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.