73 Movies Set in European Destinations to Inspire Your Next Trip

The problem is that most ‘movies set in Europe’ lists are stuffed with films shot entirely on Hollywood soundstages (looking at you, fake London sets in Mary Poppins on the Burbank Disney lot), even though you’re searching for that perfect blend of travel inspiration and entertainment.

Movies that don’t just show you beautiful locations but make you feel like you’re already walking along cobblestone streets in Prague or sipping wine in Tuscany.

After binge-watching countless European films and visiting 29 countries on the continent, including many of the filming locations myself, I’ve found that the movies that truly capture wanderlust aren’t just filmed in Europe–they’re the ones where the destinations become characters themselves.

Where you can practically taste gelato in Rome or hear the Sound of Music echo through Salzburg’s hills.

I’ve spent years curating this list while actually visiting many of these iconic filming destinations—Italy, Austria, Ireland, Greece, France, and more—so I know exactly which films deliver that “I need to book a flight right now” feeling versus those that just happen to have European backdrops.

Whether you’re a hopeless romantic dreaming of Notting Hill bookshops, an adventure seeker ready to follow Indiana Jones through ancient ruins, or a family looking for films that will get everyone excited about your upcoming European vacation, this handpicked collection of 73 movies will transport you across the Atlantic before you even pack your bags.

Note: I have only listed movies that feature characters traveling in Europe (at least within their home country). Otherwise, I’d be listing every movie made in Europe!

Those looking for locations beyond Europe can find them in my list of 120 of the best travel films.

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My Top 10 Movies That Inspire Travel to Europe

1. Roman Holiday (Italy) — One of my favorite classic movies set in Europe, with Audrey Hepburn falling for an American newsman in Rome.
2. Monte Carlo (France) — A guilty pleasure road-trip movie starring Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester, with the same fun energy as the Mary-Kate and Ashley adventures I grew up on.
3. Mamma Mia! (Greece) — One of my favorite movies set in Greece, full ABBA soundtrack included.
4. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Italy) — A globe-trotting Nazi-thwarting adventure that makes you want to chase ancient mysteries across Europe yourself.
5. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Spain) — One of my favorites on this entire list, set against Barcelona’s summer glow.
6. The Sound of Music (Austria) — One of my favorite movies set in Europe since childhood, with real Salzburg filming-location tours you can take.
7. The Da Vinci Code (France) — One I can watch again and again, with its fast-paced thriller narrative weaving through Paris.
8. The Spy Who Dumped Me (Netherlands) — One of my favorite girls’ trip movies, with genuinely great Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis chemistry, plus filming in Budapest too.
9. Queen (Netherlands) — One of my favorite movies about a woman traveling solo and thriving, following a Delhi bride on an unplanned solo honeymoon through Paris and Amsterdam.
10. Chasing Liberty (Czech Republic) — A nostalgic favorite covering Prague, Venice, Berlin, and London in one classic road-trip arc.

Did I miss your travel destination? Here’s a quick guide for picking my top film per country.

Movies Set in Austria

Austria, a German-speaking country located in Central Europe, is characterized by mountain villages, baroque architecture, Imperial Hofburg history, and Alpine terrain.

Having been to Vienna, its Danube River capital, which plays host to several beautiful palaces such as Belvedere, which houses iconic art, and Salzburg, home to Mozart and fantastic views of the Alps, I can say yes, the hills are really alive with music!

1. The Sound of Music (1965)

Free-spirited Maria leaves the abbey to become governess to Captain von Trapp’s seven children in Salzburg, filling their home with music just as the Nazi rise forces the family to make a choice.

Head to Salzburg for tours centered on The Sound of Music, featuring filming locations such as Hellbrunn Palace, home to the iconic gazebo!

Based on my own visit to Salzburg, it’s a city well worth the trip!

It’s been one of my favorite movies set in Europe since childhood.

Rated: G

2. Forever My Love (1962)

A condensed version of the beloved Sissi trilogy, following teenage Elisabeth of Bavaria (Romy Schneider) as Emperor Franz Joseph falls for her instead of her sister.

Since my visit to the Sisi Museum in Vienna, Austria, I’ve been a bit obsessed with Sisi, aka the Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

From being picked as the Empress over her sister to her tragic death, she’s a riveting historical figure.

Rated: PG

3. Before Sunrise (1995)

Two strangers (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) meet on a train and spontaneously spend one night wandering Vienna before he flies home.

Planning a trip to this spectacular city? I have tips on how to get from Vienna to Salzburg for your own train adventure, based on my own visit to Austria.

Rated: R

Movies Set in Belgium

Belgium, a country in Western Europe, charms visitors with its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and world-renowned chocolate and beer.

The capital city, Brussels, serves as the heart of the European Union and delights with its stunning Grand Place, quirky Manneken Pis statue, and countless chocolatiers.

Bruges enchants with its fairy-tale canals and cobblestone streets, while Ghent impresses with its medieval castle and vibrant university atmosphere.

4. In Bruges (2008)

Two hitmen lie low in medieval Bruges after a job gone wrong: one is charmed by the canals and bell tower, while the other can’t stand being there.

Rated: R

Movies Set in the Czech Republic

Another place I’ve loved, especially the capital city, Prague, which mesmerized me with its Gothic spires, the iconic Charles Bridge, and the impressive Prague Castle complex overlooking the Vltava River.

5. Chasing Liberty (2004)

The president’s 18-year-old daughter (Mandy Moore) slips away from her Secret Service detail in Prague and backpacks across Europe with a charming stranger who isn’t quite who he seems.

Chasing Liberty is a favorite of mine!

It’s a must on my list, not only because I’m nostalgic for it, but also because it covers several beautiful locations (Prague, Venice, Berlin, London, Chelmsford, and Washington, D.C.) and is a classic European road-trip movie!

Based on my own visit to Prague, Venice, Berlin, London, and DC, it’s a film that truly captures their magic.

Rated: PG-13

6. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)

Peter Parker (Tom Holland) just wants an ordinary class trip through Europe, but new threats follow him from Venice to Prague, Berlin, and London.

Filming also occurred in England, Italy, and New York.

Rated: PG-13

7. Last Holiday (2006)

After a terminal diagnosis, a shy New Orleans saleswoman (Queen Latifah) cashes in her savings for a luxury stay at a grand hotel in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary.

Rated: PG-13

8. EuroTrip (2004)

Newly graduated, a teen and his friends race across Europe to find the German pen pal he accidentally insulted.

This is a film I held off watching for a LONG time. It’s just not my vibe, as it’s more of a guy film, but it does have some funny moments.

Rated: R

Movies Set in Denmark

Denmark is a Scandinavian country consisting of the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands.

Copenhagen, the capital, is home to royal palaces and the colorful Nyhavn harbor.

It is also home to the Tivoli amusement park, which inspired Walt Disney, and the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue, making it a fantastic place for movies in Europe!

9. Copenhagen (2014)

A brash Canadian searching for his grandfather’s past in Copenhagen forms an unexpected bond with the young Danish woman who becomes his guide.

Rated: Not Rated

10. The Prince and Me (2004)

A pre-med student in Wisconsin (Julia Stiles) falls for a classmate who turns out to be Denmark’s crown prince and follows him home to Copenhagen.

Rated: PG

Movies Set in England

England, the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stonehenge, and tons of Anglophile media that I eat up (Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, etc.), is a country in the British Isles bordering Scotland and Wales.

The capital, London, is the home of Parliament, Big Ben, and the 11th-century Tower of London.

It features other large cities, such as Liverpool, and quaint towns, such as Whitby, as well as the university centers of Oxford and Cambridge.

11. The Parent Trap (1998)

Identical twins separated as babies meet by chance at summer camp, then swap places, one heading to her dad’s Napa vineyard and the other to her mom’s London home, to reunite their parents.

This was one of the first films that made me want to take a trip to London.

Rated: PG

12. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001 + the sequels, but I won’t count those)

On his 11th birthday, an orphan raised by his unkind aunt and uncle learns he’s a wizard and leaves King’s Cross Station for Hogwarts, where he uncovers the truth about his parents.

Potter fans also don’t have to travel all the way across the pond; there’s the Universal Studios tour in Hollywood as well!

Rated: PG

13. Notting Hill (1999)

A London bookshop owner (Hugh Grant) has his quiet life turned upside down when the world’s biggest movie star (Julia Roberts) walks into his shop.

Oh, you’re wonderful, Julia Roberts, in every film I see you in!

You can also visit the little shop seen in this film on a trip to London.

Rated: PG-13

14. The Holiday (2006)

Two heartbroken women, one in Los Angeles and one in a snowy Surrey cottage (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet), swap homes for the holidays and each find unexpected romance.

One of my favorite holiday films that certainly makes my list of movies that take place in Europe!

While the other half takes place in Los Angeles, it still has a ton of English charm.

Rated: PG-13

15. Paddington (2014)

A polite bear from deepest Peru arrives at London’s Paddington Station looking for a home and is taken in by the Brown family, while a taxidermist sets her sights on him.

Rated: PG

16. National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

The Griswolds win a trip across Europe and leave a trail of chaos through London, Paris, Germany, and Rome.

Rated: PG-13

17. If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969)

A busload of American tourists races through a whirlwind European tour, collecting romance and mishaps along the way.

The film also covers Belgium, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Rated: G

18. Winning London (2001)

Twins Chloe and Riley (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) head to London for a Model UN competition and still find time for sightseeing and romance.

I LOVED the Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen films growing up! They really did inspire some of my early travels, especially my first trip to London.

I’m sad they’re hard to find, but Amazon boasts a few DVDs of them.

Rated: G

19. What a Girl Wants (2003)

A New York teen (Amanda Bynes) flies to London to meet the father she’s never known, only to discover he’s an aristocrat running for office, and she’s a scandal waiting to happen.

A classic millennial-girl film from my youth, Amanda Bynes is just amazing! Making it one of the best movies set in London.

Rated: PG

Movies Set in France

There are a LOAD of movies set in France! With its epic fairytale castles such as Chateau Pierrefonds, alpine villages, and Mediterranean beaches, what’s not to love?

Paris, its capital, houses art museums, including the Louvre, monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, and royal palaces like Versailles.

And that’s not even scraping the surface of the wines and Parisian cuisine!

You need to spend at least 2 days in Paris, or if you have more time, 3 days in Paris is ideal!

20. Monte Carlo (2011)

A small-town Texas teen (Selena Gomez) on a disappointing trip to Paris is mistaken for a British heiress and whisked off to Monte Carlo with her friends for a taste of the high life.

Monte Carlo is one of my guilty pleasure movies. It reminds me of all the Mary Kate and Ashley adventure movies I used to watch growing up, but this time, it stars Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester.

Making it a European road trip movie you need to watch ASAP!

Rated: PG

21. Chocolat (2000)

A free-spirited woman (Juliette Binoche) and her daughter arrive in a strict French village during Lent and open a chocolate shop that tempts the whole town.

Rated: PG-13

22. Funny Face (1957)

A shy bookstore clerk (Audrey Hepburn) is discovered by a fashion photographer (Fred Astaire) and whisked off to Paris for a modeling shoot.

Rated: Not Rated

23. A Good Year (2006)

A London banker (Russell Crowe) inherits his uncle’s vineyard in Provence and plans to sell it fast, until the slower pace of life starts to win him over.

Rated: PG-13

24. Julie & Julia (2009)

Two true stories intertwine: Julia Child (Meryl Streep) learning to cook in postwar Paris, and New York blogger Julie Powell (Amy Adams) cooking through Child’s cookbook decades later.

If you’re heading to the National Museum of American History in Washington DC, then you can view her actual kitchen!

Rated: PG-13

25. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is pulled into a murder at the Louvre and follows clues hidden in Leonardo da Vinci’s art from Paris to London and Scotland, chasing a centuries-old secret.

The Da Vinci Code movie is one I can watch again and again, and still love its fast-paced thriller narrative!

Based on my own trip to Paris, you’ll likely need a few more days in the City of Light than this thriller shows.

Rated: PG-13

26. French Kiss (1995)

A nervous flyer (Meg Ryan) chases her straying fiancé to Paris and ends up on a road trip to the south of France with a charming French thief (Kevin Kline).

This film would definitely make me hesitant to visit Paris, haha!

Rated: PG-13

27. Midnight in Paris (2011)

On a trip with his fiancée’s family, a screenwriter (Owen Wilson) is transported each midnight to 1920s Paris, where he mingles with Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

It’s so steeped in classic Parisian life that it’s one of the best movies set in France, in my opinion!

Rated: PG-13

28. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Two rival con men on the French Riviera (Michael Caine and Steve Martin) bet on who can swindle an American heiress first.

I didn’t know about this film until recently, and it has become one of my favorite movies set in Europe!

They recently remade it, called The Hustle, but I wasn’t much of a fan, so make sure to watch the original, as I consider it one of the best comedic movies set in France.

Rated: PG

29. Before Sunset (2004)

Nine years after their night in Vienna, Jesse and Céline reunite in Paris on the last stop of his book tour, with only an afternoon before his flight.

Rated: R

30. Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

Nick and Audrey (Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston) are swept into another case when their friend the Maharajah is kidnapped from his own wedding, sending them chasing clues to Paris.

Available on Netflix

Rated: PG-13

31. Paris Can Wait (2016)

The wife of a busy film producer (Diane Lane) accepts a ride from Cannes to Paris with his French associate, and a short drive turns into a leisurely trip through France’s food and wine.

Rated: PG

32. Passport to Paris (1999)

Twelve-year-old twins (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) spend spring break in Paris with their diplomat grandfather and set off to explore the city on their own.

The sights of Paris create a magnificent backdrop for the twins’ adventures.

Rated: G

🍿 Looking for more to watch set in Paris? Check out 27 binge-worthy TV shows and films!

Movies Set in Germany

Germany is a Western European country, with Berlin, its capital, home to art and nightlife, the Brandenburg Gate, and many WWII-related sites.

Munich is known for its Oktoberfest and beer halls, including the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus in the historic Old Town.

Numerous castles, such as Neuschwanstein and Nymphenburg Palace, are dotted throughout.

33. The Monuments Men (2014)

A team of art experts in uniform races across WWII Europe to recover masterpieces stolen by the Nazis before they’re lost forever.

One of the characters in my action-adventure novel was inspired by this group!

Some scenes, including flights and footage of an American war base, were filmed at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England, as well as in Kent and East Sussex.

Rated: PG-13

Movies Set in Greece

Greece is a country composed of thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, making it a perfect place for an island-hopping itinerary!

Influential in ancient times, it is often called the cradle of Western civilization.

Its capital, Athens, is home to incredible landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Picturesque beaches, such as Santorini’s black sands, offer colorful places to relax, while the island of Rhodes boasts medieval history.

34. My Life in Ruins (2009)

A burned-out American tour guide (Nia Vardalos) leading a mismatched group around Greece rediscovers her love of the country and of romance.

The film was shot on location in Greece and Alicante, Spain, including Guadalest and Javea.

This was the first time that an American film studio was allowed to film on location at the Acropolis in Athens.

Rated: PG-13

35. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

Four best friends spend their first summer apart sharing a pair of thrift-store jeans that magically fit them all, with one heading to Santorini.

I can’t promise magical pants, but I can provide you with a Greek packing list based on my own experience.

Rated: PG

36. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008)

A year into college, the four friends’ summer plans scatter them from an archaeological dig in Turkey to a reunion on Santorini.

The Greek portions of the movie were shot on the island of Santorini.

If you’re considering a visit, check out my pro and con guide to this iconic island.

Rated: PG-13

I love both of these films so much. They are some of the best movies set in Greece, and they are the perfect coming-of-age stories for girls and young women!

37. Mamma Mia! (2008)

On a sun-drenched Greek island, a bride-to-be secretly invites three men who might be her father to her wedding, all set to ABBA’s greatest hits.

As a musical fan, it’s one of the best movies set in Greece.

Rated: PG-13

38. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Sophie prepares to reopen her mother’s Greek island hotel, while flashbacks follow young Donna’s summer of adventure that started it all.

Mamma Mia! and its sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are two of my favorite movies set in Greece! Though the latter wasn’t actually filmed there, it was filmed on Croatia’s island of Vis instead.

Rated: PG-13

39. Before Midnight (2013)

Jesse and Céline, now a couple with twins, spend the last days of a summer vacation on Greece’s Peloponnese coast.

Rated: R

40. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023)

Toula (Nia Vardalos) takes her family to her late father’s village in Greece for a reunion in his honor.

Rated: PG-13

41. Shirley Valentine (1989)

A bored Liverpool housewife (Pauline Collins) leaves a note for her husband and flies to a Greek island, where she rediscovers herself.

Rated: R

🍿 Looking for more to watch set in Greece? Check out these 30 binge-worthy films!

Movies Set in Iceland

Iceland, a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, captivates travelers with its dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields.

The capital city, Reykjavik, offers vibrant culture and colorful architecture and serves as a gateway to natural wonders like the Northern Lights and the Golden Circle.

42. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

A daydreaming LIFE magazine photo editor (Ben Stiller) finally lives out his fantasies, chasing a missing negative across Greenland, Iceland, and beyond.

Rated: PG

Movies Set in Ireland

Ireland, an island in the North Atlantic, is the second-largest island of the British Isles, the third-largest in Europe, and the twentieth-largest on Earth.

It is full of lush green fields and awe-inspiring sights such as the Cliffs of Moher.

Grab a Guinness and do some Dublin day tours to sites like Blarney Castle! You’ll be hard-pressed not to love the Emerald Isle and these movies set in Ireland!

43. Leap Year (2010)

An American (Amy Adams) heads to Dublin to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day, but a storm strands her on the far side of Ireland with a grumpy innkeeper as her only ride.

The Cliffs of Moher were used as a filming location in this film, as well as in Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, Irish Wish, and many others.

Rated: PG

44. P.S. I Love You (2007)

A young widow (Hilary Swank) receives letters her late husband planned before he died, including one that sends her to his native Ireland.

Rated: PG-13

45. Irish Wish (2024)

After the love of her life gets engaged to her best friend, a book editor (Lindsay Lohan) makes a wish on an ancient stone in Ireland and wakes up as the bride.

Available on Netflix

Rated: TV-G

Movies Set in Italy

Italy, located along the Mediterranean coastline, has been the seat of incredible empires.

Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican and to landmark art and ancient ruins such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Other major cities include Florence, Venice, the city of canals, and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

It’s easy to see why there are so many movies set in Italy!

46. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Indy (Harrison Ford) teams up with his estranged father (Sean Connery) to hunt for the Holy Grail, from Venice’s catacombs to Austria and Berlin, staying one step ahead of the Nazis.

Rated: PG-13

47. Eat Pray Love (2010)

After her marriage ends, a writer (Julia Roberts) spends a year traveling: eating her way through Italy, meditating in India, and finding balance in Bali.

It is the quintessential movie set in Europe and inspired me to visit the very place Julia Roberts takes a bite of that slice in Naples!

Rated: PG-13

48. Letters to Juliet (2010)

An aspiring writer (Amanda Seyfried) in Verona answers a 50-year-old letter left at Juliet’s wall, then sets off across Tuscany helping its author (Vanessa Redgrave) find her long-lost love.

I’ve dreamed of traveling to this picturesque city, and if you have too, check out these amazing things to do in Verona, Italy.

Rated: PG

49. The Italian Job (2003)

Double-crossed after a gold heist in Venice, a crew of thieves regroups to steal it back from the partner who betrayed them, with a little help from some Mini Coopers.

Rated: PG-13

50. When in Rome (2010)

After her sister’s wedding in Rome, a New York curator (Kristen Bell) plucks coins from a fountain of love and finds herself pursued by the men who tossed them.

This film is nothing like my trip, but I still really enjoyed it during my 3 days in Rome solo!

Rated: PG-13

51. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

Danny Ocean’s crew (George Clooney and Brad Pitt) heads to Europe to pay back a vengeful casino owner, pulling heists in Amsterdam, Rome, and Lake Como while dodging a rival thief.

The film was also shot in the United States, the Netherlands, France, Monaco, and Sicily.

Rated: PG-13

52. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Reeling from divorce, a San Francisco writer (Diane Lane) impulsively buys a crumbling villa in Tuscany and starts rebuilding her life along with the house.

After having visited Tuscany myself, I can certainly see the appeal!

Rated: PG-13

53. The Tourist (2010)

A math teacher from Wisconsin (Johnny Depp) on a trip through Europe is drawn into danger in Venice by a mysterious woman (Angelina Jolie) who’s using him as a decoy.

Rated: PG-13

54. To Rome with Love (2012)

Woody Allen weaves together four stories of tourists and locals in Rome, from newlyweds separated in the city to an undertaker who can only sing opera in the shower.

Rated: R

55. Summertime (1955)

A lonely American secretary (Katharine Hepburn) on her long-awaited trip to Venice falls for a charming Venetian shopkeeper.

I haven’t heard many people mention this film, so I highly recommend it on this movies set in European cities list as it’s an underrated classic with the incomparable Katharine Hepburn.

Rated: Not Rated

56. Roman Holiday (1953)

A princess (Audrey Hepburn) escapes her royal duties for a day in Rome, exploring the city by Vespa with an American reporter (Gregory Peck) who’s secretly chasing a scoop.

It’s one of the best classic movies set in Italy! And clearly another theme here with Audrey Hepburn.

Rated: Not Rated

57. Angels and Demons (2009)

Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) races through Rome’s churches and piazzas to stop a plot against the Vatican as cardinals gather to elect a new pope.

While it wasn’t actually filmed in Vatican City (they wouldn’t let them), it is a heart-stopping thriller worth watching!

But if you want to take in a thrilling view from the Vatican, I highly recommend climbing St. Peter’s dome.

Rated: PG-13

58. Inferno (2016)

Robert Langdon wakes in a Florence hospital with no memory and races through Florence, Venice, and Istanbul with a doctor (Felicity Jones) to stop a global plague.

Filming also took place in Budapest.

Rated: PG-13

59. Murder Mystery (2019)

On their long-delayed European trip, a New York cop and his wife (Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston) are invited onto a billionaire’s yacht, then become prime suspects when he’s murdered.

Available on Netflix

Rated: PG-13

60. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Sent to 1950s Italy to bring home a wealthy playboy (Jude Law), Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) becomes dangerously obsessed with the glamorous life he finds there.

It’s one of the creepier movies that take place in Europe!

Rated: R

61. The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

On a class trip to Rome after middle school graduation, Lizzie (Hilary Duff) is mistaken for an Italian pop star and gets her chance to take the stage.

Rated: PG

62. When in Rome (2002)

Twins Charli and Leila (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) land summer internships in Rome and juggle work, Vespa rides, and romance.

Rated: G

63. Just Married (2003)

Newlyweds from very different backgrounds (Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy) discover on a disastrous European honeymoon that they may not know each other as well as they thought.

Filmed also in Salzburg, Austria.

I can still recall seeing this film in theaters with friends and laughing hysterically!

Rated: PG-13

64. In Search of Fellini (2017)

A sheltered Ohio girl falls in love with Federico Fellini’s films and travels alone through Italy hoping to meet him.

Rated: R

65. A Room with a View (1985)

A sheltered young Englishwoman (Helena Bonham Carter) meets a free-spirited young man while visiting Florence, and the encounter follows her home to England.

I am not a big romance fan, but this list would be remiss without a film that features Florence so boldly.

Rated: Not Rated

Movies Set in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for its landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes.

Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII.

Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer remain from the city’s 17th-century “Golden Age.”

66. The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

Best friends Audrey and Morgan (Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon) get swept into an international plot when Audrey’s ex turns out to be a spy, sending them on a chase through Vienna, Prague, Paris, and Amsterdam.

The Spy Who Dumped Me is one of my favorite girls’ trip movies! The pairing of Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis was genius, as they have incredible friendship chemistry!

It’s a must on my list of movies set in European cities!

The movie was also filmed in Budapest, one of my favorite places I’ve traveled to!

Rated: R

67. Queen (2013)

After her fiancé calls off their wedding, a sheltered Delhi bride (Kangana Ranaut) goes on her honeymoon alone to Paris and Amsterdam and discovers who she is.

Filmed on location in Paris, Amsterdam, and Delhi.

It’s one of my favorite movies about a woman traveling solo for the first time and thriving!

Rated: Not Rated

68. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Two teens who meet at a cancer support group (Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort) travel to Amsterdam to meet the reclusive author of their favorite novel.

Rated: PG-13

Movies Set in Portugal

Portugal, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and delicious cuisine (especially Pastéis de Nata).

The capital city, Lisbon, is famous for its colorful azulejo tiles, historic trams, and the iconic Belém Tower.

While Sintra, a fairy-tale town just outside Lisbon, enchants visitors with its romantic palaces, lush gardens, and the colorful Pena Palace perched atop misty hills.

69. The Ninth Gate (1999)

A rare-book dealer (Johnny Depp) is hired to authenticate a book said to summon the devil, a hunt that leads him through Spain, Portugal, and Paris.

Rated: R

70. Night Train to Lisbon (2013)

A Swiss teacher (Jeremy Irons) walks out of his classroom mid-lecture and boards a train to Lisbon, chasing the story of a Portuguese writer caught up in the resistance against Salazar’s dictatorship.

If you’re visiting Lisbon solo, be sure to check out my guide for travel tips!

Rated: R

🍿 Looking for more to watch set in Portugal? Check out 6 binge-worthy TV shows and films!

Movies Set in Scotland

Scotland, a country in the northern part of Great Britain, is renowned for its rugged highlands, historic castles such as Stirling, and rich cultural heritage.

The capital city, Edinburgh, impresses visitors with its medieval Old Town, imposing Edinburgh Castle, and the annual Fringe Festival.

71. Made of Honor (2008)

A serial dater (Patrick Dempsey) realizes he’s in love with his best friend just as she gets engaged and asks him to be her maid of honor at her wedding in the Scottish Highlands.

Rated: PG-13

Movies Set in Spain

Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, is full of fantastic food, diverse landscapes, architecture, and music.

Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical modernist landmarks, such as Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló.

Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the breathtaking Alhambra palace and the historic Albaicín neighborhood with its winding Moorish streets.

Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia, dazzles visitors with its flamenco culture, the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and the stunning Real Alcázar palace, home to lush gardens.

72. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Two American friends spending a summer in Barcelona both fall for a charismatic painter, whose volatile ex-wife (Penélope Cruz) soon complicates everything.

Rated: PG-13

73. Knight and Day (2010)

A woman (Cameron Diaz) gets swept up with a charming, possibly rogue spy (Tom Cruise) on a chase from Boston to Salzburg and Seville.

Filming was also done in the Spanish cities of Seville and Cadiz, the Austrian city of Salzburg, and the Jamaican town of Port Antonio.

Rated: PG-13

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Movies for Europe Trips

Watching movies set in your destination before you travel is one of the most underrated ways to build excitement.

If you only have time for one film per destination, here are my picks by travel style:

Best Romantic Movies Set in Europe

• Roman Holiday (Italy) — Classic Audrey Hepburn romance against the backdrop of Rome.
• Notting Hill (England) — A bookshop owner falls for the world’s most famous film star.
• The Holiday (England/USA) — One of my favorite Christmas films, with two women swapping homes and finding love.
• Before Sunrise / Before Sunset / Before Midnight (Austria, France, Greece) — Jesse and Celine’s romance unfolds across three European cities and nearly two decades.
• Under the Tuscan Sun (Italy) — After visiting Tuscany myself, I can certainly see the appeal of starting over there.
• P.S. I Love You (Ireland) — A young widow finds messages her late husband left behind to help her heal and start again.
• The Fault in Our Stars (Netherlands) — Two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group fall in love on a journey to Amsterdam.
• Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Spain) — A tangled summer romance set against Gaudí’s Barcelona.
• Letters to Juliet (Italy) — Verona’s “Secretaries of Juliet” help mend old and new heartbreaks alike.

Best Family Movies Set in Europe

• The Sound of Music (Austria) — Rated G, and a multi-generational favorite for those who adore musicals.
• Paddington (England) — Rated PG, gentle and charming for younger viewers exploring London.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (England) — Rated PG, a gateway into England’s wizarding world tourism.
• The Parent Trap (England) — Rated PG, twins, a summer camp, and a London-set family reunion plot.
• Passport to Paris (France) — Rated G, twin sisters spend spring break exploring Paris with their grandfather.
• Spider-Man: Far From Home (England/Italy) — Rated PG-13, a high-energy pick for older kids that tours multiple European cities.
• The Lizzie McGuire Movie (Italy) — Rated PG, a class trip to Rome turns into a teenager’s dream-come-true.

Best Movies for First-Time Europe Travelers

If you’re new to European travel and want a broad, multi-country taste before you go, start here:

• Chasing Liberty — Covers Prague, Venice, Berlin, London, and more in one classic European road-trip arc.
• Winning London — A nostalgic look at London sightseeing wrapped around a Model UN trip.
• The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Inferno — Robert Langdon’s fast-paced thriller trilogy doubles as a tour through Paris, the Vatican, and a chase across Florence, Venice, and Istanbul.
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — A coming-of-age story that introduces Greece alongside three other storylines.
• Eat Pray Love — The quintessential first taste of Italy, food and all.
• Just Married — A honeymoon-gone-wrong comedy that tours Europe, including Salzburg, Austria.

What’s your favorite Europe trip movie? Did I miss yours?

Let me know in the comments below.

FAQs

Related Film Tourism Travel Guides

• Guide to Visiting Château de Pierrefonds, BBC Merlin’s Castle in France
• 30 Scenic Movies Set in Greece You Need to Watch Before You Visit
• 28 Fantastic Movies & TV Shows Set in Paris, You Need to Watch Before Visiting
• 13 Sound of Music Filming Locations in Salzburg, Austria + How to Visit Them
• 6 Famous Filming Locations in Portugal from Film and TV, and How to Visit Them
• 24 TV Series Set in Europe That’ll Inspire Your Next Vacation
• 73 Movies Set in European Destinations to Inspire Your Next Trip

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