1. Entrapment (1999) – Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Let’s start with a classic! Entrapment, starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones, features a heart-pounding heist scene set between the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Back then, they were the tallest buildings in the world! The towers weren’t just a backdrop — they were practically a character in the movie. This scene brought international attention to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and made our twin towers world-famous.
📝 You can read more about the Petronas Towers in movies here!
2. Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang
Who could forget the glamorous vibes of Crazy Rich Asians? While most of the movie was filmed in Singapore, some key scenes were actually shot in Malaysia! One standout location is the gorgeous Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, in Penang. Its vibrant walls and colonial charm added elegance and cultural richness to the film.
3. Anna and the King (1999) – Ipoh & Langkawi
Even though the story is set in Thailand, Anna and the King was filmed almost entirely in Malaysia! That’s because the Thai government didn’t allow filming in their country. So, producers turned to Ipoh, Penang, and Langkawi to recreate 19th-century Siam. The result? Breathtaking scenes with Malaysia’s lush scenery stealing the spotlight.
4. Don (2006) – Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya
Bollywood fans, this one’s for you! The action-packed movie Don, starring Shah Rukh Khan, was filmed in several Malaysian cities, including KL, Putrajaya, and even inside the Petronas Towers. The high-speed chases and sleek visuals showcased Malaysia as a modern, thrilling setting perfect for spy drama.
5. The Sleeping Dictionary (2003) – Sarawak, Borneo
This romantic drama starring Jessica Alba was shot in the lush jungles and longhouses of Sarawak, Borneo. The film explored colonial life and local culture — and while it had mixed reviews, the natural beauty of Malaysia’s rainforests left a lasting impression. It's a great pick if you're in the mood for scenery as much as story.
Summarize
It’s always fun to see familiar places in big movies, isn’t it? Whether it’s the towering skyscrapers of KL or the heritage charm of Penang, Malaysia has so much cinematic potential. Who knows — maybe the next blockbuster will be filmed right in your hometown!
Have you spotted any other Malaysian landmarks in movies or TV shows? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to add them to a future post!
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Now that you know some famous films shot right here in Malaysia, I’d love to hear from YOU! 👉 Have you seen any of these movies? 👉 Do you know other films that featured Malaysian landmarks? - Drop your thoughts in the comments below or share this post with your fellow movie lovers!
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