Cinematic paradise: Movies filmed in Croatia (and series, too)

Croatia is renowned for its stunning variety of landscapes and rich architectural heritage. From the rugged, dramatic coastlines to the quaint, cobblestoned streets of ancient towns, the country offers an array of visually captivating settings.

As of late, Croatia has also emerged as a picturesque backdrop for several popular television series and movies; its stunning locales provide a real-world canvas for fantasy, adventure and drama.

Unsurprisingly, worldwide production would have their movies filmed in Croatia, as Croatia is an ideal spot for production. Secluded and beautiful.

We have to mention Croatia as an excellent location for myriad series that have been filmed here, as well.

Some more known, some less, we give you the list of 5 movies filmed in Croatia and 5 television series that found Croatia as a perfect location.

One location has stood out as the most popular filming location. Can you guess which one?

 

Did you know? These movies are filmed in Croatia!

Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, the much-anticipated sequel in the action-comedy genre, featuring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek, is a thrilling yet humorous movie.

This blockbuster utilized the stunning vistas of Croatia to enhance its dynamic plot. The film's journey spanned various Croatian locales, from Rovinj's historic cobblestone pathways to Zagreb's energetic urban scenes.

It also showcased the picturesque towns of Buje and Rijeka, each adding unique flavours to the film's aesthetic.

Notably, the Blue Grotto, the breathtaking cave on the island of Biševo, known for its mesmerizing natural beauty, served as a dramatic and visually captivating setting.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a unique blend of comedy and action, stars Nicolas Cage in a role that's a meta-reflection of his own career. Set against the lush backdrop of Dubrovnik, the film harnesses the historic city's natural beauty and architectural grandeur to enhance its visual narrative.

This setting perfectly complements the movie's self-referential humour and thrilling plot. Cage, playing a version of himself, and Pedro Pascal, his co-star, find themselves in a series of absurd situations.

The picturesque surroundings of Dubrovnik add an extra layer of charm to the film. At the same time, some of its scenes, particularly those featuring Cage and Pascal, have gained internet fame, turning into widely shared memes.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a pivotal instalment in the legendary Star Wars saga, ventured to the historic city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, to create the visually stunning Canto Bight. This affluent casino city, a hub of the galaxy's elite, was vividly brought to life through Dubrovnik's unique blend of ancient charm and modern aesthetics.

The city's architecture provided an ideal setting that mirrored Canto Bight's luxurious and otherworldly atmosphere, enhancing the film's rich interstellar narrative.

As characters navigated through high-stakes adventures in this opulent setting, Dubrovnik's transformation added a layer of authenticity and grandeur to the movie, perfectly encapsulating the fantastical yet relatable universe that Star Wars is renowned for.

This choice of location contributed significantly to the film's immersive experience, blending the old-world feel with the futuristic aspects of the Star Wars universe.

Robin Hood

"Robin Hood," the 2018 movie starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, and Jamie Dornan, reimagines the timeless legend of the English outlaw hero in a fresh, dynamic way.

For this adaptation, the production team selected the stunning city of Dubrovnik to serve as the backdrop for the medieval world of Robin Hood. Dubrovnik's distinctive and well-preserved historical architecture provided the perfect setting to portray the film's rendition of Nottingham, blending the old-world charm with the narrative's action-packed and adventurous spirit.

This choice of location added depth and authenticity to the movie, immersing viewers in a world where Robin Hood, played by Egerton, alongside Foxx's Little John and Dornan's Will Scarlet, embodying the spirit of rebellion and justice that has kept the legend alive through the centuries.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the eagerly awaited sequel to the beloved musical film, turned to the picturesque island of Vis in Croatia to stand in for its idyllic Greek island setting.

This Hollywood blockbuster, filled with catchy ABBA songs and a star-studded cast, including Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, embraced the natural beauty of Croatia's Adriatic coast. With its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Vis perfectly captured the sequel's vibrant and romantic atmosphere.

The film's joyful exploration of love, friendship, and family ties was set against this stunning Mediterranean backdrop, and the choice of Vis enhanced the film's visual appeal. It highlighted the versatility and allure of Croatian landscapes, both to filmmakers and global audiences.

 

 

Have you watched these hits? Series Filmed in Croatia.

Succession

Gripping and riveting are two words to describe Succession, a satirical comedy-drama television series in simple words.

Succession, the saga of the Roy family's tumultuous power dynamics, found its perfect season two finale setting on the breathtaking island of Korčula in Croatia.

The crystal-clear Adriatic waters and the island's old-world charm framed the series plot as the Roy family's complex story unfolded aboard a sumptuous yacht.

The luxurious vessel and Korčula's serene beauty juxtaposed the high-stakes drama, visually amplifying the emotional undercurrents of betrayal, ambition, and familial bonds that define the series.

The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time, Amazon's adaptation of Robert Jordan's acclaimed fantasy series, embarked on a European journey showcasing Croatia's sprawling Velebit mountains. This location seamlessly mirrors the expansive and rugged terrains of the novels' universe.

As the cast and crew traversed this dramatic landscape, the Velebits' towering peaks and lush valleys became an authentic backdrop that brought the epic narrative to life.

The natural splendour of Croatia's largest mountain range lends a sense of scale and grandiosity to the Wheel of Time's mythical world, further immersing audiences in its adventure and mystique.

The Witcher

The Witcher evolved from the realm of literary fantasy of Andrzej Sapkowski's captivating book series into a global television phenomenon, marking a significant chapter in modern storytelling.

Not too long ago, this transition from page to screen brought to life a rich tapestry of characters and adventures, led by the enigmatic Geralt of Rivia, portrayed by Henry Cavill.

In its pursuit of mesmerizing landscapes to match the series' mystical essence, the production of "The Witcher" set its sights on the scenic Krk island in Croatia for filming key segments of its third season.

It highlighted Croatia's scenic beauty as an ideal setting for epic storytelling.

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Gordon Ramsay, synonymous with culinary brilliance and televised gastronomic adventures, embarked on an extraordinary journey in his series, "Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted."

Renowned for revealing the hidden facets of food and dining cultures globally, Ramsay, in this series, dives into the culinary traditions of various countries.

In the captivating episode "Croatia's Coastal Adventure," he explores the pristine Istrian peninsula. Immersing himself in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Ramsay hunts for the freshest seafood.

He also traverses the lush Croatian countryside, uncovering the region's rich culinary heritage. This episode not only highlights the unique flavours of Croatia but also shows Ramsay's relentless pursuit of culinary discovery, blending local cooking techniques with his renowned flair.

 

Game of Thrones

And yes – we have saved the best for last. The now iconic fantasy series found its real-world Westeros in the heart of Croatia – and all the series' fans know this fact.

Starting in its second season, the historic grandeur of Dubrovnik, with its timeless walls and the commanding Fort Lovrijenac, became the stone and mortar of King's Landing, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms.

With its medieval architecture, this picturesque coastal city was an ideal stand-in for the show's narrative, creating an authentic and palpable sense of place.

Beyond the capital's confines, the verdant Trsteno Arboretum flourished as the opulent gardens of House Tyrell.

Further afield, the ancient Roman grandiosity of Diocletian's Palace in Split and the medieval Klis Fortress perched above served as various locales, including the streets of Meereen.

These Croatian sites lent their majestic beauty to "Game of Thrones," contributing to the show's spellbinding aesthetic, entrancing viewers, and maintaining a visual feast that extended into the series' fourth and sixth seasons.

By now, you have surely noticed one recurring name in this whole text and among all these movies and series.

Yes, you are correct – it's Dubrovnik. This old town, full of secluded alleys and fine monuments, rich with culture, has become the go-to location for the movie-making world.

This fact is not surprising to us – as Old Town Dubrovnik is a unique place and has a special place in Croatian history.

It seems like today, the city is the best commercial for Croatian tourism as many people visit the city to enjoy its picturesque beauty.

But if you have the chance to sail around Dubrovnik, take it. This will be an unforgettable experience.