15 Iconic Filming Locations in Mexico

By 12 April, 2024

There are countless reasons why millions of visitors flock to this country year in and year out. Its vibrant culture, rich traditions, stunning beauty, welcoming locals, and… escorts. It’s no wonder that Mexico ranks among the top ten most visited countries globally. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Mexico City, Cancún, and the Riviera Maya, there are several lesser-known locales that have set the stage for iconic movie scenes. Here are some of the standout film locations.

1. Ben-Hur (1959)

This critically acclaimed film touches on themes of revenge, friendship, betrayal, and love. Key scenes from the dramatic chariot races were filmed in the streets of Durango.

2. Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

This action-packed sequel starred a young Sylvester Stallone and involved James Cameron. Much of the film was shot in picturesque spots like Acapulco, Guerrero (Coyuca de Benitez), and Tecoanapa.

3. Predator (1987)

Kicking off a beloved action saga featuring soldiers and aliens, this film starred the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. Scenes were filmed in locales like Palenque’s jungles, Villahermosa, Tabasco, and Puerto Vallarta. 

Interestingly, Schwarzenegger would return to Mexico a few years later to shoot Total Recall alongside Sharon Stone in Mexico City.

4. Romeo and Juliet (1996)

A modern take on the quintessential tragic Italian love story. A favourite amongst beautiful escorts from skokka.com.au, it portrays the doomed romance between heirs of feuding families. 

Director Baz Luhrmann, with a youthful Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, swapped Verona for Veracruz and Texcoco.

5. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron’s heart-wrenching depiction of the ill-fated voyage, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Despite the chilly on-screen vibes, the actual location was the balmy Rosarito beach in Baja California. Titanic garnered a staggering 11 Oscars among numerous other accolades.

6. James Bond (1989 – 2015)

The iconic spy graced Mexican soils twice. First, in Licence to Kill with Timothy Dalton, featuring scenes from Acapulco, Toluca, and Mexico City. Then again in Spectre, with Daniel Craig, showcasing the unmissable Day of the Dead parade.

7. Pearl Harbor (2001)

A heartrending tale of a love triangle set amidst WWII. Michael Bay’s epic drama intertwines themes of honour, bravery, loss, love, and friendship. The film’s military base was constructed in Rosarito, Baja California.

8. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2004)

Concluding a thrilling trilogy, this film boasts an all-star cast including Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp, Enrique Iglesias, Mickey Rourke, Danny Trejo, Willem Dafoe y Eva Mendes and many more.

It spins the tale of a retired assassin, the Mariachi, enlisted by a CIA agent to exact revenge. Set amidst bloodshed and bullets, the action unfolds in San Miguel de Allende and various spots in Guanajuato.

9. Troy (2004) 

This film stars Brad Pitt (Achilles), Eric Bana (Hector) and Orlando Bloom (Paris) and Sea Bean (Ulysses), and tells the story of The Iliad and part of Homer’s Odyssey. Although Pitt had already been in Mexico (San Luis de Potosí, Túnel Garrio and Real de Catorce) three years earlier, filming “La Mexicana” with Julia Roberts.

But this time to tell the story of Greece’s fight against Troy and the famous wooden horse they built. Part of the location they chose for this great film was built in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur for at least ten weeks. Brad Pitt is one of the most handsome actors and one of the most loved by Bangalore escorts available at skokka.in.

10. Kill Bill Vol. II (2004)

Quentin Tarantino’s magnum opus, headlined by Uma Thurman, chronicles a tale of revenge. The thrilling conclusion was shot on the coasts of Jalisco, especially in Costa Careyes, Puerto Vallarta.

11. Apocalypto (2006) 

Directed by Mel Gibson, this film dives into a world of hunters, conquerors, Mesoamerican tribes, and the illustrious Mayan culture. 

Key scenes were set in Veracruz, Catemaco, Las Tuxtlas, and San Andrés Chicahuaxtla.

12. Into the wild (2007)

Sean Penn’s adaptation of the true story of a young man abandoning civilisation to embrace nomadic minimalism. Parts were shot in Los Algodones, Baja California Norte, and the Gulf of Santa Clara.

13. Che (2008)

Recounting the life of the revolutionary Che Guevara and starring Benicio del Toro, this film, despite being set in Bolivia and Cuba, shot some of its scenes in Campeche.

14. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Continuing the adventures of the renowned archaeologist, Indiana Jones, a 65-year-old Harrison Ford, alongside Shia LaBeouf, directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas, embarks on a quest for a mystical relic. 

While the narrative took them to Morocco, the actual scenes were filmed in New Mexico. It would be interesting to visit Skokka blog for more information about movies, films and more.

15. Fast & Furious 4 (2009)

A chapter of the ever-evolving car saga, the latest being its ninth instalment. Led by Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Michelle Rodriguez, thrilling race sequences were captured in the quaint town of Magdalena de Kino in Sonora.


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