Motion pictures have the remarkable ability to transport us to distant worlds and immerse us in breathtaking landscapes that seemalmost too beautiful to be real. Some films take this concept to the next level by choosing filming locations that resemble paradise itself. In this walk down memory lane, we take a tour of movies shot in locations that can only be described as heavenly. These films captivate us with their compelling stories and offer a mesmerizing glimpse into some of the most exquisite and unspoiled places, including Thailand, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and other magically tropical locations from our beautiful planet.
10Into the Blue (2005) - Island Bahamas, various
One of Paul Walker and Jessica Alba’s most memorable films,Into the Blue(2005), is an action-thriller directed by John Stockwell. It’s set against the backdrop of the crystal waters of the Bahamas, making the location itself a driving force in the film. The story revolves around a group of young divers who stumble upon a sunken airplane filled with valuable cargo. As they attempt to salvage their discovery, they find themselves tied up in a dangerous web of drug lords and criminals who are also after the treasure.
The film features wondrous underwater sequences and offers audiences a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty of the Bahamas, with its clear blue seas, magical coral reefs, and white sandy beaches.Into the Bluewas primarily shot around Nassau and various islands in the region.
9Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure (1981) - Key Biscayne, Florida
Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure(original titleChi trova un Amico Trova un Tesoro) is a 1981 slapstick adventure comedy from the mind of the great Sergio Corbucci. The movie stars legendary comedic duo Terence Hill and Bud Spencer, who are known for their on-screen chemistry and for starring in some ofthe most successful Spaghetti Westernsof all time.
The film follows the story of two lovable rogues, Alan (Terence Hill) and Charlie (Bud Spencer), who stumble upon a sunken treasure while sailing in the Caribbean. Their discovery sets off a series of comical escapades as they try to retrieve the treasure and fend off various unique characters, including ruthless criminals and beautiful island girls. The movie was shot primarily at the beautiful beaches of Key Biscayne, Florida.
8James Bond: Dr. No (1962) - Jamaica, various
Adapted from Ian Fleming’s bestseller novel,Dr. No(1962), is the first film in the legendaryJames Bondfranchise, directed by Terence Young and starring Sean Connery as the cool and sophisticated British secret agent 007. The film introduces audiences to the world of espionage, high-end gadgets, and international intrigue that would become trademarks in the world of James Bond. The plot centers around Bond’s mission to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow British agent in Jamaica. His journey leads him to the sinister Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), a scientist with apocalyptic plans involving nuclear weapons. As Bond unravels the villain’s schemes, he encounters the seductive Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) and finds himselfbattling through wild scenarios, including the iconic casino scene.
Dr. Nois known for its exotic locations, including Jamaica, where much of the film was shot. This setting also marked the beginning of the Bond franchise’s tradition of showcasing glamorous and exotic locations around the world.
12 Movies Filmed in Exotic Locations
Movies have been filmed in exotic locations all around the world from tropical islands, to Martian-like deserts.
7Return to Paradise (1998) - Philadelphia, Thailand, various
Joseph Ruben’s soul-crushing 1998 dramaReturn to Paradiseexplores the complexities of moral dilemmas and personal responsibility. The film follows the lives of three friends—Sheriff (Vince Vaughn), Lewis (Joaquin Phoenix), and Tony (David Conrad)—who set out on a backpacking adventure in Malaysia. Their lives take a bitter turn when they get in trouble with the law for marijuana possession, and Lewis is sentenced to death while his friends escape persecution.
Return to Paradise"provides a measure of undeniable gravity and ticking-clock suspense," as per Variety Magazine, with filming locations including Hong Kong, Macao, Philadelphia, and magical Thailand.
6King Kong (2005) - New Zealand, various
Following his galactic success withThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, in 2005, Peter Jackson went on to create what is, for many, one ofthe bestKing Kongmotion pictures of all time. The film is a spectacular reimagining of the classic tale of the colossal ape and his unlikely love for a human woman (Naomi Watts, in Jackson’s version). The film pays homage to the original 1933 classic while infusing it with modern cinematic magic and wondrous natural beauty.
Set in the 1930s, the story follows a group of filmmakers and adventurers who sail to the uncharted Skull Island in search of legendary creatures. They encounter the incredible and terrifying Kong, a colossal gorilla who becomes the central protagonist/antagonist of their expedition.King Kongis a visual marvel that was shot primarily in the lush wilderness of New Zealand (as were theLOTRmovies), which stood in for the mysterious Skull Island.
5After the Sunset (2004) - The Bahamas
Starring the wonderful, multi-talented Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek, Brett Ratner’s (most famous for theRush Hourmovies starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan)After the Sunset(2004) is a heist comedy that follows the story of a retired master thief, Max Burdett, and his partner in both crime and life, Lola Cirillo. They retire to a paradisiacal island in the Bahamas after one last heist, stealing a rare diamond of immense value.
The story takes an ugly turn when FBI agent Stan Lloyd (Woody Harrelson) arrives on the island to investigate Max and Lola’s involvement in the theft. As Stan tries to catch them in the act of stealing a second diamond, a game of cat and mouse begins, all happening around the glorious Bahamian landscapes.
450 First Dates (2004) - Hawaii, various
Released in 2004,50 First Datesis a romantic comedy directed by Peter Segal. The film famously stars Adam Sandler as Henry Roth, a marine veterinarian who enjoys a carefree, commitment-free life in Oahu. That is until he meets Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), a woman with short-term memory loss.
Lucy’s condition causes her to forget everything that happened the day before, including any memories of Henry. Unshaken by this obstacle, Henry makes it his life’s mission to win Lucy’s heart anew each day, creating innovative and often hilarious ways to reintroduce himself. Hawaii serves as a calm and stunning setting for the film, with its sunlit landscapes, palmy beaches, and untamed waters providing a heavenly backdrop for this evergreen cinematic love story.
26 Movies Filmed in a Single Location
From apartments to boats and everything in between, here are 26 movies that are filmed (almost) entirely in one location.
3Cast Away (2000) - Monuriki, Fiji
Directed by Academy Award and Golden Globe award-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis,Cast Away(2000) is an immersive survival drama that stars Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive whose life takes an unexpected turn when his plane crashes over the South Pacific, leaving him stranded on a deserted island.
The movie unfolds as Chuck adapts to his harsh new reality, learning to fend for himself, create tools from debris, and befriend a volleyball named Wilson. His struggle for survival becomes a profound journey of self-discovery,testing the limits of human resilience.Cast Awaywas shot on location in several remote destinations, including Monuriki Island in Fiji, which served as the uninhabited island where Chuck finds himself stranded.
2The Heartbreak Kid (2007) - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
A remake of Elaine May’s 1972 version and one of the Farrelly brothers' most wholesome movies,The Heartbreak Kid(2007) is a romantic comedy starring Ben Stiller as Eddie Cantrow, a middle-aged man who impulsively marries the seemingly perfect woman, Lila (Malin Åkerman), only to discover her true personality on their honeymoon. As Eddie realizes he’s made a terrible mistake, he meets Miranda (Michelle Monaghan), a free-spirited and down-to-earth woman who captures his heart. From there ensues true chaos.
Set primarily in Mexico,The Heartbreak Kidtakes advantage of Cabo’s mesmerizing coastal locations. It offers a mix of laughs and cringes as it takes on the complexities of love, marriage, and the quest for happiness.
1The Beach (2000) - Thailand, various
The Beach(2000) drama-thrillerdirected by Danny Boyleand based on Alex Garland’s novel. It takes us on a mind-bending and awe-inspiring journey through paradise turned nightmare. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the role of the young and hungry for adventure Richard, the story follows him as he stumbles upon a hidden and idyllic beach community in Thailand. As Richard and his newfound friends attempt to maintain their secret utopia, tensions rise, and the idyllic paradise begins to turn into hell.
Filmed on location in breathtaking Thai settings, the movie takes us on an unforgettable ride through the pristine beauty of the country. The primary shooting locations included Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phuket, and Krabi, revealing lush jungles, crystal-clear waters, and untouched beaches that seem like a tropical dream. In the years following its release,The Beachbecame a world phenomenon, motivating countless numbers of people to set out on their own adventure to the magical Ko Phi Phi island and relive the heavenly magic of the movie themselves.
