Malta is a filmmaker's favourite. Low taxes, scenery of epic beauty, and ready-made sets in the form of historic forts — Hollywood loves this island. Valletta appeared in films long before it became a headline destination in its own right.
Game of Thrones (Season 1, 2011)
- Mdina Gate → King's Landing Gate: Catelyn Stark rode through here into King's Landing. The gate looks identical today — minus the Lannister guards, plus tourists taking selfies.
- Azure Window (Gozo) → Dothraki Wedding: Daenerys married Khal Drogo here. The Azure Window collapsed in 2017, but the Dwejra shoreline is unchanged.
- Mdina Walls → King's Landing Wall Scenes: Several sequences from the first series.
Gladiator (2000)
- Fort Ricasoli (Valletta, seaward side): A full-scale replica of the Colosseum was built here specifically for filming — erected over three weeks and dismantled immediately after. A logistical operation on a massive scale.
- Areas around Mdina: Military camp scenes.
Other Productions
- Troy (2004) — Brad Pitt: Beach scenes filmed around Anchor Bay (Popeye Village area).
- Murder on the Orient Express (2017): Valletta as backdrop.
- Assassin's Creed (2016): Mdina and Valletta surroundings as 16th-century Spain.
If you want to see Malta through a filmmaker's eyes: stand on the Victoria Lines at sunset with the view over the whole island. This is the Maltese landscape that draws film crews from around the world. Free and perfect.