EmmaWhat was filmed in Malta? We all know the rumours that the popular game of thrones was notably filmed in Mdina. However, did you know that Malta was actually the location of many film sets?
One of the many great things about Malta is that it is small enough to spend just a few days there. If you really plan it well, you can plan to see plenty. Today, I’m going to show you a list of all the filming spots you can venture to, in this beautiful country.
1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Mdina bridge wasn’t the only filming location in Malta for Game of Thrones, and thank god for that! If you’ve been here, you’ll know what I mean. If not – it can be very busy around the bridge. I was lucky enough to get a photo, but I hardly had time to pose!
Alternative filming locations are Fort Ricasoli, and the former Azure Window, which I was lucky enough to visit prior to its collapse in 2017.
2. Gladiator (2000)
Due to its Roman-style Architecture, Malta was the ideal spot for filming when it came to Gladiator. Fort Ricasoli was also chosen again, and this time for the colosseum scene, although CGI has enhanced it. Unfortunately it’s not a place you can visit today due to its state of despair. Gladiator was also filmed at various Roman Ruins in Malta.
3. Troy (2004)
It seems Fort Ricasoli is a popular spot for filming, and it’s such a shame it’s in the state it’s in! I’d love to pay it a visit. Not only was the 2004 film Troy filmed here, but Golden Bay was also the location for some scenes in this film too. Golden Bay is located on the West Coast of Malta, opposite Mellieha and a little bit down.
4. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
The Count of Monte Cristo is an adaptation of the novel written by Alexandre Domas in 1846. The same author wrote The Three Musketeers. This film tells the tale of wrongful imprisonment and escape from prison. It sounds to me like the French version of Alcatraz. Anyway, this was filmed in the capital, Valletta. It was also filmed in Fort St. Elmo – you’ll be pleased to know that you can in fact visit this place!
5. World War Z (2013)
Malta was turned into apocalyptic scenes in 2013 when Brad Pitt turned up and decorated the place for World War Z. Well, I’m sure he didn’t personally, but he was certainly a part of it. Valletta and St Elmo’s were also filming locations for this one, but joining the crew was the affluent town of St. Julian’s.
6. The Malta Story (1953)
Of course, it makes sense for The Malta Story to be filmed here. After having an extensively touristic trip of Malta, I truly saw how much of this beautiful has held homage to memoirs of lives lost in World War II. There are various spots where you can find old bunkers from wartime, but we’re not here for that.
Regardless, I strongly urge a viewing of The Malta Story, prior to your visit. You may recognise some spots on your trip!
8. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
If you’re like me and you love a murder mystery, then this one is for you. This famous Agatha Christie number was filmed in various parts of Malta; most notably the Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta. What’s even more exciting is that you can actually stay at the hotel itself! That is, if you’re loaded, of course – since its currently showing a price of £385 per night, in late-2025.
If you’d like to view the film first, you can do just that by visiting the Disney Plus app.
9. Captain Philips (2013)
Captain Philips is a marine film. It mainly follows the life of Somalian pirates who antagonise Tom Hanks. Unknown to many is the fact that the scenes of the film are mainly located off the coast of Malta within the Mediterranean Sea.
10. The Devil’s Double (2011)
I feel like I’m doing something illegal by featuring this. However, it was filmed in Malta, the notable Fort St. Elmo, to be exact. The film tells the true story of a monster, who I won’t name, I’ll just let you Google. His death was one of the most infamous of the early 21st century, take that as a clue.
Without watching the movie – I believe Malta was chosen for it’s Arabian roots… have you guessed who it is yet? In the UK, Amazon Prime and Plex users can watch it with their membership.
11. Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Made famous by the game, of course, Assassins Creed is also filmed in Malta. Guess where? It’s got to be Fort Ricasoli hasn’t it! I just recall admiring it from afar on my last visit… wishing I could be there. A girl can dream! Not only was this time-travelling flick filmed in Malta, but it shares locations with both Spain, and the UK!
12. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
I don’t know about you, but I can’t read James Bond film titles without the leitmotif playing in my head. Sorry, my old sound & music lessons from 7 years ago came out then. I actually visited Malta around about the same time I was in college. On this trip I swung by Blue Grotto on Comino… which is the exact filming scene! I can’t say I was there for the filming though; I am a 90’s baby, after all.
It’s most famous for the bright blue waters, and I would highly recommend a visit!
13. Game of Thrones (Prequel) – House of the Dragon (2022)
Game of Thrones fans will feel quite nostalgic when watching House of the Dragon. It won’t come as much surprise to learn that the subsequent series also shared its filming location in Malta.
Fort Ricasoli, and its surrounding areas were once again used as the prime spot for this series. The main scene in particular being the ‘Iron Throne’.
14. The Princess (2022)
Malta is quite a small isle. If you watch ‘The Princess’, after visiting this beautiful country, you might recognise a few spots from various locations.
Broadcasted on Hulu, The Princess stars Joey King, who plays a strong-willed princess determined to protect her family and save her kingdom after refusing to marry a cruel, sociopathic suitor who plots to take over the throne.
15. The Brutus’ Execution Scene from Ben Hur (1959)
Once again we feature Fort Riscoli!
Ben-Hur follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince betrayed and enslaved by a former friend who survives years of hardship before returning to seek revenge and redemption, with the historic fortress used to bring its ancient Roman and Jerusalem settings to life.
16. Popeye (1980)
I was lucky enough to visit the Popeye village, situated at Anchor Bay in Mellieha. I highly recommend popping this on your list for your next visit, if you haven’t been.
This is a set, and they often select visitors to participate in a mini film that is subsequently broadcasted at the on-site cinema. Each building can be explored, and it is exactly how it was left when Robin Williams was on set here in 1980.
The only downside I can come up with is the poor excuse of actors – they were severely lacking in enthusiasm; didn’t speak much English (which I wouldn’t mind, but you are portraying English-speaking characters), and they didn’t really interact with visitors – only with each other.
17. War Horse (2011)
Filmed at Fort Ricasoli (once again) in Malta, War Horse follows the journey of a devoted horse named Joey, separated from his young owner during World War I and passing through multiple owners on both sides of the conflict, with the fort’s large-scale sets and Mediterranean backdrop used to recreate key wartime sequences and bring the period setting to life.
Have I missed any out? Let me know in the comments!
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