Best movies filmed in Amsterdam.
1. The Fault in Our Stars (2014) After warming the hearts of thousands on the big screen, The Fault in Our Stars continues to inspire tourists to visit Amsterdam. The film tells the story of Hazel and Gus (Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort), two terminally ill teenagers. They travel to Amsterdam to find an author and learn the unfinished ending of his book. Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, this movie was so popular that the bench overlooking Leidsegracht 4, where Hazel and Gus professed their love for each other, was stolen. It’s since been replaced by a replica and is covered in fan graffiti. You can visit the famous bench and imagine the romantic scene, or see the arches of the Rijksmuseum where Hazel and Augustus walked hand in hand.
2. Black Book (2006) This renowned film tells the story of Rachel Stein, a Jewish singer who is part of the Dutch resistance. She returns to Amsterdam to infiltrate the inner circles of the Gestapo headquarters during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. Directed by Dutch native Paul Verhoeven, you’ll spot the streets and canals of Amsterdam in a few big scenes in this moving film.
3. Diamonds Are Forever (1971) Of all seven of Sean Connery’s James Bond movies, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ was the only one partly filmed in Amsterdam. It’s also famed as the last official time Sean Connery played the legendary James Bond, and he infiltrates a global diamond smuggling ring to save the world from a giant laser weapon. Keep your eyes peeled in the first part of the film to see the gorgeous Canal Ring of Amsterdam and the famous white-painted Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) on the river Amstel. You can also spot other filming locations like the Brouwersgracht in the Jordaan, and the Reguliersgracht 36. That’s the canal-side apartment where Bond Girl Tiffany Case lived.
4. Kidnapping Mr. Heineken (2015) This thrilling movie was filmed in Amsterdam and tells the true story of the most famous crime in Dutch history. It’s all about the 1983 attempt by a group of local criminals to kidnap one of the richest men in the country, beer tycoon Freddy Heineken. The criminals demand a huge ransom, but their plans begin to fall apart thanks to their inexperience. While you watch the famous kidnapping play out, you’ll also get to admire the pretty sights of Amsterdam in some scenes.
5. The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) The story of Anne Frank has been immortalized in countless documentaries, films, books and of course, Anne’s famous diary, but this 1959 film directed by George Stevens is one of the most memorable. It tells the incredible story of Anne, a young Jewish girl, who is forced into hiding with her family and another family in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation of World War II. She keeps a diary, penning down her thoughts and experiences, from the threat of Nazi discovery to the everyday antics of two families brought together. You’ll see glimpses of Amsterdam in some scenes as Anne longs for freedom, and it’s a truly moving, must-watch film.
Diary of a Young Girl Audiobook (big file - have your phone charged!)
Diary of a Young Girl Book (pdf)
6. Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) While Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth are the stars of this fantastic film, it’s also worth a watch to see the gorgeous scenery of Amsterdam and Delft. The film is about Griet, the girl with the pearl earring painted by the legendary real-life Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Most of the film is shot in Delft, but you’ll also spot some Amsterdam highlights, including the Royal Palace on Dam Square.
7. Ocean’s Twelve (2004) While Ocean’s Eleven was all about casinos and California, the sequel takes you to the canals and coffee shops of Amsterdam. First, you’ll get to admire the likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones as they stop in Amsterdam to pull off some major heist action… But look a little closer and you’ll spot the Dampkring Coffeeshop on the Handboogstraat and the Pulitzer Hotel on Prinsengracht. There’s also the ‘golden bend’ of the Herengracht canal and the streets of Heiligeweg and Kalverstraat. If you aren’t already dreaming of Amsterdam, this movie will make you want to pack your bags ASAP.
8. The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017) If you love comedy, action and shots of Amsterdam, we’ve got the perfect movie for you. The Hitman’s Bodyguard stars the hilarious Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek, and keeps you on your toes with gunfights and high-speed chases. But instead of the usual fast cars, you’ll get boats racing through the stunning canals of the Dutch capital. You’ll even spot the iconic Rijksmuseum.
Films about VanGogh, Vermeer and Rembrandt
Looking for Rembrandt (Amazon Prime Mini Series)
1. Lust for Life The
life of brilliant but tortured artist Vincent van Gogh.
2. Vincent This
documentary, on the life of artist Vincent Van Gogh, is told through his
letters to his brother Theo, from 1872 until his tragic death. We gain first
hand insight into the man, his motivations, and his humanity.
3. Vincent & Theo
The familiar tragic story of Vincent van Gogh is broadened by
focusing as well on his brother Theodore, who helped support Vincent. The movie
also provides a nice view of the locations which Vincent painted.
4. Van Gogh The
final sixty-seven days of Van Gogh's life are examined.
5. The Eyes of Van Gogh
After the disastrous months spent with Gauguin in the yellow house
in Arles, Vincent van Gogh, in desperate search for a cure from attacks that
increasingly plague him, voluntarily enters an insane asylum.
6. The Yellow House
Covers the short period the two master painters spent as roommates
in Van Goghs house and tensions and personality conflicts that ensued.
7. Painted with Words
The story of Vincent Van Gogh, with dialogue sourced from his own
words.
8. Loving Vincent In
a story depicted in oil painted animation, a young man comes to the last
hometown of painter Vincent van Gogh to deliver the troubled artist's final
letter and ends up investigating his final days there.
9. At Eternity's Gate
A look at the life of painter Vincent van Gogh during the time he
lived in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, France.
10. Brushstrokes: (amazon prime) S1 E2 - Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent Van Gogh