Unveiling Madrid’s Silver Screen: Exploring the Best Films Set in this Enchanting Destination

Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, is rich in cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal setting for the cinematic world. With its majestic architectural marvels, lively streets, and the distinct charm of its neighborhoods, Madrid has intrigued filmmakers around the globe. From internationally acclaimed movies to popular TV series and animated films, Madrid has been a picturesque backdrop, adding a unique Spanish flair to each story’s narrative. This guide takes you on an immersive journey through Madrid’s cinematic landscape, offering you a chance to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters.

10 Famous Films Shot in Madrid

1. “Open Your Eyes” (1997) – This psychological thriller, later remade as “Vanilla Sky,” beautifully captures Madrid’s cityscape and landmarks.
2. “Talk to Her” (2002) – Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-winning film offers a glimpse of Madrid’s vibrant culture and lifestyle.
3. “The Others” (2001) – Although set in post-WWII Britain, this eerie film was extensively shot in Madrid.
4. “Volver” (2006) – Another Almodóvar masterpiece, “Volver” showcases the charm and life of Madrid’s neighborhoods.
5. “The Oxford Murders” (2008) – This mystery thriller filmed across various Madrid locations intensifies the suspenseful plot with its grand architecture.
6. “Biutiful” (2010) – Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Spanish drama, set in Barcelona, was primarily filmed in Madrid for its gritty urban settings.
7. “The Skin I Live In” (2011) – Almodóvar’s thriller captures Madrid’s modern aesthetics and architectural beauty.
8. “I’m So Excited!” (2013) – This comedy film offers a humorous look at the city’s lifestyle and its inhabitants.
9. “Julieta” (2016) – This drama, another film by Almodóvar, beautifully showcases Madrid’s urban landscape and culture.
10. “Pain and Glory” (2019) – This semi-autobiographical film by Almodóvar beautifully portrays Madrid’s modern cityscape.

These films offer a visual tour of Madrid, showcasing the city’s dynamic culture, architecture, and urban beauty.

5 TV Shows Set in Madrid

1. “Velvet” (2013-2016) – This romantic drama series showcases Madrid’s fashion industry in the 1950s and 1960s.
2. “Cable Girls” (2017-2020) – This period drama series set in the 1920s captures the essence of Madrid in the early 20th century.
3. “Money Heist” (2017-present) – This internationally acclaimed series, while set in different locations, was mainly filmed in Madrid.
4. “Elite” (2018-present) – This teen drama series filmed in Madrid, portrays the city’s contemporary lifestyle and architecture.
5. “The Neighbor” (2019-present) – This superhero comedy series features Madrid’s urban landscape and daily life.

These TV series beautifully capture Madrid’s historical and modern aspects, offering viewers a glimpse of the city’s lifestyle and aesthetics.

5 Animated Films Set in Madrid

1. “Ferdinand” (2017) – This delightful film, while set in Ronda, was produced by Madrid-based Blue Sky Studios.
2. “Klaus” (2019) – This Oscar-nominated film was animated in Madrid by SPA Studios.
3. “The Happets in the Rainbow Forest” (2011) – This Spanish animated film was produced by Madrid-based studio, Anima Kitchent.
4. “Birdboy: The Forgotten Children” (2015) – This dark animated film was produced by Madrid-based studio, ZircoZine.
5. “Bunuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles” (2018) – This animated biographical film was created by Madrid-based studio, The Glow Animation Studio.

These animated films, with Madrid’s influence, offer unique narratives and stunning visuals, appealing to a younger audience.

Famous Books Set in Madrid: 3 Classic and 3 Contemporary

Classic:

1. “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway – Hemingway’s novel offers a vivid portrayal of Madrid in the 1920s.
2. “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes – This timeless Spanish classic, while not set in Madrid, reflects the broader cultural backdrop of Spain.
3. “The Fencing Master” by Arturo Pérez-Reverte – This historical thriller captures Madrid’s atmosphere in the 19th century.

Contemporary:

1. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – Although set in Barcelona, this novel was penned in Madrid, where Zafón was born and raised.
2. “Outlaws” by Javier Cercas – This novel, set during Spain’s transition to democracy, offers a vivid portrayal of Madrid.
3. “Winter in Madrid” by C.J. Sansom – This historical novel provides a detailed description of Madrid during the Spanish Civil War.

These books offer a rich literary journey through Madrid’s historical and contemporary landscapes, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and history.

Exploring Madrid’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

1. Royal Palace of Madrid – Featured in numerous films, this iconic landmark is a must-visit.
2. Prado Museum – One of the world’s largest art galleries, this museum has been a backdrop in various films and TV series.
3. Gran Via – Known as the “Spanish Broadway,” this bustling street is frequently captured in Madrid-set films.
4. Retiro Park – This public park, featured in “Talk to Her,” offers a peaceful escape in the city.
5. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – The home of Real Madrid has made appearances in several sports films.

These locations offer a unique blend of sightseeing and cinematic history, allowing you to immerse yourself in Madrid’s film heritage.

Where to Sleep in Madrid: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

Budget:

1. The Hat Madrid – This trendy budget hotel offers comfortable rooms in a central location.
2. Room007 Chueca Hostel – This affordable hostel is located in the lively Chueca district.
3. Ok Hostel Madrid – This budget-friendly hostel offers clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

Luxury:

1. Hotel Ritz – This luxury hotel, featured in many films, offers a taste of Madrid’s high life.
2. The Westin Palace Madrid – This opulent hotel has been a filming location for various movies and TV series.
3. Hotel Villa Magna – This luxury hotel offers a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort.

Whether you prefer budget or luxury accommodation, Madrid offers a wide range of options to suit every travel style.

Where to Eat in Madrid: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

Budget:

1. El Sur – Known for its delicious tortilla Española, this eatery offers affordable Spanish cuisine.
2. 100 Montaditos – This popular chain offers a wide selection of montaditos (small sandwiches) at budget-friendly prices.
3. Mercado de San Miguel – This historic market offers a variety of food stalls serving affordable local dishes.

Luxury:

1. DiverXO – Madrid’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, led by Chef David Muñoz, offers a unique dining experience.
2. Restaurante Botí­n – Known as the world’s oldest restaurant, Botí­n offers traditional Spanish cuisine in a luxurious setting.
3. El Club Allard – This acclaimed restaurant offers innovative Spanish cuisine in an elegant setting.

From budget-friendly eateries to upscale restaurants, Madrid offers a variety of dining options to satisfy all palates.

Madrid’s Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Beyond its cinematic charm, Madrid is also a land of legends and mysteries. One of the most famous legends is the haunting of the House of the Seven Chimneys, where a young bride is said to roam the premises. Another intriguing mystery is the Ghost Metro Station of Chamberí­, which was closed to the public and is now a transport museum. These curious tales add an element of intrigue to Madrid’s cinematic locations.

Hidden Gems in Madrid

While Madrid’s iconic landmarks are popular filming locations, the city also boasts lesser-known locales that are equally cinematic. Here are a few hidden gems:

1. Templo de Debod – This ancient Egyptian temple, gifted to Spain, offers stunning views at sunset.
2. Matadero Madrid – This former slaughterhouse, now a cultural center, is a unique location for filming.
3. La Latina – This charming neighborhood, with its narrow streets and historic buildings, has a distinct charm captured in several films.

These hidden gems offer unique views and experiences, away from the typical tourist paths.

What to Pack for a Trip to Madrid

For a film-themed trip to Madrid, here are some essentials:

1. Comfortable footwear – Madrid is best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must.
2. Versatile clothing – Madrid’s weather can vary, so pack layers. Include casual clothes for sightseeing and smarter outfits for evenings out.
3. Camera – To capture your cinematic journey.
4. Guidebook and map – To help navigate the city and find filming locations.

These packing tips will help you prepare for your trip to cinematic Madrid.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Madrid

Metro – Madrid’s metro system is one of the most extensive in the world, making it a convenient way to navigate the city.

Bus – Madrid’s bus network covers the entire city and suburbs, offering a more scenic way to travel.

Bike – With Madrid’s bike-sharing service BiciMAD, you can easily cycle around the city.

Walking – Many of Madrid’s iconic sites are within walking distance of each other, making it a walkable city.

Travel Documents Needed for Visiting Madrid

1. Passport – Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
2. Visa – Depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen visa to enter Spain.
3. Travel insurance – It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
4. International Driving Permit – If you plan to rent a car, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your driver’s license.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Madrid’s Cinematic Landscape

From the golden-age classics to contemporary dramas, Madrid’s charismatic cityscape has been a canvas for many memorable cinematic moments. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, a book lover, or simply a traveler in search of unique experiences, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of Madrid’s cinematic landscape. Embark on a journey through Madrid’s famous films, TV shows, books, and discover the hidden gems that make this city a filmmaker’s dream. ¡Buen viaje!