Famous Movies & TV You Never Knew Were Filmed In Iceland

There’s no denying it - Iceland is a beautiful country with unique landscapes and unforgettable scenery. It should come as no surprise, that many films and TV series are shot in Iceland.

The dramatic, untamed scenery is in many ways untouched by civilization, making Iceland a popular choice for films that take place on another planet or at another time. Read on to discover some that may surprise you!

Movies Filmed in Iceland

1. Batman Begins (2005)

DC Comics superhero Batman features Iceland in the first film, The Dark Knight. The tale unravels the story of a young Bruce Wayne, and how he became Batman. The training sword session between Liam Neeson and Christian Bale was filmed on Iceland’s Svínafellsjökull Glacier, offering the perfect icy backdrop. 

2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

This heartwarming drama released in 2013 stars Ben Stiller as the title character. A journey of self-discovery and adventure plays out with a backdrop of beautiful landscapes, allegedly all over the world. However, the whole film was shot in Iceland and the USA - with locations like the Himalayan Mountains and even Greenland filmed in Iceland. Much of the film itself takes place in Iceland, and the landscape plays an important role. Many of the supporting roles in the film went to Icelandic actors, as well!

Locations filmed in Iceland include:

• Höfn
• Vatnajökull glacier
• Stykkishólmur
• Grundarfjörður

3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One (2015)

One of the most successful film franchises of the 20th century has picked up again in the last decade, with brand new instalments and side stories for generations of Star Wars fans to enjoy. Some of the unforgettable snow scenes and battles on the surface of Starkiller Base were filmed at the Eyjafjallajökull Ice Cap, in the southern part of Iceland.

4. Captain America, Civil War (2016)

Over the last decade or so, Marvel films have been dominating the box office with big-budget origin stories and ensemble stories. One thing they all have in common, though, is amazing sets and locations. 2016’s Captain America, Civil War was partially filmed in Iceland, pulling in some easily recognisable scenery. In the film, superheroes Captain America and Iron man head to the Southern Coast, near the town of Vik. The snow-coated mountains and iced lakes are recognisable within the first few seconds of the trailer.

5. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

First appearing on Netflix in 2020, the Eurovision Song Content movie uncovers the story of two friends from Húsavík, Iceland. The camp comedy has inspired many laughs from all over the world and brings the true joy of Eurovision right into your living room. A large portion of the movie is filmed in Húsavík itself, and the small fishing village is known worldwide as the hometown of the two main characters, Lars (Will Ferrel) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams). Company Travel North now even offer a walking tour of the sites that appear in the film.

6. James Bond Die Another Day (2002) and A View To Kill (1985)

James Bond has been filmed not just once, but twice in Iceland. Featured in 2002 “Die Another Day” and 1985 “A View To Kill” is Iceland’s famous Jökulsárlón lagoon. The famous scene of Bond driving his Aston Martin and the bad guy’s Jaguar sliding across the frozen surface is truly iconic.

TV Shows Filmed in Iceland

It’s not just box office blockbusters that are heading to Iceland for filming in the amazing landscapes. In the last several years, television has taken entertainment to another level, producing shows of unfathomable quality and drama. Some of the most famous shows in recent years that you probably love have been filmed in Iceland.

7. Game of Thrones

One of the most successful television shows of all time, Game of Thrones, was filmed a great deal in Iceland. For the duration of the show (2010 - 2019), almost all of the main characters in Game of Thrones visited Iceland to film iconic scenes. The most popular scenes in Iceland included anything that took place North of the Wall, as well as the famous fight between The Hound and Brienne of Tarth. 

8. Vikings

The History Channel’s Vikings has something for just about everyone. This tale of Scandinavian explorers and pillagers is one that makes perfect sense to be filmed partially in Iceland, since Iceland was in fact founded by Vikings. 

Locations include:

• Skógafoss waterfall
• Dyrhólaey
• Hvannadalshnjúkur Mountain

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