These Hollywood movies were filmed around Lake Balaton

Hungary, with its picturesque landscapes and attractive tax incentives, has become a favourite destination for big-budget American film productions. This surprising movie charm has not only brought Lake Balaton into the spotlight but has also turned Hungary into a canvas for Hollywood movies.

Lake Balaton’s cinematic starring role

While Budapest often steals the spotlight, some Hollywood films have ventured beyond the capital to feature the enchanting backdrop of Lake Balaton. Magyarorszag.hu made a list of some of these internationally renowned films that showcase the beauty of Hungary’s largest lake.

1. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) 

Blade Runner, based on Philip K. Dick’s iconic novel, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, took the world by storm in 1982. The highly anticipated sequel, released 35 years later, surprised audiences with its use of a unique Hungarian location. The disused site of the former power plant of Inota, just 19 kilometres from the northeastern corner of Lake Balaton, became a captivating backdrop for this science fiction masterpiece.

2. Spy (2015)

Spy, a 2015 comedy featuring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Statham, primarily unfolds in Budapest. However, the story reaches its climax on the Hungarian sea, where Hungarian police cars and the ominous helicopter scene featuring 50 Cent contribute to the film’s comedic appeal. The combination of Budapest’s charm and the scenic beauty of Lake Balaton adds an extra layer to this action-packed comedy.

3. Moon Knight (2022)

In the Disney+ series Moon Knight, which premiered last year, Budapest takes centre stage alongside an Egyptian atmosphere. While London serves as a cinematic ‘double’ for the capital, the third episode reveals a castle located on the eastern shores of Lake Balaton. The 19th-century Tudor-style Nádasdy Castle in Nádasladány plays a subtle yet significant role, showcasing the diversity of Hungary’s landscapes.

4. A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

Bruce Willis returned as John McClane in A Good Day to Die Hard, the fifth instalment of the iconic action franchise. Hungary, once again, played a considerable role in bringing the film to life. While Budapest stood in for Moscow in many scenes, the action extended beyond the capital to locations like Hajmáskér in Veszprém County. The film’s dynamic scenes and involvement of Hungarian celebrities enriched the cinematic experience.

5. Red Sparrow (2018)

Red Sparrow, a twisty spy story starring Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Irons, weaves its intricate web of mystery against the backdrop of Hungary. While Budapest and Dunaújváros feature prominently, the film takes a detour to the south coast of the city, highlighting the majestic Festetics Castle. The historic mansion adds a touch of luxury to the spy story.

6. Eternals (2021)

Although not literally filmed on Lake Balaton, Marvel’s Eternals includes a scene where the celestial being Tiamut emerges from beneath the Earth’s crust in Pest County. While the eruption is a product of CGI, a top-down view of the mountain reveals Hungary’s own “sea” in the bottom left corner of the screen. This inclusion subtly places Lake Balaton within the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A few of our articles also offer a unique glimpse into Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie’s experiences in the Hungarian capital. While Budapest often takes centre stage, the inclusion of Lake Balaton in Hollywood films not only showcases Hungary’s diverse landscapes but also adds a unique charm to these international blockbusters.

Source: Magyarorszagom.hu