Sweden is a beautiful country. Many of us associate the Northern European country with boldly colored homes, waterfront cities, and snowy forests. However, Sweden also has remote islands that few people know about, along with endless Scandinavian landscapes. The country has a unique and visually appealing atmosphere, and some filmmakers are fortunate enough to shoot in this special region. These movies shine a light on the beauty and personality of Sweden.
1. Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar is mostly known for its disturbing horror elements. Interestingly, most of the movie was actually filmed in Hungary, but Sweden is essential to the movie’s identity. The film follows a group of American friends who go to a remote countryside village to attend a midsummer festival. While the story becomes increasingly unsettling, the ominous feeling is balanced by breathtaking green fields, flower-covered meadows, playful colored costumes, and traditional Swedish architecture. It shows off rural Swedish summer traditions, though an exaggerated and sinister version.
2. Fanny and Alexander (1982)
Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander is one of the best looks at traditional Sweden. Set in the early 20th century, this movie offers shot after shot of little homes, Christmas festivities, and warm Swedish family life. However, it gets quite dark. Much of the filming was done in Uppsala. It’s difficult not to notice the tons of beautiful details that result from Swedish culture and history. It feels like stepping into a vintage version of Sweden, though one that is a bit heavy at times.
3. A Man Called Ove (2015)
A Man Called Ove takes place in a typical Swedish neighborhood, showing off the everyday aspects of life in the Northern European country. The movie follows a grumpy man who has lost his wife. His quiet life changes when new neighbors move in nearby. We mainly see Sweden’s well maintained suburban neighborhoods and simple architecture. It paints an authentic picture of Sweden’s strong sense of community. The film does a good job of showing the practical, understated nature associated with Swedish culture.
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
The Swedish adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo features some of the country’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. Audiences see snowy forests, isolated cabins, and coastal towns. It takes place during the cold season and definitely focuses on the icier regions of the country. And the bleak winter scenery matches the film’s dark mystery. It also gives viewers a glimpse of the country’s modern cities full of Scandinavian design.
5. Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter (1984)
Based on the popular children’s book by Astrid Lindgren, Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter heavily focuses on Sweden’s wild regions. The movie takes viewers through dense forests, rocky landscapes, rivers, and medieval-type areas. It really shows the adventurous side of Sweden’s outdoors and the raw wilderness of the country. It feels like a Swedish fairy tale.
6. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (2013)
This Swedish comedy takes audiences on a ride through a variety of landscapes, including small towns and open countryside. The main character’s escape turns into a ridiculous road-trip, giving filmmakers the perfect excuse to include Sweden’s wide range of scenery. The little villages and expansive fields feel playful and colorful, far removed from the ice-cold regions of the country. It is a fun and sweet side of Sweden.
7. Let the Right One In (2008)
This Swedish vampire film is part horror movie and part love story. Throughout the entire film, audiences get a good hard look at the country’s snowy winter landscapes. This is another movie that really sinks into the gloomy winter aesthetic. Set in Blackeberg, a Stockholm suburb, the movie shows plenty of quiet apartment buildings, frozen streets, and haunting dark nights. The cold environment perfectly suits the mysterious story. It feels uniquely Scandinavian and few other places on Earth would have given the story the same atmosphere. This side of Sweden is peaceful but isolated.
8. Songs from the Second Floor (2000)
Roy Andersson’s Songs from the Second Floor offers a very different look at Sweden. Instead of focusing on postcard-perfect scenery, it features more everyday aspects. It leans into the understated, simple beauty of Swedish cities and routine moments of everyday life. The film’s minimalist style mixes nicely with the pale colors, Scandinavian design, and modern architecture. Don’t expect any dramatic scenery in this one; just a portrait of everyday life in Sweden.