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Architecture & Movies

November 27, 2024

Five films that use buildings, cities, and imagined spaces as central elements in their storytelling.

Movie poster collage accompanying a discussion of architecture in film

From the iARCH archive. Originally published November 27, 2024. Time-sensitive forecasts and event references reflect the original publication.


Here are five movies that beautifully incorporate architecture into their storytelling

Blade Runner 2049 (2017) - This visually stunning sequel to "Blade Runner" features a dystopian Los Angeles with Brutalist architecture, creating a moody and immersive atmosphere.

Black Panther (2018) - The fictional nation of Wakanda showcases futuristic and culturally rich architecture, inspiring many with its unique design and world-building.

Inception (2010) - Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller uses architecture to create dreamscapes, with iconic scenes like the folding cityscape and the fortress in the snow.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - Wes Anderson's quirky film features the titular hotel, designed with a distinctive and whimsical architectural style that becomes a character in itself.

Her (2013) - This film explores the relationship between a man and an AI, with the architecture of Los Angeles playing a significant role in the narrative, reflecting the protagonist's emotional journey.