North America has long been the beating heart of the film and television industry — from the glitz of Hollywood to the cobblestone streets of Mexico’s colonial towns. While major studios like Paramount Pictures and MGM remain iconic, some of the most memorable on-screen moments have been filmed in surprising corners of the continent.
According to the Motion Picture Association, the United States releases around 600 feature films a year on average. But with competitive tax breaks and lower production costs, more filmmakers are turning to Canada and Mexico to bring their stories to life.
From The Last of Us and Black Mirror to Yellowstone and Romeo + Juliet, here’s a closer look at the cinematic landscapes that make North America a film lover’s dream.
Lights, Camera, Canada
Canada’s film industry is booming — and it’s not just for its breathtaking scenery. Recent TV hits like HBO’s The Last of Us and Netflix’s Black Mirror have turned Alberta and British Columbia into A-list destinations for film tourism.
Despite The Last of Us being set in the U.S., most of the show was filmed in Calgary and Edmonton. Fans can visit the Ramsay neighbourhood near Stampede Park, where the Boston Quarantine Zone was recreated, or the Alberta Legislature Building, which stood in for Massachusetts’ State House.
Vancouver, another cinematic hotspot, played host to Black Mirror’s “Common People” episode, with filming taking place across Allied Shipyards and Queen Elizabeth Elementary School.
Tip: Travellers can check out Travel Alberta and Destination Vancouver for film-inspired itineraries.
Southern Soil, Silver Screen
Move over, Hollywood — the American South is becoming the new powerhouse of film and TV. In fact, Georgia recently overtook California in feature film production.
Meanwhile, the wild west drama Yellowstone brought cameras to Utah, where Ogden and the Wasatch Mountain Range doubled as the show’s rugged Montana setting. The town’s historic 25th Street is instantly recognisable to fans.
For those following the prequel 1883, Fort Worth, Texas was transformed into an Old Western town, with Exchange Avenue and North Houston Street reimagined for the series. The Hotel Drover even served as the show’s Hotel Calhoun — a must-visit for die-hard fans.
NYC: Where Every Corner Is a Set
From Sex and the City and Gossip Girl to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, few cities are as instantly cinematic as New York. With its iconic skyline and bustling energy, it’s no wonder so many productions use the city as a backdrop.
Film fans can join On Location Tours for guided visits to Friends, The Sopranos, or Marvelous Mrs. Maisel filming sites — or explore independently with themed tours of Central Park and The East Village.
Mexico: The Home of Romance
Mexico’s rich culture and breathtaking scenery have long made it a favourite for romance films. One of the most iconic? The 1996 remake of Romeo + Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
The timeless balcony scene was filmed in Chapultepec Palace, located in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park. The dramatic street duel between Romeo and Tybalt took place on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, one of Mexico’s most famous boulevards.
For a more coastal vibe, head to Boca del Río, Veracruz, where Mercutio’s death scene was filmed — a bustling port city with colonial architecture and golden beaches.
Discover more cinematic escapes via Visit Mexico.
Step Into the Scene
“Film location trips in North America offer an unparalleled opportunity to step into the worlds of your favourite movies and TV shows,” says Bladhana Richardson, Head of Marketing at American Holidays.
From the Canadian Rockies to New York City, North America is bursting with cinematic heritage, natural beauty, and culture — perfect for your next movie-inspired getaway.
For more travel ideas, check out Verge Magazine’s Culture & Travel section.
