Movies filmed on Madeira
Discover the Stunning Scenery of Madeira Through Cinema: Movies Filmed on Madeira Island
Madeira, with its breathtaking landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and rich cultural heritage, has become more than just a paradise for travelers—it’s also an alluring location for filmmakers. The island’s diverse natural beauty, historical charm, and unique climate make it an ideal setting for a variety of films. Below is a list of notable movies that have taken advantage of Madeira’s cinematic appeal.
Notable Movies Filmed on Madeira Island:
“Moby Dick” (1956)
- Genre: Adventure, Drama
- Starring: Gregory Peck
- Synopsis: This classic film, based on Herman Melville’s novel, uses Madeira’s dramatic coastline to depict the harrowing sea adventures of Captain Ahab in his quest to hunt down the white whale, Moby Dick.
“Mae” (2017)
- Genre: Family and Societal Drama
- Starring: Christelle Caboz, Mariça da Silva, Teresa Faria
- Synopsis: Shaken by a degenerative dementia, while her memory dissipates in time, Dolores fades away. In hopes of recovering memories from the past, her children Mário and Samuel move to the island of Madeira, trying to provide better living conditions for their mother. However, days become long and challenging as Dolores becomes increasingly dependent.
“Ennemis Intimes” (1987)
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Michel Serrault
- Synopsis: This French film explores complex human relationships, with some scenes shot on Madeira. The island’s natural beauty provides a stark contrast to the intense emotional drama unfolding between the characters.
“A Corte do Norte” (2008)
- Genre: Drama, History, Romance
- Starring: Ana Moreira, Rogério Samora
- Synopsis: This Portuguese film, directed by João Botelho, is an adaptation of the novel by Agustina Bessa-Luís. Set across different time periods, the movie uses Madeira’s dramatic and mystical landscapes to tell the story of a woman’s search for identity and truth within her family history. The island’s diverse locations help bring the story’s haunting and enigmatic atmosphere to life.
“Star Wars: The Acolyte” (Upcoming Disney+ Series)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Part of the Star Wars universe, this highly anticipated Disney+ series filmed scenes in Madeira, particularly around Ribeira da Janela on the island’s north coast. The unique landscapes of Madeira provided a perfect backdrop for this series, adding a touch of otherworldly magic to the Star Wars saga.
Here is a link to the director’s talk about Madeira as a filming location.
Filming took place in the UNESCO laurel forest of Fanal, other areas of the island, including Caniçal, Porto Moniz, and Ribeira da Janela, and the smaller nearby isles of Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens. Nearly a quarter of The Acolyte was filmed on Madeira.
Why Madeira is a Cinematic Haven
With its variety of terrains—from volcanic landscapes to lush forests and steep cliffs overlooking the ocean—Madeira offers filmmakers an array of options for different types of movies. The island’s mild and consistent climate throughout the year also makes it an ideal location for shooting all year round. Moreover, the historical architecture and traditional charm of Madeira’s villages provide an authentic European atmosphere that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. You can find the complete list of movies filmed on Madeira here.
Visiting Madeira’s Film Locations
For movie buffs and travelers alike, visiting the filming locations in Madeira can add an extra layer of excitement to your trip. From exploring the rugged coasts featured in Moby Dick and Corte do Norte to wandering the serene settings of Mae, Madeira offers a unique opportunity to step into the scenes of your favorite films.
