Films and series shot in Barcelona
Leisure 02/04/2025
Barcelona is a city of cinema. Its modernist streets, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and history have served as the setting for numerous film and television productions. Both national and international directors have chosen the Catalan capital to set their stories, allowing viewers from all over the world to discover the magic of Barcelona on screen. Below, we present a selection of some of the most notable films and series that have been filmed in the city.
MOVIES
All About My Mother (1999)
Pedro Almodóvar chose Barcelona as the backdrop for this moving film that addresses motherhood, identity, and theater. Settings such as the Palau de la Música Catalana, an impressive modernist auditorium declared a World Heritage Site, and the Hospital del Mar, located across from Barceloneta beach, are essential parts of the narrative. Additionally, shots can be seen in the Plaza del Duc de Medinaceli and the Montjuïc Cemetery.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Directed by Woody Allen, this romantic comedy starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, and Penélope Cruz explores iconic locations in the city, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. There are also scenes at the Torre Bellesguard and the Born neighborhood, where the characters enjoy their stay in Barcelona.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
Although the original story takes place in France, many of its scenes were filmed in Barcelona, transforming locations like the Gothic Quarter to recreate the 18th century. Plaza de la Mercè and Calle Ferran were key to the setting, as was Plaza Mayor in Vic, which was used to represent period markets.
REC (2007)
One of the great references of Spanish horror cinema, filmed in a building in Barcelona's Eixample district, specifically at 34 Rambla de Catalunya, an abandoned building owned by a textile industry entrepreneur. The film takes place inside this modernist building, but also features scenes in the Plaza del Fossar de les Moreres and the Hospital del Mar.
Source: elmundo.es
Three Steps Above Heaven (2010) and I Want You (2012)
Both films are part of Federico Moccia's trilogy of novels that tell a story of young love using iconic city locations such as Barceloneta, Razzmatazz, Ciutadella Park, the Forum Bridge, Tibidabo Avenue, the Vallcarca Bridge, and Tibidabo Park.
Beautiful (2010)
Alejandro González Iñárritu offers a more realistic and darker vision of the city in this drama starring Javier Bardem, which explores life in Barcelona's less touristy neighborhoods, such as Raval and Besòs. There are also scenes in the Poblenou Cemetery and the Barcelona port area.
While You Sleep (2011)
A disturbing psychological thriller by Jaume Balagueró set in a modernist building on Provença Street, in the heart of the Eixample district. This area is famous for its modernist buildings, many of them designed by renowned architects. Scenes were also filmed in Plaça Lesseps and inside the Teatre Coliseum.
The Last Days (2013)
An apocalyptic thriller that transforms Barcelona into a deserted city, featuring settings such as the metro and the city's sewers. The Plaça Catalunya metro station plays a key role in the film, reflecting the chaos and abandonment of the city. Other locations include the Torre Agbar and Gran Via.
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Barcelona, Summer Night (2013)
Six love stories unfold during a special night in the city, with locations such as Barceloneta and Turó de la Rovira. The latter is an iconic viewpoint from which you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. The film also includes scenes in the Plaza Real.
The Laws of Thermodynamics (2018)
This romantic comedy uses various locations in Barcelona, such as Ciutadella Park and other urban corners to tell a story about human relationships from the point of view of a physicist who tries to explain romantic relationships through the law of thermodynamics, although when applied to himself it ends up being a failed attempt.
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The Shadow of the Law (2018)
Set in 1920s Barcelona, this film noir directed by Dani de la Torre shows the city in the midst of social unrest, with clashes between anarchists, police, and mafias. It was filmed in the Plaza del Duc de Medinaceli, with its classic feel, and in various areas of the Eixample district, highlighting its modernist buildings. There are also scenes at the old Meridiana Dog Track, transformed into a clandestine club of the time.
I Love You, Asshole (2020)
This romantic comedy by Laura Mañá, starring Quim Gutiérrez, follows a young man in the midst of a personal crisis. The film explores iconic Barcelona locations such as Ciutadella Park, where the protagonist reflects on his life; the Poble Sec neighborhood, with its bohemian atmosphere and bars; Avinguda Diagonal, one of the city's main thoroughfares; and Barceloneta beach.
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Home (2020)
This psychological thriller from the Pastor brothers follows a former executive (Javier Gutiérrez) obsessed with his old house and its new tenants. It's set in uptown Barcelona, highlighting neighborhoods like Pedralbes and Sarrià, which reflect the luxury and exclusivity the protagonist yearns to recapture. There are also scenes in Les Corts, one of the city's most affluent residential areas.
Thou Shalt Not Kill (2020)
This thriller directed by David Victori and starring Mario Casas depicts a dark and dangerous Barcelona. It was filmed in the industrial neighborhoods of Poble Nou, which reinforce the story's sense of tension. There are also scenes at Estacion de Francia, one of the city's most cinematic locations, and at Ronda de Sant Antoni, a vibrant area that contrasts with the protagonist's anguish.
Bird Box Barcelona (2023)
This spin-off of the film "Bird Box" is set in a post-apocalyptic Barcelona. Scenes are filmed in deserted locations throughout the city, including Ciutadella Park, the Port of Barcelona, and Plaza España, where the characters struggle to survive in a devastated world.
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SERIES
Red Leggings (2011)
This Catalan series about a group of teenagers facing serious illnesses takes place in various locations in Barcelona. Highlights include places like the Vall d'Hebron Hospital, where the characters receive treatment, and other corners of the city that help illustrate the coexistence of young people.
Merlí (2015)
This successful series, which follows a professor's philosophy classes and his relationship with his students, features locations such as Poble Sec and Ciutadella Park, as well as the iconic Romea Theatre and other iconic landmarks in the city.
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Cites Barcelona (2016)
This series of complicated romantic encounters between strangers takes place in iconic locations throughout the city. Scenes can be seen in Ciutadella Park, Plaza Catalunya, the Sagrada Familia, and the streets of Eixample, where the characters experience their encounters and disagreements.
Body on Fire (2023)
Based on a true story, this Netflix series starring Úrsula Corberó and Quim Gutiérrez recreates the highly publicized "Crimen de la Guardia Urbana" (Urban Guard Crime). The story takes place in various locations in Barcelona, where the details of the case are investigated. Scenes can be seen in Ciutadella Park, a key location in the investigation, as well as in the Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets that lend an atmosphere of mystery. Poble Nou also appears in the series, reflecting both its modern and more industrial side, in keeping with the tone of the crime pitch.
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The Split: Barcelona (2025)
This family drama series about lawyers is set in Barcelona. Although the pitch revolves around the professional and personal lives of the protagonists, scenes can be seen in locations such as the 22@ District, Plaza Catalunya, and the Zona Alta district of Barcelona.
If you're a film lover planning a visit to Barcelona, a great idea is to explore some of the most iconic locations from these productions. From the most famous monuments to lesser-known corners, Barcelona becomes an open-air movie set, ready to be explored.
At Sensation Apartments, we offer the perfect accommodation for a cinematic experience in Barcelona. Enjoy the city as if you were the star of your own movie.
Don't hesitate to book your stay with us and discover Barcelona in an unforgettable way!
MOVIES
All About My Mother (1999)
Pedro Almodóvar chose Barcelona as the backdrop for this moving film that addresses motherhood, identity, and theater. Settings such as the Palau de la Música Catalana, an impressive modernist auditorium declared a World Heritage Site, and the Hospital del Mar, located across from Barceloneta beach, are essential parts of the narrative. Additionally, shots can be seen in the Plaza del Duc de Medinaceli and the Montjuïc Cemetery.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Directed by Woody Allen, this romantic comedy starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, and Penélope Cruz explores iconic locations in the city, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. There are also scenes at the Torre Bellesguard and the Born neighborhood, where the characters enjoy their stay in Barcelona.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
Although the original story takes place in France, many of its scenes were filmed in Barcelona, transforming locations like the Gothic Quarter to recreate the 18th century. Plaza de la Mercè and Calle Ferran were key to the setting, as was Plaza Mayor in Vic, which was used to represent period markets.
REC (2007)
One of the great references of Spanish horror cinema, filmed in a building in Barcelona's Eixample district, specifically at 34 Rambla de Catalunya, an abandoned building owned by a textile industry entrepreneur. The film takes place inside this modernist building, but also features scenes in the Plaza del Fossar de les Moreres and the Hospital del Mar.
Three Steps Above Heaven (2010) and I Want You (2012)
Both films are part of Federico Moccia's trilogy of novels that tell a story of young love using iconic city locations such as Barceloneta, Razzmatazz, Ciutadella Park, the Forum Bridge, Tibidabo Avenue, the Vallcarca Bridge, and Tibidabo Park.
Beautiful (2010)
Alejandro González Iñárritu offers a more realistic and darker vision of the city in this drama starring Javier Bardem, which explores life in Barcelona's less touristy neighborhoods, such as Raval and Besòs. There are also scenes in the Poblenou Cemetery and the Barcelona port area.
While You Sleep (2011)
A disturbing psychological thriller by Jaume Balagueró set in a modernist building on Provença Street, in the heart of the Eixample district. This area is famous for its modernist buildings, many of them designed by renowned architects. Scenes were also filmed in Plaça Lesseps and inside the Teatre Coliseum.
The Last Days (2013)
An apocalyptic thriller that transforms Barcelona into a deserted city, featuring settings such as the metro and the city's sewers. The Plaça Catalunya metro station plays a key role in the film, reflecting the chaos and abandonment of the city. Other locations include the Torre Agbar and Gran Via.
Barcelona, Summer Night (2013)
Six love stories unfold during a special night in the city, with locations such as Barceloneta and Turó de la Rovira. The latter is an iconic viewpoint from which you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. The film also includes scenes in the Plaza Real.
The Laws of Thermodynamics (2018)
This romantic comedy uses various locations in Barcelona, such as Ciutadella Park and other urban corners to tell a story about human relationships from the point of view of a physicist who tries to explain romantic relationships through the law of thermodynamics, although when applied to himself it ends up being a failed attempt.
The Shadow of the Law (2018)
Set in 1920s Barcelona, this film noir directed by Dani de la Torre shows the city in the midst of social unrest, with clashes between anarchists, police, and mafias. It was filmed in the Plaza del Duc de Medinaceli, with its classic feel, and in various areas of the Eixample district, highlighting its modernist buildings. There are also scenes at the old Meridiana Dog Track, transformed into a clandestine club of the time.
I Love You, Asshole (2020)
This romantic comedy by Laura Mañá, starring Quim Gutiérrez, follows a young man in the midst of a personal crisis. The film explores iconic Barcelona locations such as Ciutadella Park, where the protagonist reflects on his life; the Poble Sec neighborhood, with its bohemian atmosphere and bars; Avinguda Diagonal, one of the city's main thoroughfares; and Barceloneta beach.
Home (2020)
This psychological thriller from the Pastor brothers follows a former executive (Javier Gutiérrez) obsessed with his old house and its new tenants. It's set in uptown Barcelona, highlighting neighborhoods like Pedralbes and Sarrià, which reflect the luxury and exclusivity the protagonist yearns to recapture. There are also scenes in Les Corts, one of the city's most affluent residential areas.
Thou Shalt Not Kill (2020)
This thriller directed by David Victori and starring Mario Casas depicts a dark and dangerous Barcelona. It was filmed in the industrial neighborhoods of Poble Nou, which reinforce the story's sense of tension. There are also scenes at Estacion de Francia, one of the city's most cinematic locations, and at Ronda de Sant Antoni, a vibrant area that contrasts with the protagonist's anguish.
Bird Box Barcelona (2023)
This spin-off of the film "Bird Box" is set in a post-apocalyptic Barcelona. Scenes are filmed in deserted locations throughout the city, including Ciutadella Park, the Port of Barcelona, and Plaza España, where the characters struggle to survive in a devastated world.
SERIES
Red Leggings (2011)
This Catalan series about a group of teenagers facing serious illnesses takes place in various locations in Barcelona. Highlights include places like the Vall d'Hebron Hospital, where the characters receive treatment, and other corners of the city that help illustrate the coexistence of young people.
Merlí (2015)
This successful series, which follows a professor's philosophy classes and his relationship with his students, features locations such as Poble Sec and Ciutadella Park, as well as the iconic Romea Theatre and other iconic landmarks in the city.
Cites Barcelona (2016)
This series of complicated romantic encounters between strangers takes place in iconic locations throughout the city. Scenes can be seen in Ciutadella Park, Plaza Catalunya, the Sagrada Familia, and the streets of Eixample, where the characters experience their encounters and disagreements.
Body on Fire (2023)
Based on a true story, this Netflix series starring Úrsula Corberó and Quim Gutiérrez recreates the highly publicized "Crimen de la Guardia Urbana" (Urban Guard Crime). The story takes place in various locations in Barcelona, where the details of the case are investigated. Scenes can be seen in Ciutadella Park, a key location in the investigation, as well as in the Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets that lend an atmosphere of mystery. Poble Nou also appears in the series, reflecting both its modern and more industrial side, in keeping with the tone of the crime pitch.
The Split: Barcelona (2025)
This family drama series about lawyers is set in Barcelona. Although the pitch revolves around the professional and personal lives of the protagonists, scenes can be seen in locations such as the 22@ District, Plaza Catalunya, and the Zona Alta district of Barcelona.
If you're a film lover planning a visit to Barcelona, a great idea is to explore some of the most iconic locations from these productions. From the most famous monuments to lesser-known corners, Barcelona becomes an open-air movie set, ready to be explored.
At Sensation Apartments, we offer the perfect accommodation for a cinematic experience in Barcelona. Enjoy the city as if you were the star of your own movie.
Don't hesitate to book your stay with us and discover Barcelona in an unforgettable way!
