Movies Filmed in the Dominican Republic: A Cinematic Paradise

The Dominican Republic offers a variety of filming locations, from the lush jungles of the interior to the pristine beaches of the coast. The country also has a well-developed film infrastructure, with experienced crews and modern studios.

If you’re a movie buff looking to combine your passion for cinema with a relaxing stay at an all-inclusive hotel, the Dominican Republic is the perfect fit for your next vacation. Let’s dive in to a list of the most famous American movies filmed in the Dominican Republic.

The Godfather II is, by far, one of the best movies filmed in the Dominican Republic. It brought together a star-studded cast featuring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Robert Duvall. The film cleverly used Santo Domingo's colonial district as a stand-in for Havana, Cuba. The Dominican capital's streets, with their similar architecture and atmosphere to Havana, were transformed to depict a post-revolutionary Cuba. Interestingly, the iconic scene where Fidel Castro and his revolutionary army arrive on December 31st, 1958, was filmed at the National Palace of the Dominican Republic.

And, if you’re a movie buff looking for a unique experience, why not stay at El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel? It still boasts the balcony where parts of the film were shot. The Godfather II is, hands down, one of the best movies filmed in the Dominican Republic. 

For years, it was understood that Apocalypse Now was one of many movies filmed in the Dominican Republic. And because of this, many movie buffs jet set off to this country to walk in the footsteps of its powerhouse cast, featuring the likes of Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, and Dennis Hopper.

But Director Francis Ford Coppola has confirmed in many interviews that iconic scenes from the film were not captured on the banks of the Chavón River in the city of La Romana, Dominican Republic. While the lush, tropical scenery in La Romana would have provided a stunning backdrop for several key moments, including the unforgettable air raid scene, it simply wasn’t. That said, visiting the river is still a great activity for nature lovers and visitors to the area, even if Apocalypse Now wasn’t filmed there.

Remember the opening scene of Jurassic Park, featuring a prehistoric mosquito trapped in amber? That mosquito is a real piece, filmed at a real amber museum located in Puerto Plata. Take some time to visit the museum and check out that same mosquito trapped in Ambar. This is a must-do stop for lovers of this iconic dinosaur thriller, one of many movies filmed in the Dominican Republic.

A star-studded cast, including Patrick Wilson, Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, and Robert De Niro, may have been key to The Good Shepherd’s success, but Santo Domingo's colonial district was what brought the film to life.

The historic corner of Duarte avenue and Padre Billini street was used for establishing shots, while the elegant National Palace was transformed into a restaurant located in the Belgian Congo. Some filming also took place at Santiago Airport, where a dramatic fire scene was captured. 

Miami Vice is yet another of many movies filmed in the Dominican Republic. This action crime film, brimming with international intrigue, used Santo Domingo's colonial district as a versatile backdrop. Locations throughout the city, including Duarte avenue, the Mercado Nuevo parking facility, and even 42nd street in the Capotillo district, stood in for various places like Haiti, Havana, Colombia, and Cuba. The film’s talented production team transformed Santo Domingo's streetscapes for the film. Spanish street signs in Santo Domingo’s colonial district were replaced with French ones to create a Haitian atmosphere, and many buildings received a colorful post-production makeover. 

Director Vin Disel hit the Dominican Republic to film this high-octane action movie, Los Bandoleros (also known as Fast & Furious 3.5 – Bandoleros). The crew utilized various Santo Domingo locations to create a thrilling backdrop for the street racing scenes. They filmed in the historic colonial district, the bustling Santa Bárbara district, and along the iconic Santo Domingo Malecón promenade, capturing the city's vibrant energy. 

For the ultimate in controlled chaos, the massive 60,500 square foot water tank at Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios provided a safe and dramatic environment for some of the film's most intense stunts.

Many movies have been filmed on the Dominican Republic’s Saona Island, and some of the most famous include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. 

While many scenes were filmed on Saona Island, countless others were filmed on Bávaro Beach and in the city of Puerto Plata. The areas’ lush landscape and crystal-clear waters made it the perfect destination for these thrilling pirate films. 

Beyond these Hollywood blockbusters, the Dominican Republic has also been a setting for many other Dominican films and documentaries. The Santo Domingo Global Film Festival, held annually in Santo Domingo, showcases the best of Dominican cinema. And the Dominican Republic film commission is also a great promoter of bringing even more filmmakers to the island.

This is just a small sampling of the many movies shot in the Dominican Republic. The country's natural beauty and cultural richness continue to make it a popular destination for filmmakers from around the world.

Whether you're a fan of Hollywood action films, independent documentaries, or Dominican movies, there's a good chance your favorite movie has a connection to this beautiful island nation.