South Africa‘s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage have long attracted filmmakers. Its breathtaking scenery has served as the backdrop to some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, from the rugged deserts of the Northern Cape to the lush jungles of KwaZulu-Natal. We’ll explore the movies and TV shows filmed in South Africa, uncover hidden filming locations, and share insider tips for exploring these cinematic hotspots. If you’re a film buff, a traveler, or just curious about the magic of movie-making, this post is for you.
Why South Africa? The Filmmaker’s Paradise
South Africa’s appeal as a filming location lies in its versatility. The country offers a wide range of landscapes—deserts, mountains, beaches, and urban jungles—all within relatively close proximity. Add to that world-class production facilities, a favorable exchange rate, and a skilled local crew, and it’s no wonder that South Africa has become a go-to destination for filmmakers.
“I’ve traveled to over 50 countries, but South Africa’s natural beauty and cultural diversity are truly unmatched. It’s like having an entire world in one country,” says travel blogger Jessica Smith of The Blonde Abroad.
Blockbuster Movies Filmed in South Africa
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Photo Credit: TV Insider
George Miller’s post-apocalyptic masterpiece, Mad Max: Fury Road, is a visual feast of high-octane action and stunning landscapes. While most of the film was shot in Namibia, key scenes were filmed in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The region’s vast, arid deserts provided the perfect setting for the film’s dystopian world.
Filming Location: Northern Cape
Must-Visit Spot: The Kalahari Desert
Pro Tip: Visit the !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for an authentic desert experience.
2. Hitman (2007)
Photo Credit: Ausretrogamer
In Hitman, Cape Town‘s streets doubled as Russia and other international locations. The Mother City’s versatility shines as it transforms into a global hub for espionage and action.
Filming Location: Cape Town
Must-Visit Spot: The V&A Waterfront
Pro Tip: Take a guided walking tour of Cape Town’s film locations to see where Hitman and other movies were shot.
3. Safe House (2012)
Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes
Starring Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington, Safe House is a gripping action thriller filmed entirely in Cape Town. From high-speed chases through the city to intense scenes in Langa Township, the film showcases Cape Town’s gritty and glamorous sides.
Filming Location: Cape Town and Langa Township
Must-Visit Spot: Langa Township for a cultural tour
4. Bloodshot (2020)
Photo Credit: YouTube
Vin Diesel’s superhero flick Bloodshot may not have been a box office smash, but it put Cape Town in the spotlight. The city’s futuristic architecture and cutting-edge facilities made it the perfect stand-in for a high-tech, sci-fi setting.
Filming Location: Cape Town
Must-Visit Spot: Cape Town Film Studios
Pro Tip: Visit the nearby Atlantis Dunes for a thrilling sandboarding experience.
5. Tomb Raider (2018)
Photo Credit: IMDb
Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider reboot brought Lara Croft’s adventures to life in South Africa. The film’s lush jungles and rugged terrain were shot in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Filming Location: KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape
Must-Visit Spot: iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Pro Tip: Explore the Drakensberg Mountains for breathtaking hikes and ancient rock art.
Marvel Movies Filmed in South Africa
6. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
Johannesburg‘s Carlton Centre became the battleground for Hulk and Iron Man in Avengers: Age of Ultron. The city’s urban landscape added a gritty realism to the superhero showdown.
Filming Location: Johannesburg
Must-Visit Spot: Carlton Centre’s Top of Africa viewpoint
Pro Tip: Visit the Apartheid Museum to learn about South Africa’s history.
TV Shows and Series Filmed in South Africa
7. Black Mirror (Season 6, ‘Demon 79′)
Photo Credit: Variety
The Black Mirror episode Demon 79 may be set in 1970s England, but it was filmed in Cape Town. The city’s retro architecture and gritty streets provided the perfect backdrop for this dystopian tale.
Filming Location: Cape Town
Must-Visit Spot: Bo-Kaap for colorful streets and rich history
Pro Tip: Take a guided tour of Cape Town’s film studios to see where Black Mirror was shot.
8. Outlander (Season 3)
Photo Credit: Netflix
Outlander swapped the Caribbean for South Africa’s stunning coastlines and lush forests in Season 3. The show even reused sets from Black Sails, another SA-filmed hit.
Filming Location: Cape Town
Must-Visit Spot: Table Mountain National Park
Pro Tip: Visit the Cape Winelands for a taste of South Africa’s world-class wines.
9. One Piece (2023 – )
Photo Credit: Netflix
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece turned Cape Town into a high-seas fantasy. The city’s coastal beauty and state-of-the-art film studios brought the Grand Line to life.
Filming Location: Cape Town
Must-Visit Spot: Cape Town Film Studios
Pro Tip: Explore the Cape Peninsula for stunning ocean views and wildlife encounters.
Romantic Comedies Filmed in South Africa
10. The Kissing Booth Trilogy (2018 – 2021)
Photo Credit: IMDb
Netflix’s The Kissing Booth may be set in Los Angeles, but its dreamy beach scenes and high school hallways were filmed in Cape Town.
Filming Location: Cape Town
Must-Visit Spot: Camps Bay Beach
Pro Tip: Visit the University of Cape Town for a stroll through its picturesque campus.
Key Takeaways
| Movie/Show | Filming Location | Must-Visit Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Mad Max: Fury Road | Northern Cape | Kalahari Desert |
| Hitman | Cape Town | V&A Waterfront |
| Safe House | Cape Town, Langa Township | Langa Township |
| Bloodshot | Cape Town | Cape Town Film Studios |
| Tomb Raider | KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape | iSimangaliso Wetland Park |
| Avengers: Age of Ultron | Johannesburg | Carlton Centre |
| Black Mirror | Cape Town | Bo-Kaap |
| Outlander | Cape Town | Table Mountain National Park |
| One Piece | Cape Town | Cape Peninsula |
| The Kissing Booth | Cape Town | Camps Bay Beach |
FAQs
1. Why is South Africa a popular filming location?
South Africa offers diverse landscapes, world-class facilities, and cost-effective production options, making it a favorite among filmmakers.
2. Can I visit the filming locations?
Yes, many filming locations are open to the public. Guided tours are available in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
3. Are there any film festivals in South Africa?
Yes, the Durban International Film Festival and the Cape Town International Film Market & Festival are must-attend events for film enthusiasts.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official websites or contact the relevant authorities.
