12 times that Brazilian cities were the setting for movies and series

Brazilian cities have always fascinated filmmakers from all over the world. With breathtaking natural landscapes and an architecture that blends history, culture, and modernity, the country has become a setting for films and series that have won international screens. From the carioca slopes to the São Paulo skyscrapers, passing through the immensity of the Amazon, Hollywood productions and streaming services have already found here the perfect energy to compose their stories. Whether as an exotic background or as a silent character shaping the narrative, Brazil is a constant presence in the cinematic imaginary. Below, we revisit 12 productions that chose our cities as settings — and prove that the country goes far beyond postcards!

1. Black Mirror (2019) – São Paulo

The episode Striking Vipers shows actor Anthony Mackie walking through São Paulo landmarks like Avenida Paulista and Viaduto Santa Ifigênia. The helipad of the Copan building serves as the backdrop for the final scene, transforming Niemeyer's project into a symbol of a technological and melancholic São Paulo.

2. Conquest (2019) – São Paulo

Produced by Keanu Reeves, the series drew attention by closing Avenida Paulista for filming. In addition to the postcard, places like Vale do Anhangabaú and Memorial da América Latina appear throughout the plot, projecting the city in a science fiction storyline. However, the production was canceled after filming due to budgetary issues.

3. Black Panther (2018) – Foz do Iguaçu

The famous waterfalls of Iguazu Falls served as inspiration and location for key moments in the Marvel movie. It is there that the hero is crowned King of Wakanda, in a setting that unites natural majesty and African ancestry.

4. Sense8 (2016) – São Paulo

The Netflix series filmed scenes during the LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade on Avenida Paulista. The second season episode united cast and audience in a real celebration, mixing fiction and spontaneity — a hallmark of the direction of the Wachowski sisters.

5. Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011) – Rio de Janeiro and Paraty

The romance between Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) from the Twilight saga reached its peak in Brazil. Filming took place in Rio de Janeiro: in Lapa, at Marina da Glória and at the paradisiacal Saco do Mamanguá in Paraty. The tropical honeymoon put the Fluminense coast on the map for fans worldwide.

6. Fast and Furious 5: Operation Rio (2011) – Rio de Janeiro

With the Christ the Redeemer on the poster, the film took Vin Diesel and Paul Walker to electrifying scenes between Copacabana and Santa Marta. Although some of the filming took place in Puerto Rico and Atlanta, Rio was the visual protagonist of the narrative, celebrating the mix of adrenaline and tropical landscapes.

7. The Expendables (2010) – Rio de Janeiro

The action classic starring Sylvester Stallone brought explosions and chases to Rio de Janeiro. Locations included Parque Lage, at the foot of Corcovado, and the beaches of Mangaratiba. In addition to Stallone, the cast featured Brazilian actress Giselle Itié and appearances by fighters Minotauro and Minotouro, reinforcing the local tone of the blockbuster.

8. Blindness (2008) – São Paulo

Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the film inspired by José Saramago transformed São Paulo into a fictional city in collapse. Streets in the center were taken over by destroyed cars and trash, simulating an epidemic of blindness. Scenes in Viaduto do Chá, Minhocão, and Faria Lima reinforce the cinematic potential of the metropolis.

9. The Incredible Hulk (2008) – Rio de Janeiro

In search of peace, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) takes refuge in a community in Rio de Janeiro. Filming took place in the Tavares Bastos community, close to the Bope headquarters, and in iconic spots such as Lapa and Santa Teresa. The contrast between the carioca daily life and the hero's drama brought a unique atmosphere to the Marvel film.

10. CSI: Miami (2006) – Rio de Janeiro

In the season five premiere, detectives Horatio Caine (David Caruso) and Eric Delko (Adam Rodriguez) land in Rio in search of a criminal. The scenes at Arcos da Lapa, Cinelândia, and Mirante Dona Marta place the city in a dramatic tone, revealing the contrast between beauty and violence.

11. Anaconda (1997) – Amazon Rainforest

The characters played by Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Owen Wilson face a giant snake in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. The scenes were filmed in the heart of the jungle, revealing to the international audience the exuberance of the region. The title animal, known in Brazil as sucuri, reinforces the air of mystery.

12. 007 Against the Death Rocket (1979) – Rio de Janeiro

In the 11th adventure of James Bond, Rio de Janeiro appears in iconic scenes, such as the fight in the Pão de Açúcar cable car and the carnival parade in the streets. The carioca landscape of the 1970s won the world alongside Roger Moore's British charm. The film also took the spy to Foz do Iguaçu, blending exuberant nature and action.

Productions set in Brazil

Not always is Brazil actually present in the filming — but its image continues to inspire international cinema! This is the case of Charlie's Angels, whose opening scene shows the Christ the Redeemer created in CGI, and Avengers: Endgame, where the planet Vormir was inspired by the colors and shapes of the Lençóis Maranhenses. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Out of the Shadows also used images of the Iguazu Falls amid special effects, proving the symbolic power of Brazilian landscapes.