James Bond – Trace 007’s trail through these glamorous and action-packed locales.
- Hawaii – Jurassic Park – Explore the rainforests where dinosaurs once (cinematically) roamed.
Artem Maltseve/Unsplash
How to make it a movie-inspired trip
Want to dive deeper than a quick photo op? Here’s how to turn your cinematic wanderlust into a full experience:
- Take a studio tour
Walk through film sets at Warner Bros. Studios in London (Harry Potter), Universal Studios in LA (Jurassic Park), or Cape Town Film Studios (Black Sails, Warrior).
- Join a guided movie tour
Book walking tours in Game of Thrones’ Dubrovnik or embark on Lord of the Rings expeditions in New Zealand. South Africa? You might just have to DIY your district-to-desert journey.
- Sleep like a star
Many film and series locations are available to rent on Airbnb—whether it’s Bella Swan’s house from Twilight or a castle from Game of Thrones, there’s no reason your holiday can’t be Oscar-worthy.
Ready to travel like a movie star?
Whether you’re into rom-coms, thrillers, fantasy epics, or high-octane action, movie tourism offers an unforgettable way to explore the world. And with South Africa playing such a huge role both past and present, there’s never been a better time to discover your slice of film history—right in your backyard or far, far away.
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