Spain has been the backdrop for some memorable movies. The country offers filmmakers a setting full of history, passion, and culture. These movies capture different sides of Spain, from the colorful streets of Barcelona to the deserts of Andalusia. They range from romance and adventure to family films. Here are 8 movies shot in Spain.
1. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona really shows off the beauty and energy of Spain. The story is told through the eyes of two American travelers spending the summer in Barcelona. The movie leans into Barcelona’s architecture, art, restaurants, and vibrant streets while telling a complicated romantic story. The characters also venture outside the city, giving audiences a brief look at other parts of Spain. The city’s colorful neighborhoods and laid-back atmosphere shape the entire film. Spain isn’t simply a pretty backdrop; the setting contributes to the romance and uncertainty of the story. While the characters fall in love with each other, audiences fall in love with Barcelona.
2. The Spanish Earth (1937)
The Spanish Earth is a documentary that focuses on Spain during the Spanish Civil War. Directed by Joris Ivens, the documentary shows the struggles of regular people living through a dangerous and chaotic period in the country’s history. While the subject matter is heavy, it also shows off Spanish landscapes, villages, and daily life. It’s a good way to see life in Spain during a very specific and extraordinary period.
3. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth takes the harsh aspects of post–Civil War Spain and blends them with fantasy. Set in central Spain, including areas around Madrid and Segovia, the movie tells the story of a young girl who copes with her dangerous surroundings by escaping into a mysterious imaginative world. The still forests, old buildings, and isolated areas are all quite eerie. It might be the most visually stunning movie ever made about Spain.
4. The Way (2010)
The Way follows a man who tragically mourns the death of his son. As a means of coping, he travels to Spain to complete the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Along the journey, he ventures far and wide through rural mountains, villages, and the countryside. The chosen locations include scenery that rarely makes it into movies. They all show a quieter side of the country, allowing audiences to experience the remote areas of Spain. Along the way, the main character also meets other travelers who are completing the pilgrimage for their own personal reasons. The movie focuses on personal growth, friendship, and finding meaning after great loss.
5. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
The Bourne Ultimatum takes its heavy action sequences to Madrid, as Jason Bourne continues his search for answers about his past. The fast-paced thriller shows Bourne moving through busy streets and ducking into urban buildings while trying to stay one step ahead of the people tracking him. Unlike movies that focus on Spain’s beautiful beaches or relaxing countryside, this one leans into the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Spain. Madrid is only one stop in Bourne’s journey, but the city makes for several memorable scenes.
6. All About My Mother (1999)
Pedro Almodóvar’s All About My Mother is one of the most famous Spanish films ever. The story switches between Madrid and Barcelona, allowing audiences to see two of Spain’s most famous cities. It takes a hard look at family, identity, and grief. One of its overall themes is the mystery and power of unexpected connections. The city’s bright streets and artsy culture match Almodóvar’s unique style. It is an emotional movie that highlights the creativity and passion of Spain.
7. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
This well-known story is set in the American Southwest, yet many of the movie’s desert scenes were filmed in Spain. Notably, the production used the dry landscapes of Almería and locations around Burgos to recreate the American Southwest. The region’s barren land contributed to the classic look now associated with the western genre. The movie successfully turned parts of Spain into a realistic version of the Old West. It is still one of the best westerns of all time.