Hollywood and Bollywood, London and New York. When you think of the cinema capitals of the world, these are the names that jump to mind. But while this may come as a surprise, over the course of the last twenty years, Budapest has slowly but surely become a top destination for filmmakers from around the world.
While it would take far too long to discuss all the movies filmed in, or set in, Budapest, there are a number of big names that most people would immediately recognize. Here, then, are ten of the best, or at the very least most interesting, films to shot in the Hungarian capital.
Movies Filmed in Budapest
1. Inferno: Tom Hanks and Mini-Cars!
While filming this sequel to The DaVinci Code in Budapest, American superstar Tom Hanks fell in love with the sights and sounds of the city. In particular, he took several photos of himself with Fiat 126’s, tiny Communist-era cars manufactured in Poland, with the caption “I got a new car!” Who knows: maybe Hanks took home a bit of Budapest with him?
2. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: Spook Showdown film set in Budapest
Based on a novel by John le Carré, this Cold War espionage thriller is a must-see for fans of spy movies. When watching the film, ignore the horrendous Hungarian spoken by Mark Strong, and enjoy the unrivalled beauty of Budapest’s Paris Courtyard, as well as a rare dramatic turn by Hungarian comedian Zoltán Mucsi. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best movies filmed in Budapest.
Movies shot in Budapest: The interior of the famed Paris Courtyard, a beautiful spot that was showcased in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, one of the many movies shot in Budapest. (credit: staticflickr.com)
3. A Good Day to Die Hard: Bruce Willis in Budapest
While it admittedly doesn’t hold a candle to the 1988 original, 2013’s A Good Day to Die Hard generated huge buzz in Hungary for two reasons. For one, the film was shot in Budapest. More importantly, though, Hungarians in general are huge fans of Bruce Willis. In fact, the 80s action-star remains so iconic to Hungarians that he is currently the face of a major ad campaign for Hell, an energy-drink little known outside of the country.
4. Spy
Starring Melissa McCarthy, this comedy espionage romp showcases some of Budapest’s most beautiful sights. While laughing at this truly side-splitting film’s wacky exploits, keep an eye out for iconic landmarks such as the Gresham Palace, the Danube River, and even Lake Balaton! Interestingly, in Spy, the Hungarian capital played double-duty, as its streets served as both Budapest and Paris.
5. Blade Runner 2049: Hungarian as the Language of the Future
During the filming of this sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 classic, Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, and many other incredible talents called Budapest home. Fun fact: if you listen carefully to some of the characters speaking in an unknown language near the beginning of the film, you’ll find that they’re actually conversing in Hungarian!
Films shot in Budapest: Harrison Ford checking out a bike shop while filming Blade Runner 2049, yet another movie shot in Budapest. (credit: Nella Kerékpárbolt)
6. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Tom Cruise is back for more action, this time in Hungary! The fourth film of the Mission Impossible series featured several scenes shot in Budapest: in fact, the film opens with a murder in the Hungarian capital. In addition, the opening song of the film’s soundtrack is titled, appropriately enough, “Give Her My Budapest.”
7. Terminator: Dark Fate—Arnold’s Back….in Budapest!
Next month, audiences around the world will get a chance to see Arnold Schwarzenegger reprise his iconic role as a killer robot from the future. Residents of Budapest, however, got to see ‘Ahnold’ back in action far earlier, as the body-builder/actor/politician biked around the Hungarian capital in between shootings for the upcoming film.
8. Evita
While this gripping musical telling the heartbreaking tale of Argentina’s doomed First Lady might be set in South America, its outdoor scenes were set somewhere else entirely. Proving Budapest’s versatility as a filming location, during Evita the Hungarian capital played the role of Buenos Aires, serving as a beautiful backdrop for Madonna’s showstopping solos.
9. The Martian
While it may be set on a red planet far away, this sci-fi film starring Matt Damon was, in fact, shot in Budapest. Or, who knows: maybe Hungarians really are from another planet?
While you may not dance atop it like Will Smith, you can still see the beauty of the Chain Bridge for yourself during your visit to Budapest. (credit: freepik.com)
10. Gemini Man: Will Smith Dancing on the Chain Bridge
Last year, Will Smith spent a deal of time in Budapest filming Gemini Man. While this action thriller is just hitting theaters now, Smith himself hit the streets of Budapest in a way that made a big stir in the Hungarian capital. While much of the film was shot in Budapest, Smith shot a video of his own. Near the end of his time in the city, the actor climbed to the very top of the Chain Bridge and proceeded to dance as the sun rose over Budapest.
After a day of exploring in the footsteps of famous actors and actresses, you’ll want a comfortable, conveniently located place to spend your evenings. But while you may not be a movie star, you still deserve all-star lodgings during your stay in Budapest. Here, you’re in luck: with its great location, comfortable rooms, and luxurious accommodations, ESCALA Hotel is the perfect choice.
Conveniently situated in Budapest’s Corvin Quarter, ESCALA Hotel is an ideal base from which to strike out and experience all that the Hungarian Capital has to offer. Whether you’re checking out cafes that were the centerpiece of spy-films, crossing bridges that have served as impromptu dance-stages, or simply just exploring the city, you can’t go wrong with a room at ESCALA Hotel.
Want to learn more about the Hungarian capital? Read our earlier blog posts below:
- Learn more about the city’s most photo-worth spots in our post on the 15 Most Instagrammable Spots in Budapest
- Your adventures don’t have to end when it gets dark: check out The Best of Budapest Nightlife