Skip to content 
In this blog post we will talk about 10 Amazing Movies Set in Portugal. If you’re contemplating a life-changing move to Portugal, there’s no better way to acquaint yourself with the country’s beauty, culture, and soul than through the lens of cinema.
Portugal, with its breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and warm hospitality, has served as a captivating backdrop for numerous cinematic tales.
In this article, we invite you to embark on a virtual journey of the top movies set in Portugal that not only showcase its picturesque scenery but also offer a window into the heart and soul of this remarkable nation.
Let these films be your passport to a deeper understanding of Portugal and a source of inspiration as you consider making it your new home.
Film Industry in Portugal
The film industry in Portugal has been experiencing steady growth and increasing international visibility, supported by a mix of emerging talent, strong cultural initiatives, and global collaborations. Portuguese cinema has been attracting attention for its distinctive voice, artistic depth, and the ability to blend tradition with modern storytelling, making the country an increasingly recognised player in the global film landscape.
Portugal has seen a new wave of acclaimed directors and filmmakers, with names like Pedro Costa, Miguel Gomes, and João Salaviza earning international praise for their inventive and impactful work. The country also hosts well-known film festivals such as the Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival and Porto/Post/Doc, which showcase both national and international productions and help promote Portuguese cinema worldwide.
Government support has played an important role in this growth. Through grants, incentives, and the work of the Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual (ICA), Portugal continues to invest in developing its audiovisual sector. International co-productions have also become increasingly common, allowing Portuguese filmmakers to share resources and reach broader audiences.
This progress has led to notable recognition at prestigious festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice. Films such as Miguel Gomes’ “Tabu” highlight the artistic potential of Portuguese cinema and reinforce its place on the global stage.
10 Amazing Movies Set in Portugal
- That Good Night (2017)
- Stalin’s Couch (2016)
- Lisbon Story (1994)
- Casanova Variations (2014)
- The Ninth Gate (1999)
- Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
- Tombs Of The Blind Dead (1972)
- Tabu (2012)
- Love Letters of a Portuguese Nun (1977)
- James Bond On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
1. That Good night (2017)
“That Good Night” (2017), directed by Eric Styles and based on N.J. Crisp’s stage play, is a poignant drama set against the stunning scenery of Portugal’s Algarve region. The film features Sir John Hurt in one of his final performances, playing Ralph, a once-successful screenwriter confronting a terminal illness. Hoping to reconcile with his estranged son, he returns to his villa in Portugal, where he reflects on his past and searches for peace.
The story touches on themes of family, mortality and redemption, carried by Hurt’s powerful and deeply emotional performance. The Algarve’s landscapes and quiet villages enhance the film’s tone, offering a tranquil backdrop that mirrors the characters’ inner journeys and moments of reflection.
2. Stalin's Couch (2016)
“Stalin’s Couch” (2016), directed by Fanny Ardant in her debut behind the camera, unfolds in the heart of Lisbon. The city’s historic streets and waterfront scenery create an atmospheric backdrop for this mysterious and emotionally charged drama.
The film follows Victor, played by João Arrais, who becomes entangled in a complex and magnetic relationship with an enigmatic woman portrayed by Ardant. As their connection deepens, Victor is pulled between desire, uncertainty and the shadows of the past.
Lisbon’s charm—its architecture, light and layered history—plays a key role in shaping the tone of the film. The setting adds depth to the story, blending passion, intrigue and the influence of memory in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
3. Lisbon Story (1994)
“Lisbon Story” (1994), directed by acclaimed German filmmaker Wim Wenders, is a heartfelt drama that turns the city of Lisbon into a central character. The story follows Philip Winter, played by Rüdiger Vogler, a German sound engineer who travels to Lisbon after receiving a request from his friend, filmmaker Friedrich Monroe. When he arrives, Monroe has vanished, leaving only unfinished reels of a documentary, prompting Philip to search for him and piece the project together.
As Philip moves through Lisbon’s cobbled streets, historic quarters and iconic viewpoints, the film showcases the city’s timeless charm and cultural richness. The sights and sounds of daily life become an integral part of the narrative, blending naturally with Winter’s journey.
“Lisbon Story” explores themes of creativity, communication and the magic of filmmaking. Through his work on the documentary, Philip develops a deep connection with the city, immersing himself in its rhythm and discovering the beauty of Lisbon’s people, music and atmosphere.
4. Casanova Variations (2014)
“Casanova Variations” (2014), directed by Michael Sturminger, offers a creative and theatrical look at the life of Giacomo Casanova, brought to the screen by John Malkovich in a captivating performance. Although the story unfolds mainly in Venice and Vienna, the film also features scenes shot at Lisbon’s historic Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, adding elegance and cultural depth to the production.
Malkovich portrays Casanova with charisma and complexity, exploring both his romantic escapades and his intellectual world. The film blends cinema, opera and theatre, spotlighting Casanova’s connections with influential figures of his era, including Emperor Joseph II and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. With its mix of music, history and layered storytelling, “Casanova Variations” offers a unique artistic interpretation of one of Europe’s most fascinating historical personalities.
5. The Ninth Gate (1999)
“The Ninth Gate” (1999), directed by Roman Polanski, is a supernatural thriller that unfolds across several European locations, including Portugal. Johnny Depp stars as Dean Corso, a rare book dealer hired to authenticate a mysterious and ominous volume titled The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows. His investigation pulls him into a dangerous world filled with secretive characters and unsettling forces.
Part of the film takes place in Sintra, Portugal, where the striking Chalet Biester, set within the lush grounds of Pena Park, provides a haunting backdrop for key scenes. Sintra’s historic palaces, dramatic landscapes and timeless atmosphere enhance the film’s sense of mystery and tension. Locations such as the Central Palace Hotel add even more European charm, making Portugal an important element of the film’s eerie visual identity.
6. Night Train To Lisbon (2013)
“Night Train to Lisbon” (2013), directed by Bille August, is a thoughtful drama that follows Raimund Gregorius, played by Jeremy Irons, whose life changes after discovering a mysterious Portuguese book. His journey begins at Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia Station and leads him deep into the city’s history, culture and hidden stories.
The film showcases some of Lisbon’s most iconic locations, including the steep and picturesque Bica de Duarte Belo, with its narrow cobbled streets and classic trams, symbolising Gregorius’s own path of self-discovery. It also features landmarks such as Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s maritime heritage, and the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, adding historical depth to the narrative.
As Gregorius unravels the secrets behind the book and the people connected to it, the film blends emotional introspection with the beauty of Lisbon’s architecture, atmosphere and timeless charm.
7. Tombs Of The Blind Dead (1972)
“Tombs of the Blind Dead” (1972), directed by Amando de Ossorio, is a cult classic in European horror, known for its eerie atmosphere and unique portrayal of undead Templar Knights. Much of the film is set in Portugal, giving the story a haunting backdrop that enhances its dark and unsettling tone.
Key scenes take place in the Igreja de Santiago de Palmela, whose ancient architecture deepens the film’s sense of dread. The University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Medicine also appears in some of the movie’s more disturbing sequences, creating a stark contrast between academic settings and supernatural terror.
The film moves through additional Portuguese locations such as Estoril and Sesimbra, where peaceful coastal landscapes clash with the horror unfolding on screen. This contrast amplifies the tension and gives the movie its distinctive atmosphere.
“Tombs of the Blind Dead” remains a memorable entry in the horror genre, blending folklore, terror and Portugal’s evocative scenery into a chilling cinematic experience.
8. Tabu (2012)
“Tabu” (2012), directed by Miguel Gomes, is a celebrated Portuguese drama told across two timelines, blending present-day Lisbon with memories of colonial-era Mozambique. The story follows Aurora, an elderly woman whose final days are shaped by recollections of a passionate and turbulent love affair from her youth in Africa.
In Lisbon, the film features locations such as the Cemitério de Carnide, adding historical depth to Aurora’s final chapter, and Parque das Nações, whose modern landscape contrasts sharply with the Africa of the 1960s. The narrative then transports viewers to the young Aurora’s world, where emotion, nostalgia and conflict come to life.
One of the key Portuguese settings is the iconic Estoril Casino, which appears in a pivotal scene that highlights the characters’ pursuit of adventure and the stark contrast between Lisbon’s elegance and the rawness of the African backdrop. Through these shifts in time and place, “Tabu” creates a poetic, visually rich exploration of memory, love and loss.
9. Love Letters Of A Portuguese Nun (1977)
“Love Letters of a Portuguese Nun” (1977), directed by Jesús Franco, is an atmospheric and controversial drama set in 17th-century Portugal. The film follows Maria, played by Susan Hemingway, a young woman forced into a convent, where she becomes involved in a forbidden relationship with a priest portrayed by William Berger. Their illicit affair unfolds within a world shaped by repression, desire and religious power.
The movie makes striking use of Portugal’s historic locations, especially the Castle of Sintra, whose dramatic architecture and lush surroundings heighten the film’s emotional tension. It also features scenes at the Palace of Sintra, adding royal elegance and strong period authenticity. Additional sequences filmed at the Palácio dos Condes de Castro Guimarães and the iconic Jerónimos Monastery bring even more visual richness, showcasing Portugal’s cultural heritage.
Through these evocative settings, the film blends historical drama with powerful scenery, making it one of the most visually memorable movies filmed in Portugal.
10. James Bond On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969), the sixth James Bond film, marked George Lazenby’s debut as 007 under the direction of Peter R. Hunt. While the story spans several European locations, Portugal plays a standout role in shaping the film’s elegant and dramatic atmosphere.
A memorable part of the movie unfolds in Estoril, the coastal resort town near Lisbon known for its beaches, grand hotels and refined charm. The iconic Palácio Estoril Hotel serves as one of the film’s key settings, providing the perfect backdrop for Bond’s sophisticated style and high-stakes mission. The hotel’s glamour, paired with Estoril’s scenic waterfront and classic architecture, enhances the film’s sense of intrigue as Bond works to track down his nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
The use of Portugal’s coastline adds both visual appeal and a distinctive European flair, helping cement “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” as one of the franchise’s most memorable and visually striking entries.
Why Work With Us
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Honest Guidance
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
All-in-One Solution
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Seamless Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Portugal an attractive location for filmmakers?
Portugal’s diverse landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant culture make it an appealing backdrop for filmmakers. From picturesque coastal scenes to charming old towns, Portugal offers a wide range of visually captivating settings.
Which European country has biggest film industry?
The films with the highest export volume by their country of production were predominantly from the following nations: the United Kingdom (44%), France (18%), Spain (6%), Germany (6%), Belgium (5%), and Russia (5%).
What are the best places for expats to live in Portugal?
Some of the best places for expats to live in Portugal include Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, Sintra, Algarve, Madeira, and the Azores.
Is Portugal expensive?
Portugal is generally consider to be an affordable destination compares to many other Western European countries. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the city or region. In major cities like Lisbon and Porto, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can higher than in smaller towns or rural areas.
Can I buy a house in Portugal as a foreigner?
Yes, as a foreigner, you can buy a house in Portugal. Portugal has welcoming property laws that allow non-residents and for
Are there any Portuguese movies internationally recognized?
Yes, Portuguese films like Tabu (2012), The Mutants (1998), and Aquele Querido Mês de Agosto (2008) have received international acclaim for their storytelling and cinematic artistry.
What Portuguese cities are commonly used as film locations?
Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, and the Algarve are popular filming locations due to their iconic landmarks, scenic beauty, and unique atmosphere.
Can tourists visit famous movie locations in Portugal?
Absolutely! Many filming locations are open to visitors, such as Lisbon’s Alfama district (Night Train to Lisbon), Sintra’s Palácio da Pena (The Ninth Gate), and Cabo da Roca (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service). Film-inspired tours are also available in some cities.
Which famous movies have been filmed in Portugal?
Some notable movies filmed in Portugal include The House of the Spirits (1993), On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969, a James Bond film), Night Train to Lisbon (2013), The Ninth Gate (1999), and The Ornithologist (2016).
Excellent
4.9 | 46 Reviews
