17 Forgotten Movie Sets You Can Still Explore

Malta has grown into a favored destination in recent years, boasting crystal-clear waters and breathtaking historical landmarks. However, another major attraction on this Mediterranean island is the abandoned set from the 1980 film "Popeye."

Starring Robin Williams, the movie depicted the fictional village of Sweethaven, where Popeye came in search of his long-lost father. Constructed along the shores of Anchor Bay, the original set took seven months and a team of 165 workers to finish. The completed scene featured 20 wooden buildings painted in muted tones to help the actors stand out. After filming ended, locals repainted the set, transforming it into a vibrant spectacle.

Now known as Popeye Village, visitors can explore the remnants of the Hollywood film and even hold weddings there. It's open every day of the week and features shows, rides, museums, and play areas where children can meet beloved characters from the film, including Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto, and Wimpy. Some of the houses even showcase original props from the film, creating an authentic movie experience.

If that sparks your interest, you're in luck: remnants of film sets can be found worldwide for you to visit. Some, like District 12 from Hunger Games, lie in ruins, while others, such as the signs from M*A*S*H, are well-preserved. Regardless of your favorite genre, there's an abandoned set related to almost every type of film. While some may be tricky to reach (like the underwater one), they’re definitely worth the visit for any film enthusiast. Here are 17 abandoned movie sets that you can explore.

'Star Wars': Tatooine in Tozeur, Tunisia

While a trip to another planet is still beyond reach, fans of Star Wars can explore the iconic desert planet, Tatooine, in Tunisia. Tourists can join guided visits to the well-preserved filming locations, including Luke Skywalker's childhood home near the Chott el Jerid salt flat. Although these structures were used for exterior shots, fans can head to Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata (about a three-hour drive away) to see where the interior scenes were filmed.

'Pirates of The Caribbean': Port Royale in Wallilabou Anchorage, St. Vincent

Though Johnny Depp may have moved on, the set from the beloved 2003 film "Pirates of The Caribbean" still stands in St. Vincent. Visitors can find props and buildings still intact, along with a small museum showcasing memorabilia and photographs, although features like the dock have fallen into disrepair.

'Hunger Games': District 12 in Henry River Mill Village, North Carolina

This haunting location was already a ghost town before the film crew arrived for the post-apocalyptic saga, making it an ideal backdrop for the renowned dystopian world of The Hunger Games. Although visitor numbers have since declined, people can still wander through the deserted streets and structures of Henry River Mill Village.

'The Patriot': Old Spanish Mission in Cypress Gardens, South Carolina

The 170-acre preserve, located just 30 miles from Charleston, has been the backdrop for various films, including "The Notebook," and served as the filming site for Mel Gibson’s 2000 film "The Patriot." After production, remnants of a faux church and bridge were left behind for fans to discover.

'Field of Dreams': Baseball Field in Dubuque County, Iowa

Originally a farm, the creators of Kevin Costner's 1989 film Field of Dreams constructed a baseball field that remains to this day. Visitors can run the bases, explore or rent the Kinsella family home, and occasionally catch the local “Ghost Players” in action on the field.

'Big Fish': Town of Spectre in Montgomery, Alabama

Nestled on a private island, the remnants of the picturesque town from Tim Burton's "Big Fish" consist of just a few buildings and crumbling streets. While it is technically private property, the owners are quite accommodating, allowing visitors to fish, camp, picnic, and explore the beautiful natural landscape. A small toll for crossing the bridge is required, making it a worthwhile experience for those interested in a slice of Hollywood history.

'M*A*S*H': Signs in Malibu Creek State Park, California

If you need another reason to hike the breathtaking trails of Malibu, keep an eye out for remnants from the iconic TV series M*A*S*H, filmed in this location from 1972 to 1983. While enjoying stunning ocean views, visitors can spot restored signs and military vehicles that were preserved in 2007, now on display in Malibu Creek State Park.

Trail Dust Town in Tucson, Arizona

What appears to be a vibrant outdoor shopping mall today was actually built from the remnants of an unfinished Glenn Ford western film from 1951. This lively spot still showcases its original charm, enhanced with attractions for all ages, including a Ferris wheel, miniature train, carousel, and thrilling Wild West stunt shows.

'Death Tunnel': Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky

Dare to enter? This forsaken sanatorium once functioned as a tuberculosis and mental health facility before its closure in 1961. The eerie concrete chute, utilized for transporting deceased patients, set the perfect spine-chilling scene for the 2004 horror film "Death Tunnel." It has since featured on shows like Ghost Hunters and is known as one of the most haunted hospitals in the U.S.

'L’Enfant et la Sirène': Underwater Village in France

In the 1960s, a duo of filmmakers sought to explore the depths of underwater filming for their project, "L’Enfant et la Sirène" (The Child and the Mermaid). They constructed an entire village nearly 100 feet beneath the surface, just off the Cap d’Antibes, which now requires scuba gear for anyone wishing to visit.

'Session 9': Danvers State Hospital in Danvers, Massachusetts

Another abandoned psychiatric hospital makes the list, serving as the eerie backdrop for the 2001 horror film "Session 9." While many buildings have been torn down and replaced with condos, portions of the façade remain standing.

'12 Monkeys': Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This prison once held notorious inmate Al Capone, but after its closure, it succumbed to decay. When the filmmakers of the Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt film sought a post-apocalyptic locale, they found it in this haunting site. Visitors can still explore the building, now one of the most popular haunted attractions in the U.S., complete with an audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi.

'Girl, Interrupted': Harrisburg State Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Many of the buildings featured in the film starring Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder have since been repurposed as offices following the hospital's closure in 2006. However, remnants from the film, such as the “Administration” sign, still linger on the property.

'Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters': Village in Augsburg, Germany

Nestled in the woods of Augsburg, just an hour's drive west of Munich, Germany, you can find the remnants of the set from the 2013 fantasy horror film, featuring a faux well and a quaint town square.

'Lord of the Rings': Hobbit Holes in Matamata, New Zealand

Fortunately, this film set is easily accessible if you're on a New Zealand road trip. Since the conclusion of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, the community has preserved the enchanting buildings and scenery, offering a variety of tours of Hobbiton for fans to enjoy.

'The Fugitive': Bus Scene in Dillsboro, North Carolina

Filmed along a section of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, the remnants from this memorable Harrison Ford scene in Fugitive are still visible today. The wreckage of the train and bus can be found near the tracks for fans to explore.

'Schindler’s List': Plaszow Camp in Krakow, Poland

Since the actual Nazi concentration camp was demolished, the creators of Schindler's List opted to build a replica. This was the sole set constructed for the film and remains in the Krakus Mound Quarry, close to the original location, where visitors can take a guided tour.