Many places in the world have been made iconic by films for their beauty and distinctiveness.

Movies have a unique ability to turn even the most seemingly mundane places into a magical new world. They uncover the hidden beauty of our planet, the secret wonders our world has to offer. Films - especially those that are popular - have an aptitude for making locations special in a way they weren’t before they were displayed on the big screen. The following 6 movies have iconicized their filming locations by displaying the beauty of our world and their fantastical essence.

1. The Notebook - Cypress Gardens, South Carolina

The infamous rainy boat scene from “The Notebook” was filmed in the Cypress Gardens in South Carolina. The main characters, played by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, are taking a romantic canoe ride through the marsh when suddenly rain starts to pour, causing them to quickly paddle to shore and seek refuge under the foliage together. 

Known as one of the greatest romantic films of all time, “The Notebook” has made Cypress Gardens a popular spot for those wishing to recreate the romance of the film. Those who visit the Gardens are able to take the same self-guided boat ride as Gosling and McAdams, cutting through water littered with gorgeous lily pads and surrounded by natural wildlife. 

 2. Jurassic Park - Kauai

“Jurassic Park” is famous for the depiction of Kauai’s rolling valleys and tremendous waterfalls. Manawaiopuna Falls has become iconic after the scene it was featured in during “Jurassic Park.” When Laura Dern, Jeff Goldbloom and the rest of the star studded cast makes their way onto the island, they descend in a helicopter right besides Manawaiopuna Falls. This has made the waterfall an iconic place for fans of the film to come while visiting Hawaii, even giving the falls a nickname: Jurassic Falls. Helicopter tours are even available to fans who wish to experience the arrival scene.

3. Lord of the Rings - Matamata, New Zealand 

The Shire is a real place, and lucky for those who wish to see it, it is not endangered by any of the villainous creatures from the “Lord of the Rings” universe. Known as Hobbiton, the rolling hills of the Shire are incredibly popular for walking tours, as walking the land of Matamata feels like walking right into J.R.R. Tolkin’s stories. Looking exactly as they do in the films, Hobbiton is an incredible hub for tourism and exploration into a place seemingly unlike any other.

Hobbit holes - which are the houses built into the earth - are scattered across acres of lush grass. Many visitors like to take pictures in front of one of the many circular doors that come in a multitude of painted colors. 

4. Mamma Mia! - Skopelos, Greece

To accompany their incredible soundtrack, the team who produced “Mamma Mia” also gave us a stunning view of Skopelos, Greece. Crystal blue water, white sandy beaches and the Greek architecture of the city all make the set of “Mamma Mia” a place viewers dream of being. 

Though Merly Streep’s hotel from the movie doesn’t actually exist, the set of “Mamma Mia” is a combination of different locations around the island of Skopelos. Those who travel to the island can also find the set locations of iconic scenes in the movie, such as the Mamma Mia Cliff, where the wedding scene at the end was shot.

5. Forrest Gump - Marshall Point, Maine 

One of the most beloved moments in the award-winning film “Forrest Gump” is when Forrest runs across America. Starting in Alabama and going coast to coast, Forrest runs for “3 years, two months, 14 days and 16 hours”.  

During his long journey across America, Forrest finds himself running up the pier at Marshall Point, a scene that made the pier and accompanying lighthouse famous. Those who visit Marshall Point will find that the Lighthouse has a museum, with insider details on how “Forrest Gump” was shot and filmed there, alongside history of the Lighthouse and surrounding area. The view of the beaches of Maine, alongside the rocky shore, and long sea grass also make for a beautiful set.

“Forrest Gump” was also responsible for making Chippewa Square in Savannah Georgia an iconic landmark for the bench scenes, when Forrest tells his story while waiting for the bus.

6. Game of Thrones - Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Though “Game of Thrones” is not  technically a movie, it is arguably the greatest television show of all time and contains some of the greatest visual imagery to ever see the screen. Though there are many stunning set locations “Game of Thrones” has iconicized to choose from, Dubrovnik, Croatia seems the most fitting for this list. Located on the coast of the Adriatic sea, Dubrovnik is the set on King’s Landing, the most infamous place in all of the “Game of Thrones” series.

With a wonderfully condensed city to explore, alongside a beautiful coast and rugged, mountainous landscapes, Dubrovnik is a great destination for travel even for those who are not fans of the show. However, the city has seen a significant increase in tourism since the airing of the show, and in the wake of its global popularity, Dubrobnik has now become one of the main filming locations visited from the show.

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Ava is an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois, double majoring in English and Communications. At school, she Web Writes about music for a student-run radio station. She is also an avid backpacker, which is where her passion for travel and the outdoors comes from. She is very passionate about social justice issues, specifically those involving women’s rights, and is excited to write content about social action across the globe.