Our small country, with its landscapes and historical architecture, has become a favored destination for filmmakers around the globe. Over the years, Lithuania has seen multiple international film and television projects gracing its locales. You might be surprised by realizing that you have already seen some Lithuanian places even before coming to this country. Let's dive into why Lithuania is such a hotspot for film production and highlight some of the notable projects filmed here.
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Why Lithuania?
There are three main reasons for that:
Lithuania offers a unique combination of natural beauty, well-preserved historical sites, and modern urban environments, making it a versatile location for shooting different genres of films.
The country's film-friendly policies, including financial incentives, make it an attractive filming location.
Lithuania has a robust local film industry and skilled professionals, which is a boon for international crews looking to shoot in the region.
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Notable Film and TV Productions in Lithuania
TV Series
"Stranger Things" (Season 4, 2020): Some scenes of this popular series were shot in Lithuania, bringing a piece of the small-town America vibe to Eastern Europe. It was filmed in the Lukiškės Prison so you can visit yourself as it is open to the public. More about this filming read here
"His Dark Materials" (2019-2022): Parts of this fantasy series based on Philip Pullman’s novels were filmed in Lithuania, using its ancient forests and historical buildings to create otherworldly scenes.
"The Last Csars" (2018): A series that combines drama and documentary storytelling to explore the fall of the Romanov dynasty, filmed extensively across various Lithuanian locations.
"Tokyo Trial" (2016): This historical drama series co-produced by Japan, Canada, and the Netherlands, was partially filmed in Lithuania, showcasing its ability to adapt its locales to various international settings.
"Vikings" (2013-2020): Some crucial scenes involving large-scale battle sequences and expansive natural landscapes were filmed in Lithuania.
Historical Dramas and Thrillers
"Chernobyl" (2018): This critically acclaimed miniseries dramatized the tragic Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. Lithuania stood in for Ukraine, with the decommissioned Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant serving as a convincing stand-in for the Chernobyl plant. Also, you can see Fabijoniškės (Vilnius) in the movie. More about this filming read here
"Catherine the Great" (2018): Starring Helen Mirren, this miniseries used various historic locations across Lithuania to portray the lavish world of the Russian empress. Vilnius University and some other well-known locales were shot in this HBO movie. More: https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/routes/vilnius-the-perfect-set-for-hbos-catherine-the-great
"War and Peace" (2015): The adaptation of Tolstoy’s epic novel filmed key scenes in Lithuania, capturing the grandeur and drama of 19th-century Russian aristocracy.
"Elizabeth I" (2005): Scenes depicting the Elizabethan era were filmed across various Lithuanian locales, featuring Helen Mirren in her Emmy-winning role.
"Siberia" (2018): Starring Keanu Reeves, this thriller was shot in various Lithuanian locations that doubled for the Siberian wilderness.
"King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" (2017): Directed by Guy Ritchie, this film used Lithuania’s rugged landscapes and castles to recreate Arthurian Britain.
Upcoming Projects
"Sisi Season 3" and "Smilla's Sense of Snow": Both productions highlight the ongoing appeal of Lithuania for filming historical and dramatic content.
Film Festivals
Our country not only hosts international film projects but also celebrates cinema with film festivals, including the Vilnius International Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in Eastern Europe.
Also, Kino Pavasaris is a big event for all movie lovers in Lithuania.
More and more film productions discover Lithuania's potential, contributing to the country's growing reputation as a top film production destination in Europe. The blend of historical authenticity and contemporary charm ensures that Lithuania will continue to allure filmmakers and audiences alike with stories told through a unique visual lens.
Have you already seen these movies? Did you find familiar places? Or maybe you stay in Fabijoniškės, in the house filmed in "Chernobyl?" Tell us in the comments!
Karolina, OLS Community Manager – Lithuanian