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Hollywood films shot in Budapest – and where to find the locations
Budapest is not only a favourite among tourists but also a favourite among filmmakers. The city’s elegant boulevards, historic buildings, and streets of varied architectural styles often allow it to “stand in” for other major European cities. It’s no surprise that in recent years, numerous Hollywood productions have chosen the Hungarian capital as a filming location.
Here, we highlight the places that have become iconic filming spots and where you can find them in real life!
Black Widow (2021) – Natasha Romanoff’s past in Budapest
One of the latest films in the Marvel Universe, Black Widow, uses Budapest as the backdrop for Natasha Romanoff’s childhood and her espionage-filled past. The film centres on her path to redemption and the uncovering of betrayals within her family, all while featuring spectacular action sequences on the city’s streets.
Budapest Filming Locations:
- Keleti Railway Station – Natasha meets a secret agent in a key scene at the station.
- Alkotmány Street – a location for car chases and fast-paced action scenes.
- Gellért Hill – the panoramic view at the start of the film, where Natasha reflects on her past.
The film also stars Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz, and Budapest’s unique atmosphere perfectly complements the spy-thriller style. Walking through central Budapest, you can recognise the station’s grand hall or the row of buildings along Alkotmány Street where the characters chase their target.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) – Tom Cruise in pudapest
In the fourth instalment of Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt carries out breathtaking action sequences on the streets of Budapest. One of the film’s most famous scenes shows Cruise running across much of the city and performing rooftop stunts above it.
Budapest Filming Locations:
- Széchenyi István Square and surrounding area – the famous rooftop sequence where Ethan Hunt jumps across rooftops.
- Andrássy Avenue – car chases and dramatic action sequences.
- Danube Promenade from the Chain Bridge – the cityscape in the film’s epic final scene.
Maria (2024) – Angelina Jolie’s film in Budapest
The 2024 film Maria stars Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, with a significant portion of the shoot taking place in Budapest.
Unlike action or spy films, this is a deeply human historical drama depicting Callas’ final years in 1970s Paris. Jolie prepared for her role for over seven months, and the filmmakers aimed to recreate the period from 1940 to 1970 across several European locations.
Budapest Filming Locations:
- Liszt Ferenc Square – Franz Liszt Academy of Music main hall – Maria is seen preparing for a rehearsal in this grand, historic setting in the opening scene.
- Szabadság Square and the former MTV Headquarters / Stock Exchange Palace – used to depict 1970s Paris.
- Franz Liszt Academy’s main hall and other interior Budapest locations – show Maria’s inner world and artistic struggles.
The film’s director, Pablo Larraín, known for Jackie and Spencer, brings a nuanced portrait of a female icon, making Maria not only a biography but also a psychological exploration.
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013) – Bruce Willis and action in Moscow… Budapest
In the fifth Die Hard film, Bruce Willis returns as John McClane to prevent another international disaster. Although the film depicts Moscow, many of the action sequences were actually shot on the streets of Budapest, complete with rocket-firing vehicles and explosions.
Budapest as Moscow:
- Heroes’ Square – a spectacular chase scene with cars and military vehicles racing through the square.
- Madách and Kálvin Squares – the city centre perfectly represents Moscow.
- Danube Promenade – high-speed chase along the riverside.
Spy Game (2001) – Robert Redford and Brad Pitt’s secret mission
Spy Game is a spy thriller in which Robert Redford plays a veteran CIA agent trying to rescue the young agent, played by Brad Pitt, from a complex political situation. The film features multiple European cities, with Budapest standing in for Berlin.
Budapest Filming Locations:
- Liberty Bridge – a key meeting point in the film.
- Nyugati Railway Station – central to the plot, with its monumental architecture creating dramatic effect.
- Danube Promenade – provides a perfect backdrop for secretive spy conversations.
Why filmmakers love Budapest
The city’s architecture spans multiple eras, making it easy to “transform” into other European cities. Along with professional local crews and favourable production costs, Budapest is a filmmaker’s dream. The Danube riverside, historic palaces, the Great Market Hall, and old railway stations are locations difficult to reproduce in a studio, giving films shot in Budapest a truly authentic urban atmosphere.
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