If you've already explored the monuments, savoured the dishes, and captured the scenic beauty of Andalusia, there's still an exciting way to rediscover this beautiful region: through the lens of cinema.
Andalusia, with its diverse landscapes, has been the backdrop for numerous films.
Here’s a guide to some notable movies filmed in Andalusia that might reignite your love for this enchanting region.
1. 007: Die Another Day (2002)
Do you remember Halle Berry emerging from the Habana-like warm waters and reaching the Cuban-like chiringuito? This iconic scene from the 20th James Bond film, Die Another Day, was actually shot on C탡diz’s Playa de la Caleta. In the film, Berry's character meets Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond on the terrace of the Palma Health Resort, while Bond gazes at the impressive Castillo de San Sebasti탡n. Other scenes set in Cuba were also filmed in C탡diz, where you can spot the back wall of the Catedral de Santa Cruz (Cathedral of the Holy Cross) and the Castillo de Santa Catalina (Castle of St. Catherine).
2. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Fans of Star Wars can visit Naboo on Earth! The romantic scenes between Padme and Anakin were filmed at Lake Como in Italy and Plaza de España in Seville. The distinct architecture of Plaza de España, with its sweeping, semi-circular building and central fountain, makes it an unforgettable location. In the second installment of the prequel trilogy, Plaza de España was transformed into Naboo’s palace in the city of Theed. This is where Princess Amidala (played by Natalie Portman) and young Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) take a memorable walk in the upper area of the Plaza.
3. Knight and day (2010)
Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise's movie is an action comedy full of romance, explosions, and laughter. The thrilling motorcycle chase scene was shot in the provinces of Seville and C탡diz. The bulls, released specially for this scene, were meant to represent the Festival of San Fermíƒn in Pamplona. However, there were some issues with controlling the bulls, resulting in a slow run through the streets until they finally reached the beach at La Caleta. In Seville, you might recognise the Bullring La Maestranza, which appears during the characters' escape through the narrow streets of the Andalusian capital.
4. The dictator (2012)
This American comedy, starring comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, humorously portrays contemporary society, customs, and politics. The film was shot in various locations including the United States, Morocco, and Spain. Notably, a two-day filming took place in Seville’s Plaza de España, which was transformed into the palace of the dictator, General Aladeen, situated in the middle of a desert. This iconic location added an exotic and grandiose backdrop to the political satire.
5. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Director Steven Spielberg returned to Andalusia to shoot the third installment of the Indiana Jones series. Pictures for this film were shot all around the world, but Spanish landscapes feature prominently. The scene on the beach where Henry Jones scares the birds with an umbrella to blind a pursuing aircraft was filmed in the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níƒjar in Almerá. Parts of the film were also shot in the town of Tabernas and its nearby desert. Additionally, the scene where Dr. Brody is besieged by beggars at a train station was filmed at the railway station in Guadix, Granada.
6. Cleopatra (1963)
The most expensive film ever made up to that point and winner of four Academy Awards, Cleopatra featured several scenes shot in Almerá, including the Alcazaba and San Cristobal Hill. Starring Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra and Richard Burton as Mark Antony, this epic film depicted the struggles of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, to resist the expanding Roman Empire.
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Considered one of the best historic and epic films ever made, Lawrence of Arabia was shot in breathtaking locations such as Cabo de Gata, Carboneras, and Moj탡car. The film's producer purchased two coaches from the RENFE company to blow them up for the movie, as advanced special effects were not common at the time. Almerá’s Nicol탡s Salmer탳n Park was used to recreate the exit of the Arabs from the city of Damascus. Additionally, some scenes were filmed in Seville’s iconic Plaza de España.
8. Game of thrones (2011)
Thousands of fans saw their dream come true when HBO announced that scenes from the fifth season of Game of Throneswould be filmed in Seville. The Alcazar of Seville served as the set for Dorne’s Water Gardens, the main residence of Prince Doran Martell. Additionally, Osuna’s bullring was used to recreate Daznak’s Pit in Meereen.
The connection between Game of Thrones and Andalusia continued into the seventh season. The cast returned to film several key scenes. The Atarazanas in Seville represented the dungeons of the Red Keep in King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Furthermore, the amphitheatre of Italica was transformed into the Dragonpit in King’s Landing, where the pivotal meeting to decide the fate of the White Walkers took place.
9. The Bridge of San Luis Rey (2004)
This 2004 film, featuring Robert De Niro and Geraldine Chaplin, was shot in the stunning natural landscape of El Chorro, famously known for El Caminito del Rey. The production also utilized the historic Bullring of Antequera. Local residents participated as background actors, portraying inhabitants of Colonial Peru, adding authenticity to the film's setting.
The Bridge of San Luis Rey tells the story of a tragic bridge collapse in 18th-century Peru and explores the intertwined lives of the five individuals who perished.
10. Spaghetti Western (1960 – 1970)
Countless films set in the American Far West were actually shot in Andalusia, specifically in the desert landscapes of Tabernas and Cabo de Gata. Notable among these are "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964) and "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968). These iconic films were primarily Italian productions, many directed by the legendary Sergio Leone and featuring the unforgettable music of Ennio Morricone.
11. Kingdom of Heaven, (2005)
Starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, and Jeremy Irons, Kingdom of Heaven was filmed in both Morocco and Spain. In Spain, the Casa de Pilatos and the Alcazar in Seville were used to depict King Baldwin IV’s palace in Jerusalem. Additionally, scenes set in Ibelin were filmed at the Pontocarrero Palace in Palma del Ríƒo, C탳rdoba.
Interestingly, the production team initially sought to shoot scenes in the Mosque-Cathedral of C탳rdoba. However, this request was ultimately denied by the Cathedral’s Council of Canons.
