Wales on the big screen: 6 films you may not have known were shot in Wales

Wales has long been a land of storytellers, and in recent years, it’s also become a land of storytelling on the big screen. With its beautiful landscapes, it has become a go-to filming location for Hollywood blockbusters and award-winning dramas. But beyond the stunning scenery, these productions bring real economic benefits - creating jobs, boosting tourism, and putting Wales on the global stage.

With stars like Tom Hardy, Brad Pitt and Forest Whitaker filming on location, the country’s hidden gems are gaining worldwide attention - attracting visitors eager to experience the magic for themselves. 

As February marks Global Movie Day, we’re shining a light on Wales’ growing role in the film industry and the productions that have helped cement its place in the world of cinema.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises brought Gotham City to life using real-world locations, including stunning Welsh landscapes. One of the film’s most iconic settings, the entrance to Batman’s Batcave, was filmed at Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons - the tallest waterfall in south Wales. Fans of the film can even step behind the cascading water, just as Christian Bale’s ‘Bruce Wayne’ does in the movie.

The film was a major success, winning 27 awards while its stunning portrayal of Welsh landscapes showcased Wales as a prime destination for Hollywood productions.

King Arthur (2004)

King Arthur, starring Clive Owen, Keira Knightley and, Welshman, Ioan Gruffudd, is a retelling of the legendary tale, portraying Arthur as a Roman soldier on the brink of freedom after one final mission. Departing from traditional myth, the film embraces historical realism, set against the backdrop of the collapsing Roman Empire in 400AD.

Wales’ rugged landscapes provided an atmospheric setting for the film’s intense battle sequences. Key scenes were shot in Llanddeusant, within Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, where the dramatic valleys and untamed terrain enhanced the film’s gritty aesthetic.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, starring Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, is an action-packed adventure film that sees Lara Croft on a quest to find the legendary Pandora’s Box. While the film’s plot takes place in China, filming took place in Wales, with the stunning Llyn Gwynant in Eryri National Park standing in for a Chinese village. The film crew recreated a Chinese village on the shores of this lake, utilising the natural beauty of Wales’ landscapes to depict an exotic location.

The production went the extra mile to ensure authenticity, including hiring 30 members of the Chinese community in Caernarfon as extras. A local farmer was also enlisted to provide animals, including chickens, geese, and a mule, further enhancing the realism of the village setting. The film highlighted Wales’ versatility as a filming location and boosted the local economy by employing extras and utilising local resources. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I brought J.K. Rowling’s magical world to Wales, with Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire serving as the backdrop for one of the film’s most emotional moments - the burial of Dobby, the house-elf - a scene that continues to draw devoted fans, leading many to visit Freshwater West to pay tribute by leaving socks and painted pebbles in his memory. The film was a major box office success and received multiple Academy Award nominations.

World War Z (2013)

World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, is a high-stakes apocalyptic thriller that follows a former UN employee as he races against time to stop a global zombie pandemic. While the film’s climax takes place in a World Health Organization facility in Cardiff, the actual filming for these scenes took place in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales. Once a mining centre, the town’s industrial landscape provided the perfect setting for the film’s tense final moments, where Pitt’s character discovers a potential cure. World War Z was a massive box-office success, grossing over $540 million worldwide.

Havoc (2025)

Havoc (filmed in 2021, set for release in 2025) is set to be one of the largest action thrillers ever produced in Wales. Starring A-list talent Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker, this film follows a determined detective as he dives into a corrupt underworld to rescue a politician’s son after a drug deal turns deadly. 

Shot primarily in Cardiff, the film highlights the city's ability to serve as the backdrop for a high-stakes narrative. Cardiff’s urban landscape offered the perfect setting for the film's gritty, fast-paced plot. Though the film has yet to be released, anticipation is building due to its star-studded cast and the reputation of its director. With its high-profile release on Netflix, Havoc is set to further establish Wales as a major player in the global film industry.