Movies filmed in Budapest
13 famous movies filmed in Budapest, Hungary – discover the city through Hollywood’s lens
Explore 13 iconic movies shot in Budapest and discover why the city is a top filming location for Hollywood productions.
Budapest is more than just Hungary’s picturesque capital — it’s a rising star on the silver screen. With its grand boulevards, ornate architecture, historic charm, and a uniquely flexible aesthetic, the city has become one of Europe’s most popular filming locations. Budapest has played Paris, Moscow, Berlin, Buenos Aires — and sometimes even itself.
From Cold War thrillers to Marvel superhero blockbusters, Budapest is a cinematic chameleon. Whether you’re a film buff, a sightseeing enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the city in a new light, this list of 13 internationally renowned international film production filmed in Hungary will inspire your next urban adventure.
Here are the list of films shot in Budapest.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Set in the bleak, suspicious world of Cold War espionage, this adaptation of John le Carré’s classic novel includes a gripping scene in Budapest. The atmosphere is tense, the colors are muted, and the mood fits the era like a glove. Fun fact: The Budapest shoot re-creates a botched spy extraction, and the city’s 1970s-era architecture was perfect without much need for modification.
Where to go: Erzsébet Square and adjacent alleys; classic examples of Soviet-era urban design.
Black Widow (2021)
Marvel’s long-awaited Black Widow solo movie finally gave fans a look at Natasha Romanoff’s mysterious past — and it brought her back to Budapest. While some scenes were created using green screen, key exterior shots were filmed around the city. Fun fact: Budapest was used to portray itself, and the film references a past mission here that’s been a running joke since The Avengers (2012).
Where to go: Keleti Railway Station; explore District VII rooftops via guided tours for the best photo angles.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Tom Cruise’s iconic spy Ethan Hunt begins his mission with a pulse-pounding chase through Budapest. As always, there’s danger, disguises, and some very real explosions. Fun fact: The production closed off entire sections of Andrássy Avenue for several nights — a rare occurrence that required precision timing and serious diplomacy.
Where to go: Oktogon, Andrássy Avenue.
Spy (2015)
This action-comedy is one of the few major films where Budapest actually plays itself. Melissa McCarthy stars as a desk-bound CIA analyst who’s suddenly thrust into the field. Unlike most spy films, this one doesn’t disguise the city at all — in fact, it celebrates it. Fun fact: Director Paul Feig said Budapest was the perfect balance of charm and cinematic scale, with landmarks that both elevated the movie and welcomed the cast and crew.
Where to go: Gellért Baths, Liberty Square, Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament.
Red Sparrow (2018)
Jennifer Lawrence transforms into a deadly Russian ballerina-turned-spy in this moody thriller. Budapest doubles for Moscow in many scenes, thanks to its imposing Soviet-style buildings and stately avenues. Fun fact: The production filmed in over 20 Budapest locations — and built additional sets to match specific interiors.
Where to go: Hungarian State Opera House, Andrássy Avenue, and various grand courtyards throughout District VI and VII.
Transporter 3 (2008)
The third installment of The Transporter series brings action to Eastern Europe, including a series of dynamic chase scenes in Budapest. Jason Statham does what he does best — drives fast and fights harder. Fun fact: The movie used real roads and tunnels in Budapest during high-speed driving scenes, causing major buzz among locals.
Where to go: Rákóczi Bridge, Pest riverside roads, and underpasses near Lágymányos.
I Spy (2002)
This buddy-cop comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson makes full use of Budapest’s scenic backdrops. The movie plays up the contrast between American showbiz and Eastern European elegance, delivering laughs and local flavor. Fun fact: Budapest’s Castle District was prominently featured as the location of a fictional high-stakes boxing match.
Where to go: Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Danube Promenade.
Gemini Man (2019)
In this sci-fi thriller, Will Smith meets a younger clone of himself — and Budapest is the backdrop to one of the film’s most memorable sequences: an intense motorcycle chase across the city. Fun fact: Director Ang Lee used ultra-high frame rate filming here, creating a hyper-real visual experience during Budapest’s action scenes.
Where to go: Chain Bridge, Clark Ádám Square, the Tunnel at Castle Hill.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
This futuristic dystopian epic used massive studio spaces and post-industrial locations around Budapest to build its bleak future world. While you won’t recognize it at first glance, many of the film’s sets were constructed in Hungary. Fun fact: The vast interior sets were filmed at Origo Studios, one of Europe’s most advanced production facilities, located just outside the city.
Where to go: Kelenföld district (with permission), or book a studio tour if available.
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)
In the fifth film of the Die Hard franchise, John McClane (Bruce Willis) heads to Moscow — or so it seems. In reality, most of the movie was shot in Budapest, which convincingly played Russia’s capital. Fun fact: Several Budapest metro stations and government buildings were dressed to resemble their Russian counterparts.
Where to go: Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Kálvin Square, the Grand Boulevard.
Munich (2005)
Steven Spielberg’s intense political thriller about Mossad agents post-1972 Olympics was partially shot in Budapest. The city’s diverse architecture allowed it to double for cities across Europe, including Rome, Paris, and Athens. Fun fact: Spielberg was so impressed with Budapest’s visual authenticity that he returned for later projects.
Where to go: Károlyi Garden, historic streets in District V.
Inferno (2016)
Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is back to save the world — and while the main storyline takes place in Italy, several key scenes were filmed in Budapest. Its grand staircases, riverside paths, and tunnels create a perfect mood for the film’s cerebral tension. Fun fact: The film’s art department used 3D laser scans of Budapest landmarks to merge CGI and real footage seamlessly.
Where to go: Várkert Bazaar, Danube embankment near the Chain Bridge.
Evita (1996)
Madonna’s portrayal of Eva Perón brought 1940s Argentina to life — in Budapest. The city’s grand architecture and spacious boulevards convincingly doubled as Buenos Aires for many of the musical’s central scenes. Fun fact: The famous balcony scene was filmed at the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture — not Casa Rosada!
Where to go: Hungarian State Opera House, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square.
Why Budapest is Hollywood’s hidden gem
Budapest has become one of the most film-friendly cities in Europe. With its:
- Wide range of architectural styles (Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Brutalist)
- Competitive tax incentives for foreign productions
- Professional crews and world-class studios
- Safe, logistically manageable urban core
…it’s no wonder that directors and producers continue to return year after year. Budapest is incredibly versatile: it can transform into Soviet Moscow, Nazi-occupied Paris, Victorian London, or futuristic dystopias — all within a few square kilometers.
Bonus tip: join a movie-themed walking tour
If you’re visiting Budapest and want to follow in the footsteps of the stars, consider booking a film location walking tour. These guided experiences take you to real-world filming spots, offer behind-the-scenes stories, and often include stills or clips from the films shot on-site.
Some even offer self-guided maps or downloadable mobile apps — great for movie buffs on a flexible schedule.
Behind the scenes: Budapest’s film studios
Beyond the iconic streets and landmarks, Budapest the Hungarian capital is also home to some of Europe’s most sophisticated film studios. The city hosts several major film production hubs:
Origo Studios
Located in Budapest, this modern complex features massive sound stages and state-of-the-art post-production facilities. Hollywood films like Blade Runner 2049, Dune: Part One, and Inferno were partially filmed here.
Korda Studios
Situated just outside the city in Etyek, it’s known for its huge backlots and historical sets. The Borgias, Hellboy II, and The Last Kingdom and other international productions were filmed here, among many others.
With professional crews, cutting-edge technology, and a flexible infrastructure, Budapest is not just a filming location — it’s a full-scale production capital.
Next time you’re wandering through Budapest’s winding alleys, grand boulevards, or riverside promenades, take a closer look — you might recognize more than you think. Whether you’re chasing spies, dodging explosions, or simply admiring the view, the cinematic charm of Budapest is impossible to ignore.
And who knows? The next big movie might be filming just around the corner.
Curious about music videos filmed in Budapest too? Check out our article showcasing the most iconic clips shot across the city.
