Jessie is your basic nature lover with a particular interest in all things water. From the high peaks of the Himalaya's to the lush depths of the Amazon, she's hiked some of the the world's greatest trails.
Iceland movies display the most incredible nature on Earth. With vast stretches of glaciers, volcanoes, and rugged coastline, it’s no wonder Iceland is a prime film destination.
From blockbuster hits like James Bond to the world-famous TV series Game of Thrones, Iceland has become a major stomping ground for major film productions. Here are the 10 best TV shows and movies filmed in Iceland:
1. The James Bond Series
Two of the famous James Bond movies have been filmed in Iceland. Numerous scenes from installments 14 and 20 of the movie series were filmed in top locations including Vatnajokull Glacier and Hofn Town. One of the most notable moments includes a thrilling car chase across Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
2. The Star Wars Saga
Iceland’s out-of-this-world landscapes have been the perfect film set for many Star Wars movies. The country’s epic scenery has been featured in films such as Rogue One and The Force Awakens. Icelandic scenery was used to recreate fictional planets such as Hoth and Eadu. Star Wars film sets include top Icelandic nature such as Eyjafjallajökull, Svínafellsjökull, and Lake Myvatn.
3. The Game of Thrones Series
The Game of Thrones series has featured multiple Icelandic landmarks throughout the course of its filming. Icelandic landscapes were used to represent important fictional locations. Iceland films locations include Thingvellir National Park, the “Land Beyond the Wall” featured in the series.
4. Tomb Raider
One of the best-known films set in Iceland, the action movie Tomb Raider features a scene filmed on Iceland’s South Coast. Keep an eye out for Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon representing a remote Siberian village in the movie.
5. Batman Begins
Another one of the best movies set in Iceland, Batman Begins used Icelandic landscapes to depict the South Asian nation of Bhutan. In the film, a sword fight is shot on Svínafellsjökull Glacier, an epic outlet glacier located on Iceland’s South Coast.
6. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is another famous fantasy film made in Iceland. Most of the film’s best shots, including the iconic longboarding scene, are located in the country. A few of the movie locations are Vatnajökull National Park, Höfn, and Stykkishólmur.
7. Oblivion
The science fiction film Oblivion incorporates Iceland’s stunning nature as a backdrop for its post-apocalyptic scenes. Take note of beautiful Iceland film locations such as Hrossaborg Crater in Northeast Iceland and Jarlhettur in the Icelandic Highlands.
8. Interstellar
Interstellar is yet another blockbuster hit filmed in various locations in Iceland. The movie’s film set took place in Máfabót, a low land between the Atlantic Ocean and Iceland’s Skafta River. Svínafellsjökull Glacier also features as a backdrop for Interstellar.
9. Fast & Furious 8
The 8th Fast & Furious action film features a thrilling car chase scene in North Iceland. Keep your eyes peeled for the otherworldly landscape of Lake Mývatn, where a car drives over the lake’s frozen water. A Russian submarine is also included in the Lake Mývatn scene.
10. The Tree of Life
Though Icelandic nature is only shown briefly, The Tree of Life is one of the most beautiful movies to take place in Iceland. The film’s brilliant scenes depicting the creation of life feature the majestic Krafla Volcano region in North Iceland.
Want to take a trip to Iceland’s top film locations? Hop in a car and take a 10-day road trip to see Iceland’s top landmarks featured in the Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and more!
