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30+ Best Icelandic Movies and TV Shows to Inspire Your Travels

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Though the Icelandic film industry dates back to the early 1900s, you won’t find many Icelandic movies that made waves overseas until the 1980s. Children of Nature  (1991) was the first (and, so far, the only) Icelandic film to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. T hemes of ageing, death, and farming mixed with a zany sense of humour would be a through-line connecting most Iceland movies. Yes, including Icelandic horror movies and thrillers!

As tourism in Iceland increased sharply in the 2010s, the number of big-budget foreign productions wanting to utilise Iceland’s otherworldly and diverse landscapes did too. Today, we have a wonderful mix of local Icelandic films and glossy Hollywood movies filmed in Iceland. My list includes all of the best ones that will hopefully inspire you to take a trip to Iceland.

Unfortunately, some of the best Icelandic movies, and even the one film nominated for an Oscar, are almost impossible to find on streaming services. I like to include films on my lists that are accessible. Some of Iceland’s best films like Noi the Albino  (2003) and one of my personal favourites, Cold Fever (1995), are also difficult to find. But I’ve included them in the ‘other’ section at the end of the post, so this list is as extensive as possible. Happy viewing!

Best Icelandic Movies and Movies Filmed in Iceland to Watch Before Your Trip

1. when the raven flies (1984).

Icelandic | 109m | 85% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch Free on YouTube

If we can’t start the list of Icelandic movies with  Children of Nature , then let’s start it with the next best thing. A low-budget, off-kilter movie about Vikings. Created as a retaliation to Hollywood films about the Vikings, When the Raven Flies  is set during the Viking Age in Iceland which is anywhere between 793 AD – 1066. Vikings kill the parents of a young boy so 20 years later he attempts to track down those responsible to get revenge.

Most of the filming locations were along the south coast of Iceland. Vík and Reynisfjara Beach appear and Drangshlíð  features as a Viking farm. Most Icelandic movies are gritty dramas or thrillers, so if you like fantasy or history then  When the Raven Flies  might be one of the best movies set in Iceland you could watch!

2. A View To a Kill (1985)

English | 131m | 37% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

It’s unsurprising that a country-hopping series like James Bond was one of the first big-budget movies shot in Iceland. Partly, at least. This instalment of the suave super spy sees Bond (Roger Moore) go face-to-face with Zorin (Christopher Walken) and his glamorous henchwoman (Grace Jones). He recovers a powerful microchip that they want to use for nefarious purposes.

Director John Glen shot  A View to a Kill  in  Iceland ,  England ,  France , and the  USA . The James Bond Iceland location is the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lake near Höfn . It features during  A View to a Kill ‘s opening sequence in Siberia  where Bond is chased on skis. 

3. The Juniper Tree (1990)

English | 98m | 100% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

The  Glasgow Film Festival 2020   first introduced me to  The Juniper Tree  so I’m glad I can do the same for you. Starring everyone’s favourite kooky Icelander Björk, The Juniper Tree  is based on a Brothers Grimm fairytale of the same name. This adaptation follows a widowed farmer who remarries and attempts to win over her new stepson but with a medieval/fantasy edge.

Like When the Raven Flies , director Nietzchka Keene also used locations in southern Iceland that were secluded at the time but are now Instagram famous. These are locations like the basalt cliffs and caves on Reynisfjara Beach and the glacier-fed waterfall Seljalandsfoss . This black sand beach is actually one of the most dangerous places in Iceland and the waves have claimed the lives of many tourists. That’s why  film and TV safety advisors are so important when filming in Iceland!

4. 101 Reykjavik (2000)

Icelandic, English | 88m | 89% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch Free on YouTube

Let’s jump ahead 10 years to  101 Reykjavík . It’s not dissimilar to other indie movies released in the late nineties/early noughties. Young adults living carefree lives, exploring different sexualities, lots of pop culture references, etc. I’m thinking of Trainspotting  (1996),  High Fidelity  (2000), and even  The Spanish Apartment  (2002).

It follows an unemployed, unmotivated man who gets his mother’s queer flamenco teacher pregnant after a drunken one-night stand. As the title suggests, Baltasar Kormákur (one of the best Icelandic directors ever) shot this film all over Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík , including many bars and clubs.

5. Die Another Day (2002)

English | 133m | 55% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

Less than 20 years after his last visit, Bond is back in Iceland . But this time, he’s 20 years younger and has a different face.  Die Another Day starts with Bond (Pierce Brosnan) in a North Korean prison where he eventually escapes and travels to Cuba and then Iceland on the tail of the person who betrayed him.

Director Lee Tamahori used locations in  Iceland ,  Spain ,  England ,  Norway , and the  USA.  He filmed some of the Iceland scenes in Norway. But some authentic James Bond Iceland locations include Höfn  for the location of the Ice Palace (which, unfortunately, doesn’t exist) and the Jökulsárlón glacier lake and the Vatnajokull Glacier for the icy car chase.

6. Batman Begins (2005)

English | 140m | 84% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

It’s mad to think that few had high hopes for another Batman film after the dismal performance of  Batman & Robin  (1997). But there’s no denying the impact  The Dark Knight Trilogy  created, and it all started with Batman Begins . This film follows a young Bruce Wayne whose travels lead him to Bhutan to learn martial arts from the League of Shadows. When the league tells him they want to destroy Gotham City, he flees to his hometown to find an alternative way to protect his loved ones.

Director Christopher Nolan filmed in Iceland ,  England , and the  USA . Various Iceland locations stood in for the snowy mountains of Bhutan in several training scenes. These are locations like Svínafellsjökull Glacier and Skaftafell National Park . The mountain of Vestrahorn is even nicknamed ‘Batman Mountain’ by super fans.

7. Jar City (2006)

Icelandic | 91m | 95% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch Free on YouTube

Adapted from the Reykjavík Murder Mystery series by Arnaldur Indriðason,  Jar City  is an incredible Icelandic crime and thriller movie. It follows Detective Erlendur as he struggles to find out why there are so many links between the death of an elderly man and the mysterious death of a child in 1974. 

Baltasar Kormákur is back in the director’s chair. He used locations in Reykjavík  and some on the outskirts, including Hvalsneskirkja (the church in the photo below). 

8. Stardust (2007)

English | 128m | 77% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

I absolutely love  Stardust ! I think it’s one of the best family-friendly fantasy films of all time and has some amazing  filming locations. Tristan (Charlie Cox) lives in a quaint English called Wall which is separated from the magical kingdom of Stormhold by a literal stone wall. When he attempts to capture a fallen star (Claire Danes) in Stormhold to woo a woman from his village, Tristan becomes wrapped up in a world of evil witches, murderous kings, fairies, and pirates.

Director Matthew Vaughan filmed most of  Stardust  in  England  and  Scotland . But there is one Iceland location, and it’s  Stokksnes Headland in Stokksnesvegur . It features in the scene where Prince Septimus demands the Soothsayer to re-cast his runes and foretell where he needs to search for the royal ruby next. You can see Vestrahorn Mountain in the background.

Read next: Stardust Filming Locations in England, Scotland & Iceland

9. Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

English + Fictional | 73 Episodes |   89% Rotten Tomatoes  |  Watch on Now TV  |  Watch on Amazon Prime

Where better to film a fantastical place with a mysterious name like ‘Beyond the Wall’ where evil ice creatures and giants live than Iceland ?  Game of Thrones had those exact thoughts. If you’ve been in a coma for the last decade,  Game of Thrones  was an uber-successful HBO TV show. In a nutshell, it follows several noble families in the fictional land of Westeros as they fight for the throne and against an ancient, evil enemy.

There are many Game of Thrones locations in Iceland because the country features in at least five of the eight seasons. One of the main locations, Svínafellsjökull Glacier , has the nickname ‘Hollywood Glacier’ because it appears in tons of Hollywood movies filmed in Iceland. Myrdalsjokull Glacier features in  Game of Thrones  as The Fist of the First Men,  Grótagjá Cave  as Jon and Ygritte’s love nest, and Lake Myvatn and Þingvellir National Park  also appear as different locations.

10. Volcano (2011)

Icelandic | 95m | 81% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

Ash clouds from Eyjafjallajökull’s volcanic eruptions in  Iceland brought half of the world to a standstill in April 2010. A year later,  Volcano  hits Icelandic cinemas but it has almost nothing to do with actual volcanos. It’s about an elderly man (didn’t I say many Iceland films were about growing old?!) who attempts to reconnect with his estranged children when his wife gets ill.

Side note : The idea of people holding grudges in a country as small, and with so few people, as Iceland is hilarious to me. Surely you’d bump into them all the time?!

I know that director Rúnar Rúnarsson shot the film in Iceland, but I’m not 100% where.

11. Black Mirror (2011 – )

English | 22 Episodes (so far) | 84% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Netflix

Black Mirror  is a hugely successful British dark and dystopian TV series. Because it’s an anthology show, the plots and characters are (largely) different in every episode, so there is a huge mix of locations around the UK, USA, and beyond. Season four, episode three, ‘Crocodile’ was filmed in  Iceland . It follows Mia, 15 years after she helped her friend cover up a hit-and-run and all of the crimes she’s committed to cover up her past.

They shot in lots of locations in and around Reykjavík, including the Grænavatn and Kleifarvatn Lakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula . And lots of roads in Iceland , of course, considering the story. Bl ack Mirror was also filmed in the  Harpa Concert Hall  in the capital city’s harbour.

12. Prometheus (2012)

English | 124m | 73% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Disney+

The prequel to the  Alien  film series has a glittering Hollywood cast made up of Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Noomi Rapace. Prometheus follows a team of eager scientists on an expedition to the darkest, unexplored parts of the universe. 

Director Ridley Scott filmed  Prometheus  in several locations around the world including England , Iceland , Scotland , Jordan and Spain . The location in the opening scene is Dettifoss , a waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park . The volcano Hekla also features.

13. The Deep (2012)

Icelandic | 95m | 94% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

The Deep  is a phenomenal film that was  almost  nominated for the Best Foreign Language Academy Award if that counts for anything. It tells the true story of Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, a fisherman whose boat capsized off the south coast of Iceland in 1984 and miraculously survived in the subzero temperatures.

Directed yet again by Baltasar Kormákur, he shot  The Deep  in  Iceland  but unfortunately, I don’t know where. Near lots of coastlines, I’m sure!

14. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

English | 112m | 66% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Disney+

It only makes logical sense that movies about Norse Gods (even superhero ones) should film at least  some  scenes in Nordic countries.  Thor: The Dark World is the sequel to the 2011 film Thor , where the titular character (Chris Hemsworth) has to fight against the Dark Elves, an ancient foe who return to reclaim a weapon that would allow them to destroy the Nine Realms.

Thor: The Dark World  has filming locations in  England ,  Iceland , and Norway . The Iceland locations include the famous Skógarfoss waterfall, Landmannalaugar in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve , and the Dettifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park .

15. Of Horses and Men (2013)

Icelandic | 90m | 100% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

Yes, that’s 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, my friend. This is a  good,  tight 90-minute film and one of the best Icelandic movies in existence.  Of Horses and Men  is simply a film about horses, their owners and their attempts to understand each other in a remote valley in  Iceland . 

Which remote valley in  Iceland ? Honestly, I’m not sure. Wherever it is though, it looks absolutely stunning. 

16. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

English | 114m | 52% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Disney+

This is it folks: one of the best movies about Iceland and movies filmed in Iceland by an overseas production company. I don’t care if other people don’t like this film, I personally think it’s one of the most wanderlust-inspiring movies out there. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty  follows a quiet, unassuming man (Ben Stiller) who loves to daydream but is too timid to ‘draw closer’ as the movie suggests. Spurred by turmoil at work and an attractive woman (Kristin Wiig), Walter ends up travelling from New York City, USA to Greenland ,  Iceland , and  Afghanistan (The Himalayas) .

Well, Iceland’s landscape is  so  diverse that it stands in for all three countries in  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . Some of the most notable filming locations in the film include Garður fishing village, Stykkishólmur in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula , Vatnajökull Glacier , and Grundarfjörður  with the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall nearby.

COMING SOON:  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Iceland Filming Locations

17. Metalhead (2013)

Icelandic | 97m | 91% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch Free on YouTube

Metalhead  is another film where Iceland embraces its outsider persona. In the summer of 1983, a young girl watches as her ‘metalhead’ brother dies in a farming accident and she grieves by adopting his love of heavy metal music.

I’m not totally sure of all of  Metalhead ‘s filming locations in Iceland, but the location of the brother’s funeral was Búðakirkja , the famous Black Church.

18. Land Ho! (2014)

English | 95m | 83% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

If  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty  is the best movie about Iceland from a traveller’s perspective, Land Ho!  is a close second. This film deserves a lot more love and attention than it gets. A pair of retired American brothers-in-law decide to travel across Iceland together in an attempt to recapture their youth.

As you can imagine, it features iconic locations all over Iceland. Some of them are nightclubs in Reykjavík , Skógar village, Jökulsárlón glacier lake, Landmannalaugar , Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geysers, and the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

19. Life in a Fishbowl (2014)

Icelandic | 130m | 80% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

The 2008 – 2011 financial collapse in Iceland was the largest systemic banking crisis experienced by any country in economic history. Life in a Fishbowl follows the lives of three people living in  Reykjavík, Iceland  around this time and how the recession impacted their lives.

I’m uncertain of the exact locations in Life in a Fishbowl , but they are authentic Reykjavík  filming locations.

20. Interstellar (2014)

English | 169m | 73% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

If you need to shoot a movie in space, there seem to be two countries that pop up more than any other: Jordan  and  Iceland . Since Christopher Nolan’s dystopian, sci-fi epic wasn’t set on Mars, Iceland stepped in.  Interstellar  is set in a not-too-distant future where dust bowls and crop failure means the earth isn’t going to be habitable for much longer. Former NASA Pilot, Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and his team travel through a wormhole to scout out new planets that could sustain human life.

Nolan shot most of the film in  Canada . But the Svínafellsjökull  and Vatnajökull glaciers and the Eldhraun lava field help shape the otherworldly landscapes.

21. Rams (2015)

Icelandic | 92m | 95% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

This is one of the most internationally-successful Icelandic movies of the last two decades, no doubt about it.  Rams  is about two elderly brothers who have not spoken in many decades despite living in two houses on the same family farm in  Iceland . They must put aside their differences when outside authorities want to exterminate their flock.

There’s no wonder this film was so popular when it has all the ingredients of a perfect Icelandic film: old people (check!), a grudge (check!), a remote farm (check!), and a distrust of authority (check!). Director Grímur Hákonarson shot most of  Rams  in the  Bárðardalur  valley in northeastern Iceland which is possibly one of  the  most remote places out of all the remote places in Iceland.

22. Trapped (2015 – )

Icelandic, English, Danish | 28 Episodes (so far) | 87% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

People in countries across the world love Nordic Noir TV Shows like The Killing ,  The Bridge , and Borgen.   Trapped  is Iceland’s contribution to the genre and it’s up there with the best of them. This TV show follows a police unit in a remote Icelandic town as they attempt to solve crimes despite their many obstacles. The horrific stormy, winter weather is one of the main stumbling blocks.

Most of  Trapped  is filmed in Siglufjörður , a very small fishing village on Iceland’s northern coast.

23. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

English | 138m | 93% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Disney+

With Marvel and DC all having films shot on location in Iceland, it was only a matter of time before we were treated to some Star Wars Iceland filming locations too. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens  was the much-anticipated sequel of the beloved film series. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) returned with some old friends and new ones to protect the galaxy against a new yet familiar foe, Kylo Ren and the First Order.

Director J. J. Abrams shot  The Force Awakens  in England , Abu Dhabi , Iceland , and Ireland . Apparently, Abrams is a bit of a daredevil as he chose to film at the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, the volcano which erupted and caused chaos in 2010. It stood in as the location for the icy Starkiller Base .

24. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

English | 134m | 84% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Disney+

One movie filmed in Iceland wasn’t enough for Star Wars, as they immediately returned the following year. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story  takes place between the events of  Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith  (2005) and  Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope  (1977). Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is the daughter of the scientist forced to build the Death Star, the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. She teams up with a ragtag band to steal the Death Star’s plans and give them to the Rebel Alliance.

Director Gareth Edwards filmed  Rogue One  in  England , the  Maldives ,  Jordan , and  Iceland . Iceland locations that stood in for the fictional planet of  Eadu include the Mýrdalssandur plateau and the black sand coastline of Hjörleifshöfði  near  Vík . 

25. Heartstone (2016)

Icelandic | 129m | 84% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

Iceland’s swapped its ageing storylines for a coming-of-age plot instead. Heartstone  follows two teenage best friends living in a small fishing village (where else, eh?). One of the boys pursues a young girl, while the other lad discovers that he has feelings for his pal.

It was director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson’s feature film debut, and he shot it in the minuscule villages of Borgarfjörður Eystri , Seyðisfjörður , Vopnafjörður , and the Dyrhólaey Peninsula . 

26. Woman At War (2018)

Icelandic, Spanish, English, Ukrainian | 101m | 97% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

Icelandic women are not angry at climate change, they’re p*ssed and ready to wage war. Well, one woman is, anyway. Woman At War  follows environmental activist Hella as she retaliates against the aluminium industry in Iceland . Her efforts get increasingly more dramatic when a long-forgotten application to adopt a child is approved. She has to decide whether she wants to be a mother or a rebel.

Beautiful remote locations around  Iceland  feature in  Woman At War including Þingvellir National Park , Keflavík International Airport , Hotel Borg , and other places in  Reykjavík .

27. And Breathe Normally (2018)

Icelandic | 95m | 93% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Netflix

This is one of the first Icelandic movies distributed by Netflix, and still one of the best Icelandic movies on Netflix so far.  And Breathe Normally is a gritty social drama about an Icelandic single mother and a Guinea-Bissauan asylum seeker, and how their lives unexpectedly intertwine.

Director Ísold Uggadóttir (finally! A female Icelandic director!) mostly filmed  And Breathe Normally  in the Reykjanes Peninsula  where you will find the capital city of  Reykjavík . It stands out as being one of the only films to not highlight Iceland’s incredible countryside, but Iceland is so beautiful even its urban locations look gorgeous too.

28. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

English | 123m | 63% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Netflix

If I believed in having guilty pleasures,  Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga  would be one of mine. Watching the Eurovision Song Contest every May is a new tradition of mine but this film really does the contest justice. It stars Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as two childhood friends-turned-bandmates from Iceland who dream of being Iceland’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Due to a wild turn of events, they are! But all is not as it seems and does not go according to plan…

The Story of Fire Saga is set in  Iceland and  Scotland . The film was shot in both countries with some minor filming locations in England and Israel . Director David Dobkin really did film a lot of the Iceland scenes in  Husavík  as well as Valahnúkamöl black beach, Skógafoss waterfall, the University of Iceland in Reykjavík , and Goðafoss waterfall.

Read next: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Locations in Scotland & Iceland

29. Lamb (2021)

Icelandic | 106m | 86% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Amazon Prime

This freaky Icelandic horror movie was distributed by one of the top Hollywood indie companies of the moment, A24. And it really is quite batshit.  Lamb  is about a couple who live on a farm in rural Iceland and discover a newborn lamb in their barn with, erm, unnatural abilities. They decide to raise the lamb as their own child but sinister forces attempt to thwart their good intentions.

Director Valdimar Jóhannsson filmed this folk horror movie just outside of the town of  Akureyri . 

30. Katla (2021)

Icelandic, Swedish, English | Eight Episodes | 100% Rotten Tomatoes | Watch on Netflix

Katla is an Icelandic limited series distributed on Netflix. It imagines a reality where the Katla volcano (one of Iceland’s most active real-life volcanoes) has been erupting for over a year. Only a few residents still live in the nearby town of Vík  but the people presumed dead or missing start mysteriously showing up…

The King of the Icelandic film industry, Baltasar Kormákur, was one of the directors and creators of Katla . The crew shot in  Vík  as well as the small community of Hlíðardalsskóli . Luckily, any shots of the real-life Katla spewing lava were the result of CGI (for now…).

Other Icelandic Movies and TV Shows:  Land and Sons (1980),  Cold Fever (1995),  Children of Nature  (1991),  Stormy Weather  (2003), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2003), Noi the Albino  (2003), Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), Reykjavík-Rotterdam (2008), Tree of Life  (2011),  Oblivion (2013),  Star Trek Into Darkness  (2013), The Fate of the Furious  (2017),  Noah (2014),  Captain America: Civil War  (2016),  Blade Runner 2049 (2017),  Last and First Men  (2020)

And those are my top Icelandic movies and TV shows! Have you visited Iceland or watched any of the films listed? Let me know in the comments below!

Read next: 5-Day Iceland Itinerary: Our Fabulous First-Timer’s Guide

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

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14 Terrific Icelandic Movies To Watch Now

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Travel across Europe and learn more about Iceland with some of the best Icelandic movies to watch right now.

Iceland is one of our favorite countries that we’ve ever visited, and we cannot wait to return one day, especially having road tripped across Southern Iceland.

From gorgeous blue glaciers, steaming geysers, dancing Northern Lights, and black sand beaches, it’s no surprise to find so many great movies filmed in Iceland. The landscape is awe-inspiring.

So, if you are planning a trip to Iceland or are hoping to visit via armchair, what are the best movies about Iceland to teach you more, including top and award-winning Icelandic documentaries?

And, if you are hoping to spark that wanderlust or just escape reality, which Icelandic films should you watch first?

Below, uncover Icelandic movies in all genres, including comedy, horror, and romance.

Then, explore a few more movies set in Iceland while meeting famous Icelandic directors and authors – as many of these movies were inspired by books first.

Don’t forget to tell us your favorite Icelandic movie in the comments. Let’s get started!

You might also enjoy these Icelandic books .

Grab the best Iceland movies and books here :

• Express VPN – Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allows you to view movies worldwide – and they help keep your information safe. Our writers couldn’t have such diverse film reviews without a VPN.
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• Audible Plus : From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.

Table of Contents

14 Best Icelandic Movies

By Jeremy Paterson

Rams (2015)

In a remote valley in the countryside of Iceland, two brothers – Kiddi and Gummi – live in adjacent houses on a sheep farm.

Each brother cares for a different flock of sheep, but both the houses are owned by Gummi, as Kiddi is an alcoholic. Despite their close proximity, the brothers have not spoken to each other in forty years.

One day, a disease is discovered spreading through the sheep in the area, and the government declares that a cull is necessary to prevent the spread.

Facing destitution if their livelihoods are destroyed, Gummi and Kiddi must work together to ensure that some of their flock survive – and, by extension, save themselves as well.

This bittersweet tragicomedy is Icelandic through and through, complete with sweeping rural landscapes with plenty of open space and an excellent selection of woollen clothing.

Fans of both movies about Iceland and the western genre will have a lot to enjoy here.

Rock in Reykjavik (1982)

Iceland has many great attributes, but one of them is definitely its music.

Along with a rich folk tradition going back centuries, Iceland’s popular music scene has a vibe that is unlike almost any other country’s.

This documentary, made during the winter of 1981-82, is a wonderful snapshot of the alternative and punk movements that would alter the course of Iceland’s musical output.

Rock in Reykjavik gives the viewer plenty of footage of prominent bands of the era.

Notable appearances include the seminal new wave band Þeyr and the pop punk group Tappi Tîkarrass, who were fronted by the yet-to-achieve-global-fame Björk.

As you might expect from a pre-internet age, Rock in Reykjavik was originally released only on local television.

Fortunately for us, the rest of the world now also has access to the footage, which today is still one of the most unique slice-of-life Icelandic movies around.

Children of Nature (1991)

Like many before him, Þorgeir has become old enough that he can no longer work on and maintain his farm in the Icelandic countryside.

Unlike others before him, however, his daughter and her husband make it very clear just how much they don’t want Þorgeir to live with them in the city.

Consigned to a home for the elderly in Reykjavik, it appears that this could be the ignominious end for poor old Þorgeir. That is until he runs into Stella, an old girlfriend from his youth.

Having already had to give up and leave behind everything he knows and loves, Þorgeir doesn’t think too hard about eloping with Stella in the countryside.

They might not live too long out there, but at least they’ll enjoy it!

Children of Nature is an enjoyable and unconventional road trip movie , and with its relaxed pace – like many movies filmed in Iceland – there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous local scenery.

I Remember You (2017)

I Remember You is part horror, part crime procedural.

The film follows two storylines; the first is that of Freyr, a man grieving the mysterious disappearance of his son a year ago.

He is currently working as a doctor who is investigating the strange death of an elderly woman. As more weird facts come to light about the woman and her death, Freyr teams up with a local detective, Dagny.

The second storyline is that of Katrin and Garðar, a married couple trying to reconnect, and their close friend Líf.

The three have moved to a remote, abandoned village to renovate a house in hopes of turning it into a B&B during warmer months.

While on the island, the three start to experience unexplained incidents. Although they initially shrug these off, it soon becomes clear that an evil, paranormal entity might not want them there.

I Remember You is one of the most chilling and atmospheric Icelandic films and is perfect for those that love a slow-paced, unsettling hotel horror movie .

Watch even more films set on islands .

Screaming Masterpiece (2005)

Just like Rock in Reykjavik that came 23 years before it, Screaming Masterpiece is another documentary that shines a light on the Icelandic music scene.

But this engaging Icelandic film also seeks to answer a question: how can an island nation of only 300,000 people generate such a wide spectrum of music in so many styles?

Pitching in with their thoughts on the matter are numerous singers, bands, and producers from Iceland and beyond.

Viewers can enjoy performances from Múm, Björk, Mugison, Bang Gang, and Sigur Rós, plus footage of Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Iceland’s chief pagan leader.

Screaming Masterpiece owes a fair amount to its predecessor Rock in Reykjavik ; after all, there are clips of that film in this one.

But with twenty-odd years of late 20th Century development, innovation, and influence thrown into the mix, this is very much its own beast, and one of the best Icelandic movies for music lovers.

And the soundtrack is excellent.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Introverted Walter Mitty leads a quiet life working in the photographic department of Life Magazine . But while he appears vacant and distracted on the outside, fireworks are exploding in his imagination.

Walter often gets himself into trouble with his daydreams, which temporarily but completely divorce him from reality.

These fantasies usually cause him to crash back down to Earth, having either missed his train or lost track of a conversation with his boss.

Walter’s otherwise uneventful life gets turned upside down, however, when new leaders at Life Magazine announce its closure and the main picture for the final issue cover from their top photographer is missing.

Cue an amazing journey to track down the elusive photographer and get that picture; a journey that will lead Walter across stormy seas, Icelandic volcanoes, and Afghan mountains.

Other than (in my opinion) one protracted imagination sequence that doesn’t land, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a surprisingly thoughtful, wholesome, humorous, and heartwarming caper from lead actor and director Ben Stiller.

You might not expect tasteful movies set in Iceland to come from such a source as Stiller, but this one shouldn’t be missed.

Of Horses and Men (2013)

When you live in a small Icelandic horse-rearing community, there’s not much else to do but spy on the neighbors, and the neighbors’ horses.

Unfortunately, that means everyone gets invested in everyone else’s business, and most of the business in the valley is messy.

Kolbeinn loves Solveig, and Solveig loves Kolbeinn. However, neither will make a move because Kolbeinn loves Brúnn, his prized stallion, and Solveig loves Grána, her prized mare.

Meanwhile, Vernhardur’s horse Jarpur loves his master Vernhardur, but Vernhardur loves vodka, not Jarpur.

Gengis likes Jarpur but doesn’t have vodka, so no love there. And, Johanna loves her mare Raudka but Raudka only loves freedom.

As you can tell, this is an ensemble comedy/drama of errors.

If you can keep on top of all of the characters and their horses AND their horses’ relationships, Of Horses and Men might be one of the best Icelandic movies you see this year!

Woman at War (2018)

Fifty-year-old Halla might seem to be a woman of quiet routine, but beneath her façade beats the heart of a rebel.

She also goes by the alias “The Woman of the Mountain,” where she works tirelessly as an environmental activist to keep her beautiful Icelandic highlands pristine and pollution-free.

Her latest target is a company that plans to build an aluminum smelter in the mountains.

But as Hanna manages to hold them off with some increasing acts of sabotage, she also receives notice that her long-forgotten application to adopt a child from Ukraine has been approved.

Now this fiercely independent activist must find a way to balance her activism with her impending parenthood.

Part thriller, part comedy, part political commentary, this joint Icelandic/Ukrainian venture touches on important issues that should strike a chord with plenty of viewers.

Icelandic movies like this one will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.

Jar City (2006)

For the worldweary detective Erlendur, the murder of a man whose head was bashed in with an ashtray is the latest in a long line of pointless killings.

But while investigating the deceased, Erlendur discovers that the victim is linked to a case from decades earlier, involving possible rape and corrupt police officers.

As the threads begin to unravel, more and more elements of the murdered man’s past begin to reveal a web that has lain undiscovered until now.

Based on the novel Mýrin by author Arnaldur Indriðason , Jar City is a faithful translation of the book to the screen – though having no knowledge of the original source material will not dampen your experience watching this dark and gritty crime thriller.

Fans of the Scandinavian crime procedural TV shows that have become renowned worldwide will enjoy somber movies about Iceland like this one.

Arctic (2018)

When you’re trying to survive in inhospitable conditions, any small problem can snowball into a catastrophe. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens to Overgård.

Having crashed his plane somewhere in the Arctic Circle, Overgård has developed a routine of survival, alternating between collecting food, maintaining shelter in his crashed plane, and manually cranking his distress beacon.

But after an errant polar bear raids his supply of caught fish, things turn from bad to worse when a rescue helicopter – responding to his distress beacon – crashes while trying to reach him.

Overgård finds the pilot dead and the only other passenger gravely wounded.

Now he must make a decision; stay and wait for more assistance, or leave the safety of the shelter to make an uncertain journey towards civilization.

Many Icelandic films have a small cast list, but Arctic is very much a one-man-show for lead actor Mads Mikkelsen, who gives a powerful performance as he battles the forces of nature.

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101 Reykjavik (2000)

Based on one of the most popular Icelandic novels, 101 Reykjavik is a dark comedy about a man who seriously needs to get his life together.

Hlynur is a 30-year old unemployed loner still living at home with his mom and surviving off of unemployment checks.

He is content to spend his days watching porn and drinking and has no desire to do much else.

He doesn’t hang out with friends, and he ignores any attention paid to him by women. But then he meets his mom’s friend, Lola, who is staying with them for the winter holidays.

101 Reykjavik is set and filmed entirely in Reykjavik, and is one of the best Icelandic movies for those feeling a little lost in life.

Metalhead (2013)

Hera is a happy 12-year-old girl growing up on a rural Icelandic farm with her parents and older brother, Baldur. But when Baldur dies in a tragic accident, everything changes.

Following his funeral, Hera attempts to feel closer to Baldur by playing his guitar, listening to his music, and wearing all his black clothes, even burning her own “girlier” clothes.

Believing this is just a part of her grieving process, her parents let her be. But nine years later, Hera has never been able to shake off her grief.

And she isn’t the only one; her parents, too, have never fully recovered from Baldur’s death and don’t know how to help Hera. They seek out community through the local church in hopes it will help all of them.

Meanwhile, Hera’s eccentric metal look attracts a lot of attention in their remote Icelandic village, and she is bullied and ostracized by the other youth who live there, further isolating her.

Hera’s only dream is to become a famous musician, but she feels trapped here, frequently acting out and getting into trouble.

Metalhead is a heart wrenching look at the effects of grief on a family, and is one of the most moving Icelandic movies – whether you love metal or not!

Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre (2009)

A boat full of whale-watching tourists gets stranded in the arctic when their ship breaks down. Luckily, they are rescued by a group of “Fishbillies” aboard a whaling ship.

Or, maybe it isn’t so lucky because the Fishbillies seem to want them dead, and these seas are a pretty easy place to hide a body.

I’ll be honest, this film is not good. In fact, it’s a bit of a disaster – in every sense of the word.

But if you’re a fan of movies that are “so bad they’re good,” then Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre should be on your radar.

In fact, it just might become one of your favorite Icelandic movies!

No Such Thing (2001)

Journalist Beatrice is alarmed to receive a strange message from her fiancé, Jim, about a monster story he is working on in a remote Icelandic village.

But Jim has gone missing, and determined to track him down, Beatrice decides to fly to Iceland and find him.

After a plane crash and traumatic recovery process, Beatrice finally arrives on the island, only to find Jim and his crew have seemingly all been killed by the monster.

Beatrice and the monster unexpectedly form a friendship and she agrees to help him find the one thing he wants more than anything.

This US-Icelandic Beowulf-inspired fantasy drama is one of the most unique movies about Iceland. It’s also funny and heartfelt and great if you love films about friendship.

Save The Best Movies About Iceland For Later:

Grab your favorite Iceland movies and books here :

Thank you to TUL contributor, Jeremy Paterson

Jeremy (pronouns: any) is an autistic writer, hobbyist, and movie buff, as long as that movie is Labyrinth . Since leaving the corporate world behind in 2018, he has read more books than he thought possible. True to his British upbringing, his first instinct in any given situation is to put the kettle on.

What are your favorite Icelandic films?

We just love Iceland, and although we rarely pick a favorite country to visit, Iceland is surely one of them.

From the breathtaking Northern Lights to the glowing glaciers with playful seals and bursting geysers, Iceland isn’t a destination you will soon forget.

We enjoyed the touristy but relaxing Blue Lagoon, Vik and Hella for Northern Light watching, and driving Iceland’s Ring Road and Golden Circle for black sand beaches, fluffy horses, and the best food.

Plus, Iceland has a huge literary culture, including its Jolabokaflod , or Christmas Book Flood.

Along with the plethora of Icelandic authors and their books, what are the best movies filmed in Iceland? How about the top movies set in Iceland?

Lastly, which Icelandic movies should we add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

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Best Icelandic movies

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• IMDb Rating
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1. Rams (2015)

R | 93 min | Drama

In a remote Icelandic farming valley, two brothers who haven't spoken in 40 years have to come together in order to save what's dearest to them - their sheep.

Director: Grímur Hákonarson | Stars: Sigurður Sigurjónsson , Theodór Júlíusson , Charlotte Bøving , Jón Benónýsson

Votes: 15,185 | Gross: $0.14M

2. Everest (2015)

PG-13 | 121 min | Action, Adventure, Biography

On May 10, 1996, mountain guides Rob Hall and Scott Fischer combine their expedition teams for a final ascent to the summit of Mount Everest. With little warning, a storm strikes the mountain and the climbers must now battle to survive.

Director: Baltasar Kormákur | Stars: Jason Clarke , Ang Phula Sherpa , Thomas M. Wright , Martin Henderson

Votes: 232,390 | Gross: $43.48M

3. Life in a Fishbowl (2014)

129 min | Drama

A Reykjavik pre-school teacher struggles to raise her daughter while selling casual sex to help make ends meet.

Director: Baldvin Zophoníasson | Stars: Hera Hilmar , Þorsteinn Bachmann , Thorvaldur Kristjansson , Atli Óskar Fjalarsson

Votes: 1,877

4. The Deep (2012)

Not Rated | 95 min | Action, Drama

Based on actual events, a fisherman tries to survive in the freezing ocean after his boat capsizes off the south coast of Iceland.

Director: Baltasar Kormákur | Stars: Ólafur Darri Ólafsson , Stefán Hallur Stefánsson , Joi Johannsson , Thora Bjorg Helga

Votes: 5,724

5. 101 Reykjavík (2000)

Not Rated | 88 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Will the 30 y.o. Hlynur ever move out of his mother's apartment in Reykjavík? Social welfare keeps him passive but things change when his mother's Spanish friend, Lola, arrives and stays through Xmas and New Year's Eve.

Director: Baltasar Kormákur | Stars: Hilmir Snær Guðnason , Victoria Abril , Hanna María Karlsdóttir , Þrúður Vilhjálmsdóttir

Votes: 9,937 | Gross: $0.01M

6. Dreamland (2009)

Not Rated | 89 min | Documentary

Icelandic politicians and businesses try to lure aluminum production to the island country.

Directors: Þorfinnur Guðnason , Andri Snær Magnason

7. Children of Nature (1991)

82 min | Drama, Romance

Old Thorgeir must leave his home far off in the Icelandic 'countryside' and move into a home for senior citizens in Reykjavik. There he meets an old friend from his childhood, Stella. ... See full summary  »

Director: Friðrik Þór Friðriksson | Stars: Gísli Halldórsson , Sigríður Hagalín , Baldvin Halldórsson , Björn Karlsson

Votes: 1,599

8. The Sea (2002)

R | 109 min | Comedy, Drama

A rich father in a fisher village plans to take on the project of writing his life story. But first he has to take on his own family, and everybody wants something...

Director: Baltasar Kormákur | Stars: Gunnar Eyjólfsson , Hilmir Snær Guðnason , Hélène de Fougerolles , Kristbjörg Kjeld

Votes: 1,748 | Gross: $0.06M

9. Devil's Island (1996)

99 min | Comedy, Drama

The story of families living in barracks, left by the US Army in Reykjavik at the conclusion of World War II.

Director: Friðrik Þór Friðriksson | Stars: Baltasar Kormákur , Gísli Halldórsson , Sigurveig Jónsdóttir , Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir

Votes: 1,094 | Gross: $0.01M

11. Of Horses and Men (2013)

Not Rated | 81 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A country romance about the human streak in the horse and the horse in the human. Love and death become interlaced and with immense consequences. The fortunes of the people in the country through the horses' perception.

Director: Benedikt Erlingsson | Stars: Ingvar Sigurdsson , Charlotte Bøving , Johann Pall Oddson , Kristbjörg Kjeld

Votes: 3,495 | Gross: $0.01M

12. Heartstone (2016)

Unrated | 129 min | Drama, Romance

In a fishing village in Iceland, a boy develops feelings for his best friend as his best friend pursues his affections for a girl.

Director: Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson | Stars: Baldur Einarsson , Blær Hinriksson , Diljá Valsdóttir , Katla Njálsdóttir

Votes: 6,177

13. Let Me Fall (2018)

136 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

Drawing on true stories and interviews with the families of addicts, this harrowing portrait of addiction follows Stella and Magnea through the decades as precarious teenage years morph into perilous adulthoods.

Director: Baldvin Zophoníasson | Stars: Elín Hall , Eyrún Björk Jakobsdóttir , Lára Jóhanna Jónsdóttir , Kristín Lea

Votes: 1,036

14. Lamb (2021)

R | 106 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror

A childless couple discovers a mysterious newborn on their farm in Iceland.

Director: Valdimar Jóhannsson | Stars: Noomi Rapace , Hilmir Snær Guðnason , Björn Hlynur Haraldsson , Ingvar Sigurdsson

Votes: 38,372

15. A Letter from Helga (2022)

112 min | Drama, Romance

In a remote fjord in 1940's Iceland, young farmer Bjarni and aspiring poet Helga begin a passionate, forbidden affair, emotions running as wild as the ocean waves that surround them.

Director: Ása Helga Hjörleifsdóttir | Stars: Thorvaldur Kristjansson , Hera Hilmar , Aníta Briem , Björn Thors

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35 Essential Iceland Movies That Are Worth Your Time

35 Essential Iceland Movies That Are Worth Your Time : Iceland represents one of the world’s smallest national cinemas. The country’s population is just above 376,000. Few Nordic critics point out that even a successful local film sometimes fails to recuperate its cost at the local box office. So why bother? Isn’t it better for the largely English-speaking domestic population to just watch Hollywood blockbusters? Or couldn’t they make cheap – both in terms of money and thinking — imitation of those generic works? Well, the Iceland film-making fraternity exactly didn’t want that. Despite minimal resources, they started making cinema strictly for the native audiences and gradually evolved to weave culturally distinct yet universally resonant stories. Today, the relative quality of Icelandic cinema is simply staggering.

Iceland had been the location for making Nordic silent films in the late 1910s. The first film by an Icelander was made in 1924, yet the officially approved Icelandic feature film was made in the year 1949. Up to the early 1980s, filmmaking was considered an anomaly in the small nation. In 1978, the nation’s modern film-making journey commenced with the initiation of the Icelandic Film Fund. The home-grown films took off well thanks to the early talented Iceland directors. However, the novelty of Iceland movies soon wore off by the mid-1980s.

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Thankfully, in the 1990s, the Icelandic cinema saw an unparalleled explosion, thanks to pan-European funds and a new generation of filmmakers. After the 2008 financial crisis, Iceland cinema’s future was again forced into a precarious position. Yet, their filmmakers continue to provide excellent, multiple award-winning works in the subsequent decades too. Some may say that there’s nothing great about Iceland cinema. It may have limited scope and almost always have a brooding, distressing mood. Still, in this increasingly homogenized world, it is exhilarating to watch the survival of the unique domestic film industry (time for an interesting trivia: in 2009, Iceland’s comedy Mr. Brajnfredarson beat Avatar in the local box office).

Producing this list of good Icelandic cinema has been a hard but enjoyable task. I wasn’t able to include a few acclaimed Iceland comedies because it isn’t available [mostly I wanted to see — New Life (1983), A Policeman’s Life (1985), and Stella On Holiday (1986)]. If I am unaware of any other Iceland movies not mentioned throughout the list, please educate me in the comments section. Anyway, here’s my selection of essential cinema to contemplate the human condition in Iceland’s landscapes:

1. Land and Sons (1980)

Movie critics often cite Agust Gudmundsson’s Land and Sons (Land og synir) as the origination point of contemporary Icelandic cinema. It was based on Indridi G. Thorsteinsson’s novel (father of renowned crime-fiction writer Arnaldur Indridason). It’s a story about a generation of weary farmers dwelling in a remote valley north of Iceland.

The film deals with typical themes you may expect from a narrative set in cold, isolated land: the unyielding bleakness of the rain-swept landscape, the degradation of familial bonds, and the distant dreams of the younger generation. Despite the occasional ineptness in acting and production, Land and Sons was the first Iceland movie to ponder about urban expansion and the rapidly changing social & economic climate. The movie was also infamously known for the unsimulated shooting of a horse.

2. On Top (1982)

Agust Gudmundsson, who scored domestic box-office hits and international acclaim with the films Land and Sons (1980) & Outlaw: The Saga of Gisli (1981), ventured into a comedy genre with On Top . This widely popular Icelandic musical comedy revolves around two rival bands – one all-male and one all-female –  who compete with each other from town to town. Played by real musicians from real bands, On Top opens with amusing vignettes introducing each band member. In the film, the lead male and female singers of the rock band are actually lovers. However, a heated argument over professional and personal issues leads to a rift in the band, and fierce competition ensues.

On Top is an exuberant little film full of heart, energy, and mischief. The comedy thrives on the alleged oddities of the country and its inhabitants. The wackiness of the performances and carnivalesque mode of the narrative will work even for an audience who hasn’t grown up with it. Gudmundsson’s filmmaking techniques also look pretty sophisticated for an emerging national cinema.

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3. when the raven flies (1984).

Hrafn Gunnlaugsson wanted to make an authentic Viking-era movie in order to counter the insipid Hollywood stereotypes. Swedish producers Bo Jonsson and Gunnlaugsson wrote the story, which was predominantly inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo , John Ford’s The Searchers , and the sagas of early Icelanders.

Known as the Icelandic film industry’s first international co-production, the movie churned out a brooding revenge narrative . The story opens with Vikings plundering an Irish village. A young boy witnesses his parent’s murder and the kidnapping of his sister. Two decades later, he arrives at the Icelandic beaches for revenge and to learn about his sister’s whereabouts. Although Gunnlaugsson’s aesthetic flourishes aren’t half as good as the aforementioned cinematic masters’, he should be commended for a realistic rendition of an ancient time and place. ‘When the Raven Flies’ is followed by fairly good sequels — ‘Shadow of the Raven’ (1986) and ‘The White Viking’ (1991).

4. The Juniper Tree (1990)

Nietzchka Keene’s self-funded feature is an adaptation as well as a feminist re-imagining of the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale. It marks the acting debut of Icelandic pop star Bjork. Set in the medieval era and shot in spellbindingly stark black-and-white, Juniper Tree is a coming-of-age tale of a young woman named Margit (Bjork), whose mother is murdered for allegedly practicing witchcraft. The mother is buried under the juniper tree. Margit and her sister Katla leave their home. Katla marries a widowed farmer, Johann, who has a young son. Naturally, the situation turns violent, and the outcome is devastating.

There are no clear-cut villains or simple messages of morality in Nietzchka’s haunting drama. She undercuts the layers of misogyny that are prevalent in fairytales. But the most mesmerizing aspect of Juniper Tree is its arresting imagery, which pays ample tribute to Ingmar Bergman .

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5. children of nature (1991).

The 1980s Iceland movies were largely inspired by home-grown mythical tales & sagas. Moreover, these films were made for Icelanders. However, in the 1990s new generation of filmmakers deeply contemplated their nation’s social themes yet injected universal emotions to resonate with film lovers around the world. In that way, Fridrik Thor Fridriksson’s Children of Nature (Börn náttúrunnar) marks the great international breakthrough of Iceland cinema.

While the aesthetic sense of 1980s Iceland movies borrowed from major directors like John Ford and Sergio Leone, the 1990s Icelandic cinema had a more subtle art-house film form. Mr. Fridriksson, in the 1970s, ran a film society that had more than 2,000 members. It was a revolutionary number, considering the nation’s population, and remember that this was before the video-revolution era. Therefore, it also involved careful transportation of 35mm or 16mm films for screening. Later, Fridriksson worked with the government to establish the Reykjavik Film Festival and to set up the Icelandic Film Fund.

Before Children of Nature , Fridriksson mostly made documentaries. He made his first feature film in 1987 – White Whales . Neither the documentaries nor the debut feature doesn’t stand close to the brilliance of Children of Nature. The film chronicles the journey of two geriatric couples who escape from Reykjavik’s old age home to reach their birthplace, situated in remote fjords. Fridriksson’s minimalist film-making style is mostly character-driven, moving at a glacial pace.

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The old people’s odd pilgrimage takes us through the haunting and stunning beauty of Iceland’s raw countryside. This is a very simple road movie about an old couple reinstating their dignity. Yet the passages of sublime visual beauty and restrained performances make it a very memorable one. Although the film deals with tragic themes, Fridriksson spikes the narrative with a fine dose of observational comedy and whimsical vignettes. Children of Nature became the first Iceland film nominated for an Oscar, leading to its international distribution. Mr. Fridriksson used the profits from distribution deals to buy production equipment.

6. Remote Control (1992)

While guns set up narrative conflicts in Hollywood films, a missing remote control drives this tale of Reykjavik’s underworld. Oskar Jonsson’s debut feature, Remote Control ( Sódóma Reykjavík ), revolves around young mechanic Axel (Bjorn Jorundur Fridbjornsson), his mother, and his hard-partying sister Maeja. Axel goes on to retrieve the TV remote for his mother, which the sister accidentally took.

In this absurd quest, he gets embroiled in the conflict between a local liquor smuggler and a nightclub owner and also falls in love. Remote Control’s comedic sense is considered to be too ‘Icelandic’ to be fully appreciated by foreigners like me (and the English subtitles don’t make sense now and then).  However, the peculiar and silly antics of the imperfect characters make it an enjoyable comedy, providing a fine counterpoint to the nation’s bleaker visions of life.

7. Cold Fever (1995)

Fridrik Thor Fridriksson’s fourth feature film has an enchanting transnational narrative. American indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch was invited (in the early 90s) for the screening of his brilliant anecdotal comedy Mystery Train (1989) at the Reykjavik Film Festival. Producer Jim Stark made the visit on Jarmusch’s behalf.

When Fridriksson and Mr. Stark had an amiable conversation, there were talks of making a film. Stark asked the director to include Japanese actor Masatoshi Nagase in his new story ideas. Later, Fridriksson traveled to Japan to get a grip on his story when he came across the news about the death of two Japanese scientists in Iceland (by drowning). Japanese people traveled to Iceland to perform the due rituals for those scientists. Subsequently, Fridriksson was bestowed with a narrative idea (Jim Stark also co-wrote the script for Cold Fever ).

The film is about a young Tokyo executive, Hirata, traveling to Iceland to perform ceremonies at the site of his parents’ death. Alas, he chooses to visit the nation in the middle of winter and has many strange, magical adventures. Similar to all the great culture-clashing road movies , Cold Fever is memorable for its oddball characters. Director Fridriksson portrays nature in the same way as the people – both cruel and unbelievably poignant. Similarly, the culture gets blurred as Hirata binds with the inapprehensible native people through the common thread of humanity.

8. Devil’s Island (1996)

Fridrik Thor Fridriksson follows up Children of Nature & Cold Fever with yet another good, wry comedy based on Einar Gudmundsson’s novel. The film is set in the 1950s in the squalid premises of Reykjavik. Renowned Iceland director Baltasar Koramkur plays rebellious Baddi, whose mother has left him and his introverted brother Danni for an American soldier. The brothers move into abandoned army barracks with their weary grandfather and haranguing grandmother.

Fridriksson opens the film with a marriage and ends it with a funeral. In between the extreme rituals lie the quirky, tragic, and unpredictable small-scale adventures. The narrative mostly unfurls in episodic vignettes, rejecting the notion of centering its tale on one particular character. Devil’s Island could be read as the allegory for Iceland’s mordant Americanization. The sullen characters of the movie are left to feed on the unsavory parts of a culture that isn’t theirs.

9. 101 Reykjavik (2000)

Baltasar Kormakur’s crowd-pleasing black comedy doesn’t have any particularly likable characters. Protagonist Hlynur (Hilmir Snaer Gudnason) is a man-child who sleeps, drinks, rummages through porn collection, and engages in meaningless relationships with several women. Slacker would be too simple a word to describe his existence.  His bleak, hopeless life with his mother goes unchanged until the arrival of a sexy Spanish house guest, Lola (Victoria Abril). Yes, of course, Hlynur is romantically interested in her. Alas, Lola becomes his mother’s lover. Although Hlynur isn’t an appealing character, Gudnason’s effortless performance exposes the distracted guy’s vulnerability.

The comedic elements aren’t very unique and mostly rely on oddity and surprise. Yet Gudnason boosts the funny quotient of the narrative. Baltasur Kormakur’s comedic style reflects Aki Kaurismaki’s works, whereas the film’s sexual propensity brings to mind Pedro Almodovar. 101 Reykjavik was one of the widely seen Iceland movies (with great commercial success and mixed critical reviews), although it only provides a middling snapshot of Icelandic life.

10. Angels of the Universe (2000)

Based on author Einar Gudmundsson’s novel, Fridriksson’s visually impressive life-affirming feature tells the story of a thirty-something Icelandic artist with mental health problems. Paul (Ingvart E. Sigurdsson) is an unsuccessful painter who lives with his parents after experiencing unbearable rejection from his girlfriend, Dagny. Since Paul’s increasingly violent nature baffles his parents, they place him in a mental institution. There, he becomes friends with Viktor, who believes he’s Hitler, and Oli, who thinks he wrote the Beatles’ song through telepathy.

While the film, like many asylum-based works, tries to blur or comment on the line between sane & mentally ill in society, it also serves as a vital piece to showcase the alienated life in Scandinavian lands. Its cynical, melancholic tone expresses how empty life would be if all there’s left to reflect in society is isolation and anger. Sigurdsson’s performance is powerfully eloquent, and Fridriksson’s occasional surrealistic touches keep the melodramatic narrative buoyant.

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11. the seagull’s laughter (2001).

Based on Kristin Marja Baldursdottir’s popular Iceland novel – The Dance – Agust Gudmundsson’s movie possesses the familiar brand of eccentricity, exaggeration, and mayhem witnessed in Iceland’s tragicomedies.  The film is set in the 1950s and revolves around a recently widowed femme fatale named Freyja (Margret Vilhjalmsdottir), who returns to her homeland after leading a privileged life on American soil.

When a cousin inquires about her husband’s death, she says he had a heart attack while defrosting the refrigerator. The cousin’s eyes exude surprise, and she asks, ‘You have a fridge?’ Freyja is determined to keep her slim figure and lavish lifestyle. One of her agendas is to find a suitable new husband. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of 11-year-old Agga, who perfectly sees through Freyja’s plans. The Seagull’s Laughter is melodramatic and overly exaggerated. Nevertheless, its devilish sense of humor and feminist punch turn it into an unpredictably entertaining dramedy.

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12. the sea (2002).

Like the debut feature 101 Reykjavik, Baltasar Kormakur’s sophomore directorial effort depicts a bleak, blue-and-white palette reflecting the harsh landscape and the unpleasant predicament of its unlikable, downcast characters. Like the polarizing qualities of Iceland’s landscape – beautiful as well as desolate – the characters are too haunted by extreme emotions. They are burdened by the dull crawl of routine days.

Based on Olafur Haukur Simonarson’s play, The Sea revolves around the web of secrets & lies plaguing a wealthy Icelandic family. The explosion of emotional violence in the film brings to mind Thomas Vinterberg’s acclaimed work ‘Festen’ ( The Celebration ). However, similar to other Kormakur dramas, the narrative core is somewhat emotionally inert and devoid of compassion. Director Kormakur is adept at designing breathtaking shots to permeate the landscape’s beauty. But we hardly feel for his bitter characters.

13. Stormy Weather (2003)

Iceland-American director Solveig Anspach made her directorial debut with the French-Begian drama ‘Haut les coeurs!’ about a pregnant breast cancer patient. The film was memorable for French actress Karin Viard’s enlivening performance. In her second feature, Stormy Weather, Anspach once again builds a fascinatingly unsentimental healthcare drama.

Icelandic novelist Didda Jonsdottir plays the central character, Loa, a mentally challenged middle-aged woman. Loa runs away from her children and husband, who has a drinking problem. She is found in Belgium and brought into a psychiatry ward as a nameless, untalkative vagabond. Young, unorthodox psychiatrist Cora (Elodie Bouchez) tries to build a communication bridge with Loa while the authorities try to find out the identity of the woman. It’s the kind of set-up that could easily follow the sentimental path of ‘Rain Man’ or ‘Awakenings,’ yet this is a subtle tale about mutuality in patient and doctor relationships. Despite the very thin plot point, Stormy Weather works mainly due to the two lead actors’ complex and remarkably nuanced performances.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – The 20 Best Spanish Thriller Movies of All Time

14. noi the albino (2003).

Dagur Kari’s familiar coming-of-age tale inventively conveys the quiet desperation of a young man by using a singular, exquisite atmosphere and a droll sense of mischief. Noi (Tomas Lemarquis), the 17-year-old, lives with his unpredictable, jig-saw-puzzle-obsessed grandmother. She wakes him up when he is late for school by firing her shotgun. Noi’s father has a drinking problem. He lives in a small town guarded on one side by a giant mountain and surrounded by people who are as emotionless as the weather-beaten mountain. Noi is definitely someone with ‘true potential,’ yet he decides not to attend classes, figuring out there’s no life for him within these geographical and emotional barriers.

Dagur Kari bestows a range of indelible shots, including a rainbow shooting across the ocean. At the same time, the land’s surface beauty is juxtaposed with the time-worn looks of the town’s inhabitants, whose existence truly tells what it means to live in a frozen wasteland. On other occasions, director Kari uses the physically intimidating landscape as a stand-in for Noi’s existential angst. Tomas ( Snowpiercer ) offers a remarkably naturalistic performance that effortlessly brings an emotional connection to the alienated protagonist.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – We are Living Things [2022]: ‘Slamdance’ Review – Aliens searching for Aliens while dealing with existential alienation

15. children (2006).

Ragnar Bragason’s bleak family drama revolves around the interlinked lives of four main characters: Nurse & tired single mother Karaitas; her 12-year-old son Gudmund; Gudmund’s violent & criminal father Gardar; and Gudmund’s fragile and older mentally ill friend Marino. Each of these characters is misled or cloaked in confusion, alienation, and anger. The remarkable imagery depicts how these people gradually sink deep into their despair.

Shot in black-and-white, the aesthetic style lends distinct depth to the proceedings. The mastery of Mr. Bragason lies in the way he breathes some hope into the narrative and how he depicts the characters in different shades of gray. Although the film is set in less savory parts of Reykjavik (in the Breidholt neighborhood), the coarse family life dynamic witnessed in it is universal in nature. Director Bragason’s raw, visceral depiction of the place could be compared with the works of British filmmakers Shane Meadows and Andrea Arnold . The pitch-perfect performances add more layers of grittiness to the stark proceedings. Bragason made another family drama titled ‘Parents’ (2007), which isn’t as bleak as Children (Börn) and is set in the suburbs of Reykjavik.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – 20 Best Black and White Movies of the 21st Century

16. jar city (2006).

Crime novelist Arnaldur Indridason’s detective Erlendur, like other Nordic detective protagonists, is an enigmatic personality with a bruised past and is constantly engaged in a battle to conquer his inner demons. He is a solitary, straight-faced, and well-determined individual who pretty much seems to be an embodiment of Iceland itself. In Baltasar Kormakur’s adaptation of Indridason’s best-selling novel Jar City, the detective (Ingvar E Sigurdsson) investigates an allegedly simple murder case. The victim is an old guy, his head split by an ashtray. As the accompanying detective remarks to Erlendur: “It’s typical Icelandic murder: messy and pointless.” Nevertheless, there’s much to the dead old man’s murder and his unsavory past.

Jar City is mostly a character-driven thriller rather than plot-driven. Hence, there aren’t big unpredictable twists. You may easily guess the whys & what’s behind the killing. Yet, what’s intriguing about Jar City is Indridason’s social commentary and characterization of emotionally battered people. Detective Erlendur is an intriguing personality who transcends the archetypal elements of detective tales. Director Kormakur, for his part, makes perfect use of Iceland’s damned, intimidating landscapes which reflects the torments of the characters.

Recommended Read: 20 Best Investigative Journalism Movies, Ranked

17. reykjavik-rotterdam (2008).

Director Oskar Jonasson, who was best known for making Icelandic comedy films, tried his hands at the thriller genre with Reykjavik Rotterdam . Renowned novelist Arnaldur Indridason co-wrote the script, and Baltasar Kormakur played the lead character. The cast includes other well-known Iceland actors like Ingvar E. Sigurdson ( Jar City ), Theodor Juliusson ( Volcano ), and Olafur Darri Olafsson ( The Deep, Trapped ).

The story revolves around two friends: Kristofer, a security guard who was fired from a freight ship for smuggling alcohol; and Steingrimur, Kirstofer’s partner in crime who holds a strong position on the docks. Since Kristofer never squealed at his partner, Steingrimur helps him in little ways. Nevertheless, the financial strains threaten the future of Kristofer, his wife Iris, and his two sons. When Iris’ brother fumbles with a smuggling job, it falls upon Kristofer to do it. At 83 minutes, this is a tight thriller with fairly good twists and turns. Along with Jar City, Reykjavik Rotterdam stands as one of few decent genre attempts in Iceland cinema. Actor/Director Kormakur made an average American remake of the picture under the title ‘Contraband.’

Related to Best Iceland Movies – Chameleon (2019) Review: The Crime Thriller With Noir Roots We Deserve

18. mr. bjarnfredarson (2009).

Ragnar Bragason’s blockbuster comedy is based on popular Icelandic TV shows ( The Night Shift & The Prison Shift ). Georg Bjarnfredarson (Jon Gnarr) is granted parole. He protests that he’s never applied, but he is thrown out anyway. Tyrant would be too simple a word to describe how Georg imposes his will upon others. His single mother has raised him as a feminist, socialist, and vegetarian. Georg was supposed to be an important person. But his misadventures only put him in jail. Upon his release, Georg’s mother shuns him, so he stays with his prison buddy, Daniel. Olafur is another roommate, a 40-year-old man-child.

Mr. Bjarnfredarson is an oddball comedy that’s empathetic towards its outcast misfit characters. The comedy elements don’t strictly belong to the ‘acquired taste’ category. Even though it’s a movie version of a TV series, prior knowledge about the show isn’t necessary. Anyhow, this mainstream Icelandic comedy kindled my interest in watching the eccentricities of the three outsiders.

19. Volcano (2011)

Runar Runarsson’s tender love story focuses on the lives of an old Reykjavik couple, Hannes (Theodor Juliusson) and Anna (Margret Helga Johannsdottir). Hannes, aged 67, retires from a long school caretaker career. Before that, he was a fisherman in the Vestmaneyjar archipelago. The sudden volcanic eruption has forced him to the mainland. Dreading what old age holds for him, Hannes contemplates suicide, only to back out at the last minute.

He doesn’t have a smooth relationship with his children, who adore their mother. For men like Hannes, whose identity within the house and society is marked by their job status, the retirement phase is an unfathomable curse. Yet, Hannes slowly retrieves himself and tries to kindle the relationship dynamics with his caring wife. The fleeting moments of happiness, however, are invaded by cold terror. Anna loses her brain function and motor skills, and Hannes, to his children’s protest, takes on the caregiver duties. What follows is an unsentimental yet devastatingly poetic study of love, illness, and death.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – 15 Incredible Foreign Films Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Veteran actor Theodor Juliusson delivers a quiet performance as the introverted & frustrated Hannes. The way he subtly expresses his love for his wife and grandchild and the way he wears an inexpressive mask to repress grief and disappointment haunted me long after the film’s end. Margret has the very difficult task of portraying a bedridden stroke victim, and she does it with tremendous poignancy. Mr. Runarsson must be commended for tackling such a distressing subject in his debut feature. His study of faces and emotions reminds us of the visceral power of early Terrence Malick’s works. Austrian auteur Michael Haneke’s widely celebrated Amour (2012) has a startlingly similar storyline.

20. The Deep (2012)

Based on true events, Baltasar Kormakur’s survival drama is set in 1984. Six hard-drinking Icelandic fishermen take out their trawlers for just another day of fishing in the North Atlantic Ocean. Disaster strikes, and five men go down with the vessel to meet their icy grave. But tall and big-boned Gulli (Olafur Darri Olaffson) unbelievably endures the cold and swims five hours to reach the land. Gulli is not only seen as an anomaly, but their phenomenal survival turns him into a national hero. The rest of the film deals with how Gulli comes to terms with this new identity.

The first hour of this 90-minute film was thoroughly engrossing. Director Kormakur ably uses limited technical elements to build fine dramatic momentum. And Olafson, with his hefty frame and exhausted looks, brilliantly carries the narrative. However, Kormakur loses some of the narrative grips in the last half-hour when Gulli is back on land. It doesn’t profoundly delve into Gulli’s emotions apart from unremarkably reiterating his survivor’s guilt and solitary social status.

21. Black’s Game (2012)

At the outset, Oskar Thor Axelsson’s Black’s Game looks like a familiar tale of a young man’s rise and fall in the drug mafia operation. But enough unique characterizations, twists, and an almost grounded look at Reykjavik’s underworld make it an entertaining Nordic noir. The narrative is set in 1999, and our protagonist, Stebbi (Thorvaldur Kristjansson), has no memory of the drunken brawl for which the police have arrested him. Soon, Stebbi comes across his childhood friend, Toti (Johannes Hakur Johannesson), now a hardened criminal. He promises to connect Stebbi with his lawyer in exchange for a job. The job earns the young man the moniker Stebbi Psycho.

Gradually, he gets involved in the drug business. Of course, things run out of control with the arrival of a sadistic and menacing Bruno (Damon Younger), who expands the gang’s drug operation and snuffs out the competition. Axelsson’s feature-film debut is clearly influenced by the films of Scorsese, Guy Ritchie, and Refn. Nevertheless, Axelsson’s film (based on Stefan Mani’s novel) manages to stand on its own legs, as the filmmaker incorporates genuinely energetic imagery and extracts top-notch performances from the three central characters. Ultimately, Black’s Gam e stands out among the Icelandic crime flicks.

22. Metalhead (2013)

Icelandic farmer parents ask their little daughter Hera to fetch her elder brother Baldur for dinner. A few minutes later, Baldur dies in a horrific accident on the farm in front of Hera’s eyes. The little girl is emotionally frozen from that moment. She processes her grief by taking possession of her brother’s heavy metal music collection. Every morning, she waits for the bus that may take her out of town but never gets on.

She grows up to be a hostile, alienated young woman (Thorbjorg Helga Dyrfjord) still waiting for the bus and yet reluctant to lose the only place she has – home. Hera takes up Baldur’s black t-shirt and channels her anger and grief into the loud guitar. Although Hera’s parents wear the ‘normalcy’ facade, they, too, are trapped by emotional agony. Metalhead isn’t definitely a deft study of Iceland’s inclination towards heavy metal worship. Much of the narrative choices verge on melodrama and rob us of profound emotions. Yet director Bragason’s central character and Thorbjorg’s robust performance make this an adequate portrait of mourning and grief.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – Heavy Trip [2018]: Fantasia Film Festival Review

23. of horses and men (2013).

Benedikt Erlingsson’s remarkable art-house drama studies equine elegance and human eccentricities in an insular, picturesque Iceland community. Erlingsson brings together an interlinked series of stories that deliver cultural critique and celebrate the small nation’s distinct, beloved creature. To give a fair idea about the inventive & strange stories, let me narrate the tale of Kolbeinn (Ingvar E Sigurdsson). He is rich, riding a newly tamed white mare to visit his attractive neighbor, Solveig (Charlotte Boving). The white mare enamors Solveig’s black stallion.

When Kolbeinn leaves her after the graceful visit, the stallion breaks free. It runs behind the mare and mounts Kolbein’s mount while the guy is still sitting atop. Despite the scattershot script, what’s interesting about Of Horses and Men is its visual strength, where Erlingsson cleverly stitches together human and animalistic commonality. Each darkly humorous vignette brims with memorable imagery. In Iceland, the law forbids the import of foreign horses. So these creatures are an integral part of the nation’s history, whose bond with humankind extends back to its first settlers. Instead of paying sentimental, straightforward tribute to this strong bond, director Erlingsson uses the weird fables to reflect deeply on the Icelandic soul and nature.

24. Life in a Fishbowl (2014)

Iceland was the first nation to be affected by the 2007/08 economic crash. And it was hit very hard. Baldvin Zophoniasson’s social realist drama is set during the great crisis period and looks at three characters’ seemingly interlinked or overlapping life paths. Eik is a single mother working as a preschool teacher and as an escort to make ends meet for herself and her diabetic daughter. Mori is a famous author who now suffers from a drinking problem and develops a friendship with Eik. Then there’s Solvi, a former football star who is now taking big strides to climb the corporate ladder. We slowly learn about the tragedy and mistakes that shaped these characters.

Life in a Fishbowl possesses a deftly intertwined narrative in the vein of Crash . Despite many coincidences, the writing here adds more depth to the character than the shallow, stereotypical approach in films like Crash . The film resonated well with Icelandic audiences as it speaks of telling the truth and overcoming unseen hurdles in the contrived atmosphere of secrecy and oppression.

25. Sparrows (2015)

Director Runar Runarsson, who dealt with the day-to-day tribulations of an old couple in ‘Volcano,’ followed it up with a distressing tale of adolescent metamorphosis. The film opens with the shot of teen protagonist Ari (Atli Oskar Fjalarsson) cloaked in a virginal white dress and singing in a movingly pure voice in the majestic cathedral.

The narrative is about how the mean world threatens his purity. Ari is forced to stay with his distant father in a remote seaside town since his mother and stepfather are going away on tour. The town’s residents are bitter victims of the bumpy economy. However, there’s solace in the town as Ari is able to reconnect with his childhood friend Lara (Rakel Bjork Bjornsdottir). What follows is unbelievable cruelty and tear-jerking humane gestures. Like in Volcano , Runarsson’s symbolism remains subtle and mesmerizing. The visuals emphasize poetic realism to depict the frozen emotions of the characters and their harsh communal existence.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – Sparrows (2015): A Harrowing Tale of Adolescent Metamorphosis

26. rams (2015).

Director Grimur Hakanorson’s poignant tragicomedy opens with a blend of typical Icelandic images: a calm, beautiful valley, neatly aligned buildings, serene lambs feeding on the pasture, and a fence dividing the land. The human elements crucial to this story are bachelor brothers Gummi (Sigurdur Sigurjonsson) and Kiddi (Theodor Juliusson), who haven’t exchanged a word for 40 years despite being neighbors.

Initially, the taciturn, bearded brothers are seen competing in the prestigious ‘Best Rams Contest.’ But soon, a dreadful, contagious disease known as ‘scrapie’ threatens to affect the sheep in the valley. Authorities call for the slaughter of the sheep, disinfection of the farm, and wait out two years before re-stocking the barns. For these isolated brothers, rams are the only companions in life. So Kiddi and Gummi reluctantly join hands to preserve the only love in their life.

Rams is yet another Icelandic movie with a seemingly sentimental plot handled with astonishing profundity and humanity. Director Harkanarson brilliantly depicts the hardscrabble realities of farm life. It’s an eloquent lament for the lost way of life or loss of identity (land’s native Bolstadur stock gets replaced with hormone-injected sheep imported from western fjords). Although the film comprises an irredeemably tragic core, there are several delicate comic touches. Theater actors Sigujonsson and Juliusson have convincingly transformed themselves into sheep farmers. Their quirky, unsentimental displays of brotherhood are as sublime as the shots of Iceland’s atmospheric beauty.

27. Virgin Mountain (2015)

Dagur Kari’s bittersweet character study of a social misfit uses a refined sense of visual storytelling method to banish the familiarities in the material. The protagonist, Fusi (Gunnar Jonsson), is a heavier, terribly shy virgin. The 43-year-old man lives with his mother. He loves to eat chocolate cereals and is obsessed with war games and remote cars. Fusi works at the airport in the baggage handling department and is subjected to relentless verbal harassment.

Fusi’s very late transition into adulthood happens when he goes to a line-dancing class. He meets a fellow lost & lonely soul, Sjofn (Ilmur Kristjansfdottir). Virgin Mountain has a time-worn plot structure that could have easily followed the paths of a Hollywood rom-com or crass adult comedy. Yet, director Kari writes his characters with an abundance of compassion and empathy that they are never turned into tools for making us laugh. Even when the narrative runs through predictable premises, it’s endurable because of the absence of cloying sentimentality and due to Gunnar Jonsson’s soulful performance. Gunnar is actually a TV comedian who splendidly conveys Fusi’s inner torment and the subsequent emotional journey of the belated adolescent phase.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – 15 Must-See Coming Of Age Movies Of 2015

28. heartstone (2016).

Gudmundur Arnar Gudmundsson’s splendid directorial debut movingly chronicles the coming-of-age crisis of two teenagers living in a small, dilapidated fishing village. The film doesn’t open with the mystifying Iceland landscape but rather gently gazes at the boys’ bodies. Their changing emotions and physicality become the focal point while the unbridled atmospheric beauty is slightly pushed to the background.

When we first see 14-year-old Thor and Christian, they are fishing with other buddies. Their world is filled with little humiliations, provocations, cruelties, and joys. After catching a fish, they beat it to death, and when afflicted by boredom, they destroy old cars. Yet these small unleashes don’t alleviate the boxed-in feeling or smoothen the transition into adulthood. Heartstone’s impressive imagery (warm sunlight and battering rains alternately make its presence) and touchingly real characterizations are its biggest strengths. Similar to the haunting Iceland coming-of-age drama Sparrows , Heartstone also doubles up as the study of judgmental, toxic masculinity in an isolated community.

29. Woman at War (2018)

Benedikt Erlingsson’s idiosyncratic drama is the perfect movie for the climate-change era. It revolves around the middle-aged Halla, who doesn’t simply distribute pamphlets in order to emphasize the need to save our environment. She goes to the beautiful Reykjavik countryside and singlehandedly sabotages power lines that carry electricity to a nearby aluminum smelter plant. Halla also leads a double life as a choir teacher. Things get complicated when she receives news that her application for adopting a girl is accepted.

Woman at War is perfectly balanced between humor and moral complexity. There are few conventional notes in the writing, but it is a refreshing take on environmentalism at political as well as personal levels. It ends on a seriously meditative note of climate refugees walking away from a drowning world. Another fascinating aspect of the film was the inventive, fourth-wall-breaking use of music.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – 10 Best Movies Dealing with Climate Change

30. echo (2019).

Runar Runarsson’s Echo comprises 56 tableaux and focuses on the strange rhythms of life in Iceland’s bone-chilling northern region during the Christmas and New Year periods. Runarsson, known for his great melancholic cinema, Volcano and Sparrows , directs this rousing episodic experimental drama by incorporating a wide range of emotions and scenarios. Each episode runs for a minute or two as we get a peak into the ordinary lives of the Icelandic people. Thankfully, this collective portrait doesn’t resort to any stereotypical rendition. There are universal themes at play here: relationship issues, bullying, intergenerational gap, poverty, immigration, grief, and death.

Echo might somehow remind us of Roy Andersson’s The Living Trilogy . However, Runarsson’s film stays true to life rather than the complex and exaggerated staging prevalent in the Swedish auteur’s works – to zero in on humanity’s foibles and absurdity. Once you are wholly immersed in the vibrant sketches, you’ll be debating with yourself about your favorite vignettes. Runarsson withholds the keen eyes of a documentarian, the compassion of a humanist, and the playfulness of a satirist. From the cries of a newborn baby to the blank stares of seniors at a retirement home, Echo is a hypnotic, kaleidoscopic glimpse into contemporary human life.

31. And Breathe Normally (2019)

Isold Uggadottir’s feature-film directorial debut deals with the refugee crisis alongside themes like social injustice and homelessness in the most understated and naturalistic manner. The narrative begins with a single mother, Lara, and her little son, Eldar. She is recovering from substance abuse disorder and is on the brink of poverty. Fortunately, Lara gets a chance to work as a trainee border security guard at Iceland’s Keflavik airport. While examining the paperwork of a Guinea-Bissau woman, she finds some discrepancies. The woman named Adja is an asylum seeker, and she is subsequently caught in bureaucratic limbo. Later in the narrative, the two women come together due to different circumstances.

‘And Breathe Normally’ is a beautiful tale about empathy and openness that transcends the usual drama we expect from immigrant crisis movies. It’s a narrative about various inhibitions that push us to live in our cages. It shows us what it means to build a human connection in an inhumane and indifferent world.

32. A White, White Day (2019)

There’s something luminous and profound in the way Hlynur Palmason captures the stasis in one’s life. His Danish directorial debut, The Winter Brothers (2017), is a remarkably staged tale of loneliness and hopelessness. With A White White Day, he explores the stasis in a man’s life that originated due to the death of his wife. Ingimundur is a policeman who can’t quite adjust to the situation and doesn’t know how to handle his grief. He is rebuilding his home for his daughter and precocious granddaughter, with whom Ingimundur spends a lot of time.

Though there’s a minor mystery at its center, Palmason’s movie is a slow-burn character study. Both Ingvar Sigurdsson and Hlynsdottir (who plays the granddaughter) offer intense performances that reach their zenith in the tense third act. It’s not an easy task to gradually explore the feelings of a man with repressed emotions. Palmason’s perfectly realized visual form and the performances turn this into one of the most heartbreaking Iceland movies.

Related to Best Iceland Movies – A White, White Day [2019]: ‘TIFF’ Review – A Cold Soul Longing for an Answer

33. last and first men (2020).

It’s fascinating as well as sad to watch this starkly beautiful cinema by the great Icelandic composer Johann Johannson. He passed away in February 2018 at the age of 48. Shot on black-and-white 16mm film, Last and First Men is an idiosyncratic sci-fi cinema that is closer to a video installation art or speculative literature than Spielberg. It is set two thousand million years in the future and almost entirely moves around towering structures in a vast landscape. Set to Tilda Swinton’s deeply meditative voiceover, we see our abandoned planet picking up a voice from the remotest depths of space.

I think there’s no need to emphasize that this is not a film for everyone. If we have patience and are open to delving into Johansson’s multi-sensory vision, it could be one of the most unforgettable viewing experiences. Moreover, there’s nothing distinctly Icelandic about Last and First Men . But maybe someone like Johansson, who grew up around such vast and magical landscapes, would inevitably come to reflect upon the vastness of the cosmos.

34. Beautiful Beings (2022)

The elegant visualization of the strong bond between friends and family remains a recurring element in the films of Gudmundur Arnar Gudmundsson. Like his debut feature, Heartstone, Beautiful Beings is a bleak yet humanistic coming-of-age tale. Set in the Reykjavik suburbs in the pre-social media era, the film follows 14-year-old Addi (Birgir Dakur Bjarkason), who becomes friends with his schoolmate Balli (Askar Einar Palmason), a victim of bullying. Addi’s mother, Gudrun (Anita Briem), sympathizes with Balli’s plight, who lives with his absentee mother, and his violent stepfather is in prison. However, Addi’s friends Konni and Siggi have a tough time accepting Balli into their gang.

Beautiful Beings offers a sensitive and unsentimental look at the stormy phase of adolescence. The boy’s pursuit of masculinity is depicted through impressionistic imagery and splendid performances. Gudmundsson has once again collaborated with DoP Sturla Brandth Grovlen (Victoria, Rams), and they turn nature into a crucial character, which mirrors the mix of warmth and darkness within the human condition. The narrative does fall victim to a few storytelling cliches belonging to the genre, yet it packs enough verisimilitude to resonate with us.

Recommended Read: A Long Time on the Epiphanic Road: Chihiro’s Coming of Age and Personal Growth in Spirited Away (2001)

35. godland (2022).

Writer/director Hlynur Palmason’s Godland chronicles the arduous journey of a Danish Priest in the late 19th century to build a Church in a remote part of Iceland. Shot on awe-inspiring 35mm (by DP Maria von Hausswolff), this timeless spiritual fable about cultural identity and faith is inspired by a Danish priest’s seven historic photographs. Young missionary Lukas (Elliott Crosset Hove) is an idealist with a bit of arrogance that comes from a colonial mindset and his authority as a spiritual guide. He carries a heavy photographic contraption to document the land and its people. But Lucas’ skills as a photographer don’t help him with his journey through the unforgiving landscape. Moreover, when the priest loses his only connection in the hostile environment – the translator (Hilmar Gudjonsson) – to an accident, he is plagued with self-doubt.

Lucas deeply distrusts his Icelandic guide, Ragnar (Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson). Ragnar is amused and annoyed by the priest’s self-centered, patronizing nature. Even after reaching the settlement, the simmering yet darkly funny conflict between Ragnar and Lucas doesn’t diminish. Palmason’s perfectly calibrated shots of picturesque and intimidating space speaks for itself. The overwhelming shots of nature showcase the inanity of our romantic ideals and the religious faith’s moral high ground. There’s something sublime and quietly contemplative in the visuals that transcend the language barrier. Overall, Godland will remain one of the pivotal landmarks of Icelandic cinema.

Read More: All Kelly Reichardt Films Ranked

Notable Omissions : Icelandic Dream (2000), Astropia (2007), Stormland (2005), Cold Light (2003), Niceland (2004),  Parents (2007), Jitters (2010), Either Way (2011), Paris of the North (2014), and The County (2019)

Must-see Iceland documentaries: Heima (2007), Hlemmur (2002), Screaming Masterpiece (2005), Dreamland (2009). Gnarr (2010), and Rock in Reykjavik (1982).

Must-see Iceland short films : The Last Farm (2004), 2 Birds (2007), Whale Valley (2013), and Herd in Iceland (2013).

The Story of Icelandic  Cinema — Guide to Iceland

Fridrik thor fridriksson interview  — white city cinema, trending right now.

Arun Kumar is an ardent cinebuff, who likes to analyze movie to its minute detail. He believes in the transformative power and shared-dream experience of cinema.

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10 Extraordinary Movies Set In Iceland That Will Inspire You To Visit!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Iceland , Travel Via Cinema

Sofia De Vera combines a heartfelt passion for cinema with over 15 years of critiquing for esteemed film publications, wielding academic credentials from the University of Southern California and New York University, to serve as your personal guide through the enchanting worlds of film and television.  Her full guest bio can be found here.

Big mountains, rocky beaches, volcanic black deserts, frozen lakes, fields full of snow and ice, and impressive glaciers galore… Iceland’s scenery has a lot to offer for filmmakers all over the world.

And those beautiful, unique and sometimes rugged backdrops have been the backdrop for many (if not all) of the movies set in Iceland, while its story is not always set in Iceland at all. Even Hollywood seems to now be in on the open secret and discovered that Iceland is a close-to-perfect shooting location nowadays.

Especially the town of Vík in South Iceland which has been visited by numerous big Hollywood film crews in just the past few years. And it is these emblematic natural elements that have attracted (and continue to attract) storytellers throughout the history of modern cinema and today the spirit of Iceland has been immortalized in distinct films resulting in a wonderfully convoluted and exceptional array of movies set in Iceland.

We love this range because one of the reasons why we watch movies is that they are an excellent way to travel to different places while staying at home – and to determine if a destination elicits that oh-so-important spirit of wanderlust in us before ever investing in a ticket there. 

It is this ‘travel via cinema’ that first motivated us to visit Portugal , Greece , and Philadelphia  – among many other places. We love chasing the high from those glorious moments you can step out in a real-world location and feel spontaneously transported back inside to an iconic movie scene (and judging by the abiding popularity of  visiting Middle Earth / New Zealand  or  James Bond’s Skyfall , we are not the only ones!)

In Iceland, of course, such magical places exist too, many of which are considered iconic landmarks of Iceland – and some which can even be experienced via freedom camping !

In the following paragraphs, we will take a dive into some of Iceland’s best films and the extraordinary places where they take place.

Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.

You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students ) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.

Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions . Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best. 

While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.

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Sons Of The Soil (1920)

A view to a kill (1985), lara croft: tomb raider (2001), eurovision song contest: the story of fire saga (2020), the fate of the furious (2017), the secret life of walter mitty (2013), captain america: civil war (2016), die another day (2002), thor: the dark world (2013), interstellar (2014).

Sons of the Soil is a Danish silent film directed by Gunnar Sommerfeldt and starring Philip Bech, Gudrun Indriadottir, and Elisabeth Jacobsen. The movie is about Örlygur Borg’s two sons, Ormar and Ketill, who live in Iceland. They are both in love with the beautiful Rúna, and this causes friction and eventually a fight between the two brothers.

Sons of the Soil was filmed on location in various places in Iceland. Not much is known in terms of actual locations. But since it is the very first motion picture to be shot in Iceland, and it has supposedly been responsible for kick-starting Icelandic cinema, we felt it definitely deserved a spot on this list.

A View To A Kill is a British James Bond film directed by John Glen and starring Roger Moore, Christopher Walken, and Tanya Roberts. It is the fourteenth entry in the James Bond series of films.

In the movie, a special chip that is identical to a British design has been stolen from the Russians. The chip can withstand the radiation of a nuclear explosion. The British Secret Service suspects Max Zorin of stealing the chip and James Bond is sent to investigate. He discovers that Zorin produces many chips and has devised a diabolical plan to take control of the entire chip production.

Only the pre-credits scene of A View to a Kill was filmed in Iceland but hey, it’s James Bond so we have to include it, right? The openings scenes of the movie are supposed to take place in Siberia, but it is actually Jökulsárlón, a large glacial lake located on the southeast tip of the huge Vatnajökull Glacier and the tiny fishing town of Höfn on the southeast coast of Iceland.

Fun fact: Roger Moore was never present on location; it was his stunt double that made the trip to Iceland to film the scenes.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is an action-adventure film directed by Simon West and starring Angelina Jolie, Noah Taylor, and Jon Voight. The movie is a co-production between the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan , and Germany . It is based on the Tomb Raider video game series.

The film is about Lara Croft, a woman born from a wealthy background who travels the world in search of rare objects. Her latest target is the two halves of an ancient object that gives its owner ultimate power. But in order to find it, she must first defeat a powerful and dangerous secret society.

A very small part of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed on location in Iceland. While that sequence is only about three minutes in length, it does feature one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions: the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. It is a glacier lagoon filled with icebergs and has become such a popular attraction due to its stunning beauty. The lagoon is sometimes also referred to as just Jökulsárlón or Glacier’s-River-Lagoon. In the film, Angelina Jolie takes a boat ride on the river, and if you visit the area you can do the same, as boat tours are organized daily for visitors and tourists.

On a side note, in the movie, this location is supposed to be a remote village located in Siberia.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is an American romantic musical film directed by David Dobkin and starring Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, and Pierce Brosnan.

It tells the story of Lars and Sigrit, an ambitious musical duo from Iceland. When given the chance to represent their country in the Eurovision Song Contest, they consider it as a chance of a lifetime. And they finally have the opportunity to prove that all dreams are worth fighting for. But as it turns out there are some bumps on the road.

In the film, the musical duo called Fire Saga is proud Icelanders who hail from Húsavík, a town in Norðurþing municipality on the north coast on the shores of Skjálfandi bay. A lot of filming was actually done in this town which was historically a fishing village before it turned into a tourist attraction, even before this film came about.

The television studio as seen in the film is actually the University of Iceland, a public research university located in Reykjavík. Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, can be seen in the opening scenes of the film. Additional filming was done in Iceland’s capital Reykjavík and while the film has mixed reviews, the on-location filming makes it one of the best films set in Iceland in our books.

The Fate of the Furious is an American action film directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and Charlize Theron. It is the eighth installment in the Fast and Furious series of films.

In the movie, Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon while Brian and Mia are retired. The crew makes an effort to live a normal life, but when a mysterious woman tries to seduce Dom into the world of crime he can’t resist the temptation. The betrayal of those closest to them will put the crew through trials like never before. From the coast of Cuba and the streets of New York to the icy plains of the Arctic Barents Sea, the team will have to travel the globe to stop an anarchist from spreading chaos and bring home the man who makes them one big family.

One of The Fate of the Furious most iconic chase scenes was filmed on Lake Myvatn, a shallow lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. The production crew shot these scenes in the depths of winter so the frozen ice would hold all of the vehicles.

The prison scenes were filmed in Akranes, a port town, and municipality on the west coast of Iceland. Some additional shooting was done in and around this town as well.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an adventure comedy film directed, co-produced by, and starring Ben Stiller. It also stars Kristen Wiig and Adam Scott.

The movie follows Walter Mitty (Stiller), a photo editor who works for LIFE Magazine. He is harassed daily by his colleagues because he is constantly daydreaming behind his desk. This also prevents him from reaching out to the woman of his dreams, who also happens to work for LIFE Magazine. Walter gets a chance to prove himself when the negative of an important photo gets lost and he must find it.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty takes place in the USA, Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas, but was shot on location in the USA and Iceland only. The cinematography alone is so stunning it is impossible not to call this one of the best movies set in Iceland. The Icelandic filming locations include Stykkishólmur, a town and municipality located in the northern part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and Grundarfjörður, a town in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

The longboard riding scenes were filmed in Seyðisfjörður, a town in the Eastern Region of Iceland. Additional shooting was done inside Vatnajökull National Park, one of three national parks in Iceland, and in Höfn, a fishing town in the southeastern part of Iceland.

Captain America: Civil War is an American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America. It was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Scarlett Johansson. Captain America: Civil War is a sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014).

The film is about Steve Rogers (Evans), who leads a new team of Avengers that are trying to protect humanity. After a new international incident wreaks havoc, political pressure mounts to build a system where the heroes can be held accountable for their actions. A governing body is set up to review when to use the team’s services. The new status quo causes a rift between the Avengers, while also protecting the world from a new and horrific enemy.

Captain America: Civil War was filmed in the United States, Germany , Puerto Rico, Norway, and Iceland. The scenes in Iceland were shot in and around the village of Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland. It is a very small village with only about 750 inhabitants.

Die Another Day is an American / British James Bond film directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, and Toby Stephens. It is the twentieth film in the James Bond series of films.

The movie tells another tale about secret agent James Bond (Brosnan), who gets betrayed and captured during a mission in North Korea. After escaping, he travels from Hong Kong to Cuba and back to London with a mission to expose the traitor and prevent a war. The chase eventually leads him to a palace located in Iceland. It is there that Bond discovers a new hi-tech weapon with unprecedented powers.

Die Another Day is the second Bond film on this list, and this time Bond is not supposedly in ‘Siberia’, but actually in Iceland, where he takes part in a high-speed car chase across a frozen lake, involving 4 Aston Martins and 4 Jaguars. These ingenious car chase scenes were filmed in two different locations. Most of the filming was done at Jökulsárlón, a large glacial lake located in the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park, and arguably the most famous lake of Iceland.

The film’s production crew actually constructed a dam that blocked the lagoon’s exit to the sea. It took a few days for the still water to freeze allowing the stunt team to drive on the frozen lake. Some shooting was also done at Vatnajökull, the largest and most voluminous ice cap in the country, and Europe for that matter. Additional scenes for the movie were filmed at Höfn, a fishing town in the southeastern part of Iceland.

Thor: The Dark World is an American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor, directed by Alan Taylor. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston. Thor: The Dark World is a sequel to Thor (2011).

The film is about Thor (Hemsworth), who after the events of The Avengers (2017) tries to restore order to the cosmos. But an ancient race of Dark Elves led by the vengeful Malekith wants to plunge the universe into darkness. When even Odin and Asgard are no match for this enemy, Thor will have to face his most perilous and personal battle, which will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to make the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of our world.

Thor: The Dark World was filmed mainly in the United Kingdom and Iceland. The black sand landscapes of Svartalfheim, and the Realm of the Dark Elves were both filmed at Landmannalaugar, a place in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve located at the edge of Laugahraun lava field, in the Highlands of Iceland. It is known for its natural geothermal hot springs and surrounding landscape.

Some of Asgard’s landscapes were filmed at Ásbyrgi, a glacial canyon and forest in the north of Iceland, and at the Dettifoss waterfall, located in the Vatnajökull National Park . Additional shooting was done at Skógafoss, a waterfall located on the Skógá River in the south of Iceland at the cliff marking the former coastline, and in and around Iceland’s capital Reykjavíak.

Interstellar is an American / British science fiction film co-written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, and Anne Hathaway.

Interstellar tells the story of a future where governments and economies around the world have collapsed. Food is scarce, NASA no longer exists and the 20th century is the major culprit. When a mysterious wormhole in space-time opens up, it’s up to a group of remaining NASA researchers to explore and bring hope to humanity.

Interstellar was partly filmed in two locations in Iceland. The first of them was Svínafellsjökull, an outlet glacier of the large Vatnajökull ice cap. Svínafellsjökull is one of the country’s most popular places for glacier hiking because of its incredible formations and awesome views. The second location is Máfabót, an island located in South and situated north of Veiðiós. In the movie, both locations represent two different planets.

This concludes our list of the best movies set or filmed in Iceland. We hope watching some of the films on this list will inspire you to visit this mystical island full of snow-covered volcanoes, impressive mountains, and ice-covered fields. While being there you will surely enjoy Iceland’s stunning natural beauty, but until that airline ticket is in your hands, enjoy some of these great movies to prepare you for your trip!

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Movies and Television Shows to Watch Before Visiting Iceland

With its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery, Iceland is not only a popular place to shoot major films and television shows, but also a country with its own wide variety of critically acclaimed movie and TV masterpieces. Get a taste of some of the scenery and culture that you will see and experience throughout your trip with some of our picks below:

101 Reykjavik (2000)

Taking place in downtown Reykjavik in the 1990s, before the tourist boom began, 101 Reykjavik is a light-hearted comedy directed by Icelandic actor and film director Baltasar Kormákur. This film follows a 30-year-old man named Hylnur who still lives at home with his mother, possessing little direction in life. Get a feel for real-life Reykjavik with this film that encompasses the life of a local Icelandic man, and has won numerous international awards.

Children of Nature (1991)

The only Icelandic movie to ever have been nominated for best foreign-language film at the Academy Awards, Children of Nature is an important piece of Icelandic culture. After leaving his home in the Icelandic countryside, main character Thorgeir finds himself in a senior citizens home in Reykjavik where he meets his childhood best friend Stella. Together, the elderly friends decide to escape together in a stolen Jeep to revisit the places where they grew up. With mesmerizing Icelandic locations and stunning cinematography, Children of Nature perfectly portrays the beauty of Iceland while telling a magical story.

Nói, The Albino (2003)

A quirky coming of age film, Nói, The Albino is about a 17 year old boy who lives in the remote Westfjords with his grandmother and alcoholic father. Dreaming of escaping the fishing village in which he grew up in, the journey of the main character perfectly portrays small-town adolescence. The most critically acclaimed Icelandic film, winning over 20 awards, Noi, The Albino tells the story of the struggles of isolation and freedom-seeking, and will leave you in awe of the beautifully depicted Icelandic landscapes.

Under the Arctic Sky (2017)

This adventure-filled documentary follows six fearless surfers as they travel to the frozen northern coast of Iceland to chase giant waves, as the worst storm Iceland has seen in 25 years approaches. Enduring constant darkness and stormy seas, watch as these six men make history surfing under the northern lights. Filled with incredible footage taken with high-tech cameras, this adrenaline-pumping documentary perfectly captures the beauty of the Icelandic coast.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Emmy Award-winning television series Game of Thrones uses dozens of filming locations throughout Iceland that you’ll actually be able to visit while on your trip. In pretty much any episode of this fantasy drama series you choose to watch, you will catch many glimpses of breathtaking Icelandic scenery from real places such as Thingvellir National Park.

Angels of the Universe (2000)

Produced and directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson, the Icelandic film Angels of the Universe tells the story of a young man’s struggle as he descends into mental illness after being dumped by his girlfriend. This tragic masterpiece follows sensitive and artistic Páll on his way to inevitable doom as it depicts his struggle both inside and outside of a mental institution. This film uses stunning storytelling and beautiful cinematography to portray the sad truth of mental illness while creating an amazing film that takes place in the heart of Reykjavik.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Directed by and starring famous American actor Ben Stiller, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an adventure-filled, comedy-drama film shot almost entirely in the USA and Iceland. Charming and entertaining, this film tells the story of Life Magazine employee Walter Mitty embarking on a global journey like none other. Although this film takes place in various locations such as Afghanistan, Greenland, and the Himalayas, Iceland is used as the shooting location for almost every foreign destination that the main character finds himself in. Immerse yourself in the wondrous Icelandic landscapes with this imaginative and visually appealing film.

Trapped (2015 - )

This television series, starring American-born Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, is the highest budget TV production ever made in Iceland. Trapped tells the ongoing story of a small-town cop living in a small coastal village far from the capital city of Reykjavik, where the inhabitants are snowed in and unable to escape with a murderer on the loose. The impressive writing, acting, and editing of this television series helps to highlight the Icelandic landscape and climate and its unique culture.

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10 Best Icelandic Films Set In Iceland

• by Jonny Duncan
• November 21, 2023 November 21, 2023

These Icelandic films from “The Land of Fire and Ice” often weave a tapestry of human emotions against the stunning backdrop of the country’s raw and otherworldly beauty.

From gritty dramas exploring the complexities of modern Icelandic society to ethereal tales that draw inspiration from the island’s mystical past, Icelandic cinema captivates you with its authenticity and originality.

Icelandic Films

Icelandic cinema, though emerging from a small and geographically isolated nation, has made a significant impact on the global film landscape with its unique storytelling and breathtaking landscapes.

On a personal note, I have visited Iceland many times and it’s one of my favourite countries to travel to. It truly is a stunning place.

These Icelandic films are in no particular order and cover a variety of genres. Of course there are many films to watch about Iceland but these are some of the best.

Jar City (2006)

Jar City is an Icelandic crime film directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The film is based on the novel “Jar City” by Arnaldur Indriðason.

The story revolves around a detective named Erlendur, played by Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson, who is investigating the murder of an elderly man named Holberg. As Erlendur delves into the case, he discovers a complex web of secrets and connections that lead back to a genetic research facility known as “Jar City.”

The film combines elements of a traditional crime procedural with a focus on genetics and hereditary diseases. It explores themes of family, guilt, and the impact of the past on the present. The title “Jar City” refers to a collection of glass jars containing human organs for research purposes, adding a unique and somewhat macabre element to the story.

Jar City received positive reviews for its atmospheric portrayal of Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, and its engaging storytelling. It’s one of the best Icelandic films to watch based on crime.

Rams (2015)

Rams is an Icelandic drama film directed by Grímur Hákonarson. The film tells the story of two estranged brothers, Gummi and Kiddi, who live on neighbouring farms in a remote Icelandic valley. The brothers, both sheep farmers, have not spoken to each other in 40 years despite sharing a significant part of their lives.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a deadly disease threatens the sheep in the valley, and the government orders a cull of all livestock to contain the outbreak. Gummi and Kiddi, faced with the possibility of losing their beloved sheep and the way of life they have known, must confront their differences and find a way to save their flocks.

Rams received critical acclaim for its portrayal of rural life in Iceland, the strong performances of its lead actors, and its exploration of themes such as family, isolation, and resilience. The film’s title, “Rams,” refers not only to the stubbornness of the characters but also to the prized sheep that are central to their lives.

The film won the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and was Iceland’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 88th Academy Awards and is one of the best Icelandic films to watch.

Woman at War (2018)

Woman at War is a 2018 Icelandic-Ukrainian-French thriller film directed by Benedikt Erlingsson. The film stars Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir as the protagonist, Halla, a middle-aged woman who leads a double life as an environmental activist.

The story revolves around Halla, an independent and determined woman who declares war on the local aluminium industry in Iceland. Using the codename “The Mountain Woman,” she carries out acts of industrial sabotage to protect the environment.

Simultaneously, she is in the process of adopting a Ukrainian orphan. The film explores themes of environmentalism, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of balancing activism with personal relationships.

One notable aspect of “Woman at War” is its use of music. The film features a unique musical element where a band of musicians appears on-screen, providing a live soundtrack to the unfolding events. This adds a whimsical and theatrical dimension to the storytelling.

The film received critical acclaim for its originality, the strong performance of Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir, and its blend of environmental activism with a touch of humour and surrealism. It was Iceland’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards.

The Deep (2012)

The Deep is an Icelandic drama film directed by Baltasar Kormákur . The film is based on the true story of the 1984 sinking of the fishing trawler MS Sundown off the south coast of Iceland.

The protagonist, Gulli (played by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), is one of the few survivors of the shipwreck. The film explores his struggle for survival in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic as he swims for hours to reach the shore. Gulli’s resilience and determination become central themes as he faces extreme conditions and fights for his life.

The Deep received critical acclaim for its gripping portrayal of a real-life survival story and its atmospheric cinematography. It was Iceland’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 85th Academy Awards.

The film is notable for its realistic and intense depiction of survival at sea, as well as for addressing themes of isolation and the human spirit’s capacity for endurance in the face of extreme adversity. This is one of my favourite Icelandic films.

101 Reykjavik (2000)

101 Reykjavik is another Icelandic film directed by Baltasar Kormákur, based on the novel of the same name by Hallgrímur Helgason. The film is a dark comedy that offers a unique and quirky perspective on life in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

The story follows Hlynur, a lazy and apathetic young man in his early thirties who lives with his mother. Hlynur’s life takes an unexpected turn when his mother comes out as a lesbian and brings her Spanish girlfriend, Lola, into their home. Complications arise when Hlynur finds himself attracted to Lola, leading to a series of unconventional events.

The film explores themes of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning in a seemingly mundane life. It is known for its offbeat humour, unconventional characters, and its portrayal of Reykjavik’s bohemian and alternative culture.

101 Reykjavik is one of the most classic of these Icelandic films and has a cult status in the country. The title refers to the postal code for downtown Reykjavik, which is known for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.

Cold Fever (1995)

Cold Fever is a mix of drama and comedy with elements of road movie and cultural exploration. It tells the story of a Japanese man named Hirata, played by Masatoshi Nagase, who travels to Iceland to perform a traditional Japanese ritual to appease the spirit of his parents who died in a car accident on their way to visit relatives in Iceland.

The film explores the cultural clash and the comedic situations that arise as Hirata encounters the unique and sometimes surreal aspects of Icelandic society. Throughout his journey, he meets various interesting characters, experiences the country’s stunning landscapes, and learns about Icelandic customs.

Cold Fever is notable for its blend of humour, cultural exploration, and beautiful cinematography showcasing the Icelandic landscape. The film’s unique premise and execution have made it a cult favourite out of these Icelandic films

Lamb (2021)

Lamb is an Icelandic supernatural drama film directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson. The story revolves around a childless couple in rural Iceland who make a startling discovery one day in their sheep barn.

Without giving away too much, the film explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the boundaries between the human and animal worlds. Noomi Rapace and Hilmar Snær Guðnason star in the lead roles.

This is one of the more recent Icelandic films to watch and a somewhat disturbing one that’s partly based on Icelandic folklore.

Noi the Albino (2003)

Noi the Albino follows the life of Noi, a teenage boy who is living in a small and isolated village in Iceland. Noi is an intelligent but disenchanted and rebellious young man who feels out of place in the quiet and routine life of his hometown.

The narrative revolves around Noi’s attempts to break free from the constraints of his surroundings and find a sense of purpose and meaning in his life. He forms a connection with a young girl, Iris, and dreams of escaping the confines of the village for a more exciting and adventurous life.

The film explores themes of isolation, existentialism, and the search for identity. It has been praised for its atmospheric cinematography, the nuanced performance of Tómas Lemarquis, and its portrayal of the unique Icelandic landscape.

Noi the Albino” received positive reviews from critics and won several awards at international film festivals. It offers a coming-of-age story with a distinctive Icelandic flavour, capturing the beauty and desolation of its setting.

Of Horses and Men (2013)

Of Horses and Men is a dark comedy and one of the stranger Icelandic films to watch. It weaves together a series of interconnected stories involving the relationships between humans and horses in a rural Icelandic community.

The narrative unfolds through a series of vignettes, each centred around different characters and their interactions with horses. The film explores the deep connection between the people and the horses in this small, isolated community, portraying both the humorous and tragic aspects of their lives.

Of Horses and Men received positive reviews for its unique storytelling, stunning cinematography capturing the Icelandic landscapes, and its exploration of the symbiotic relationship between humans and horses. The film’s visual style and its blend of humour and drama contribute to its distinctiveness.

Children of Nature (1991)

Children of Nature is a drama with elements of comedy. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1992.

The story revolves around an elderly man named Thorgeir, who is forcibly moved from his Reykjavik home to a nursing home. Thorgeir, not content with the sterile environment of the institution, escapes and embarks on a journey back to his birthplace, the remote and beautiful Icelandic countryside.

Along the way, he is joined by Stella, a fellow resident of the nursing home.

The film explores themes of ageing, the passage of time, and the connection between individuals and their natural surroundings. It combines moments of humour with poignant reflections on life and death.

Children of Nature is often praised for its cinematography, capturing the stunning landscapes of Iceland and although one of the more older Icelandic films to watch it’s still a good one.

These Icelandic films offer a diverse glimpse into Icelandic culture, landscapes, and societal nuances, making them not only visually captivating but also culturally enriching cinematic experiences.

As the Icelandic film scene continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend borders and offer a window into the soul of a nation shaped by its unique history and environment.

Iceland is awesome!

For more on Iceland take a look at the 10 best documentaries about Iceland .

And also the 10 best books about Iceland to read .

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The Ultimate Guide to Movies Filmed in Iceland

Movies Filmed in Iceland

• Sons of the Soil
• View to A Kill
• Judge Dredd
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• Die Another Day
• True Love (Once Removed)
• Batman Begins
• Beowulf & Grendel
• Flags of our Fathers
• Letters from Iwo Jima
• Hostel Part II
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• The Tree of Life
• Nova Zembla
• Star Trek: Into Darkness
• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
• Thor: The Dark World
• Interstellar
• Dead Snow: Red vs. Dead
• Captain America: Civil War
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
• Justice League
• Fast and Furious 8
• Love on Iceland
• Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

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Iceland has a rich and varied history when it comes to both the big and the small screen. Many of the world’s favourite films and TV shows over the years have been shot on this mystical island, even though their storylines are not necessarily set in Iceland.

Only a handful of the films’ below have storylines explicitly set in Iceland, such as James Bond’s Die Another Day and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Large parts of Iceland’s natural landscape lends itself to being portrayed as either a primordial Earth or a post-apocalyptic world which explains its prominence among even the biggest sci-fi and fantasy films and TV series, from Star Wars to Game of Thrones.

Below, we’ve listed the top films shot in Iceland, with information on how to get to these stunning locations and relive your favourite scenes first-hand.

Sons of the Soil (1920)

Based on Gunnar Gunnarson’s classic novel of the same name, Danish director Oskar Gislason’s Sons of the Soil tells the tale of Örlygur Borg’s two sons, Ormar and Ketill, as they fight for the love of the beautiful Rúna.

Gislason is considered to have kickstarted Icelandic cinema, as this was the first major feature to be filmed on the island. The silent film was shot in black and white at various locations around Iceland in the summer of 1919.

Upon the film’s non-domestic release in 1921, the world was introduced to a beautiful new filming location in the form of Iceland, one which had been largely underutilized up until that point.

James Bond: View to A Kill (1985)

Although Iceland had to wait more than 60 years for the next ‘big’ movie to be shot on its shores, when it eventually came, it was a Hollywood heavy hitter.

On the 23rd of June 1984, production commenced for the pre-credit sequence of the James Bond movie, A View to a Kill. The second unit began filming this at   Jökulsárlón , bordering   Vatnajökull   National Park in south-eastern Iceland. They used three helicopters along with a purpose-built boat to get the elaborate shots that they needed to make the action-packed sequence.

At the end of the scene, James Bond (played by Roger Moore) is chased by a helicopter along a reservoir. In true Bond fashion, he shoots the helicopter, which then instantly bursts into flames before crashing into an iceberg. To evade capture, Bond hides in a submarine disguised as an iceberg – we told you it was elaborate!

The Icelandic section of A View to a Kill’s production was deemed a risky one as the actors, in some cases, had to contend with large icebergs and could have been knocked into the icy cold water at any moment.

Scenes as risky as this almost certainly wouldn’t get made today! So dangerous was the filming that leading man, Roger Moore never actually set foot in Iceland – only his stunt double.

Arctic Adventures offer 2,3 and 4-day trips around the south coast of Iceland that take in the breath-taking sights of the region including the   Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon ,   Skaftafell ,   the Golden Circle ,   the Northern Lights   and much more.

See our selection of   Jokulsárlón tours to go on your very own James Bond inspired Arctic adventure! You can even take a Zodiac boat trip to get a feel for how the camera men got all the shots they needed.

Judge Dredd (1995)

Upon its release, Judge Dredd was almost universally panned by critics and fans alike. Set in the dystopian future, Earth has been reduced to a barren wasteland, and is now governed by a corporation of “Judges”. These law enforcers combine the role of police officer, judge, jury and executioner and rule with fierce determination.

Starring Silvester Stallone as Judge Dredd, the film’s protagonist is wrongly-convicted of murder and banished to a penal colony.

While filming in Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula was used to represent future Earth’s barren environment.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

While the first live-action Tomb Raider movie starring Angelina Jolie was panned by critics upon its 2001 release, it still has its fans due to the popularity of the game and of Ms. Jolie herself.

The Icelandic scenes were shot in the same area as Die Another Day, even though the majority of the film’s storyline was set in Serbia.

Director Simon West filmed a three-minute sequence at the   Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon   which provided a beautiful backdrop for Lara Croft to make an impressive entrance. Wearing only a thin cotton top and light hoodie, weather-hardened locals, wearing thick fur jackets, woollen gloves and extremely warm looking hats must have thought she was quite ill-prepared for such cold conditions.

Seeing as not everybody is as tough as Lara Croft, we recommend that visitors   layer up in warm clothes   when visiting the Jokulsárlón region!

See our Jökulsárlón page for tour options that will give you the exciting Tomb Raider experience!

Die Another Day (2002)

Another Bond film, another opportunity for Jökulsárlón to shine! This time though, not only were the scenes shot in Iceland, but the film was set there too – huzzah!

The Iceland scene involves Mr Bond (Pierce Brosnan) engaging in a high-speed car chase across a frozen lake. Four Aston Martins and four Jaguars, all converted to four-wheel drive, were used in this difficult to film sequence.

According to reports, several expensive cars were wrecked during filming. Stunt drivers did all the driving, and Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in this movie, didn’t set foot in Iceland, much like his contemporary Roger Moore in A View to A Kill.

Die Another Day’s infamous car chase scene was only made possible by the construction of a dam, which blocked the lagoon’s exit to the sea. The still water froze over the course of a few days, making it possible for the stunt team to drive and shoot on the water.

Once the filming ceased, the film crew removed the blockage and the tides and sea salt soon melted the surface ice. Natural order was resumed without any long-lasting damage caused to the local environment.

If you want to experience Jökulsárlón lake, you’ll have to do so by boat unless you’re part of a Hollywood film crew with millions of dollars to burn. There are however, plenty of other exciting   tours in the Jokulsárlón region   which Arctic Adventures can take you on.

True Love (Once Removed) (2002)

Released in 2002, True Love (Once Removed) tells the story of Steven, a fisherman living in an isolated village. Earning very little, Steven spends his meager earnings on viewing his future on illegal time machines, which have been outlawed because of the unintended consequences they cause.

Steven regularly visits his future, where he learns that he will be loved by a woman who works as a psychiatric nurse. The woman in question is currently an 8-year old girl, Byrony Lafferty.

Steven had fallen in love with adult Byrony and must wait until she comes of age to pursue any romantic feelings. Determined to make sure his predicted future comes true, Steven makes choices in the present which he believes will ensure his future comes true.

Primary filming for the movie was done across a number of locations in Iceland, which helped create the movie’s often wild and rugged atmosphere.

Batman Begins (2005)

Batman begins filmed in Iceland

Batman Begins is Christopher Nolan’s epic reimagining of the origins of The Dark Knight. In the film we see the caped crusader’s journey in Tibet, and subsequent training with the League of Shadows. One of the most famous scenes in the film is the training scene, which shows Christian Bale and Liam Neeson engaged in a sword fight.

Meant to be a reflection of Tibet’s cold and mountainous landscape, this scene was actually shot on the Svinafellsjokull Glacier in   Vatnajokull National Park . The stars later revealed that while filming the scene, they could hear ice cracking beneath their feet – a job not for the faint-hearted!

Beowulf & Grendel (2005)

Beowulf and Grendel is set in Denmark during the 6th Century and is a story of revenge. After the death of his father by Danish King Hrothgar and his warriors, Grendel plots his revenge.

Released in 2005, the movie was filmed in numerous locations throughout Iceland. The harsh weather conditions lent an authentic atmosphere to the production. As scenes were filmed in severe weather conditions, which couldn’t have been recreated by special effects, actors gave genuine reactions and responses when faced with the weather.

A Canadian and Icelandic co-production, the film was directed and produced by Sturla Gunnarsson, whose works include the Oscar-nominated documentary After the Axe.

Flags of our Fathers (2006)

‘Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima’, is an iconic photograph captured by Joe Rosenthal, which depicts the US flag being raised after the Battle of Iwo Jima. Initially published in the Sunday papers, the photo quickly earned a legendary status and was reprinted countless times over.

The novel Flags of our Fathers, which is based on the historic event, is the basis for Hollywood blockbuster. Directed, co-produced and scored by Clint Eastwood, the film details the battle of Iwo Jima and the story of the six servicemen who raised the American flag after the island’s capture.

Iceland played a pivotal role in the production, as its black volcanic sand beaches stood in for the Japanese island of Iwo Jima. The Reykjanes Peninsula was one of the major filming locations, with Sandvik beach being used to shoot many of the battle scenes.

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

Billed as a sister film to Flags of our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima, but from the Japanese point of view.

Showing what life was like for Japanese soldiers, much of the scenes detail the caves and tunnels, which imperial soldiers fought and lived in.

Like Flags of our Fathers, Sandvik beach was used as a stand in for Iwo Jima island. The black volcanic sand is a close replica of the volcanic sand found on Pacific islands.

Hostel Part II (2007)

It’s not often a sequel surpasses or equals its predecessor but Hostel Part ll is one of the few films to achieve this.

Directed by Eli Roth, the plot follows three female American students, living in Rome, as they travel to Slovakia. It’s only after they’ve checked into their hostel that they rrealizethey’ve inadvertently checked into a house of horrors.

The majority of Hostel Part II was shot in Prague, but one scene was filmed in one special Icelandic location –   The Blue Lagoon . Did you know that Hostel Part II was actually the first non-Icelandic film to be given permission to film at the Blue Lagoon? The scene shows one of the students going for a swim, before being chased by a group of men into a forest –creepy!

Stardust (2007)

A magical fantasy film with a hint of romance, Stardust is a guilty pleasure and feel-good film all wrapped into one.

The fictional English village of Wall borders the magical kingdom of Stormhold. A magical stone wall keeps the two worlds apart but a tryst between a princess and village results in a love-child named Dunston. Left in the care of his mortal father, and now an adult, Dunston sees a star fall from the sky and lands beyond the wall.

Our hero vows to retrieve the star for his love Victoria and uses a magical candle to transport him to the world, where adventure awaits. While principal photography took place in Pinewood Studios, some scenes were shot in Iceland, most notably on location in Stokksnes, south-east Iceland.

The peninsula is home to some of Iceland’s most breath-taking mountains, which can be seen in the background of some scenes.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

Filmed in Iceland

Based on the science fiction book of the same name, Journey to the Center of the Earth tells the story of a man determined to find out what happened to his missing brother. This leads him, along with his nephew and mountain guide, to discover a lost world in the center of the earth.

Starring Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem, the film received mixed reviews upon its, release but is a great light-hearted action film – perfect for family movie nights.

Snæfellsjökull Peninsula   was immortalized in both the novel and film versions of the story and can be easily visited with Arctic Adventures.

The Tree of Life (2011)

Part of Iceland’s great appeal to filmmakers is that much of the island remains relatively untouched by humans, so it looks as natural as anywhere you will find in the world.

That’s why Terence Mallick chose to film the “young Earth” scenes of his philosophical drama The Tree of Life at the lava fields of Krafla. These scenes showed the creation of the planet Earth, as well as the birth and evolution of life on our planet, right up to the emergence of the dinosaurs.

Using Icelandic regions to film recreations of a primordial Earth is very appropriate as the island itself is no more than 18 million years old. Geologically speaking, this makes Iceland a very young land mass.

Ironically though, because the island is so new, dinosaur fossils will never be found in Iceland as they are much older, dating back to more than 60 million years.

While you won’t find dinosaur fossils in Iceland, there is still plenty to do on Arctic Adventures’   North Iceland Volcano Tour   which explores the region near Krafla.

Nova Zembla (2011)

Released in 2011, Nova Zembla is a Dutch historical drama and has the prestige of being the first ever Dutch film to be presented in 3D.

Two explorers, on a quest to discover the Northeast Passage to the Indies, travel through ice seas before becoming stranded on Novaya Zemlya – an Arctic Archipelago. Using Iceland as a filming location allowed the film’s directors to easily mimic the arctic conditions of Russia.

The production team, filmed on a remote glacier and had to spend a week opening the roads before the 14-day shoot could begin

Prometheus (2012)

Much like The Tree of Life, Ridley Scott’s Prometheus also used Iceland to depict an ancient Earth. In the film’s visually-impressive opening, we are taken back in time to the seeding of life on Earth.

A beautiful waterfall sets the scene as a mysterious figure sets the events of the film in motion. And what better waterfall to choose than the mighty   Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall ?

Oblivion (2013)

Starring none other than Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman, Oblivion is a post-apocalyptic science-fiction film with major star-credit. Released in 2011 but set in 2077, Oblivion details Earth’s demise at the hands of extra-terrestrials. Ongoing wars have led humans to abandon Earth and move to Saturn’s moon, Titan.

Cast and crew spent 10 days filming in Iceland, where the country’s rugged terrain was used as a substitute for a post-apocalyptic east coast of America. Filmed during the summer months, when Iceland boasts 24-hour sunlight, the director sought to take advantage of the waning light at night time.

Known as the ‘magic hour’, this dim light gives off an eerie feel, making it a perfect addition to any sci-fi film. Reportedly the most difficult scene to shoot throughout the production was one where Harper pauses to admire the view and water a flower – a simple concept that actually required Cruise to sit next to an 800-foot (250 meters) drop at the top of Iceland’s Jarlhettur mountain.

Fans of the film can visit   Dettifoss Waterfall, which was used as a filming location during production.

Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)

The twelfth instalment of the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek: Into Darkness sees the crew of the USS Enterprise return to earth after an act of terrorism destroys most of Starfleet’s command. Determined to capture the perpetrator and settle an old score, Captain Kirk leads his team on a dangerous mission to apprehend a one-man weapon of mass destruction.

Reynisfjara Beach   was used a filming location for the movie. The area’s otherworldly appearance and volcanic black sand, made it an ideal stand-in for planets light years away.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Iceland has long been used as a stand in for post-apocalyptic worlds and a land before time, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of the few films that celebrates Iceland for being Iceland.

Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, the filmmaker lets the viewer fall in love with Iceland and its beautiful scenery at the same time as the main character.

Scenes were shot in a multitude of locations around Iceland, with each corner of the island being represented. Seyðisfjörður, in the east fjords, was used as part of a thrilling and beautiful-shot skateboarding sequence and was also the scene of a volcanic eruption.

The Reykjanes peninsula also features in the film and is part of the coastline sequence where Mitty jumps into the North Atlantic Ocean. Stykkishólmur was used to represent Nuuk, Greenland and is where Walter meets a karaoke-loving helicopter pilot played by famed Icelandic actor, Olafur Darri.

As well as doubling as Greenland, Iceland was also used to represent Afghanistan. Vatnajökull National Park and the Falljökull glacier, were used to film the scene where Walter finds photo-journalist Sean O’Connell in remote Afghanistan.

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

No discussion of Iceland’s history would be complete without discussing ancient Norse mythology, and no discussion of Norse mythology would be complete without mentioning   Thor, Iceland’s favourite hero.

The first Thor film (released in 2011) was a surprise hit for Marvel’s movie studio, so they released a sequel, The Dark World, in 2013. The Dark World brought Thor back to his roots, somewhat literally, with scenes shot around both Iceland’s capital of   Reykjavik   and the visually stunning   Skógafoss Waterfall .

One particularly striking sequence depicts Thor and his brother Loki – another well-known God of Norse mythology – battling the sinister Dark Elves, including their champion, the mighty Kurse, in an epic showdown in an ash-ridden plane surrounded by volcanic smoke.

While much of the smoke was added in with special effects, it gives us a great impression of what certain areas of Iceland are like during intense volcanic activity.

If you are interested in seeing the sights that inspired the stories of Thor and following in the Thunder God’s footsteps, be sure to take Arctic Adventures’   2-Day Skógarfoss to Thorsmork Valley Trekking Tour. To find out more about what you will see oninhe Valley of Thor Tour, read our   Guide to Trekking in Thorsmork .

Interstellar (2014)

Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine star in Christopher Nolan’s science fiction epic, Interstellar. Set in a dystopian future, Earth has been ravaged by blight and dust storms, which threaten humanity’s very existence.

Tasked with finding a new home for humanity, a team of astronauts travel through a wormhole in search of an appropriate planet.

Máfabót and Svínafellsjökull were used to represent two different planets in Interstellar. Both found a stone’s throws from one another in South-East Iceland, Máfabót was a filming location for the water planet, while Svínafellsjökull served as the landscape for the ice planet.

Land Ho! (2014)

Land Ho! is a heart-warming road trip comedy about two ex brother-in-laws who want to reclaim their youth with a trip to Iceland. The film showcases everything that’s great about Iceland, from the lively nightlife to the beautiful natural landscape.

Upon its release, the film received positive reviews with critics lauding the movie’s endearing feel-good factors.

Cast and crew spent 16 days filming in Iceland, with some of Iceland’s top tourist attractions and sites, namely the Blue Lagoon, Skógar, Jökulsárlón, Landmannalaugar, Gullfoss and Strokkur, being used as filming locations.

Noah (2014)

Upon its release, one critic described Noah as “an unholy mess drowning in unbiblical detail”. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, and starring Russell Crowe, the flood blockbuster had all the Hollywood credentials it needed to be a success.

Despite its critics, the film went on to break box office records, grossing $43.7 million during its opening weekend and becoming one of the most successful films for both director and cast.

Most of the filming took place in Iceland, with the island’s rugged terrain and unique landscape being the perfect stand-in for a biblical land. A number of sites were used during filming, namely Dyrhólaey, Fossvogur and   Reynisfjara .

Dead Snow: Red vs. Dead (2014)

An Icelandic-Norwegian horror comedy – the perfect movie genre! Dead Snow: Red Vs Dead is the sequel to 2009’s Dead Snow. Released in 2014, the story picks up where it left off and follows Martin, the sole survivor of an attack by Nazi zombies, as he battles to defeat the undead.

Filming took place in Iceland, with the movie being shot in both Norwegian and English. Many of the zombies were trained mixed martial artists, who happily performed the movie’s death-defying and show stopping stunts.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

The story begins thirty years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. The First Order has risen from the ashes of the Galactic Empire and seeks to destroy Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi. Lead by General Leia Organa, the Resistance is determined to find Luke before the First Order.

Both original and new cast members joined forces to make this film the most entertaining and memorable Star Wars film in years. Like almost anything Star Wars-related, filming was shrouded in secrecy, however, we know filming took place in numerous locations across Iceland.

Lake Mývatn   and Krafla, a volcanic caldera which features a 2,600-foot peak, boiling mud pools and steam rising from the ground were used to film an intense battle between the Empire and Rebels.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The Avengers are thrown into crisis when an argument between Iron Man and Captain America results in a civil war. In the film, the United Nations (UN) prepare to pass the Sokovia Accords, which will establish a UN panel to oversee and control the Avengers and other super-powered people.

Tony Stark supports this decision because of his role in Ultron’s creation and Sokovia’s devastation, while Rogers, aka Captain America, has more faith in his own judgment than that of a government.

The opening shot of the trailer offers the first glimpse of Iceland. Filmed near the   town of Vik in South Iceland , fans are greeted to stunning shots of snow-capped mountains and frozen, snow-covered water.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Set immediately before the events of the original Star Wars film, Rogue One is the first of the Star Wars standalone films. The adventure film depicts a group of unlikely heroes banding together to steal the plans to the Death Star – the evil Galactic Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction.

A quick glance of the trailer reveals numerous shots of Iceland. Filming took place in   Reynisfjara, and around the mountains of Hjörleifshöfði and Hafursey at Mýrdalssandur. The land surrounding the mountains was used to represent the planets of Lah’mu and Eadu.

As we’ve seen previously, Iceland’s unique landscapes means it’s often the first choice for directors looking for another-worldly filming location.

Star Wars fans can easily visit the movie’s filming locations, by simply booking a   south coast tour   with Arctic Adventures.

Justice League (2017)

Iceland is clearly a popular filming destination for superhero films. As well as featuring in Thor: The Dark World, Iceland’s stunning scenery also features in a couple of short, but important, scenes in Justice League. These significant scenes were shot in the Strandir region of Northern Iceland’s Westfjords and show Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) attempting to recruit Aquaman (Jason Momoa) into his world-saving super squad.

As a fellow volcanic islander – he’s from Hawaii – Jason Mamoa made himself at home and took a bath in one of the local geothermal pools. This sparked controversy however, as the actor was unaware that one needs permission to take a dip into the geothermal pools.

However, most Icelanders forgave Momoa, as his shirtless antics have brought the area lots of publicity. You can retrace Jason Mamoa’s footsteps in Arctic Adventures’   6-Day Hornstrandir Hike tour .

View this post on Instagram What the hell is da Hawaiian doing in northern Iceland. Send me mana it's going to be a crazy fucking day 😁😁😁ALOHA AC A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on Oct 11, 2016 at 11:35pm PDT

Fast and Furious 8 (2017)

Released in 2017, Fast and Furious 8 is the latest installment of the hugely popular action franchise. Starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and Michelle Rodriguez, motorheads across the world rejoiced when production on a new film was announced.

In their 8th outing, the team are living a relatively normal life with Dom and Letty married, and Brian and Mia retired from the game. That is until a mysterious woman named Cipher (Charlize Theron) forces Dom to betray them all. This event forces the team to reunite once more to bring home the man who made a family and stop Cipher in her tracks.

One of the movie’s most prolific chase scenes was actually filmed on Lake Myvatn. Shot in the depths of winter the frozen ice managed to hold all of the vehicles which were needed for the scene. Watch the film’s trailer, to catch glimpses of supercars speeding across the ice.

If you’re interested in visiting Lake Myvatn, Arctic Adventures offer a   guided tour of North Iceland , where you can visit the lake,   Godafoss Waterfall   and Askja crater in one day.

Frozen II (2019)

The surreal beauty of Iceland is so magical it has even been used in animated films. While Frozen 2 wasn’t filmed in the country, the creators did use the island as a source of inspiration. During a Nordic scouting trip, the filmmakers were amazed by the “stark beauty” of the landscapes. 

“Iceland really felt mythical. It felt like nature was so awesome and powerful,” said Marc Smith, Director of Story, to Oh My Disney. Even before the film was released, the Disney Frozen 2 trailer provided some pretty obvious clues that it was inspired by Iceland. Audiences can see Elsa standing on a black sand beach, an iconic Icelandic highlight. In an interview director, Chris Buck confirmed that the coal-colored beach was in fact, inspired by Djúpalónssandur Beach.

The scenery wasn’t the only role Iceland played in the film. Founded by Scandinavian settlers, their folklore inspired the characters. In one scene, Elsa must battle a Nokk, or Nykur in Icelandic, a water spirit that takes the shape of a horse. And we can’t forget recurring character Grand Pabbie, a troll who conjures the Northern Lights. Trolls and giants are found throughout Icelandic lore, yet another bridge between the film and the country.

Frozen fans who want to follow in the footsteps of Anna and Elsa can book  the Frozen 2 tour . A guide will take you to some of the highlights that inspired the movie!

Love on Iceland (2020)

With the release of its new movie “Love on Iceland,” Hallmark ventured to Iceland for the first time to shoot scenes for this romantic comedy starring Kaitlin Doubleday and Colin Donnell.

Most of Hallmark Channel’s movies are filmed in Canada, but “Love on Iceland” sets a new precedent. 

The story revolves around podcast producer Chloe (played by Kaitlin Doubleday), who decides to visit Iceland with a group of friends to recharge her batteries. The outstanding beauty of the country and its magical ability to help people discover themselves are the major themes of the film. 

As the plot unfolds, Chloe unintentionally meets her former lover Charlie (played by Colin Donnell). As they explore epic landscapes together, they discover a new spark. Watch the film’s preview below. 

“Love on Iceland” filming locations include Svínafellsjökull Glacier, the Secret Lagoon , Seljalandsfoss Waterfall , downtown Reykjavik , and Bubble Hotel, one of the most unique hotels in Iceland. 

The “Love on Iceland” cast was completely enchanted while shooting the movie in Iceland.

“You couldn’t recreate this place or this experience anywhere else in the world. When we first started our drive out to the glacier where our first location was going to be, it was like my head was snapping back and forth inside of the car, just taking in all the amazing sights that were along the way,” said Colin Donnell during Hallmark Channel’s interview. 

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

Iceland takes center stage in the Netflix comedy 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.' The film follows aspiring Icelandic singers Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdóttir (Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams) who are given the opportunity to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest. The musical duo, who goes by the name Fire Saga, are proud Icelanders who hail from the fishing village of Húsavík . The small town, with just a population of above 2,000, was historically a fishing village and then became a popular tourist stop on self-drive tours for its whale-watching opportunities and geothermal baths.

Húsavík was excited to welcome the film crews and the Icelandic government even paid close to a million dollars, as a part of the country's movie production incentives. Most of the film shots took place in the charming Húsavík Harbor, however as the son of a fisherman Ferrell's character did take to the sea. The crew filmed in Skjálfandi Bay and Ferrell said the boat was tossed around in the rough waves. There are many cultural references in the movie that delighted Icelanders. In many scenes you see Sigrit ask the elves or “hidden people” ( huldufólk ) of Icelandic folklore to help them win the contest, and locals now plan to build a replica of the elf house. Fans who visit the town can also visit Jaja Ding Dong-bar , an outdoor pop-up bar inspired by the local pub in the film.

Katla (2021)

Katla series follows the people of a small town Vik in the vicinity of a dormant volcano that suddenly erupts and unleashes an unseen terror. We visit Vik, a small town near volcano Katla , a year after its last eruption. Since the eruption, the heat from the volcano has melted the ice caps. Vik's people are disturbed by the events and begin evacuating the town in anticipation of a bigger disaster.

Vík has a population of just 300 people and there are no towns or settlements for at least 50km in each direction. The settlement dates back to the ninth century, but it wasn’t until 1890 that traders settled permanently in the region.

The town is bordered by the real-life Katla volcano to the north, while the picturesque Víkurkirkja Church is the assembly point in case of a sudden eruption or flood. Enjoy the ultimate volcano experience with our incredible Katla Ice Cave tour .

Filming also took place at Kormákur’s own RVK Studios production facilities on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

Check out  Arctic Adventures’ tours  and combine adventure activities with some of your favourite film locations.

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• The Most Iconic Icelandic Films...

The Most Iconic Icelandic Films You Need to Watch

Though the Icelandic film industry was relatively slow to develop in comparison to other Nordic countries, film production slowly grew in the decades following the first feature film to be set in Iceland’s release: the 1918 romantic drama, You and I , directed by Victor Sjöström. The establishment of the government-supported Icelandic Film Fund (IFF) in 1978 helped the national film industry really began to become established and with a noted deadpan humor and frequent portrayal of farm-life drama, Icelandic cinema features Iceland , its landscape, and its drama.

Hrafninn flýgur (when the raven flies), 1984.

Directed by Hrafn Gunlaugsson, this cult classic depicts Viking chieftains in the settlement area in a drama of personal revenge. The director drew inspiration from Japanese director Akira Kurosawa as well as the Sagas of Icelanders , the mythical 12th-century prose. This film aimed to replace stereotypes of Vikings with more authentic portrayals of characters with strong morals. The film was selected as Iceland’s entry to the 57th Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category, but it was not nominated.

Börn Náturúnnar (Children of Nature), 1991

Sódóma reykjavík (remote control), 1992.

Directed by Óscar Jónasson, this cult classic was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival. The absurd humor of the plot revolves around a young car mechanic who lives with his mother and is sent on an adventure into Reykjavik to recover the remote control to his mother’s television. The after-party address used in the film is still referenced today by partygoers. The film includes scenes from the Icelandic metal band, HAM .

101 Reykjavík, 2000

Director Baltasar Kórmakur’s feature film helped launch Reykjavík into the new millennium as a liberated, multicultural, party destination. The soundtrack composed by Damon Albarn of Blur and Einar Örn Benediktsson of The Sugarcubes is also noteworthy. The film tells the tale of a young man who lives with his mother and falls in love with his mother´s live-in Tango teacher.

Nói Albinói (Nói the Albino), 2003

The debut of director Dagur Kári, Nói the Albino is a curious and compelling story about a teenage albino misfit living in the Westfjörds of Iceland. Although proclaimed a genius by the school’s psychologist, Nói’s apathy seems overpowering except for plans to leave the small village with Íris, the petrol station attendant. The director’s haunting and melodic band Slowblow plays throughout the film.

Jar City, 2006

Directed by Baltasar Kórmakur, this adaption of Arnaldur Indridason’s best-selling crime novel of the same name. The third installment in the series, it established what became known as the Nordic Noir genre. The film sees a worn detective investigating what he considers to be a typically pointless Reykjavik murder. However, coincidences cause him to soon realize that something else is afoot. Kórmakur’s makes a great adaptation with his attention to multi-layered storytelling and mood.

Eldfjall (Volcano), 2011

Directed by Rúnar Rúnarsson, the film was selected as the Icelandic entry for the 84th Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category but not selected for the final shortlist. Eldfjall is the story of a newly retired janitor who has to face the conditions of his life in the void that is the rest of his life. He deals with his estrangement from his family and friends and through drastic events, he realizes he has to make adjustments if he is to embrace the future.

Málmhaus (Metalhead), 2013

Directed by Ragnar Bragason, Málmhaus was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. Set in the 1990s, the film takes place in a small, isolated village in Iceland in the 1990s and tells the story of a young woman who is traumatized by her brother’s death. She finds solace in heavy metal music and while an outsider in her village, she butts heads with the priest and locals. It is a true-to-life portrayal of the close-knit communities found in Icelandic small towns.

Hross í Oss (Of Horses and Men), 2013

Directed by Benedikt Erlingsson, Hross í Oss has achieved cult status since its debut at the San Sebastián Film Festival in 2013. This story takes place in a remote Icelandic village and includes a weaving drama between man, woman, and horse. The protagonists are horse breeders whose lives are deeply entwined with those of their horses. This creates a permutation of vision that is told at times through the director’s focus on the demeanor and expression of the horses themselves.

Þrestir (Sparrows), 2015

Directed by Rúnar Rúnarsson, Þrestir is about a teenage boy who moves away from his mother and Reykjavík to his father in the Icelandic countryside. In the countryside, the teenager navigates a difficult relationship with his father as well as the drastically declining surroundings and lack of friendships. Taking place during the Icelandic summer, the sun never sets and casts the whole film in a mystical summer glow. Screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, it was also selected as the Icelandic entry for the 89th Academy Awards but was not nominated. Þrestir also won the Golden Shell Award at the 63rd San Sebastián Film Festival.

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Movie Review

Guys With Lots of Mileage, on the Road

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By Manohla Dargis

• July 10, 2014

The road movie, that asphalt playground of fast cars, masculine prerogative, gangland sprees and occasional feminist cri de coeur, is such a durable American genre that you can fly the idea halfway around the world, drop it on Iceland, rev up a car the size of a military tank and still make it work. This pretty much describes what happens in “Land Ho!,” a delightful tale of two longtime friends of a certain age, Colin (Paul Eenhoorn) and Mitch (Earl Lynn Nelson), who embark on a classic journey of self-discovery generously embellished with laughter, otherworldly beauty and philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence perfumed by the aroma of cheerfully smoked joints.

Mitch is the pothead, though you wouldn’t know it from his Mr. Magoo squint and surgeon’s hands. He’s vacuuming his Kentucky home when you first see him, hoovering in a dim room with a large picture window. The roar of the vacuum is so deafening that he takes a few seconds to realize Colin is outside rapping on the window. Estranged brothers-in-law, the men stand and gawp, perched on the verge of a reconciliation that Colin believes will be an uneventful get-together after a period of separate heartaches. (Each was married to a sister: Colin’s wife died, Mitch’s merely divorced him.) Mitch has other plans, though, having bought them plane tickets to Iceland.

Why Iceland? Mitch has his reasons; and while they don’t stick, it also doesn’t matter. Written and directed by Martha Stephens and Aaron Katz, this isn’t a movie for viewers who become easily hung up on narrative niceties like character motivation. As laid back as Mitch is after a few midnight tokes, “Land Ho!” is a breezy story of two men making a connection, but it also comes across as an excuse to cut loose two appealing screen presences — Mr. Eenhoorn is an indie-film notable, and Mr. Nelson is a real-life surgeon as well as Ms. Stephen’s second cousin — in a series of stunning panoramas. And so, after a quiet meal over wine and lonely-guy reminiscences, during which the estranged acquaintances start reheating their friendship, Mitch and Colin take off for the land of fire, ice and Björk .

There, the men go looking for America — well, actually they tour Iceland in a Hummer, accompanied by blasts of pop (notably from the Scottish band Big Country ) and on-screen textual scene setters (Reykjavík, Landmannalaugar and the tongue-twisting like). Early into their adventure, they spend some time with Mitch’s young cousin, Ellen (Karrie Crouse), and her friend, Janet (Elizabeth McKee, Mr. Katz’s wife), who’ve been touring Europe and are headed home to the States. The four swank it up at dinner and end up at a club where, as Colin notes, he and Mitch are, by far, the oldest people. Age tends to creep into their talks as a rueful metaphysical truth and blunt existential fact, but that same night Mitch also gets stoned with a young guy in a club bathroom.

It would be foolish to hang serious sociopolitical weight on “Land Ho!,” a movie that, after all, routinely cranks up the tunes to get from here to there. At times, Colin and Mitch’s trip to Iceland feels like a lark, for them and for the filmmakers. Yet there’s no denying the deepening effect of a movie in which two older men, with their creases and sags, white and thinning hair, inhabit so much screen time. In too many movies, older characters are repellently cute and kooky, functioning little more than as toys for the younger protagonist to drag around and sometimes chew on, an infantilization of both the characters and viewers, which speaks to a fear of death.

Mitch and Colin are the star attractions and that’s as crucial to the movie’s meaning as the fact that they’re so beautifully lighted and shot. Old age in American cinema rarely inspires the kind of beauty found in the delicate white wisps on Bruce Dern’s head in the film “Nebraska,” a windblown expression of man on the verge of evanescence. The two characters in “Land Ho!” are far more robust: They’re healthy and solidly, lustily present, despite the occasional hitch in their step. That they’ve run off to Iceland is surely a narrative contrivance, but every road movie is also a reflection of its moment and that era’s concerns and tensions. Old dudes may just want to have fun, but to be truly free — including from the ageism of American cinema — sometimes you need to hit someone else’s road.

“Land Ho!” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). Salty language ahoy!

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The Top 20 Best Iceland Movies

Posted Aug 26, 2022

Icelandic Culture

Icelandic films are gradually being pulled into the spotlight. Dive in into our must-watch, top best Iceland movies of all time!

The Icelandic film industry is alive and well. And although you have plenty of Hollywood elite visiting the island to shoot on location for films such as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, there are plenty of prestigious local productions raking in the accolades. We reveal our picks of the top 20 best Iceland movies ever made.

The capital of Iceland offers prime shooting opportunities for some of the best Icelandic films situated in Reykjavík. What many don't know, is the city doubles as host to the Reykjavík International Film Festival each year as well. During this time, stars and fans of the silver screen alike flock to the island.

There, they network, watch exclusive screenings and reward remarkable work. But what many find most surprising is that the Icelanders can clearly hold their own among big-budget blockbusters.

If you would like to brush up on your local film knowledge (or Icelandic) before your trip, these are the 20 must-watch movies :

1. Lamb (2021)

Genre: Horror

Director: Valdimar Jóhannsson

Cast: Noomi Rapace, Hilmir Snær Gudnason, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Ingvar Sigurdsson

If Frankenstein had been a folk tale shot in Iceland, this would have been what the movie would’ve looked like. A sheep gives birth to a strange hybrid human/sheep baby and the family, who had suffered the loss of a child before, raises her as their own. But without truly understanding her origins and already-complex relationships, the story is bound to take a turn for the worst.

2. Beautiful Beings (2022)

Genre: Drama

Director: Gudmundur Arnar Gudmundsson

Cast: Birgit Dagur Bjarkason, Askell Einar Pálmason, Viktor Benóny Benediktsson, Snorri Rafn Frimannsson

As with most coming-of-age movies, you’ll need a strong stomach and heart of steel to tackle this Icelandic movie. A 14-year-old outsider befriends three boys his age, but the friendship faces its fair share of challenges.

3. Woman at War (2018)

Genre: Quirky Satire

Director: Benedikt Erlingsson

Cast: Halldóra Gerhardsdóttir, Jóhann Sigurdarson, Juan Camilo Román Estrada, Jörundur Ragnarsson

This is one of the Iceland films that were raking in awards. A fifty-year-old woman quietly leads a double life as an environmental activist. As she reaches a new milestone in her life – adopting a child – the mother-to-be plans her final (and biggest) activist operation yet.

4. Cop Secret (2021)

Genre: Action

Director: Hannes Pór Halldórsson

Cast: Audunn Blöndal, Egill Einarsson, Sverrir Pór Sverrisson, Steinunn Olina Porsteinsdóttir

This is your typical action movie. Expect loads of fights, car chases, shoot-outs and more when this troubled cop is on the hunt for a group of violent bank robbers.

5. Heartstone (2016)

Genre: LGBTQ Drama

Cast: Baldur Einarsson, Blær Hinriksson, Diljá Valsdóttir, Katla Njálsdóttir

This is yet another one of the coming-of-age Icelandic movies, but with a twist. Two best friends from a small fishing village in Iceland grow up together, and soon love interests follow. But as one of the friends starts pursuing a girl, the other realize that their heart tugs in another direction.

6. Metalhead (2013)

Director: Ragnar Bragason

Cast: Thora Bjorg Helga, Ingvar Sigurdsson, Halldóra Geirhardsdóttir, Sveinn Olafur Gunnarsson

This is definitely one of the more unique movies in Iceland. After the death of her brother, a girl finds solace in metal music. She has to tread a fine line between healthy relationships, non-destructive behavior and her dreams of becoming a metal rock star.

7. Patient Seven (2016)

Genre: Horror Thriller

Director: Danny Draven, Paul Davis, Omar Orn Hauksson, Dean Hewison, Joel Morgan, Johannes Persson, Nicholas Peterson, Erlingur Thoroddsen Rasmus Wassberg

Cast: Michael Ironside, Jack Plotnick, Drew Fonteiro, Rane Jameson

Patient Seven is an Iceland movie about a renowned but sadistic psychiatrist. He starts his interview process for his new book with six mental patients at Spring Valley Mental Hospital. But his interviews only lead to more questions. Especially who actually belongs there?

8. The Deep (2012)

Genre: Action, Drama

Director: Baltasar Kormákur

Cast: Olafur Darri Olafsson, Stefán Hallur Stefánsson, Joi Johannsson, Thora Bjorg Helga

This is one of the most authentic Icelandic movies ever made, since the movie is based on real events. It tells the story of a fisherman trying to survive the freezing ocean waters after his boat capsizes.

9. A White, White Day (2019)

Director: Hlynur Pálmason

Cast: Ingvar Sigurdsson, Ida Mekkín Hlynsdóttir, Hilmir Snær Gudnason, Sara Dögg Asgeirsdóttir

This Iceland movie explores how far obsession can go and the impact it has on those around you. The story focuses on an off-duty police officer that tries to uncover the truth behind the suspicions that his wife had an affair with one of the local men.

10. Redux (2022)

Genre: Crime Drama

Director: Heimir Bjarnason

Cast: Bjárni Snæbjörnsson, Anna Hafpórsdóttir, Gudrún Gísladóttir

In an almost idyllic little village in the south of Iceland, a woman’s sister-in-law meets a tragic (and suspicious) end. But things take a turn for the worse when her brother suddenly disappears after her death.

11. Rams (2015)

Genre: Comedy Drama

Director: Grimur Hákonarson

Cast: Sigurdur Sigurjónsson, Theodór Júlíusson, Charlotte Boving, Jón Benónysson

In the purest of pursuits to ever grace our Iceland movie screens (saving their sheep), two brothers who have not spoken to each other for 40 years join forces.

12. I Remember You (2017)

Genre: Horror Mystery

Director: Oskar Thór Axelsson

Cast: Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Agústa Eva Erlendsdóttir, Sara Dögg Asgeirsdóttir, Elma Stefania Agustsdottir

This is probably one of the darkest Iceland films. A horrific suicide occurs inside a church. But things are not what they seem, and soon there are other deaths. What is the driving force of these incidents? Could it be the past literally coming back to haunt them?

13. Life in a Fishbowl (2014)

Director: Baldvin Zophoniasson

Cast: Hera Hilmar, Sveinn Olafur Gunnarsson, Porsteinn Bachmann, Atli Oskar Fjalarsson

A preschool teacher and single mother is trying to make ends meet by selling sexual services. A good family man finds himself in the snake pit of international banking. And a renowned poet is drinking himself to death. But what happens when their lives get intertwined?

14. 101 Reykjavík (2000)

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Hilmir Snær Gudnason, Victoria Abril, Hanna María Karlsdóttir, Prúdur Vilhjálmsdóttir

In this Iceland movie, Hlynur is your typical loser. An unemployed man with no ambition whatsoever and still living with his mother whilst in his 30s. But add a lesbian flamenco teacher and drunken Reykjavík nights into the mix. Chaos soon erupts in the normally uneventful life of Hlynur.

15. Virgin Mountain (2015)

Genre: Heart-warming Drama

Director: Dagur Kári

Cast: Gunnar Jónsson, Ilmur Kristjánsdóttir, Sigurjón Kjartansson, Margrét Helga Jóhannsdóttir

This is one of the most endearing Iceland films. Fusi is a 40-year-old, reclusive man still living with his mother and stuck in the same old boring routine. But dancing classes soon changes his life.

16. When the Raven Flies (1984)

Genre: Action Adventure

Director: Hrafn Gunnlaugsson

Cast: Jakob Pór Einarsson, Edda Björgvinsdóttir, Helgi Skúlason, Gotti Sigurdarson

This Iceland movie is very much in the veins of Braveheart. Only it’s not based on true life events, and it’s an Irish man seeking revenge against the Vikings who murdered his family. So if you enjoy action-period pieces, this one should definitely be on your watch list.

17. And Breathe Normally (2018)

Director: Isold Uggadottir

Cast: Kristín Póra Haraldsdóttir, Babetida Sadjo, Patrik Nökkvi Petursson, Kolbeinn Arnbjörnsson

This Iceland movie tells the story of what happens when a refugee from Guinea-Bissau, facing deportation, and a struggling single Icelandic mother meet. 

18. Of Horses and Men (2013)

Cast: Ingvar Sigurdsson, Charlotte Boving, Johann Pall Oddson, Kristbjörg Kjeld

If you’re expecting a horse movie such as Black Beauty or War Horse, this Iceland movie is not for you. Whilst you still have all the usual elements of a horse movie from majestic shots to more technical lingo regarding forelocks and gaits that only horse-lover will know, this story is just as much a commentary on the human condition as it is about the animal world of horses.

19. The Oath (2016)

Genre: Thriller

Cast: Baltasar Kormákur, Hera Hilmar, Gísli Orn Gardarsson, Margrét Bjarnadóttir

What would you do as a father if your daughter falls in love with someone you don’t approve of? And what if the new boyfriend is a drug dealer? This Iceland movie is about a successful heart surgeon’s attempts to break this new couple up. He is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that they stay apart.

20. Under the Tree (2017)

Genre: Comedy Thriller

Director: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson

Cast: Steinpór Hróar Steindórsson, Edda Björgvinsdóttir, Sigurdur Sigurjónsson, Porsteinn Bachmann

This is one of the movies in Iceland that starts off quite light-hearted and turns dark pretty quickly. What starts off as a normal neighbourly dispute over a tree soon escalates to extraordinary and surprising levels.

More where this came from

Although these are just our top 20 picks, there is a myriad of great Icelandic movies to watch. There’s no need to stop after movie number 20! And once you’ve landed in Reykjavík, you’ll be sure to find a few locals more than happy to share their picks with you as well. If you enjoy streaming your movies, don’t forget to keep an eye out, as you’ll also be able to find quite a few Icelandic movies on Netflix - no matter where in the world you are .

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7 Icelandic inflight movies to watch when you fly with Icelandair

Now we are certainly not suggesting that you should book a flight with Icelandair just to watch these movies, but if you already have a flight booked or are contemplating a trip to the land of fire and ice (you really should), then it is a great opportunity to watch some Icelandic films that are either difficult to get hold of or not released yet in the UK – here are 7 Icelandic inflight movies to watch when you fly with Icelandair.

101 Reykjavik

Known as an all-time classic when it comes to Icelandic movies but also perhaps one of the hardest to find and watch (we succeeded by finding a second DVD on Ebay)! Look out for a young Darri and Hilmar Snaer Gudnason being directed by Baltasar Kormákur (who also co-stars). The film sees Hylnur getting involved in an awkward relationship with his mother’s girlfriend.

Driving Mum

We are waiting on the release date for Himar Oddson’s beautiful drama Driving Mum and hope to see it arrive to UK screens in 2024.

The film follows Jon when his mother suddenly dies he takes her body on a road trip to fulfil one of her last wishes. Bresnef the dog comes along for the ride and an assortment of characters are met as Jon embarks on an existential journey.

Read our interview with the director HERE

You can purchase The County quite easily these days but if you aren’t a media person then perhaps consider watching this fanstatic drama by director Grímur Hákonarson which sees a recently widowed farmer, Inga (an excellent performance here from Arndís Hrönn Eglisdottir), who goes up against the establishment who have been exploiting her and the local community.

A Letter from Helga

Perhaps something a little lighter is required? Then 2022’s A Letter from Helga would be a great choice as we follow a passionate affair between young farmer Bjarni and his neighbour Helga.

Be warned though as it might be a little raunchy for a airplane movie!

Raise The Bar

This is an Icelandic documentary that is certainly worth a watch as it is unlikely you will see it over in the UK. It follows an Icelandic girl’s basketball team whose coach used unorthodox methods to help the team ‘raise the bar’ – this was met with much debate, but will it make or break the team?

Summerlight and then Comes the Night

There has been no news of a UK release of this drama comedy which features an all-star Icelandic cast including the likes of Òlafur Darri Ólafsson, Sara Dögg Ásgeirdóttir, Heida Reed, and Atli Óskar (naming just a few)! The film plays out like an Icelandic Magnolia but a lighter and certainly cheekier experience can be expected to be had.

Under the Tree

One of our favourite Icelandic films and hopefully we might get to see the director’s film Northern Comfort (more on that if we ever hear back from the producers).

Halfsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson’s incredibly dark comedy Under the Tree sees a spat between two neighbours escalate way out of control with both comic and tragic results.

We’re impressed by Icelandair’s inflight offerings. Check out other reasons to fly with Icelandair.

If you’re thinking of experiencing Iceland, get in touch with us and we can help you to organise the right kind of trip for you based on your interests – and then you can enjoy these cinematic treats on your way there!

Feature by Alex Minnis

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2 thoughts on “ 7 icelandic inflight movies to watch when you fly with icelandair ”.

I can’t believe ‘Cop Secret’ isn’t on this list.

This is a very good point (and also very good movie)!

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All features on the Nordic Watchlist are by Alex and Claire, a husband and wife team who have a love of the Nordic region and a passion for entertainment and culture. View all posts by Nordic Watchlist

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Reel Adventures: Iconic Movies Filmed in Iceland

Have you ever been so engrossed in a movie or TV show and thought, “Where is this stunning location?” If yes, there's a good chance you've admired the mesmerizing beauty of Iceland without even realizing it.

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The secret life of walter mitty, interstellar, tomb raider, fast & furious 8, game of thrones, thor: the dark world, captain america, journey to the center of the earth.

Ben Stiller plays the awkward and loving character of Walter Mitty. Walter is an employee at the famous Life Magazine, where he eventually needs to track down a print for the magazine.

His crazy adventure brings him to many locations, including Iceland. There were thirteen filming locations that Walter went to in Iceland! That means your chances of spotting the same places that were featured in the movie are pretty good.

Some of the locations include the port at Grundarfjörður, Iceland, where Ben Stiller gets off a ship. This is in addition to Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, which was supposed to be the Himalayas and Afghanistan in the movie.

The most sought-after location in The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is Seyðisfjarðarvegur, Seydisfjordur. This is the spot where Walters's longboarding scene was filmed. An iconic part of the movie.

Watching The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty gets your imagination running to beautiful and scenic places. The fact that Iceland is the place Walter goes to in the movie and not just a fantasy, makes the movie even more special.

Taking place in 2077, earth enters a war with extraterrestrials. Which as a result, causes a relocation to a new earth. The main character of Oblivion, Jack Harper, is played by Tom Cruise. Who flew to Iceland to film most of the movie. Iceland played a perfect backdrop as a post-war futuristic world.

Some popular spots used in Oblivion are Dettifoss, Vatnajökull National Park, Jarlhettur, and Hrossaborg, Iceland.

The team filmed in Iceland for 10 days, making it a jam-packed trip with time to shoot at all of these locations. One of the most well-known spots was The Crater of Hross­aborg.

The landmark was used as the football stadium remains in the movie. Fans of the movie can visit the Crater and even hike to the top of the surrounding areas. Take in the same futuristic views that Tom Cruise did when visiting The Crater of Hross­aborg.

You can reach Hrossaborg by renting a car and taking the six-hour drive from Reykjavik to North East Iceland. It can be an exciting road trip itinerary that brings you to the more remote areas of the country.

One location used was Máfabót , a lowland area that sits between the open sea and a river on the South Coast of Iceland.

Another location was Svinafellsjokull, which is most famous for its photographs used for the movie poster and advertising. It did also have a few scenes in the movie too.

The coolest part about this is that the two locations were used as different planets. It just shows how much diversity Iceland has throughout its land. Svinafellsjokull is located in southwestern Iceland and is a four-hour drive from Reykjavik. Stop by this spot to replicate the Interstellar movie poster yourself!

Based on the video game from 1966, is the infamous Tomb Raider. Leading lady Lara Croft is played by Angelina Jolie in this film, which was released in 2001. Lara Croft is a legendary heroine who attempts to save the world in this interactive video game. The movie, however, left the digital world and landed in various countries for filming. Including South Africa, England, and of course, Iceland.

The Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon was used in the film to represent Siberia, which is the land Lara Croft ventures into. Bordering Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lagoon in southeast Iceland. Today, you can see the area for yourself, by taking the quick five-hour drive from Reykjavik! You can even take a boat tour with a guide to point out the locations at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon & Boat Tour . If you grew up playing Tomb Raider or just simply love the movie, you have to visit the area. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of the Tomb Raider fans out there.

Chances are you heard of the popular Fast & Furious movie series! With stars such as Charlie Theron, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and the late Paul Walker. It is no wonder it has gained so much popularity over the years. The series follows APD officer Brian O'Conner, who goes undercover to catch illegal street racers. He does this to figure out who's behind a string of truck hijackings. From there the movie follows the characters throughout the years with new and exciting plots.

The gang headed to Iceland to film their eighth movie, The Fate of the Furious. Some of the scenes were shot in the fishing town Akranes , which is an hour north of Reykjavik. The most well-known spot is Lake Myvatn in Northern Iceland, about six hours from Reykjavik. They filmed in the middle of winter which as result, had the lake completely frozen over. This let the vehicles drive on the lake, creating the dramatic-looking backdrop of the snowy drifts behind it. The stop is right along Ring Road, making it a great addition to your Iceland road trip. 

One of the most famous franchises of all time is HBO’s Game of Thrones. The show quickly became a household name that fans would look forward to every week. The show produced eight seasons of jam-packed plot twists and turns. People from all over the world have dreams to travel to this series of filming locations. Game of Thrones spiked tourism in Iceland once word got out that scenes were filmed there.

Iceland has plenty of spots that you will recognize from the show. Some favored ones are Laxnes Horse Farm, which provided some adorable extras for the show, the Westerosi horses!

The Commonwealth farm is another place you can stop by, it was where the village was attacked by Wildlings under Tormund. Thingvellir National Park is a hot spot where you can visit the trail that the savage Wildlings took across the north to the Wall. With so many different places to explore, you can turn your Game of Thrones location tour into your very own road trip!

Chris Hemsworth plays the leading character of Thor in the adored film series. This Marvel movie has gained fans over the years with its eight films and spin-offs. In 2013, Thor: The Dark World was released, which was filmed in both the UK & Iceland. Now fans of the movie want to see it for themselves in person.

An already famous Iceland waterfall , Skógafoss was used on set as the mythical home of the gods. You can also walk the Thorsmork Valley which is commonly known as the Valley Of Thor. 

Its vibrant green and lush landscape will take your breath away. The valley is located in the South Highlands of Iceland. Which is between the Tindfjallajökull and the Eyjafjallajökull, about two hours from Reykjavik. Finally, there were a few scenes around Reykjavik as well! Transport yourself into the world of Thor by visiting these key locations.

When the earth becomes too sinful, it is chosen by God to be wiped from existence. Noah, played by Russel Crowe, is tasked to build an ark large enough to hold his loved ones and animals. His goal is to complete it before the devastating flood hits, which is set to destroy the world. This 2014 film made Iceland its home for three weeks during filming, which took place on the south coast of Iceland.

The Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavik, was where most of the film was set during this time. Russel Crowe admitted he endured harsh conditions when filming some of the scenes. He had to go in and out of the sea when the water was at a high of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. You can visit the same South Coast area that he swam in! It is a quick forty-minute drive from Reykjavik even if you rent a small car , which makes it a great stop on your Iceland Journey.

Captain America took the world by storm when the film was first released in 2011. The Marvel phenomenon was a box office hit and went on to produce three more films. With a fourth one that is currently in the works. Chris Evans plays the fan-favorite super-soldier. He ends up indulging in an experimental super-soldier serum after he was denied joining the military due to his size. From there the film takes you on a wild ride, watching the character join the army and doing good for the world.

Marvel Studios filmed the third film, Captain America: Civil War, in Iceland. Chris Evans and the crew headed to the stunning country to get the perfect shots. The movie starts out with some shots of the film's adaptation of Siberia. Which was filmed near the village of Vik. Vik is a gorgeous place to explore in general, with its infamous black sand beaches. Take the day trip from Reykjavik, which is only a two-hour and thirty-minute drive away.

This film is all about Iceland! The original film was produced all the way back in 1959 and was based on a book. It was then redone in 2008 with a famous cast including Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson. They even hired an Icelandic Actress, Aníta Briem, who stars in the film. The movie follows a professor and his gang who are on an expedition to Iceland. They then get trapped in a cavern, which brings them to a route below the Earth's surface. The route brings them through incredible places in hopes of escaping. All while the Icelandic volcanic activity around them increases.

So where can you go to feel like you are a part of the Journey To The Center Of The Earth? Well since the film’s plot takes place in Iceland, it is not hard to find. The Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano is where the book and film were set. So it made complete sense that they chose to film there. Snæfellsjökull is a 700,000-year-old glacier-capped stratovolcano that is located in western Iceland. It is about a 2-hour and 57-minute road trip from Reykjavik, so you better rent a 4x4 SUV for a comfortable trip.

The list would not be complete without one of the most famous trilogies of all time, The Star Wars Saga. with a total of twelve films, there are plenty of locations where the movies have been filmed. Iceland has had the pleasure of hosting George Lucas’ masterpieces. Both The Force Awakens and Rogue One featured Iceland in their filming.

One of the spots seen in these two films is Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland. This was used as the frigid planet of Hoth. Fans can even hike the glacier walls of Skaftafell, which was featured in The Last Jedi. In addition, Rogue One was shot near Vik as Planet Eadu. The use of the black sand beach of Mýrdalssandur complimented the out-of-this-world movies. Visiting the Star Wars locations is a perfect trip in itself. Located all over Iceland, it makes the perfect fan-fueled road trip throughout the country.

Iceland's dramatic and versatile landscapes have given life to numerous film and TV universes. The magical union of nature and imagination has rendered these locations iconic. So, the next time you're planning a trip or watching your favorite show, remember, you might just be admiring the hidden gem that is Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists visit these film locations in iceland.

Yes, most of these film and TV locations are open to tourists.

Is there a specific time of the year to visit these locations?

While Iceland can be visited any time of the year, the accessibility of certain locations can vary based on weather conditions.

Do you need a guide to visit these film locations?

It's recommended to take guided tours, especially for remote and challenging locations.

Why do filmmakers choose Iceland for shooting?

Filmmakers are drawn to Iceland for its diverse and unique landscapes that offer the perfect blend of Earth's elemental beauty.

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The Viking Village Film Set Travel Guide

Visit the Viking Village film set on a self-drive tour of East Iceland attractions, like the 11-Day Road Tour with Eastfjords or this 1-Week Summer Tour of the Ring Road . Travelers may also rent a car to explore the area at a better and more personalized pace.

Dramatic sceneries of picturesque landscapes and grasslands surround the Viking Village at the foot of Mount Vestrahorn. These stunning views complementing the authentic-looking set will give guests a one-of-a-kind Icelandic experience.

About the Viking Village Film Set  

Location and history of the icelandic village.

The Viking Village film set is located on a local farmer’s property in southeastern Iceland, near the charming fishing towns of Hofn and Hornafjordur . 

The village is a replica of an authentic Viking village, created as a movie set for a Universal Studios production. However, the show scrapped it as a filming location for budgetary reasons. Since then, the area has been open for curious visitors to explore at their leisure.

In 2018, the same movie company acquired the rights to produce Vikingr, a movie about early Vikings and Icelandic adventures. The film used the village as one of its sets. More recently, Netflix announced that their series, The Witcher, would use the Viking Village film set and other Eastfjords attractions in filming the show’s prequel, Blood Origins.

Features of the Viking Village

This East Iceland attraction features wooden structures with grass roofs, much like the traditional Icelandic homes called turf houses . These houses have intricately carved door frames with Viking designs and a dungeon set at the base of a constructed boulder. 

Here you can learn by actually seeing how the Vikings constructed their buildings and feel the effects of what a grass roof does inside of a house. The intricacy and details of the building construction and carvings make this Icelandic landmark a place for education.  

The village lies between the ocean and the towering mountains, bringing dramatic weather patterns for special photography sessions. The unpredictable weather in Iceland has added a worn look to the buildings, heightening their authenticity. 

Those traveling during the summer months with prolonged daylight hours can easily fit this lesser-known Icelandic attraction into their explorations, especially if black sand beaches are also on your sightseeing list. 

The Viking Village film set is open year-round. The same family who owns the land and village also operates a cafe in the area, where you can pay the small entrance fee for the attraction. 

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Sergejf . No edits made.

How To Get to the Viking Village Set of Iceland

The Viking village set is in southeast Iceland and is a noteworthy ring road attraction . Although it is not directly on the path of Route 1, the film set is easy to explore when road tripping in Iceland. 

The Viking Village lies 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Djupivogur and 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) east of Hofn . You’ll need to drive 289 miles (465 kilometers) east if coming from Reykjavik , so consider a multi-day road trip or tour to see this inspiring place. 

Once you arrive at the Viking Cafe near the Stokksnes peninsula, it’s a ten-minute walk on a flat road to get to the Viking Village film set. The path is level and easy to navigate but is made of gravel, so those with knee problems or trouble walking may prefer hiking poles for this portion of the trip. 

After a short walk through lush pastures with grazing horses on one side and the massive, jagged Vatnajokull glacier on the other, you’ll arrive at your beautiful destination. 

Best Time to Visit the Viking Village Set 

Iceland is a picturesque destination year-round, but the best time to visit the Viking Village film set and other Eastfjords attractions is during the summer season. 

Iceland is close to the Arctic Circle and gets about 20 hours of daylight every day between June and August. The extended daylight during the summer, called the midnight sun , works in a visitor’s favor. With more sunlight, you have more time to explore the natural wonders of Iceland , including the Viking Village movie set. 

Bear in mind that summer is the busy travel season in Iceland. The pleasant weather and longer days bring larger crowds during this season.

On the other hand, Iceland only gets about four to five hours of daylight during the winter. This may disadvantage those not comfortable driving in the snow surrounded by the black of night. 

However, wintertime offers ample opportunities to see the aurora borealis light up the sky. For example, if you want to be in the authentic-looking Viking Village as the northern lights paint colors across the skies, visit the film set during winter. 

Nearby Attractions from the Viking Village 

Visit the Viking Village film set while exploring other incredible Eastfjords attractions nearby. This region of Iceland has breathtaking tourist spots you wouldn’t want to miss.

Stokksnes black sand beach is just 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Viking Village film set, making this an accessible destination to pair with a beach visit. Austurfjorur beach connects with Stokksness and is another site just a few miles away from the Viking Village film set. 

Fauskasandur is another black sand beach close by that you can pair with a visit to the prop set. Fauskasandur is 33 miles (54 kilometers) northeast of the attraction along Route 1. 

Hofn is the nearest town to the Viking village film set with the most residents, shops, and cafes, 10.5 miles (17 kilometres) away. 

The town is the largest settlement on this stretch of Route 1, with around 2,500 residents. If you’re exploring the Eastfjords for multiple days, you can stop by the town for supplies and overnight accommodation. Guests can stay at Hofn Guesthouse or Hotel Edda Hofn .

The other nearest settlement to the Viking Village is Djupivogur. Djupivogur is north of the film set and along the eastern coast of Iceland. This picturesque town on a fjord has a rich history and stunning landscapes worth checking out if you’re already nearby.

Spend as much time as you desire at each location by renting a car or joining a tour to visit these attractions along Iceland’s eastern coast. 

Things To Bring

Preparing for your trip to Iceland will make your adventure safer and more convenient. You may consider including the following things to pack on your visit. 

Camera or Drone 

Comfortable walking shoes 

Windbreaker or Jacket

Hat, gloves, and scarf  

Bottled water 

With these handy items in your exploration bag, you’re ready to explore the Viking Village film set and the land of fire and ice.

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