7 Netflix shows with breathtaking backdrops

If you’re gearing up for international travel, perhaps you can take inspiration from some of Netflix’s most popular and well-loved shows. Can’t travel right now? No worries, we’ve compiled a list of movies and shows on Netflix with breathtaking backdrops to keep the travel bug happy while you plan your next trip.

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Already three seasons in and much-loved by fans of the romantic comedy genre, Emily in Paris showcases Paris’ beautiful scenery while highlighting the French’s sophisticated culture and artistry.

The (currently) three-part series takes you through the architectural wonders of Paris from the lens of an American ex-pat – from the young vibrancy of Emily’s residence in Place de l’Estrapade to Camille’s luxurious dream castle called the Château de Sonnay (Château de Lalisse in the show).

Not only does Emily in Paris showcase the physical appeal of Paris, but also the charms of French culture including cuisine, music, and fashion. Throughout the show, you’ll see Emily in fun Parisian prints enjoying coffees at picturesque cafes, all with music by French artists Kid Francescoli and French 79 playing in the background.

With the use of realistic sets and an indulging cultural showcase, there’s no doubt Emily in Paris inspires travellers from all over the world to pay a visit to the famed city of lights.

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If you’re a fan of classic novel adaptions with a contemporary twist, Joe Wright’s movie adaptation of the Pride and Prejudice novel by Jane Austen is one to watch. Shot all around the UK, the film provides stunning backdrops for Kiera Knightley’s award-winning performance as Elizabeth Bennet.

Starting off in the Bennet family home of Groombridge Place, the film spotlights British 17^th century manor houses like Chatsworth House and their beautiful interiors. The film also takes viewers through private English estates like the incredible Tudor mansion Burghley House and the Austen-era-inspired Basildon Park residence. The Temple of Apollo in Stourhead is an icon for the film’s climax (spoilers: there’s a proposal) and as a much-loved movie set, it is now one of the most in demand wedding locations in the UK.

Most of the Pride and Prejudice film sets are open to the public via ticket access. Pay a visit if you’re vacationing in the UK and experience all the romance and drama as a Pride and Prejudice character yourself.

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Looking to kick back and relax with a romantic comedy? Crazy Rich Asians is the perfect chick flick with a simple plot but stunning visuals to enjoy while munching on some popcorn. Based on the novel of the same name, the film is set in various locations around Malaysia and Singapore. Playing into the genuine experiences of Asian Americans, the film also includes an incredible showcase of Peranakan style in the form of art, architecture, and attire.

Crazy Rich Asians features both tropical island scenes characteristic of the Langkawi archipelago in Malaysia, as well as urban scenes of the fantastical night light oasis called Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Most of this film’s sets are open to the public so those interested in seeing these breathtaking views can travel and visit these locations in real life.

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Guess where In Bruges is filmed? That’s right, in Bruges, Belgium. A black comedy-drama crime film, In Bruges is not for everyone but for those that are a fan of the genre, the film does a great job not only balancing silly wit with thriller overtones but also capturing the city of Bruges in its finest angles.

One of the most iconic In Bruges sets is the classy boutique hotel called the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel. This waterfront residence is open to the public, so fans of the film can book one of the 12 rooms and experience where the hitman duo holed up in the film. Another memorable film location is the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city centre, the Belfry of Bruges. One of the world’s most beautiful medieval bell towers, the Belfry of Bruges is a lifetime must-see, especially if you enjoyed its showcase in In Bruges.

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3 Idiots is an award-winning Bollywood film combining light-hearted comedy with contextual social commentary. Set in India, the movie is filmed in multiple regions across the country and showcases the wide range of natural scenery and landscapes India has to offer.

The film starts off in the busy and urban city of Mumbai before moving to Woodville Palace Hotel, a heritage 1930s mansion, and later to Pangong Lake in Ladakh. The lake, locally known as Pangong Tso, is the world’s highest saltwater lake and absolutely stuns in the film, stealing the spotlight with its natural vibrancy during the story’s climax. 3 Idiots also gives viewers a realistic peek into campus life at an Indian university, having also been filmed at the Indian Institute of Management business schools.

If you’re ever visiting India and are a fan of the 3 Idiots film, take inspiration from the movie’s location sets and snap a few pictures of these iconic spots. A great blend of urban and rural locations, you might need to activate international roaming on your device while travelling to stay connected.

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The Mission Impossible series is renowned for being set all over the world, from the Czech Republic to Scotland to even Australia. Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol, however, is iconic for its film location set in Dubai, UAE, and specifically Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Much of the film is spent in Dubai, where spy protagonist Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) executes life-threatening missions, including scaling the Burj Khalifa’s exterior with nothing but suction gloves.

Ghost Protocol features not only the modern architecture of Dubai but also the traditional Arab culture inhabiting it. From local attire to cuisine and music, the film showcases all that Dubai has to offer with a bit of a mysterious twist. Explore and travel around the populous city for yourself and check out the iconic locations spotlighted in Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol.

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Notably shot in the more rural areas of France, Mr. Bean’s Holiday is a fun and family-friendly film with a creative approach to its set locations. Chaotic and cleverly comedic, the film follows Mr. Bean’s journey from London to Cannes as he films his own adventures with a video camera. From the majestic Grande Arche de la Defense where Mr. Bean is mistakenly dropped off, to the barren D927 Road southwest of Cormainville village where Mr. Bean hitchhikes, each scene is shot at a different yet memorable location.

Mr. Bean’s Holiday takes movie watchers on a unique tour of France, showcasing countryside locales outside of the urban cities. Check out some of these unique film locations the next time you’re in France and who knows, you might be able to replicate Mr. Bean’s holiday.

If you’re looking for some travel inspo, Netflix features a variety of beautifully-shot movies and shows with breathtaking backdrops and film sets.

See more of Netflix’s movies collection available via Optus SubHub

Explore our international roaming offers if you’re looking to travel to overseas film locations.