The Most Iconic Movie Set Filming Destinations

Film fans and travelers alike have long been drawn to visiting the real-world places where some of cinema’s most iconic scenes were filmed. From exotic fantasy lands to ordinary neighborhood streets, the locations where our favorite movies were shot have taken on almost as much cinematic magic as the films themselves. 

Below we’ll explore some of the most legendary filming destinations that have become pilgrimage sites for film buffs and tourists through the years. Grab your camera and movie memory checklist as we embark on a journey to these iconic cinematic hotspots.

Forrest Gump: Savannah, Georgia

The sweeping Savannah, Georgia landscapes shown in Forrest Gump provide the nostalgic backdrop for many of the film’s pivotal scenes. Most famous is the park bench where Forrest narrates his life story to various strangers while waiting for the bus. The bench scene in Forrest Gump is where one of the most famous wisdom quotes was said: “My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”. This iconic Chippewa Square park bench is located in Savannah’s Historic District and represents a memorable landmark for fans visiting the city.

Other recognizable Savannah spots seen in the film include the grand Live Oak trees draped in Spanish moss that Forrest runs through, as well as the picturesque Savannah streetscapes from the scene where Forrest meets Jenny again as an adult. Touring the Savannah sights seen in Forrest Gump allows fans to reminisce about the film’s meaningful moments and charming Southern scenery.

Harry Potter: Oxford, England

The ancient university city of Oxford provided the magical backdrop for many of the Harry Potter films’ most memorable scenes. Locations like the Bodleian Library and Divinity School at Oxford University were used as interior shots for the Hogwarts School library and infirmary. Fans can take Harry Potter walking tours around Oxford to see these iconic filming sites and experience the Gothic inspiration behind Hogwarts.

Another top Oxford Harry Potter site is the Christ Church dining hall, which served as the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall with its long wooden tables and lit candles. Visitors can even grab a meal in the dining hall to feel like a Hogwarts student themselves. Oxford offers Harry Potter devotees an enchanting chance to step into the wizarding world.

The Sound of Music: Salzburg, Austria

The hills are alive in Salzburg, Austria, the scenic filming location for the beloved musical The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews famously frolicked across the Alpine meadows and gardens of Hellbrunn Palace on the outskirts of Salzburg while singing the film’s iconic title track. Fans of the classic movie can recreate this scene and more by visiting the palace grounds, as well as the Mirabell Gardens where the children infamously fell into the lake while singing “Do-Re-Mi.”

In Salzburg’s old town, visitors can also see other Sound of Music sites like the Domquartier, whose courtyard appeared in the “Something Good” number between Maria and Captain Von Trapp. From the Alps to the Abbey, Salzburg offers a sweeping cinematic landscape for Sound of Music devotees.

Lord of the Rings: New Zealand

Few filming destinations have become as synonymous with a movie franchise as New Zealand has with The Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson’s epic Tolkien trilogy found its Middle Earth home across the variated landscapes of New Zealand. From the ethereal peaks of the Southern Alps to the rolling hills of Matamata, the country provided a fantastical realm for Frodo and company to traverse.

Some of the most recognizable Lord of the Rings spots include Hobbiton, the ridiculously picturesque hobbit village set near Matamata. Fans can tour the Shire’s quaint hobbit holes, mill, and other sites straight from the films. Other highlights are the Misty Mountains near Queenstown and Mt. Sunday, which served as sleepy Hobbiton’s party tree backdrop. New Zealand truly delivered mythic grandeur to match Tolkien’s fantasy masterwork.

Rocky: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

No city is more identified with the ultimate underdog Rocky Balboa than Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—the gritty urban center where Sylvester Stallone’s fictional boxer chases his heavyweight champion dreams. From the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art steps where Rocky runs in celebration to the down-and-out South Philly neighborhoods, the city bleeds Rocky.

Other prominent Philadelphia Rocky locations include the Victor Café, where Rocky flirts with Adrian over pasta, and the Spectrum sports arena where Rocky fights Apollo Creed. Philly natives and tourists can visit Rocky filming sites throughout the city on walking or segway tours. Running up those Museum steps and seeing Rocky’s streets allows fans to connect with the humble heart and scrappy spirit of this beloved character.

Visiting the places where our beloved movies unfolded on the big screen lets us further immerse ourselves in their magical world. From scenic natural vistas to urban city streets, iconic filming destinations let us nostalgically relive our favorite cinematic moments. So, grab some popcorn and start planning your cinematic pilgrimage to these legendary real-world movie sites.