Discover the Hidden Gems: 6 Films Filmed in Hungary You Didn’t Know About
Budapest Solidifies Its Position as a Top Filming Location in Europe
Budapest has cemented its status as the second most popular filming location in Europe, following closely behind London. With a surge in international productions choosing Hungary as their backdrop, the country’s film industry is booming like never before.
Historically, Hungary has been a sought-after destination for filmmakers, with iconic movies such as Evita and The Phantom of the Opera being filmed in Budapest. However, recent years have seen a sharp increase in the number of high-profile productions setting up shop in the capital. A-list celebrities like Austin Butler, Zendaya, and Timothée Chalamet have graced the streets of Budapest for various film projects.
One of the notable films shot in Budapest is The Martian (2015), directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon. The Budapest Whale and the MÜPA Performing Arts Center served as key locations in the movie, depicting a NASA facility and a Chinese space complex, respectively.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017), directed by Denis Villeneuve and featuring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, also chose Budapest as a filming location. The city’s unique blend of Soviet-era architecture provided a perfect backdrop for the futuristic neo-noir world of the Blade Runner universe.
Marvel fans can also spot Budapest landmarks in Black Widow (2021), part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Citadel, Keleti Railway Station, Stock Exchange Palace, and Hungarian Academy of Sciences all make appearances in the film, adding to the character’s backstory.
Furthermore, Hungary welcomed back Denis Villeneuve for the filming of Dune: Part One (2021) and Part Two (2024). The stunning landscapes of the desert planet Arrakis came to life on the stages of ORIGO Studios, showcasing Hungary’s versatility as a filming location.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ award-winning film, Poor Things (2023), also had a significant portion of its scenes filmed in Hungary. The movie, set in multiple fictional European cities, utilized ORIGO and Korda Studios to recreate various locations, including London, Paris, Lisbon, and more.
The Hungarian film industry’s growth has been exponential over the past decade, with a tenfold increase in production numbers and a fourfold increase in GDP contribution. Lower production costs, a skilled workforce, favorable taxation, and top-notch infrastructure have all contributed to Hungary’s appeal as a filming destination.
As Hungary continues to attract international productions, the local film industry thrives, providing employment opportunities for professionals and boosting various sectors like hospitality and tourism. The success of films with Hungarian contributions further solidifies Hungary’s position on the global filmmaking map, promising a bright future for the country’s film industry.
