Finland is a country that seems almost made for movie magic. It has a natural beauty unlike any other place in Europe, with expansive forests, thousands of lakes, snowy landscapes, colorful cities, and quiet fishing villages. Finland is strongly associated with winter and the Northern Lights, but the country has so much more to offer. These films showcase Finland’s landscapes, culture, history, and unique look.
Dr. Zhivago (1965)
While much of Doctor Zhivago was filmed in Spain, the production went to Finland to shoot some of the movie’s winter scenery. Areas around Joensuu in eastern Finland were used for their snowy scenery, which stood in for Russia, including scenes of Zhivago’s escape from the partisans. Finland’s wide-reaching forests and icy atmosphere were perfect for creating the harsh winter world needed for the story. Although Finland isn’t actually the setting of the story, the movie gives viewers a gorgeous look at the country’s icy beauty, snow-covered forests, and frozen wilderness. It also shows just how cinematic the country looks when completely covered in snow.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
No movie shows a rural Finnish winter like Rare Exports. This dark Christmas horror film was shot in Finnish Lapland, where snowy mountains, frozen landscapes, and isolated homes create a lovely setting. Nearly every scene features remote landscapes sparkling with white snow. The movie takes the sweet legend of Santa Claus and gives it a dark Finnish twist. The story is amazingly unique, and it shows the incredible beauty and isolation of northern Finland.
The Man Without a Past (2002)
Directed by well-known Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki, The Man Without a Past gives audiences a charming look at everyday Finland. The movie was filmed around Helsinki and features the city’s neighborhoods, harbors, and working-class residents. It does not lean into the tourist version of Finland, instead capturing the quiet, understated beauty of life in this Northern European country. It is a great introduction to the country’s sense of humor and culture.
Lapland Odyssey (2010)
If you want to see Finland’s northern landscapes, Lapland Odyssey is the go-to choice. The comedy takes viewers through the snowy wilderness of Finnish Lapland. We spot frozen roads, small villages, and the stark scenery of the Arctic Circle. The film is full of humor and personality specific to life in remote northern Finland. It also gives viewers a glimpse into everyday life outside of major cities.
The Unknown Soldier (2017)
Based on one of Finland’s most famous novels, The Unknown Soldier tells the story of Finnish soldiers during the Continuation War. Not many westerners know much about this conflict, which was fought between Finland and the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1944 during World War II. The film was shot extensively around Finland, including Suomenlinna, North Karelia, and Helsinki. It features forests, lakes, and rugged landscapes as the story’s backdrop. The surroundings become an important part of the soldiers’ experience as they make their way through difficult terrain. Its cinematography is gorgeous and the movie really shows the deep connection between Finns and their natural environment.
The Girl King (2015)
The Girl King revolves around the story of Sweden’s Queen Christina using various locations across Northern Europe including Finland. Significant filming took place in Turku, with the historic Turku Castle standing in for the royal castle in Stockholm. Although the story itself is Swedish, the movie highlights historical places and landscapes specific to Scandinavia and Finland. It gives viewers a glimpse of the region’s royal history and architecture.
Joulutarina (Christmas Story) (2007)
Finland is well known for its connection to Santa Claus, and Christmas Story takes full advantage of that mythology. Filmed in Finnish Lapland, the movie features landscapes specific to the area. We see plenty of snowy forests, ice-covered lakes, and little villages. It paints Finland as a magical winter wonderland most people associate with a postcard-perfect Christmas. For anyone wanting to visit Lapland, this film is a must-watch.