Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, has long been a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sand, and sea.
Introduction to Filming in Puerto Vallarta
However, in recent years, it has also become a hub for film production. From Hollywood blockbusters to independent films, Puerto Vallarta’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage have been captured on film for audiences around the world.
Classic Films Shot in Puerto Vallarta
One of the earliest films to be shot in Puerto Vallarta was “The Night of the Iguana” in 1964. Directed by John Huston and starring Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, and Deborah Kerr, the film was set in a small Mexican village and featured many of Puerto Vallarta’s iconic landmarks, including the Mismaloya beach and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
The film put Puerto Vallarta on the map as a film location, and since then, many other productions have followed suit.
One of the most famous films to be shot in Puerto Vallarta is “Predator,” the 1987 sci-fi action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The film was shot in the jungles surrounding Puerto Vallarta and featured some of the area’s most breathtaking scenery. The film’s success helped cement Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a prime film location.
Recent Films Shot in Puerto Vallarta
In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has continued to attract filmmakers from around the world. In 2011, “Limitless,” starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, was shot in the city. The film tells the story of a writer who takes a mysterious drug that allows him to access the full potential of his brain.
The film’s stunning shots of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and cityscape helped showcase the city’s beauty to a global audience.
Another film that was shot in Puerto Vallarta is “Our Brand Is Crisis,” a 2015 political satire starring Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton.
The film, which is based on the real-life story of the 2002 Bolivian presidential election, was shot in various locations in Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas.
Puerto Vallarta has also played host to numerous TV shows and series. One of the most popular is “Bachelor in Paradise,” a spin-off of the hit reality show “The Bachelor,” which is set on a beach resort in Puerto Vallarta.
The show has helped showcase Puerto Vallarta’s beaches and nightlife to a global audience and has further cemented the city’s reputation as a prime location for film and TV production.
The Appeal of Filming in Puerto Vallarta
In addition to its natural beauty, Puerto Vallarta’s rich cultural heritage has also been featured in many films. The city’s historic architecture, colorful festivals, and traditional music and dance have been captured on film in productions such as “The Mosquito Coast,” “The Magnificent Seven Ride,” and “Terror in the Jungle.”
In conclusion, Puerto Vallarta’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage have made it a popular destination for filmmakers from around the world. From Hollywood blockbusters to independent films, the city has provided the perfect backdrop for many memorable productions. As the film industry continues to grow, it is likely that Puerto Vallarta will continue to be a top choice for filmmakers seeking a beautiful and unique location to capture on film.
Here is a list of some of the films shoot in Puerto Vallarta
- “Shotgun Wedding” (2022) – starring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel
- “The Mosquito Coast” (2021) – a TV series starring Justin Theroux and Melissa George
- “S.O.Z. Soldiers or Zombies” (2021) – a TV series created by Amazon Prime
- “Jungle Cruise” (2021) – starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt
- “El Presidente” (2020) – a TV series created by Amazon Prime
- “The Wedding Year” (2019) – starring Sarah Hyland and Tyler James Williams
- “Silencio” (2018) – starring John Noble and Rupert Graves
- “Traffik” (2018) – starring Paula Patton and Omar Epps
- “The Tribes of Palos Verdes” (2017) – starring Jennifer Garner and Maika Monroe
- “Ruta Madre” (2016) – starring Paulina Gaitán and Lia Marie Johnson
- “The Night Crew” (2015) – starring Danny Trejo and Luke Goss
- “The Veil” (2015) – starring Jessica Alba and Thomas Jane
- “Chef” (2014) – starring Jon Favreau and Sofia Vergara
- “A Night in Old Mexico” (2013) – starring Robert Duvall and Jeremy Irvine
- “Inescapable” (2012) – starring Alexander Siddig and Marisa Tomei
- “Come Out and Play” (2012) – starring Vinessa Shaw and Ebon Moss-Bachrach
- “Limitless” (2011) – starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro
- “The Mechanic” (2011) – starring Jason Statham and Ben Foster
- “The Romantics” (2010) – starring Katie Holmes and Anna Paquin
- “Predators” (2010) – starring Adrien Brody and Topher Grace
- “Tequila Sunrise” (1988) – starring Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kurt Russell
- “The Domino Principle” (1977) – starring Gene Hackman and Candice Bergen
- “The Night of the Iguana” (1964) – starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner
- “Fun in Acapulco” (1963) – starring Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress
- “The Big Circus” (1959) – starring Victor Mature and Red Buttons
- “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948) – starring Humphrey Bogart and Walter Huston
- “Hurricane” (1937) – starring Dorothy Lamour and Jon Hall
- “The Sea Bat” (1930) – starring Richard Arlen and Raquel Torres
- “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” (1929) – starring Don Alvarado and Lili Damita
