Prague in the Movies

Prague is a hot destination for the movie production. And not only the city itself, but all Czech Republic. Especially in the last decades there are more and more foreign producers exploring the beauties of our country.

One of the main reasons why we are so popular are lower prices and tax incentives. Only in Prague you can find Barrandov movie studios, the largest film studio in the country and one of the largest in Europe, nicknamed “European Hollywood.” And, the most important, is the architecture. It offers the new and old, romantic and scary places. You do not need to travel anywhere else to find Venice, Paris or Vienna on the same street! :-)

Many, many movies were filmed in Prague and here I’m bringing you a few of them, in this limited space. It might be also a nice idea what to watch them prior coming to Prague ;-)

Mission: Impossible 1 (1996) and 4: Ghost Protocol (2011)

Nothing is impossible for Tom Cruise. To run across the Charles Bridge just within a few seconds or stealing from the Russians atPrague Castle. Large parts of these movies were shot not only in the historical centre (Old Town Square, National Museum, Wenceslas Square, Kampa Island, Municipal House…) but also in wider Prague areas — Vyšehrad Castle or Strahov Stadium.

Kampa Island, Old Town Square and Charles Bridge

Btw, Mission: Impossible 1 was the very first foreign movie made in Prague after the fall of communist regime.

Amadeus (1984)

Probably the best and the most known movie ever made in Prague is Amadeus. Filmed in 1984, so when we still had communistic regime, by Czech director Miloš Forman (who had to leave the country because of the same regime). The plot of the movie is set in Vienna, telling the story of two rival composers — Mozart and Salieri. It won eight Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. That’s pretty good, isn’t it?

The best filming location to visit is the Estates Theatre, where the real Mozart premiered his opera Don Giovanni. Among others, try to stop in Wallenstein Garden, Strahov Monastery, St. Giles church or Colloredo — Mansfred Palace.

Colloredo-Mansfred Palace, Strahov Library and Wallenstein Palace

Estate Theatre — movie set for Amadeus movie. and also the place of the premiere of opera Don Giovanni in 1787 conducted by Mozart

Casino Royale (2006)

Agent 007 had to make it to Prague one day, no doubt about it. Some of the place where he is walking, running and shooting were filmed in Strahov Monastery, National Museum or Prague Airport that was supposed to be… well, Miami Airport :)

National Museum

Actually, most of the movie was shot in other towns, such as Loket and Karlovy Vary. Especially in Karlovy Vary, the movie makers decided to use again famous Grandhotel Pupp — that you might know from another movie, The Last Holiday with Queen Latifah and Gérard Depardieu.

Loket

Grand Hotel Pupp

Operation: Daybreak (1975) or Anthropoid (2016)

One of the most important moments in the history of WW2 is the arrival of the Butcher of Prague and his eventual assassination in 1942 by two Czechoslovakian paratroopers. There are several Czech movies dedicated to this operation. Speaking about those made in English language, you must watch Operation: Daybreak and the new Anthropoid movie, both filmed also on the authentic locations. They display the bravery of Czechs and how terrible price we had to pay.

Church of the St. Cyril and St. Methodius

To find out more about what really happened in 1942, join my Memorial Tour.

Child 44 (2015)

Movie based on a book that tells the story of the Russian military police (Tom Hardy and Gary Oldman) investigating a series of a child murders during the Stalin era in Russia. Movie makers decided to come to Prague especially because of the underground stations (dated back to communistic time) but also for the interiors. One of them is the National Museum. However, the director Ridley Scott did not like the facade of the National Museum and asked to repaint it. He was quite confused when the city did not allow him to do it. :)

Prague Anděl station — the set for Child 44

Btw, did you know that for the filming, producers had to stop the operation of Prague’s underground? That happened for the first time in our history. You can imagine how locals were happy about it :)

Les Misérables (1998)

Probably the best version of Victor Hugo’s story and made in Prague! The cast is perfect, starring Liam Neeson, Uma Thurman or Geoffrey Rush and the setting even more splendid. For many travellers Prague really look like a small Paris and if not, it is easy to make by using film effects. That’s how the movie makers replaced St.Vitus Cathedral for Notre Dame de Paris in one scene, but in the other one you can see our Cathedral back again :)

Just replace the towers of St. Vitus Cathedral for Notre Dame de Paris :)

Yentl (1984)

Barbra Streisand and the song “Papa, Can You Hear Me?”, who would not know it? It comes from the movie called Yentl that tells a story of a Jewish girl disguises herself as a boy to enter religious training. It won also one Oscar, Golden Globe and the nomination for Grammy Awards.

Old New Synagogue

xXx (2002)

An extreme sports athlete, Vin Diesel, is recruited by the government on a special mission. The movie itself is nothing special, but the scene on Vltava river is pretty amazing. Also several sights from historical centre appear in the movies, such as Týn Church, Old Town Square, Municipal House or Charles Bridge.

And the winner for the Best Shot in Prague is…

The Best Offer (2013)

The story of an elderly man working in auctions, the collector or the painting, was mostly filmed in Italy. However, at the final of the movies, the main character (Geoffrey Rush) decides to come to Prague. He enters the room of the hotel, opens the window and the first thing he sees is the famous Astronomical Clock. What an amazing shot! Only afew seconds, but it makes you feel you need to come to this city. Watch and decide. :)

Astronomical Clock

Btw, the restaurant mentioned in the movie. Night&Day, does not actually exist :)

Looking for more?

• The Last Knights
• Bad Company
• The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
• Van Helsing
• Alien vs. Predator
• The Unbearable Lightness of Being
• Running Scared
• Everything is Illuminated
• The Trial
• Immortal Beloved
• Slaughterhouse-Five
• Kafka
• The Bridge at Remagen
• Fatherland
• From Hell
• Snow White — A Tale of Terrors
• Burning Secret
• A Knight’s Tale
• Hart’s War
• Blade II

…and many more :)

Here you can see some photos from the streets of Prague, directly from the set. And try to guess what movies it is from :)