high-profile productions, and cultural immersion, Set Jetter’s are making Malta their #1 destination to see the locations for some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years.
Malta has become a prime location for box office successes. More movies have been filmed on the islands than any other destination in the Mediterranean. Since 1925, over 350 productions have been filmed on the islands of Malta, Gozo and Camino, giving them the nickname “the Mediterranean’s mini-Hollywood.”

 

Why Film in Malta and Gozo?
Malta and Gozo are sought-after film locations because of the diverse landscapes, historical architecture, and Mediterranean climate. The islands have many settings, from ancient ruins and medieval towns to rugged coastlines and scenic countryside. This diversity allows them to double as various locations for different film genres. Malta has doubled for Italy, France, Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Egypt, Turkey, Peru, Iraq, and Kuwait.

 

Three hundred days of sunshine and short travel distances between locations make filming more efficient and cost-effective. In addition, Malta has a well-established film industry with skilled crew and talent. Add to that Malta Film Studios, with its three immense water tanks for filming open-water scenes and battles, and you’ve got the perfect storm for making a runaway success.

 

Popular Set Jetting Films and Their Locations
Start planning your Set Jetting tour of Malta and Gozo with these films and their iconic locations.

 

Gladiator
Ridley Scott directed this epic historical drama, filmed in 1999 and released in 2000. The film follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe, a loyal general in the Roman army who is betrayed by the corrupt Emperor Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. After Commodus murders his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and seizes the throne, Maximus is captured and forced into slavery.

 

Crowe’s character becomes a gladiator. He fights to survive and seeks revenge against Commodus, who has taken everything from him, including his family and position. The film is set in ancient Rome and stages grand battles, fierce gladiator contests, and political intrigue within the empire.

 

The film received critical acclaim and won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. It is considered a modern classic in the action and drama genres.
Locations—Fort Ricasoli, Couvre Port (Vittoriosa), Valletta, Fort St. Angelo, Fort Manoel.

 

Gladiator II
Gladiator II is a historical action film set 20 years after the original Gladiator. It is described as a larger-scale production with more intense action and drama than its predecessor. It follows Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, the son of Maximus and Lucilla, who is now a young man. When his home is invaded and he is enslaved, he eventually becomes a gladiator.
Ridley Scott returns as director. The film features a revenge plot against the Roman Empire, with Lucius seeking to restore its glory. The sequel includes naval battles in the Colosseum, sharks, and a plot involving twin emperors, played by Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.

 

Locations—Fort Ricasoli, Fort Manoel, Malta Film Studios, Fort Delimara, Grand Harbor, Valletta.

 

Assassin’s Creed
The 2016 action-adventure film is based on a popular video game series with the same name. Directed by Justin Kurzel, the film stars Michael Fassbender as Callum Lynch, a man who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society known as The Assassins, who fight for free will against the oppressive Templar Order.
The story blends scenes from the modern era and the 15th century. The film combines historical fiction, action, and science fiction elements, making it an intriguing entry in video game adaptation films. If you are a fan of the film and a devotee of the game, these locations have a double impact. Set Jet to AC’s extensive list of locations. Do you recall them from the movie?
Locations—Fort Manoel, Fort Ricasoli, Fort Delimara, Basilica of Christ the King, Paola, Valletta, Basilica of St Dominic, Valletta, Valletta Ditch, Valletta (also called Laparelli Gardens).

 

Napoleon
The 2023 production is a historical drama directed by Ridley Scott. It chronicles the life and times of the French military general and emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. The film portrays his rise to power, his complex relationships, particularly with his wife Josephine, played by Vanessa Kirby, and the various military campaigns that defined his reign.

 

Joaquin Phoenix plays Napoleon.
The film features grand set pieces and cinematography that capture the scale of Napoleon’s campaigns and the era’s opulence. It paints a complex picture of a man who was a hero and a villain, offering audiences a view of one of history’s most iconic figures. Overall, Napoleon combines action and rich character development.

 

Locations—Fort Ricasoli, Mdina, Valletta, Mellieha.

 

Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a critically acclaimed fantasy television series based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. The show premiered on HBO in April 2011 and concluded in May 2019 after eight seasons. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, it centers on the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms.
With a gorgeous production design, spectacular cinematography, and a memorable score by Ramin Djawadi, Game of Thrones became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide.
Locations—Mdina, Mdina Gate, Mesquita Square, Fort Ricasoli, Fort Manoel, St. Dominic’s Priory, Verdala Palace, San Anton Palace and Gardens, Fort Saint Angelo, Dingli/Mtahleb Cliffs, Fungus Rock.

 

By The Sea
This romantic drama, released in 2015, was written, directed, and starred Angelina Jolie alongside her then-husband, Brad Pitt. Set in a coastal village in France in the 1970s, the story studies themes of emotional baggage, intimacy, and communication challenges in relationships.
The cinematography captures Gozo’s beauty, providing a backdrop contrasting with the couple’s inner turmoil. While the film received mixed reviews, its visual aesthetics and performances by Jolie and Pitt were praised.

 

Filming for By The Sea took place on the island of Gozo during the star’s honeymoon. Jolie and Pitt settled into the slow-paced island, buying a home and bringing their children. Locals still share stories about frequent outings with their children to Lucky Jack’s Bar, Grill & Bowling in Victoria. They also frequented Ta’ Frenċ, a Michelin-Guide French restaurant in Xagħra, Gozo.
Locations—Mġarr ix-Xini, Hotel ta’ Cenc & Spa, Ta’ Frenċ, Sannat Parish Church, Victoria, Gozo.

 

A Movie Set You Can Explore
Popeye Village in Malta is a movie set/theme park built around the original film set of the 1980 musical movie Popeye. Located in Anchor Bay, this popular attraction features colorful wooden buildings that evoke the whimsical world of the cartoon sailor, Popeye.

 

You can explore the original film set and enjoy interactive shows starring costumed characters from the movie and cartoons. Water sports, games, boat rides, and Popeye cartoon screenings are offered. Food and beverages are available, as are Popeye mementos of your visit.

 

The scenic surroundings make it a perfect spot for families and movie lovers of all ages. With its fascinating history and engaging atmosphere, Popeye’s Village offers a unique blend of nostalgia, entertainment, and Mediterranean views.

 

Sleep With the Stars
Films and TV shows have been filmed at several hotels on the islands. Many were used to house the cast and crew during shooting. Sleep with dreams of the stars in these exquisite hotels, spas, and resorts.

 

Phoenicia Malta—Just outside the gates of Valletta, this historic five-star hotel has been used as a setting for several movies. Mix Up In The Mediterranean, Malta: Jewel of the Mediterranean, and The Dancing Detective. Actors such as Alec Guinness, Oliver Reed and Helen Mirren are listed as having stayed there as well as the casts of both Gladiator I and II.

 

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Golden Sands—Located in Golden Bay, Malta, the hotel was used for The Wives and Big Boys.
AX Hotels Malta—Located in Sliema, Qawra, Valletta, and Rabat. The AX Hotels were used for Game of Thrones.
Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux—Located in the silent walled city of Mdina.Among others, Pedro Pascal stayed there while filming Gladiator II.
Ta Cenc Hotel & Spa—Located in Sannat, Gozo. By the Sea had scenes filmed in the luxurious resort adjacent to a wildlife preserve.
Iniala Harbour House has hosted many actors including Joaquin Phoenix and Russel Crowe, and most recently, Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal.
Hotels that have hosted film casts and crews include Hilton Malta, Le Meridien Hotel, Grand Hotel Excelsior, and the Riviera Spa Resort.

 

When to Visit
Malta’s Mediterranean climate has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it accessible year-round. July and August are the busiest months in Malta, with busy beaches and bustling crowds. June and September are less crowded and have cooler temperatures. April, May, and October are the shoulder months with some good deals for accommodations. If you’re a real bargain hunter, try November to March. A few places may be closed or have reduced hours, but the best deals for accommodations can be nabbed during these months.

 

Malta is a Set Jetter’s Nirvana, thanks to the island’s film-friendly locales. The locations have been backdrops to popular blockbusters, attracting cinephiles eager to explore famous filming spots.
With over 300 days of sunshine, short travel distances, and diverse settings ranging from ancient ruins to picturesque coastlines, Malta offers a unique Set Jetting experience. You can immerse yourself in history, indulge in delectable Mediterranean cuisine, and enjoy an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. Malta and Gozo are a perfect getaway for adventure and relaxation seekers. Whether it’s your first or 50th Set Jetting adventure, Malta is ready for your close-up.

 

For more information visit: www.visitmalta.com and www.screenmalta.com.