#As Seen On Screen : 30 Film Locations You Can Visit In Real Life

CGI achieves incredible things in modern day filmmaking, but there’s a buzz to be had from spending time in a real location that you recognize from a favorite movie. It’s part of the reason why New York is so instantly familiar, even to first time visitors: it’s like we’ve been there, via cinematic experience, a hundred times before. Ranging from old movies to newer offerings, and from remote destinations to those closer to home, this list should get you exploring – both from your armchair and on foot. Check out these film locations you can visit in real life.

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens And The Last Jedi

Skellig Michael will be instantly recognizable to Star Wars fans as Ahch-To, the island planet on which Luke Skywalker was found by Rey at the end of The Force Awakens; it’s also where she subsequently learns how to use her force in The Last Jedi. In reality, this dramatic piece of landscape lies about 7 miles off the southwest coast of Ireland; in around 600CE, monks built a monastery high above sea level, which was accessible only by climbing hundreds of rough stone steps. Various tours run from the mainland to the island.

2. Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert

This cult Australian film follows the misadventures of two drag queens and a transgender woman on the journey from Sydney to Alice Springs, in a bus they’ve named Priscilla. Its portrayal of LGBT people had positive mainstreaming effects – and Australia’s magnificent inland didn’t come off looking too bad either. In the Northern Territory, Kings Canyon formed a majestic backdrop to the film, as did the South Australian mining town of Coober Pedy, which Bowie fans may also recognize from the music video to ‘Let’s Dance’.