Might Surprise You: 7 Hollywood Movies That Were Filmed In Asia
In these movies, you'll see Asia's authentic backdrops—ranging from historical temples to vibrant urban centers—with recognisable landmarks and landscapes appearing throughout.
So, grab your popcorn, and see if you can spot the scenes shot in Asia!
1. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Hello, Cambodia!
Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, exploring the mystical, vine-covered ruins of Angkor Wat? ICONIC. This movie basically put Cambodia's ancient wonders on everyone's travel bucket list. Those sprawling temples, especially Ta Prohm with its trees growing through the stones, were pure cinematic gold.
2. The Beach (2000) - Thailand's Secret Paradise (Before It Became So Famous!)
Leonardo DiCaprio searching for paradise, only to find a hidden, idyllic beach in Thailand? We've all dreamt of it! While the movie's "secret" Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh definitely got a little too famous after this film, you can't deny the sheer beauty that Danny Boyle captured. Thailand's turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs were basically another character in this cult classic.
3. Kong: Skull Island (2017) - Vietnam, You Lookin' Good!
The fantastical, mist-shrouded landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh's Trang An complex were the PERFECT, otherworldly home for King Kong. Seriously, those towering karsts and lush greenery looked like they were made for giant monster battles. Pure epicness!
4. Crazy Rich Asians (2018) - Singapore, You Slayed!
This movie wasn't just a rom-com sensation, it was a love letter to Singapore! From the glittering Marina Bay Sands infinity pool to the breathtaking Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay and the vibrant hawker centers, Crazy Rich Asians showed the world just how glamorous and delicious this little red dot truly is.
5. The Dark Knight (2008) - Hong Kong's Urban Jungle
Christopher Nolan bringing Batman to Hong Kong? YES, PLEASE! The iconic verticality and neon glow of Hong Kong provided the most incredible, gritty backdrop for some serious superhero action. Remember that epic scene where Batman glides from a skyscraper? That was Hong Kong, baby!
6. Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025) - Krabi's Wild Stonescapes
While the original Jurassic Park didn't use Vietnam or Indonesia, the latest installment in the Jurassic World saga, Rebirth, actually filmed in the stunning landscapes of Thailand. Imagine towering limestone karsts, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters providing the perfect, prehistoric backdrop for some serious dinosaur action! This movie truly embraces the natural beauty of Thailand, making its national parks and islands (like Khao Phanom Bencha National Park and Ko Kradan) look like the ultimate lost worlds.
7. Thunderbolts* (2025) - Defying Gravity
Florence Pugh actually brought her superhero prowess to Kuala Lumpur for some epic scenes in Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts*. Yep, the iconic Merdeka 118, the world's second-tallest building, was apparently a major backdrop for some thrilling stunts, with Pugh herself reportedly jumping off the skyscraper as Yelena Belova. Beyond the heart-pounding action, Florence was also totally won over by Malaysia's food scene, even expressing a desire to learn some local dishes for her "Cooking with Flo" series.
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