If you’ve ever googled “Where was the avengers filmed?” or “Where was Outlander filmed?” you’d have realised South Africa isn’t just a travel bucket list – it’s a Hollywood darling. From Cape Town’s coastlines to Johannesburg’s city streets, South Africa has set the scene for post-apocalyptic thrillers, fantasy worlds and swoon-worthy rom-coms. You’ve probably seen more of movies filmed in South Africa than you realise. Some, like Outlander, only shot in Mzansi for a few episodes while others shot the whole shabang right in our backyard. Here are the top 10 movies and series you never knew were filmed in South Africa?
Lights, camera, Mzansi! Action Movies Filmed in South Africa
1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Photo Credit: TV Insider
George Miller’s high-octane, post-apocalyptic masterpiece, Mad Max mostly stormed through Namibia, but a few key scenes were filmed in South Africa. Those jaw-dropping desert landscapes? Part of them belong to the Northern Cape. The War Boys may have yelled “Witness me!” but SA was quietly stealing the show in the background.
2. Hitman (2007)
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Remember Hitman? The bald, barcoded assassin took his deadly skills to South Africa, with parts of Cape Town standing in for Russia and other international locations. Who knew the streets of the Mother City could double as Moscow? Versatile is an understatement.
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3. Safe House (2012)
Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes
Before Ryan Reynolds was cracking Deadpool jokes, he was running from bad guys in Safe House. This action thriller was filmed all over Cape Town, from the gritty streets to high-speed chases through the city. Even Langa Township got its moment on the big screen.
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Pro tip: If you’re ever in Cape Town, you might want to check out these top 5 snorkeling spots for your underwater adventure.
4. Bloodshot (2020)
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Vin Diesel’s superhero movie filmed in South Africa, Bloodshot may not have smashed box office records, but it did put us in the spotlight! With action-packed scenes filmed in Cape Town, you probably didn’t realize the city was doubling as a futuristic, high-tech playground. Turns out, Cape Town can pull off sci-fi vibes just as well as Hollywood!
5. Tomb Raider (2018)
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Alicia Vikander’s Lara Croft ran, jumped and dodged danger in the Tomb Raider reboot—but guess who stole the scene? South Africa. With KwaZulu-Natal’s wild jungles and the Western Cape’s rugged terrain, our backyard was the perfect playground for all that tomb-raiding action.
Marvel Movies filmed in South Africa
6. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Johannesburg didn’t stand a chance when the Hulk went full smash mode in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Those chaotic brawls with Iron Man? Filmed right in the middle of Joburg’s CBD! Who knew the Carlton Centre would make the perfect spot for a superhero dust-up? This is one of the most famous movies filmed in South Africa.
Movies Filmed in South Africa (Series and Shows)
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Not only are movies filmed in South Africa but many popular series and shows have had their share of the Mzansi flare.
7. Black Mirror (Season 6, ‘Demon 79’)
Photo Credit: Variety
Black Mirror fans, here’s a fun twist, you’ve seen South Africa on screen without even realizing it! The 2023 episode Demon 79 may be set in 1970s England, but those retro department stores and gritty streets? All filmed in Cape Town. Surprisingly, South Africa proves to be the perfect backdrop for a dystopian setting!
8. Outlander (Season 3)
Photo Credit: Netflix
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Before Claire and Jamie settled in America, they made an unexpected stop—right here in South Africa! In Outlander Season 3, the show swapped the Caribbean for SA’s stunning coastlines and lush forests. But here’s something you might not know: they also reused sets from Black Sails (another SA-filmed hit) to bring those 18th-century islands to life. So, next time you’re dreaming of a tropical escape, remember—you don’t need to fly to the Caribbean when Cape Town has it all! After all, it is the best city in the world 2025
9. One Piece (2023 – )
Photo Credit: Netflix
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece turned Cape Town into a high-seas fantasy, and you probably didn’t even know it! With elaborate ships docked at Cape Town Film Studios and breathtaking coastal shots, the Mother City was the perfect backdrop for the Straw Hat Pirates’ epic adventures. South Africa brought the Grand Line to life, and the best part? No need for real sea monsters (at least, none we know of)!
Movies filmed in South Africa (Romantic – Comedy edition)
10. The Kissing Booth Trilogy (2018 – 2021)
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Yes, South Africa even plays Cupid. The Kissing Booth, Netflix’s guilty-pleasure teen romance, may be set in Los Angeles, but those dreamy beach scenes and high school hallways? That’s Cape Town. From Camps Bay to the University of Cape Town, SA brought the sun-kissed aesthetic to life (no LA traffic required).
Movies filmed in South Africa – Why Hollywood loves us
Diverse Locations: From deserts to beaches, mountains to cityscapes—SA can double as almost anywhere.
Affordable Production Costs: Big-budget looks without breaking the bank? A win for filmmakers.
World-Class Studios: Cape Town Film Studios is one of the best on the continent.
Top-Notch Talent: Local crews, actors, and production teams bring serious skill to the table.
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So next time you’re watching a blockbuster or bingeing a Netflix series, keep an eye out, you might just spot a familiar South African backdrop. It is evident that you never know movies filmed in South Africa because you can find a little bit of the whole world here. From filming the Avengers and Outlander to the teen heartthrob, The Kissing Booth, Mzansi is basically a Hollywood A-lister at this point!
