Istanbul’s famous landmarks and dramatic skyline have featured in many blockbuster movies. The city’s many diverse locations make it a popular choice as a film set, from action-packed Bond movies and spy thrillers to murder mysteries and documentaries. Here’s a look at a few of the great films shot in Istanbul.

From Russia With Love (1963)

The 1963 spy movie From Russia With Love was the second James Bond film. Starring Sean Connery and directed by Terence Young, it follows 007 as he travels to Istanbul to retrieve a cryptography device and assist in the defection of a Soviet consulate employee. Bond’s plans become hampered as it turns out that his mission was an evil ploy devised by his enemy, Spectre. Several of the movie’s most memorable scenes were shot in and around Istanbul. The famous Basilica Cistern is portrayed during the scene depicting the fall of his rival, a lavish Istanbul hotel was used for the love scene with Tatiana (Daniela Bianchi), and the Grand Bazaar and Orient Express were also featured in the film.

Skyfall (2012)

Bond returns to Istanbul in the 2012 movie Skyfall, directed by Sam Mendes. This blockbuster boasts an impressive cast, with Daniel Craig playing 007, playing alongside Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, and Javier Bardem. The cast travelled to many locations in Türkiye, including coastal areas around Fethiye and Gocek. The spectacular opening scenes showing Bond tearing across the domed rooftops of Istanbul on a motorbike are undoubtedly impressive, and the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Square were also used as locations.

Photo Credit: IMDb

Taken 2 (2012)

Directed by Oliver Megaton, this English-language, French-made thriller stars Liam Neeson and is set in Istanbul. The story follows a retired CIA agent who invites his ex-wife and teenage daughter to spend a few days with him in the city. Unbeknown to the CIA agent, the leader of an Albanian human kidnapping ring is seeking revenge for his son’s death and organises the kidnap of the agent and his family. The daughter escapes and is the agent’s only hope of saving his ex-wife.

Argo (2012)

Istanbul’s Zuhuratbaba District, the Grand Bazaar and the Hagia Sophia are all portrayed as Iran in the multi-award-winning movie Argo. The film is directed by and stars Ben Affleck. It is based on actual events, and the memoirs of CIA “extractor” Tony Mendez (played by Affleck), who devised an ingenious plan to free 6 American diplomats from militants during the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979. During the gripping chain of events, Mendez cleverly dupes the militants into believing an elaborate illusion to facilitate the diplomats’ escape.

Accidental Spy (2001)

Istanbul and Cappadocia were the setting for many of the scenes in the 2001 Jackie Chan movie, Accidental Spy. Directed by Teddy Chan, this action-packed movie introduces Chan’s character, Bei, as a struggling fitness equipment salesman who ends up hot on the tail of bank thieves. In true Chan style, many spectacular martial art scenes later, Bei foils their plans only to discover his parents were professional spies. Lured by the excitement of chasing the most wanted, Bei then heads to Türkiye to hunt down a gang of dangerous drug lords.

The International (2009)

Naomi Watts and Clive Owen star in the 2009 political thriller, The International. Directed by Tom Tykwer, it follows a New York prosecutor and an Interpol agent as they investigate and endeavour to stop a powerful bank from funding terrorist activities. The film follows the characters across the globe, from Berlin to Italy, and New York to Istanbul, with the final scenes filmed in the famous Grand Bazaar.

Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul (2005)

Take a look at Istanbul’s music scene in this fabulous documentary by Turkish-German director Fatih Akin. The film follows the German musician Alexander Hacke as he explores every aspect of the city’s music culture, from its well-known artists to the local street musicians. Highlights include an unplugged home performance by Orhan Gencebey, rapper Ceza, and a haunting rendition of a song by Aynur Doğan.

The Water Diviner (2014)

Directed by and starring Russel Crowe, The Water Diviner is an action movie that follows an Australian farmer as he attempts to locate his three sons who went missing during the Battle of Gallipoli. Many locations in Türkiye were used as sets during the film, including Gallipoli, Istanbul, and the former Greek town of Kayaköy near Fethiye.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Based on John Le Carre’s 1974 Cold War spy novel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy follows the character George Smiley, played by Gary Oldman, as he hunts down a Soviet double agent. Although primarily set in 1970s London, the Istanbul neighbourhood of Karaköy, its nightclubs, hotels and the famed Istiklal Street was used as the backdrop for the battle between the British and Soviet spies. The movie boasts a star-packed cast that includes Tom Hardy, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch and John Hurt.

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