Was your first "visit" to Greece in a darkened movie theater, watching the glorious land of sun and sea on screen? Whether you're planning your first visit or your twentieth, movies shot in Greece are a great way to preview Greece and entertain yourself at the same time.
1. Clash of the Titans 2010
The 2010 version of Clash of the Titans was not shot in Greece, but features the expected array of Greek gods and goddesses on a stage-set Mount Olympus.
2. Alexander - the Final Cut
The Colin Farrell version of Alexander is engaging, with Angelina Jolie portraying Alexander's snaky and scheming mother. Several versions of this film are available; this one includes additional material cut from the standard theatrical release.3. The 300
I know, this only "seems" to be shot in Greece through the magic of digital CGI effects. Those aren't quite the real gates of Thermopylae, but it is still a vibrant movie.4. Mamma Mia! The Movie
Universal Pictures
This feel-good movie stars Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, and Amanda Seyfried in this musical built on ABBA songs. It's high-energy, silly fun - and Greece looks great.
5. Troy - The Ultimate Collector's Edition
All right, this isn't exactly shot in greece but it pertains to a Greek theme and "appears" to be shot in territory that was then Greek. Fun spectacle and a reminder of what you learned about Troy, Achilles, Hector, Helen, and Paris. Emphasizes the economic impact of the capture of Helen and underplays her beauty and magic in favor of Brad Pitt's beauty and magic, but hey, that's revisionism for you. Lots of special features on this version. Troy today is of course now located in Turkey.6. Zorba the Greek
This tremendous, life-affirming classic epitomizes the Greek spirit - which chose this time to temporarily incarnate in Anthony Quinn. Excellent, though first-time viewers may be surprised by the black and white imagery - and the less-than-sunny subtexts.
7. Summer Lovers
A guilty pleasure, this light-on-substance movie is filled with Darryl Hannah and Peter Gallagher in swimsuits, slightly kinky sexual situations, an irresistibly perky soundtrack ("I'm So Excited!" is the theme song), and glorious shots of Greece.8. Shirley Valentine
Frustrated housewife Shirley finds romantic adventure - and her own soul - on the island of Mykonos.
