Picture perfect Malta - The ideal film location

Malta, famous for its beautiful coastline, fascinating history and wealth of culture, has long been a favourite location for Hollywood blockbusters and independent films alike.

The Mediterranean islands have welcomed hundreds of productions and has remained a perennial favourite with film producers, for whom the turquoise lagoons, concealed coves, historic temples and unscathed cliffs make it an ideal filming location. Malta has welcomed big budget blockbusters including Gladiator, Troy, World War Z, the Da Vinci Code and The Spy Who Loved Me as well as the ever-popular Game of Thrones series. Transport yourself to Malta with Hollywood’s finest.

The stunning Maltese archipelago made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino has been the beautiful backdrop to many blockbusters over the years. Whilst you might not be able to visit Malta quite yet, there is nothing to stop you immersing yourself in its scenery with the following movies and TV shows at your fingertips.

By The Sea

Vanessa and Roland drive to a coastal hotel in France as the latter aspires to pen a new story. Despite being married, they are not on talking terms and struggle a lot to fix their relationship. The rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters of Gozo provided the picturesque backdrop for movie.

Gladiator

Commodus takes overpower and demotes Maximus, one of the preferred generals of his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius. As a result, Maximus is relegated to fighting till death as a gladiator. Iconic archipelago scenes featured include the walled city of Mdina, the island's forts and stunning natural arch known as the Azure Window in Gozo.

Popeye

While in search of his long-lost father, Popeye, a sailor, arrives in a coastal town where he falls in love with Olive Oyl, who is set to be married to Captain Bluto. The Popeye Village movie set has become a huge tourist attraction following its abandonment in 1980. It is the real set used by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions.

Troy

Starring Brad Pitt, this action-adventure tells the story of the battle fought over Helen, Queen of Sparta, who is kidnapped by her lover Paris, the Prince of Troy. Her husband decides to invade Troy and kill Helen by recruiting Achilles, the Greek Warrior. However, he must settle a score with Hector, Paris's brother first. Filmed in several locations across Malta, the famous azure water of the Blue Lagoon plays a starring role.

Game of Thrones

The Islands of Malta and Gozo were a prominent filming location in Season One of Game of Thrones. The popular series focuses on nine noble families as they wage war against each other in order to gain control over the mythical land of Westeros. Meanwhile, a force is rising after millenniums and threatens the existence of living men.

Assassin's Creed

With the help of technology, Callum learns that he is a descendant of a society of Assassins. He travels back in time to learn about his ancestor and acquire skills to defeat an evil organisation. Many of the combat scenes in the movie are shot in Malta, with the island's historical buildings serving as backdrop.

Munich

A terrorist organisation kills eleven Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. However, a team of five men, headed by Avner Kaufman, is assigned the task of killing the terrorists as revenge. The production was filmed almost entirely on the island of Malta, predominantly for the Middle East and Mediterranean scenes.

The Spy Who Loved Me

James Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads, with the help of a K.G.B. Agent, whose lover he killed. Many of the movie’s scenes were shot in and around Malta. One of the most famous scenes being just off the Maltese shores when Bond’s car cruises underwater.

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