Throughout the history of cinema, filmmakers have often turned to iconic buildings as more than just a backdrop to their stories. These structures become integral characters themselves, setting the tone, elevating the narrative, and sometimes even symbolising key themes of the film. From towering skyscrapers to grand historical landmarks, these famous buildings have helped shape some of the most memorable cinematic moments. Here, we take a closer look at the best movies filmed in iconic buildings, highlighting how architecture and cinema converge to create truly unforgettable experiences.
The Bellagio Casino in Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
The Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas is a landmark in the world of high-stakes gambling, playing a central role in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven. Known for its iconic dancing fountains and luxurious design, the Bellagio becomes the perfect backdrop for the film’s heist. Led by George Clooney and Brad Pitt, the ensemble cast executes an elaborate plan to rob the casino’s vault, with the glamorous setting adding sophistication to the tension-filled caper.
The casino’s prominent role in the movie has made it one of the most recognisable buildings in film, attracting both movie fans and gamblers. Today, the Bellagio remains a popular destination in Las Vegas, famed for its gaming and stunning fountains. However, alongside the enduring popularity of physical casinos, online casino gaming has seen a massive rise all over the world, including places like the US and the UK. Virtual platforms now offer a wide range of games, replicating the excitement of the casino floor, allowing players to enjoy the thrill of gambling from home. Bettors in the UK can wager on domestic sites, which follow local GamStop Rules, or they can bet at an international casino not on GamStop, which is licensed abroad and bypasses these rules. International sites have grown popular in recent years due to their flexibility, unique promotions, and huge game libraries, drawing in players from the UK and beyond.
The Shining (1980) – The Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a masterclass in psychological horror, and its setting, while fictional, was filmed in one of the most famous hotels in the world: the Timberline Lodge in Oregon. The building itself, nestled in the shadow of Mount Hood, plays a crucial role in amplifying the eerie atmosphere of the film. The vast, isolated lodge, with its looming architecture and long hallways, contributes to the sense of claustrophobia and madness that unravels within its walls. The Timberline Lodge’s rugged, distinctive design has since become synonymous with Kubrick’s chilling tale, with fans making pilgrimages to the lodge to get a sense of the cinematic atmosphere.
The Empire State Building in King Kong (1933)
Few buildings are as synonymous with a film as the Empire State Building is with King Kong. The towering skyscraper, completed in 1931, became an iconic symbol of both New York City and Hollywood. The 1933 film provides a dramatic backdrop for the climactic sequence where Kong, having been captured and brought to the city, attempts to climb the building while being pursued by planes. The Empire State Building not only serves as a striking visual landmark but also as a symbol of human hubris, with the mighty ape attempting to conquer the towering structure. Even decades later, this iconic scene remains one of the most recognisable in film history, cementing the Empire State Building as a vital part of the movie’s legacy.
The Louvre in The Da Vinci Code (2006)
The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the most famous cultural institutions in the world, and its presence in The Da Vinci Code brings an extra layer of mystery and grandeur to the film. Directed by Ron Howard and based on the novel by Dan Brown, the movie takes viewers on a fast-paced journey through the Louvre’s corridors and iconic galleries. The museum’s vast architecture, with its classical arches, monumental staircases, and the striking glass pyramid designed by I. M. Pei, provides a stunning backdrop to the film’s plot, centred around hidden secrets and religious conspiracy theories. The Louvre not only serves as a key location in the narrative but also elevates the sense of history and intrigue, making it as much a character as any of the film’s human protagonists.
The Flatiron Building in Spider-Man (2002)
The Flatiron Building, one of New York City’s most distinctive architectural landmarks, plays an important role in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002). With its unique triangular shape and location at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, the building has become one of the city’s most recognisable structures. In the movie, it serves as a key location for several pivotal moments. One of the film’s most memorable scenes features Spider-Man catching a runaway tram from the side of the building, showcasing both the character’s acrobatic abilities and the towering heights of New York. The Flatiron Building’s sharp, angular design provides a fitting backdrop for the city’s superhero antics, blending the real and the fantastical in a way that makes New York itself feel like a character in the film.
The Burj Khalifa in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world, became an essential part of the high-octane action in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. The film’s iconic scene, where Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt climbs the exterior of the building, is one of the most heart-stopping moments in recent cinematic history. The Burj Khalifa’s soaring height, modernist design, and cutting-edge technology provide the perfect setting for the film’s daring action sequences. The building’s striking glass and steel façade reflects the futuristic and global scale of the Mission: Impossible series, and its inclusion in the film elevates the action to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
Banner photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash
Leave a Reply