Iceland, a land of dramatic landscapes and ethereal beauty, has captivated filmmakers from around the world. Its unique combination of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and otherworldly terrains has made it a sought-after destination for filmmakers looking to create visually stunning and unforgettable movies. In this blog post, we will take you on a cinematic journey through Iceland, exploring ten remarkable films that were shot amidst its breathtaking locations.
- Game of Thrones (2011-2019): The epic fantasy series, “Game of Thrones,” showcased Iceland’s raw and untamed landscapes. Locations such as the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, the vast lava fields of Dimmuborgir, and the icy beauty of Vatnajökull Glacier provided the backdrop for scenes beyond the Wall, capturing the essence of the show’s frozen and mystical world.
- Interstellar (2014): Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Interstellar” depicted a futuristic Earth and distant planets. Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, particularly Svínafellsjökull Glacier and the basalt columns of Reynisfjara, represented alien planets and desolate worlds, adding to the film’s sense of grandeur and wonder.
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013): Starring Ben Stiller, this adventure-comedy film showcased Iceland’s diverse beauty. Locations such as the iconic Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the rugged terrain of Þórsmörk, and the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur provided a stunning backdrop for Walter Mitty’s whimsical journey.
- Prometheus (2012): Ridley Scott’s science fiction thriller utilized Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes to depict an alien planet. The eerie rock formations of Hverir and the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón created an atmospheric and visually captivating setting, transporting audiences to a distant and mysterious world.
- Tomb Raider (2018): The reboot of the popular video game franchise brought Lara Croft’s adventures to Iceland. The rugged and remote landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, provided a sense of awe and danger, perfectly capturing the essence of the Tomb Raider world.
- Oblivion (2013): Starring Tom Cruise, this post-apocalyptic sci-fi film utilized Iceland’s desolate landscapes to depict a ravaged Earth. The volcanic terrain of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including the iconic Blue Lagoon, added a sense of desolation and beauty to the film’s dystopian setting.
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015): The iconic Star Wars franchise found its way to Iceland, utilizing its otherworldly landscapes. The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón and the volcanic regions of Mývatn showcased the planet of Starkiller Base, transporting audiences to a galaxy far, far away.
- Everest (2015): This gripping adventure film depicted the real-life tragedy of a climbing expedition on Mount Everest. Iceland’s rugged and glacier-covered landscapes, particularly the Svínafellsjökull Glacier and the highlands of Landmannalaugar, served as stand-ins for the majestic Himalayas, adding a sense of authenticity to the film.
- Thor: The Dark World (2013): Marvel’s superhero film brought the God of Thunder to Iceland. The majestic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, with its dramatic rift valley, and the volcanic regions of Dimmuborgir provided a mythical and awe-inspiring setting for Thor’s adventures.
- The Secret Life of Pets (2016): In this animated comedy, Iceland’s vibrant capital city, Reykjavik, served as the backdrop for the lively and bustling city life. The colorful streets and unique architecture added a touch of whimsy to the film’s charming story of pets’ secret lives.
Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes have attracted filmmakers from around the world, providing a stunning backdrop for a wide range of films. From the icy realms of “Game of Thrones” to the alien worlds of “Interstellar,” Iceland’s diverse terrain has lent itself to a myriad of cinematic experiences. Whether it’s the majestic waterfalls, glacial lagoons, or volcanic landscapes, Iceland’s natural beauty has left an indelible mark on the silver screen. For movie enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, exploring Iceland’s filming locations offers a chance to step into the cinematic worlds that have captivated audiences worldwide. So, grab your camera and embark on your own cinematic adventure amidst the landscapes of fire and ice in Iceland.
