Best Shooting Sets for Netflix Series: Iconic Locations That Bring Stories to Life

Netflix has revolutionized storytelling by offering cinematic-quality television series with gripping plots, stellar performances, and breathtaking filming locations. A well-chosen shooting set adds realism, enhances the storytelling, and makes the series more immersive. From eerie small towns to sun-soaked landscapes, Netflix productions have taken us around the world with their stunning visual backdrops.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best shooting sets for Netflix series, including the critically acclaimed Ozark, and other top productions that have captivated audiences with their authentic and picturesque filming locations.

1. Lake of the Ozarks – Ozark (Netflix)

The crime thriller Ozark, starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, became an instant hit with its dark, atmospheric storytelling and suspenseful narrative. The show follows financial planner Marty Byrde as he moves his family to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri to launder money for a drug cartel.

Filming Locations

While the show is set in Missouri, much of Ozark was actually filmed in Georgia, particularly around Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier. The creators chose Georgia due to its generous tax incentives for filmmakers. However, the murky waters, dense forests, and rustic lakefront properties create the perfect illusion of the Ozarks, helping to establish the series’ ominous and moody tone.

Why It’s One of the Best Netflix Shooting Sets

• The isolated lake scenery adds a sense of paranoia and secrecy to the show.
• The Blue Cat Lodge, a real-life restaurant turned set, became an iconic location for fans.
• The vast landscapes mirror the feeling of entrapment Marty Byrde experiences in the series.

The Ozark shooting locations prove that a show doesn’t have to be filmed in its exact setting to create an authentic experience.

2. The Upside Down – Stranger Things

No Netflix series is as synonymous with its setting as Stranger Things. This sci-fi thriller is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, and follows a group of kids who uncover dark government experiments, supernatural monsters, and the mysterious parallel dimension known as the Upside Down.

Filming Locations

Most of Stranger Things was filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia. Key locations include:

• Hawkins National Laboratory – Actually the Briarcliff Campus of Emory University.
• Starcourt Mall – Shot at Gwinnett Place Mall, an abandoned shopping center in Georgia.
• Hawkins Middle School – Filmed at the real-life Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge, GA.

Why It’s One of the Best Netflix Shooting Sets

• The small-town 1980s aesthetic adds nostalgia and charm to the show.
• The eerie, fog-filled forests and empty roads contribute to the show’s unsettling atmosphere.
• The abandoned mall and eerie underground tunnels create the perfect backdrop for supernatural horror.

3. The Royal Palace of Madrid – Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)

Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) is one of Netflix’s most popular non-English language series. The Spanish crime drama, created by Álex Pina, follows a group of robbers who take over Spain’s Royal Mint under the guidance of the enigmatic Professor.

Filming Locations

While the show is set in Madrid, the exterior shots of the Royal Mint were actually filmed at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The Royal Mint itself did not allow filming, so interior scenes were recreated in a studio. Additional locations include:

• Paseo de la Castellana – A prominent street in Madrid where key scenes were shot.
• San Frutos Hermitage (Segovia) – Featured in later seasons as a hideout.

Why It’s One of the Best Netflix Shooting Sets

• The grand architecture of Madrid adds an elegant, cinematic feel to the show.
• The narrow alleyways and old streets create tension, making the heist more dramatic.
• The real-world settings add credibility to the show’s high-stakes drama.

4. The Scottish Highlands – The Witcher

The Witcher, Netflix’s epic fantasy series starring Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and medieval castles. The show, based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, takes place in the mystical Continent, a world filled with magic, monsters, and political intrigue.

Filming Locations

The show was filmed in several breathtaking locations across Europe, including:

• The Scottish Highlands – Featured in sweeping landscape shots.
• Ogrodzieniec Castle, Poland – Used for dramatic battle scenes.
• Vajdahunyad Castle, Hungary – A key location for the kingdom of Cintra.

Why It’s One of the Best Netflix Shooting Sets

• The rugged mountains and rolling landscapes perfectly match the fantasy genre.
• Ancient castles add authenticity and grandeur to the medieval-inspired story.
• Filming in real European locations gives the show a cinematic, high-budget feel.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana – The Originals

Netflix has also given a home to supernatural dramas like The Originals, a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. This show follows the original family of vampires as they return to New Orleans to reclaim their city from supernatural forces.

Filming Locations

Most of The Originals was filmed in Conyers and Madison, Georgia, but key New Orleans locations were also used, including:

• The French Quarter – Known for its historic charm and vibrant nightlife.
• Jackson Square – A crucial setting for many supernatural confrontations.
• Louis Cemetery No. 1 – The real-life haunted cemetery featured in the show.

Why It’s One of the Best Netflix Shooting Sets

• The Gothic architecture and eerie atmosphere enhance the supernatural theme.
• The lively streets contrast with the dark and brooding vampire drama.
• The deep history of New Orleans makes the setting feel authentic and mystical.

6. Iceland – Black Mirror (Crocodile Episode)

Black Mirror, Netflix’s critically acclaimed anthology series, is known for its unique, unsettling stories set in dystopian worlds. One of the most visually striking episodes, Crocodile, was filmed in Iceland.

Filming Locations

• Reykjavík and the surrounding countryside – The snowy, isolated landscapes amplify the tension of the psychological thriller.
• Hotel Holt – A real-life Icelandic hotel that served as a key location.

Why It’s One of the Best Netflix Shooting Sets

• Iceland’s stark, icy landscapes enhance the episode’s cold, detached themes.
• The minimalistic, remote setting reflects the protagonist’s descent into paranoia.
• The unique terrain provides a stunning, otherworldly aesthetic.

Conclusion

Netflix has redefined television by taking storytelling beyond sound stages and into real-world, breathtaking locations. From the eerie lakes of Ozark to the dramatic streets of Money Heist, and the medieval landscapes of The Witcher, the streaming giant continues to use remarkable shooting sets to enhance its series.

Whether it’s the small-town nostalgia of Stranger Things, the supernatural charm of The Originals, or the haunting beauty of Iceland in Black Mirror, these filming locations play a crucial role in immersing audiences into the worlds of their favorite shows.

Do you have a favorite Netflix shooting set? Let us know in the comments!