Top 5 Hollywood Movies Shot in Barcelona

Table of Contents

• 1. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
• 2. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
• 3. Uncharted (2022)
• 4. The Passenger (L'eclisse) (1975)
• 5. The Machinist (2004)
• References
• Images Sources

1. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

"Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is probably the movie that screams "This was filmed in Barcelona!" It's a Woody Allen romantic drama that leans heavily into the city's energy making Barcelona almost like a fourth character in the movie

The story is about two American friends spending a summer abroad — and well , things get steamy, complicated, and very Mediterranean.

The film takes you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Think Sagrada Família towering in the background of a passionate conversation or Park Güell being the backdrop to some flirty glances.

It's got all the Gaudí you could ask for.

What makes this movie stand out is how naturally it uses Barcelona.

It doesn't feel forced — you're seeing the city as a real, lived-in place.

The Gothic Quarter, with its shadowy little streets, gives off that magical, slightly mysterious vibe.

Las Ramblas shows up too, bringing some lively chaos.

Then there's La Pedrera (also known as Casa Milà), which is just stunning in the film.

If you ever wanted a reason to walk through Gaudí's wavy, surreal architecture, this movie gives it to you.

The performances are also worth mentioning — Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson.

You can feel the chemistry crackling in these gorgeous Barcelona settings.

And sure, the local culture plays a big role, from flamenco performances to art galleries and late-night dinners.

If you're into romantic films or just love city aesthetics, this one is a must-watch.

• Sagrada Família

• Park Güell

• Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

• Las Ramblas

• Gothic Quarter

2. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)

Now this one's a bit of a twist — it's technically set in Paris but surprise: a lot of it was shot in Barcelona!

Wild , right

"Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" is a dark and creepy thriller, all about a guy with a killer sense of smell (literally)

It's based on a novel, and the film needed old, gritty European streets to look like 18th-century France.

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter was perfect for that.

They filmed in spots like Plaça Sant Felip Neri, which already feels like it's stuck in time.

It's all stone walls and narrow paths — a great fit for the movie's eerie vibe.

The filmmakers also used El Poble Espanyol, which is like a tiny Spanish village inside the city, and Parc del Laberint d'Horta, which is basically a fancy hedge maze.

What's cool here is how Barcelona's flexibility as a backdrop really shines.

It looks completely different from the cheerful, artsy Barcelona of Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Here, it's grim, moody, and kind of spooky.

That just goes to show how versatile the city can be for film.

The cast includes some big Hollywood names like Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman, which helped the movie get international attention.

And let's not forget the star of the film, Ben Whishaw, who pulls off a creepy, obsessive performance that sticks with you.

This one's definitely not a light watch, but if you're into thrillers or period pieces, it's worth it.

3. Uncharted (2022)

This one's much more recent — and a total shift in vibe

"Uncharted" is your classic treasure-hunting action flick starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg.

Based on a video game it's packed with stunts , puzzles, and globe-trotting adventures.

And yes, Barcelona plays a starring role.

One of the coolest things in this movie is how it mixes historical locations with big-budget action scenes.

There are shootouts and chases through narrow alleys, explosions near centuries-old churches — you name it.

Some major locations include Plaça de Sant Felip Neri (again!), the beautiful Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, and the Montjuïc area.

The way the film uses Barcelona is slick.

It gives off that "ancient secrets beneath the streets" vibe, perfect for a story about hidden treasure.

Plus, the city's old architecture makes the adventure feel more grounded, even with all the wild stuff happening.

Even if you're not a gamer or haven't played the Uncharted series, this movie's a fun ride.

And it's always neat seeing your favorite cities get turned into action-packed playgrounds.

4. The Passenger (L'eclisse) (1975)

Now this one's a bit of a deep cut.

"The Passenger" is an artsy drama from the 1970s starring Jack Nicholson and directed by Michelangelo Antonioni.

It's slow, thoughtful, and all about identity and escape — but it also quietly features some pretty great shots of Barcelona.

You'll see places like La Pedrera again, which clearly is a favorite among filmmakers.

Palau Güell also pops up — another Gaudí masterpiece.

These places aren't just window dressing here; they're woven into the film's moody, reflective tone.

The vibe in this movie is very different from everything else on this list.

It's quiet.

Dreamy.

It lingers on moments.

If you're into older films that make you think, this is one to check out.

Nicholson's performance is classic 70s era — subtle and internal.

It's not a movie about Barcelona, exactly, but the city gives it texture and depth.

Here's a little table of notable locations and their role in the movie:

5. The Machinist (2004)

Okay last one — and it's intense

"The Machinist" is a psychological thriller starring Christian Bale in what might be his most shocking physical transformation.

He lost a crazy amount of weight for the role.

But beyond that , the film's atmosphere is really shaped by — you guessed it — Barcelona.

Even though it's not mentioned directly in the movie, the whole thing was shot there.

The city's industrial zones and slightly rundown corners give the film a cold, uneasy feel that fits the story perfectly.

One of the more surreal places they filmed at was Tibidabo Amusement Park.

It's this vintage theme park on a hill with sweeping views of the city — which makes its appearance in this bleak story all the more strange and haunting.

This movie might not be as touristy as the others, but it still captures a raw and gritty side of Barcelona that most visitors never see.

If you're into dark, twisty thrillers, this one will stick with you.

So next time you're strolling through the winding streets of Barcelona or planning a trip there , maybe you'll spot a scene you've seen on the big screen

Whether it's a moody thriller, a romantic escape, or a wild treasure hunt, Barcelona has done it all.

It's not just a vacation spot — it's Hollywood's go-to European city when they want stunning visuals and serious character.

Honestly, once you see these movies, you'll get why directors keep coming back here.

Got a favorite Barcelona film I didn't mention

Drop it in the comments or share it with someone who's always planning their next movie-inspired trip.

Sources and References

• IMDb.com - Movie location info

• BarcelonaFilmCommission.com - Filming in the city

• GaudíBarcelona.club - Architectural sites used in film

• Wikipedia - Individual film pages

• AtlasOfWonders.com - Movie scene breakdowns

Images Sources and Attributions

All images used within this page have been sourced from imdb.com. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes to highlight each movie.