Portugal, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming architecture, has been a favorite location for many renowned films and television series. From mystical thrillers to action-packed blockbusters, here are 10 famous movies and television shows filmed in Portugal.
1. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
We begin our list of films with one from a character created in Portugal that now has 25 of his own films—quite the legacy, we have to say. The sixth James Bond film takes full advantage of Portugal’s picturesque locales. Key scenes were shot in and around Lisbon, including the beaches of Praia do Guincho, the gardens of Praça Dom Pedro IV, and the elegant Palácio Estoril. SPOILER ALERT: The tragic scene where Bond girl Tracy dies was filmed on a cliffside road in Arrábida, offering stunning views of the deep blue ocean.
What you probably don’t know is that the Palácio Estoril in Portugal was the original inspiration for Ian Fleming to create the character of James Bond. Because of Portugal’s neutrality during the war, Estoril was a strategic place for spies on both sides of the war and a starting point for routes to the Americas. At the Palácio Estoril Hotel, Fleming watched a double agent bet $40,000 at a baccarat table at the Estoril Casino just to dupe an enemy. This became the basis for Fleming’s first James Bond book Casino Royale. It’s great to see that Palácio do Estoril finally made its official Bond debut by the sixth film.
2. The House of the Spirits (1993)
Starring Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, and Winona Ryder and based on Isabel Allende’s novel, this film follows the Trueba family across four generations. Although set in Chile, many scenes were filmed in Portugal, showcasing the iconic Rua Augusta in Lisbon and the rural beauty of the Alentejo.
3. The Ninth Gate (1999)
In this 1999 thriller directed by Roman Polanski, Johnny Depp stars as a rare book dealer who discovers a book believed to summon the Devil, leading him on a journey through Europe, including a stop in the enchanting town of Sintra, Portugal. Sintra’s mystical palaces, chalets, and lush gardens provide a perfect backdrop for the film’s supernatural elements.
Sintra filming locations include Hotel Central and Praça República. Biester Palace plays a big role in the film, and, at the time of filming, Biester Palace was not accessible to the public. In April 2022, Biester Palace finally opened to the public and is now open every day for you to enjoy.
4. The Invincible Circus (2001)
This 2001 film directed by Adam Brooks and starring Cameron Diaz tells the story of a woman investigating her sister’s mysterious death by a cliff in Portugal. Filming took place in various locations, including the historic São Jorge Castle and the charming Alfama district in Lisbon. The movie also references significant Portuguese historical events such as the Carnation Revolution. Scenes were also shot in Cabo Espichel (Sesimbra), Sintra, and Portinho da Arrábida (Setúbal)
5. Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
This is the first of two films shot in Lisbon with Jeremy Irons in a starring role. In Bille August’s drama, a professor leaves his life behind to uncover the story of a Portuguese doctor during the Salazar dictatorship. The film captures the essence of Lisbon through its historic train stations and old pharmacies. Filming locations include Caxias, Estação Santa Apolónia (Lisboa), and Farmácia Jorge (Lisboa).
6. Where to Invade Next (2015)
In this documentary, Michael Moore explores various countries to identify the social and economic policies that he would like to bring back to the United States. Portugal features prominently as Moore highlights the country’s progressive drug decriminalization policies. Moore filmed in Lisbon and painted Portugal in a very good light. This happened to be my first introduction to Portugal, as I had not considered visiting before. I have to say that I was inspired to visit after seeing Portugal portrayed as such a relaxed and tolerant country.
7. House of the Dragon (2022)
The popular HBO series, a prequel to Game of Thrones, features the historic village of Monsanto in Portugal as Dragonstone, the island home of the Targaryen heir. The Portuguese production company Sagesse Productions was involved in bringing this fantasy world to life. Let us know if you’ve seen this one!
8. Fast and Furious 10 (Fast X) (2023)
The tenth installment of the “Fast and Furious” saga showcases Portugal’s stunning landscapes, with scenes shot in Lisbon, Vila Real, and Viseu. Starring Vin Diesel and Charlize Theron, the production significantly boosted the local economy, bringing in various teams such as construction and wardrobe.
9. Star Wars: The Acolyte (2024)
This Star Wars series, starring Carrie-Ann Moss and Amandla Stenberg, filmed scenes on the beautiful island of Madeira. It premiered on Disney+ on June 4, 2024, with its final episode airing on July 23, 2024. The series focuses on the darker side of the Force andpresents a unique perspective on the galaxy far, far away. Check out the show to see how Portugal’s landscapes blend with the Star Wars universe.
10. Poor Things (2023)
This last film is a bit tricky. Despite a large chunk of Yorgos Lanthimos’s 2023 film taking place in Lisbon, including a one-of-a-kind dance scene, none of “Poor Things” was actually filmed in the Portuguese capital. A fantastical version of the city was instead recreated on sound stages in Budapest. This creative approach adds a unique, surreal quality to the depiction of Lisbon, which aligns with the film’s overall aesthetic inspired by classic monster movies. This movie is one of the most disturbing and bizarre you’ve probably seen in a while, but once you get started, it will be hard to look away.
Final Thoughts
After looking at this list of films and TV series filmed in Portugal, one thing becomes clear: there is not yet enough love from Hollywood for Porto and the Algarve. We invite production companies to try these beautiful locations for their next film projects. Let us know what you think of the films and TV shows that we’ve mentioned. Which one is your favorite?
