Ever wondered about the mesmerizing Hollywood films that took the scenic route through Africa? Go on a cinematic journey through the continent as we unveil 35 breathtaking movies that captured Africa’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures. From epic adventures set against the majestic backdrop of the Serengeti to heartfelt dramas unfolding in bustling cities, these films showcase Africa’s rich history like never before.
1. Blood Diamond (2006)
“Blood Diamond” is set during the Sierra Leone Civil War and follows the journey of a fisherman, a smuggler, and an American journalist as they seek a rare pink diamond. Filming took place in various locations, including South Africa and Mozambique. The rugged landscapes of Africa serve as a stark backdrop to the intense drama and highlight the harsh realities faced by the characters amidst the conflict and chaos of war-torn Sierra Leone.
2. The Constant Gardener (2005)
“The Constant Gardener” is a political thriller that unfolds in Kenya and the United Kingdom, focusing on a British diplomat who investigates the murder of his wife, uncovering a conspiracy involving pharmaceutical companies. The film captures the vibrant culture of Kenya, with scenes shot in Nairobi and the surrounding countryside, showcasing the beauty of the African landscape juxtaposed with the corruption and intrigue that drive the narrative.
3. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
“Hotel Rwanda” is based on the true story of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina, who sheltered over a thousand refugees during the Rwandan genocide. The movie was filmed primarily in South Africa, with Johannesburg standing in for Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The film’s portrayal of the genocide’s horrors is set against the backdrop of the luxurious Hotel des Mille Collines, highlighting the stark contrast between the refuge within its walls and the violence ravaging the country beyond.
4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the post-apocalyptic wasteland is depicted as a harsh desert landscape reminiscent of parts of Africa. While the movie was primarily filmed in Namibia, its visuals draw inspiration from various African landscapes, including the deserts of the Sahara and the arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The barren and unforgiving terrain serves as the backdrop for the high-octane action sequences, contributing to the film’s gritty and immersive atmosphere.
5. The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
“The Ghost and the Darkness” is based on the true story of two man-eating lions that terrorized workers during the construction of the Uganda Railway in the late 19th century. The film was shot on location in South Africa and Kenya, with the African savannah providing a stunning yet treacherous setting for the deadly cat-and-mouse game between the hunters and the formidable lions. The expansive vistas and untamed wilderness of Africa add depth and authenticity to the thrilling tale of survival and human resilience.
6. Tears of the Sun (2003)
“Tears of the Sun” is set amidst the backdrop of a civil war in Nigeria, where a team of Navy SEALs is tasked with rescuing a doctor from a remote village. Filming locations included Hawaii and California, although the movie is set in Africa. The lush landscapes and dense jungles depicted in the film evoke the beauty and danger of the African continent, providing a visually stunning backdrop to the intense action and emotional drama unfolding within the war-torn country.
7. Congo (1995)
In “Congo,” a team of explorers ventures into the heart of the African jungle in search of a lost city and a legendary diamond mine. While the movie is set in the Congo, filming took place in various locations, including Costa Rica and California. The lush rainforests and remote wilderness areas depicted in the film capture the mystique and danger of the African jungle, serving as a fitting backdrop for the expedition’s thrilling and perilous journey into the unknown.
8. The Interpreter (2005)
“The Interpreter” is a political thriller set at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, with some scenes filmed in Africa. While the majority of the film takes place in the U.S., certain pivotal scenes were shot in Mozambique, showcasing the country’s urban landscapes and coastal regions. The African sequences provide a contrast to the diplomatic intrigue unfolding at the UN, offering a glimpse into the complexities of international relations and the lingering scars of conflict in post-colonial Africa.
9. The Last King of Scotland (2006)
“The Last King of Scotland” is a biographical drama centered around Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, as seen through the eyes of a fictional Scottish doctor. Filming primarily took place in Uganda, including scenes shot in and around Kampala, the capital city. The movie showcases the beauty and diversity of Uganda’s landscapes, from bustling urban centers to sprawling rural villages, while also delving into the political turmoil and human rights abuses of Amin’s regime.
10. Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
“Gorillas in the Mist” tells the true story of primatologist Dian Fossey’s work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Filming locations included Rwanda, as well as neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya. The movie captures the breathtaking beauty of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research, as well as the challenges and dangers she faced in her quest to protect these endangered animals from poachers and habitat destruction.
11. The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
“The Gods Must Be Crazy” is a comedy film set in Botswana, although filming locations also included South Africa and Zimbabwe. The movie humorously explores the collision of traditional Bushmen culture with the modern world when a Coke bottle dropped from an airplane disrupts a peaceful community. The vast and picturesque landscapes of southern Africa provide a stunning backdrop to the whimsical and endearing tale, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
12. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
“The Dark Knight Rises,” part of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, is primarily set in the fictional Gotham City. However, some scenes were filmed in various locations around the world, including Africa. Specifically, parts of the movie were shot in Morocco, where the North African country’s unique architecture and desert landscapes were used to depict the fictional prison pit where Bruce Wayne is imprisoned before his return as Batman.
13. Black Panther (2018)
“Black Panther” takes place primarily in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, but the film’s production involved shooting in multiple real-world locations. While a significant portion of the movie was filmed in studios in Atlanta, Georgia, outdoor scenes were shot in various places, including South Korea and Argentina. The landscapes of South Korea served as the backdrop for the film’s high-octane action sequences, adding an international flair to the superhero epic.
14. King Solomon’s Mines
“King Solomon’s Mines” is an adventure film based on the classic novel by H. Rider Haggard. While the story is set in Africa, filming locations for various adaptations of the film have included countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. The vast and rugged landscapes of southern Africa, with its iconic savannahs and majestic mountains, provide an evocative backdrop to the epic tale of treasure hunting, exploration, and adventure.
15. Mister Johnson
“Mister Johnson” is a drama film set in Nigeria during the colonial period. The movie was primarily filmed in various locations in Nigeria, capturing the country’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture. From bustling marketplaces to serene rural villages, the film showcases the diversity of Nigeria’s scenery while exploring themes of colonialism, identity, and ambition against the backdrop of West Africa’s changing political landscape.
16. Born Free
“Born Free” is a classic wildlife drama based on the true story of Elsa the lioness, raised by Joy and George Adamson in Kenya. The film was shot on location in Kenya’s stunning landscapes, including the plains of the Masai Mara and the picturesque countryside near Nairobi. These locations provide a breathtaking backdrop to the heartwarming tale of human-animal connection and the struggle for freedom in the African wilderness.
17. Hatari!
“Hatari!” is an adventure film set in Tanzania, primarily focusing on a group of professional animal catchers. Filming took place on location in Tanzania, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush forests of Arusha National Park. The movie captures the thrill of African wildlife capture and the camaraderie of the characters against the backdrop of East Africa’s iconic scenery.
18. Mogambo
“Mogambo” is a romantic adventure film set in Kenya, starring Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, and Grace Kelly. Filming locations included Kenya’s stunning national parks, such as Amboseli and Tsavo, as well as the bustling city of Nairobi. The movie showcases the allure of East Africa’s landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to vast savannahs, while also weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and adventure amidst the backdrop of colonial Africa.
19. Sahara
“Sahara” is an action-adventure film starring Matthew McConaughey, set in the African desert. While the movie is primarily set in the fictional country of Mali, filming locations included Morocco and Spain. The vast and arid landscapes of the Sahara Desert provide a dramatic backdrop to the film’s high-stakes treasure hunt and thrilling action sequences, capturing the harsh beauty and unforgiving nature of one of the world’s most iconic deserts.
20. 500 Years Later
“500 Years Later” is a documentary exploring the legacy of slavery and colonialism in Africa and its diaspora. While the film is primarily focused on historical and contemporary issues facing people of African descent, it includes footage from various locations, including Ghana, Senegal, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Through interviews, archival footage, and powerful imagery, the documentary sheds light on the enduring impacts of slavery and colonization on African societies and their ongoing struggle for freedom and self-determination.
21. Shooting Dogs
“Shooting Dogs” is a historical drama set during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Filming primarily took place in Rwanda, including Kigali and the surrounding areas. The movie provides a harrowing portrayal of the genocide’s atrocities against the backdrop of Rwanda’s urban landscapes and rural villages. Through its raw and unflinching depiction of the events, “Shooting Dogs” offers a sobering reminder of the horrors of genocide and the importance of bearing witness to such atrocities.
22. Nomad
“Nomad” is a historical drama set in Kazakhstan during the 18th century, focusing on the life of a young Kazakh warrior. While the film is primarily set in Central Asia, it also features scenes shot in neighboring countries like Mongolia and Russia. The vast and rugged landscapes of the Eurasian steppe provide a majestic backdrop to the epic tale of adventure, romance, and survival, capturing the nomadic lifestyle and rich cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.
23. Cry Freedom
“Cry Freedom” is a biographical drama based on the life of South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko and his friendship with journalist Donald Woods. Filming locations included Zimbabwe and Kenya, which stood in for various parts of South Africa. The movie explores the racial injustices of apartheid-era South Africa against the backdrop of the continent’s diverse landscapes, from the urban sprawl of Johannesburg to the rugged beauty of the African bush.
24. The First Grader
“The First Grader” is based on the true story of Kimani Maruge, an 84-year-old Kenyan man who enrolled in primary school after the Kenyan government announced free education for all. Filming primarily took place in Kenya, with scenes shot in Nairobi and the Rift Valley region. The movie celebrates Maruge’s determination to learn and the transformative power of education, set against the backdrop of Kenya’s vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery.
25. Captain America: Civil War
“Captain America: Civil War,” part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, features a diverse array of locations, including Africa. The fictional African nation of Wakanda plays a significant role in the film, although Wakanda’s scenes were primarily shot in Atlanta, Georgia. The movie explores themes of accountability, loyalty, and friendship amidst thrilling action sequences, with Africa serving as a backdrop to the larger-than-life conflict between superheroes.
26. Malcolm X
“Malcolm X” is a biographical drama chronicling the life of the influential civil rights leader. While the film spans various locations, including New York City and Boston, it also features scenes set in Africa. Specifically, parts of the movie were filmed in Egypt and South Africa, highlighting the global impact of Malcolm X’s activism and his pilgrimage to Mecca, a pivotal moment in his life and ideology.
27. Gladiator
“Gladiator” is an epic historical drama set in ancient Rome, but it also features scenes set in North Africa. Filming locations included Morocco, where the expansive deserts and ancient ruins provided a convincing backdrop for the film’s epic battles and political intrigue. The North African landscapes add to the film’s grandeur and realism, transporting viewers to the ancient world of gladiators and emperors.
28. Black Hawk Down
“Black Hawk Down” is a war film based on the true story of the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. The movie was primarily filmed in Morocco, where the North African country’s rugged terrain stood in for the streets of Mogadishu. The desert landscapes and urban environments of Morocco add authenticity to the film’s depiction of the chaotic and intense firefight between U.S. forces and Somali militia during the ill-fated military operation.
29. Paradise: Love
“Paradise: Love” is a drama film set in Kenya, focusing on the experiences of European women seeking romance and companionship with young Kenyan men. Filming locations included Mombasa and its surrounding areas, capturing the coastal beauty of Kenya’s beaches and resorts. The movie explores themes of exploitation, desire, and cultural differences against the backdrop of Kenya’s vibrant coastal tourism industry.
30. Who Killed Captain Alex?
“Who Killed Captain Alex?” is a Ugandan action-comedy film known for its low-budget production and grassroots approach to filmmaking. The movie was shot on location in Wakaliga, a suburb of Kampala, Uganda. The film’s DIY aesthetic and local cast and crew reflect Uganda’s emerging film industry and the creativity and resourcefulness of its filmmakers, making it a cult classic both at home and abroad.
31. The Huggetts Abroad
“The Huggetts Abroad” is a British comedy film that follows the misadventures of the Huggett family on a vacation in Africa. While the movie is set in various locations across Africa, including Kenya and South Africa, filming primarily took place in England. The film humorously portrays the cultural clashes and comedic mishaps that ensue when the Huggetts find themselves out of their element in the exotic and unfamiliar landscapes of the African continent.
32. The Passenger
“The Passenger” is a thriller directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, starring Jack Nicholson. While the majority of the film is set in Europe, it also features scenes set in Africa. Specifically, parts of the movie were filmed in the Saharan desert, capturing the vast and desolate landscapes of North Africa. The stark beauty and isolation of the desert serve as a metaphor for the protagonist’s existential journey and quest for identity.
33. Breaker Morant
“Breaker Morant” is a war drama based on the true story of Australian soldiers on trial for war crimes during the Second Boer War in South Africa. While the movie is primarily set in South Africa, filming locations included Australia, where scenes depicting the trial were shot. The film explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the brutality of war against the backdrop of South Africa’s harsh and unforgiving landscapes.
34. Babel
“Babel” is a multi-narrative drama that unfolds across multiple continents, including Africa. Filming locations for the African segments included Morocco, where the country’s diverse landscapes provided settings for various scenes. The movie weaves together interconnected stories of people from different cultures and backgrounds, exploring themes of communication, misunderstanding, and human connection against the backdrop of Morocco’s vibrant cities and vast deserts.
35. Casablanca
“Casablanca” is a classic romantic drama set in the Moroccan city of Casablanca during World War II. While the movie was primarily filmed on studio sets in Hollywood, it captures the atmosphere and intrigue of wartime Casablanca through its iconic sets and memorable characters. The film’s portrayal of the bustling city and its diverse cast of characters reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Casablanca as a crossroads of cultures and a hub of wartime espionage and romance.
You may also like:
