Set-Jetting: Iconic Film & TV Locations Across Seven Decades
Movies and TV series captivate us by transporting viewers to stunning locations worldwide—and even to distant galaxies. While the narratives are often fictional, many of these iconic sets are real-world sites you can visit today.
In celebration of our new book, A Spotter’s Guide to Film and TV Locations, we journey across the globe and through time to spotlight unforgettable locations from beloved films and shows over the past seven decades.
The Fabulous 1950s
Hovs Hallar, Skåne, Sweden – The Seventh Seal, 1957
This striking beach scene radiates natural beauty, evoking the wonders of creation for many. Yet director Ingmar Bergman chose it as the dramatic backdrop for a knight's existential chess match with Death in his profound exploration of faith and meaning.
More 1950s set-jetting spots:
- Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome, Italy – Roman Holiday, 1953
- San Francisco Bay, California, USA – Vertigo, 1958
The Swinging 1960s
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 1968
King Ludwig II's romantic hilltop castle embodies fairy-tale perfection—it even inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle in both the 1959 animated film and theme park. For generations of children, it's best known as the sinister Baron Bomburst's lair in Vulgaria.
More 1960s set-jetting spots:
- The Potter Schoolhouse, Bodega, California, USA – The Birds, 1963
- Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, California, USA – Star Trek, 1966-69
The Psychedelic 1970s
James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), Thailand – The Man with the Golden Gun, 1974
Forever dubbed James Bond Island, this limestone karst haven gained fame when Christopher Lee's villain Scaramanga concealed his 'solex agitator' nearby—complete with a funhouse and hall of mirrors. Best not to overanalyze the Roger Moore-era Bond logic.
More 1970s set-jetting spots:
- Doune Castle, Stirling, Scotland – Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 1975
- Hotel Sidi Driss, Matmâta, Tunisia – Star Wars, 1977
The Awesome 1980s
Silverton, New South Wales, Australia – Mad Max 2, 1981
Silverton, home to just 89 residents, boasts a quintessential outback vibe that has drawn films like Mad Max 2, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), and Wake in Fright (1971). Note: It's depicted as a post-apocalyptic wasteland—visit with caution!
More 1980s set-jetting spots:
- The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland – The Princess Bride, 1987
- Katz’s Delicatessen, New York, USA – When Harry Met Sally, 1989
The Naughty 1990s
Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy – The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999
Ischia's pastel villages shimmering in the Bay of Naples evoke a glamorous 1960s playground for the jet set—perfect for lounging in linen suits, jazz, and darker pursuits like identity theft and murder.
More 1990s set-jetting spots:
- Twede’s Cafe, North Bend, Washington, USA – Twin Peaks, 1990-present
- Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia – Muriel’s Wedding, 1994
The 2000s
Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – City of God, 2002
Fernando Meirelles' gripping drama vividly captures Rio's raw energy, poverty, and violence—a stark reminder of urban struggles, paired with an unbeatable samba soundtrack.
More 2000s set-jetting spots:
- Park Hyatt Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan – Lost in Translation, 2003
- Long Beach, California, USA – Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, 2004
The 2010s
Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England – Downton Abbey, 2010-15
Downton Abbey romanticizes Edwardian England's class structure, where everyone knew their place. Today, the real 17th-century castle—still owned by the Earl of Carnarvon—welcomes visitors on select days.
More 2010s set-jetting spots:
- St James Theatre, Broadway, New York – Birdman, 2014
- Wadi Rum, Jordan – The Martian, 2015
