There are many movies shot in Turkey. Every year, numerous films are produced, and fortunately, not all of them rely on the artificial settings of Hollywood studios. Some of these movies are filmed in real environments, giving us the opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere. Just as a well-played role can bring more recognition to an actor, a good film can attract attention to the towns or countries where it was shot.
Movies are among the most effective ways to present a country or city to the world. For example, the film Casablanca attracted many tourists to Morocco for years. Similarly, thousands of travelers, following in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, continue to visit Jordan to see the Treasury in the rock-carved temple of Petra.
Sometimes, even if you don’t enjoy the storyline of a movie, the historic streets or landmarks in the background might capture your attention and inspire you to learn more about the filming location. Or, if you’ve already chosen your next travel destination, why not watch a few movies filmed there to get in the mood?
If Turkey is one of your upcoming destinations, here is a list of notable movies filmed there, mostly in Istanbul. These films highlight many well-known landmarks, as well as lesser-known places that could enhance your travel itinerary.
Movies shot in Turkey :
2020s
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Mickey 17 (2025) – A sci-fi directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film includes filming locations in Turkey
- The Amateur (2025) – Directed by James Hawes, this movie features some scenes filmed in Turkey
- No One Will Save You (2024) – A sci-fi thriller utilizing Istanbul’s vibrant and urban backdrop to enhance its tense narrative.
- Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023) – Directed by Guy Ritchie, this spy thriller features scenes shot in Antalya, showcasing Turkey’s stunning coastal visuals.
- Extraction 2 (2023) – An action-packed Netflix sequel with several scenes filmed in Turkish locales, highlighting urban and rural landscapes.
- Triangle of Sadness (2022) – A satirical drama partially filmed along Turkey’s picturesque coastline.
- The Two Faces of January (2022) – A thriller set against iconic Istanbul locations like the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia.
- No Time to Die (2021) – James Bond’s latest adventure, with sequences filmed in Turkey, highlighting its charm and allure.
2010s
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Kedi (2016)
Documentary about Istanbul’s cats. -
Inferno (2016)
Scenes filmed in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. -
The Mountain II (2016)
Military drama filmed across Turkey, including Istanbul. -
Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)
Features Istanbul in action sequences. -
The Cut (2014)
Filmed in Eastern Turkey, directed by Fatih Akin. -
The Water Diviner (2014)
Directed by Russell Crowe, scenes from Istanbul and Gallipoli. -
Two Faces of January (2014)
Istanbul appears towards the end of the movie. -
Tyrant (TV series) (2014)
Features city views of Istanbul. -
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
Filmed in Turkey, depicting ancient landscapes. -
Argo (2012)
Istanbul doubled as Tehran in this political thriller. -
Taken 2 (2012)
Liam Neeson’s thriller shot in Istanbul. -
James Bond: Skyfall (2012)
Filmed in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey. -
Innocence of Muslims (2012)
Some sequences filmed in Turkey. -
The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012)
Political thriller partially filmed in Istanbul.
2000s
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The International (2009)
Filmed in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and iconic locations. -
The Rebound (2009)
Romantic comedy partially filmed in Istanbul. -
The Edge of Heaven (2007)
Directed by Fatih Akin, with scenes shot in Istanbul. -
Hitman (2007)
Filmed in Istanbul’s backstreets and bazaars. -
Transylvania (2006)
French-Italian drama partially filmed in Cappadocia. -
The Net 2.0 (2006)
Filmed in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.
1990s
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The World Is Not Enough (1999) – A James Bond film featuring scenes shot in Istanbul, particularly around the Bosphorus and Maiden’s Tower.
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From Russia with Love (1999) – Another James Bond movie filmed in Istanbul, showcasing iconic spots like the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia.
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The Water Diviner (1999) – Directed by Russell Crowe, this historical drama included scenes filmed in Turkey, focusing on the Gallipoli area.
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The Accidental Spy (1999) – This Jackie Chan action film features scenes shot in Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar, capturing the city’s unique charm.
1980s
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The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) – Directed by Terry Gilliam, this fantasy-adventure film includes scenes shot in Istanbul, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks.
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – This installment of the Indiana Jones franchise features some scenes filmed in Turkey, including the ancient city of Petra (though it’s often associated with Jordan).
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The World According to Garp (1982) – Parts of this film, based on John Irving’s novel, were shot in Turkey, including scenes in Istanbul.
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Gallipoli (1981) – Although primarily filmed in Australia, this war drama about the Gallipoli Campaign was inspired by the historical events that occurred in Turkey.
1970s
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The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – A James Bond film featuring scenes shot in Istanbul. Key locations include the Bosphorus and the famous Hagia Sophia.
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Murder on the Orient Express (1974) – Based on the Agatha Christie novel, parts of this film were shot in Istanbul’s Sirkeci Railway Station.
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The Adventurer (1972) – An action-adventure film, with key sequences filmed in Istanbul, including the Grand Bazaar.
1960s
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Topkapi (1964)
A heist movie set in Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace. -
From Russia with Love (1963)
Filmed in Istanbul, featuring the Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus, and Grand Bazaar.
1950s
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The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) – Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this thriller features scenes filmed in Istanbul, particularly highlighting the city’s cultural landmarks like the Grand Bazaar.