Itching to be in Amsterdam but locked down at home? Explore the Dutch capital from your sofa by watching these classic movies set in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has been a popular location for a number of famous films over the years. From Hollywood blockbusters to lesser known arts films, Amsterdam’s canal belt has formed the backdrop to a wide variety of great movies over the years. Here are some of the films where you’ll see scenes featuring Amsterdam’s canal belt centre. Try and spot them whilst you’re on the Leidseplein Pub Crawl! Here are our favourite Movies set in Amsterdam!
Diamonds are Forever
During this classic 1971 Bond film starring Sean Connery, there are quite a few scenes in and around the Amsterdam canal belt. The film’s Bond girl lives at Reguliersgracht – just opposite Barney’s Coffeeshop. Unfortunately, it wasn’t there when the film was made, otherwise Bond himself may have indulged in a joint rather than his usual vodka martini. Also, in the film is the famous Magere Brug – or Skinny Bridge – if you want to see more of the Amsterdam canal belt, check out one of our Booze Cruises!
Oceans 12
Oceans 12 has a number of scenes shot in stunning Amsterdam locations but, perhaps the most famous, takes place in Coffee Shop Dampkring where the main characters meet to discuss business. This coffeeshop is a popular place to visit for fans of the film and you can pop in and sit at the very same table as George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt did whilst you enjoy a joint!
Amsterdamned
Amsterdamned is a classic thriller about a murderer who hides in the canals, occasionally jumping out to murder people and drag them to a watery grave. It was an extremely popular film upon its release and received rave reviews. Although it has aged a little, it’s still a classic and shows the sights of Amsterdam in a wonderful grainy 80s light. From the Rijksmuseum to Waterlooplein, the Red Light District to the Ij harbour, Amsterdamned shows all the city’s most famous views! It’s free to view on Youtube so the perfect film to watch if you’re waiting around in an airport lounge! There’s even a bar named after this classic movie on the Leidseplein Pub Crawl (but we promise that the bar is much less scary than its namesake)!
The Hitman’s Bodyguard
One of the newest international films set in Amsterdam is The Hitman’s Bodyguard which stars Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson. This 2017 film has some brilliant action scenes, mostly shot in the eastern part of the city centre (but also in the Jordaan). When you walk along these narrow city streets, you’ll be impressed by how difficult it must’ve been to film a high-speed car chase in them!
Want to watch a film in an Amsterdam Cinema whilst visiting the city? Check out Pathe Tuchinski – one of the most unique, historical and beautiful cinemas in the world and the perfect date! Find out more ideas here.
