So, we’ve shown you Malta’s food and drink trails, but if that’s not enough, we thought we’d give you a little look into the blockbuster productions that have been filmed in Malta. From romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers, the islands of Malta are so picturesque they can’t not be on film. Get ready and come join us on an insider’s look into filming locations around the Mediterranean country that we all just love so much.
Troy (2004)
Starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom, this epic war film is the story of the Greek Army invading the historical city of Troy in the late 12th Century. Fort Ricasoli, located on the north eastern coast of Malta, hosted the city of Troy for the filming, and Mellieha is also heavily featured throughout the picture. The Blue Lagoon even appears for a short clip, when a windswept Brad Pitt spots Julie Christie from afar and then proceeds to look wistfully into the distance.
13 hours (2016)
The chilling action thriller, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, is a biographical war film depicting the defence of the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. The Paramount Pictures production starring John Krasinski and James Badge Dale is one of the largest productions hosted in Malta. Throughout the film you’ll see Valletta, Corradino, Manoel Island and even Malta International Airport.
Gladiator (2000)
That’s right, the famous Gladiator that (depending on your age) you may have watched in history at school, is another to add to Malta’s long list of films. The historical drama shows Maximus Decimus Meridus, played by Russell Crowe, rise from slave to gladiator and avenge the bloody murders of his emperor and family. The Academy Award-winning film used Fort Ricasoli to shoot the depiction of ancient Rome and even had a partial replica of the Roman Colosseum built there.
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Released in 1981, the original production of Clash of the Titans is an adventure fantasy film based on the Greek mythological story of Perseus. In an iconic scene of the battle between Perseus and the Kraken, Gozo’s Azure Window is featured. Now collapsed due to heavy storms in 2017, The Azure Window was once a beautiful rock formation of an arch going into the sea. No longer in existence, if you want to see what it looked like, you know which film to watch.
Swept Away (2002)
This whirlwind romantic comedy follows the story of a spoiled, arrogant woman finding herself shipwrecked on an island with the first mate of a ship. The Guy Richie production was a re-make of the 1974 Italian original and even features the original actor’s son, Adriano Giannini, alongside Madonna as the main character. Featuring stunning white sands and crystal-blue waters, there’s no better set for a desert island than Comino!
If seeing the beautiful islands on screen isn’t enough, take a look at our Malta page!
