With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Puerto Rico has become a favored location for filmmakers seeking a unique backdrop for their stories.
From captivating beaches to historic streets, Puerto Rico offers diverse settings that have graced the silver screen.
We have carefully handpicked 15 movies filmed in Puerto Rico for you to view. If you’re looking for movies filmed in Puerto Rico, this article will help you find many.
1. The Rum Diary (2011)
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Director: Bruce Robinson
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard, Richard Jenkins
The Rum Diary is the first on our list of movies filmed in Puerto Rico. Based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, this film starring Johnny Depp unfolds in the scenic landscapes of Puerto Rico, capturing its allure and providing a visual feast for viewers.
The Rum Diary (2011) follows the story of Paul Kemp, played by Johnny Depp, a journalist who takes a job at a newspaper in Puerto Rico during the 1960s.
Kemp becomes entangled in the island’s vibrant and sometimes chaotic lifestyle. As he navigates the challenges of his new job, Kemp becomes involved with a corrupt businessman and falls for his girlfriend.
The film shows themes of corruption, morality, and the clash between idealism and reality in Puerto Rico’s exotic and tumultuous setting.
2. Fast Five (2011)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Director: Justin Lin
- Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.
Next on our list of movies filmed in Puerto Rico is the Fast Five. The adrenaline-pumping action of the Fast and Furious franchise takes a thrilling turn in Puerto Rico, featuring high-speed chases through the streets of San Juan.
Fast Five centers around Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew, who find themselves on the wrong side of the law after a failed heist in Rio de Janeiro.
Faced with relentless law enforcement and a ruthless drug lord, they assemble a team to pull off one last job – stealing $100 million from the corrupt businessman who controls the city’s criminal underworld.
The film combines high-octane action with heist elements and introduces Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the franchise as a relentless federal agent hot on Toretto’s trail.
Fast Five is known for its thrilling car chases, intense action sequences, and the series’ shift towards a more heist-oriented genre.
3. The Losers (2010)
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Director : Sylvain White
- Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Idris Elba, Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans, Columbus Short
Based on the comic book series, this action-packed film utilizes Puerto Rico’s dynamic urban and natural environments to set the stage for its gripping plot.
The Losers (2010) revolves around an elite Special Forces team – Clay (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), Roque (Idris Elba), Jensen (Chris Evans), Pooch (Columbus Short), and Cougar (Óscar Jaenada) – betrayed and left for dead during a mission in Bolivia.
Surviving the betrayal, they join forces with the mysterious Aisha (Zoe Saldana) to seek revenge against the powerful and manipulative Max (Jason Patric).
This is one of the movies filmed in Puerto Rico that combines action, humor, and camaraderie as the team engages in a high-stakes mission to clear their names and dismantle Max’s sinister plans.
With explosive sequences and a blend of wit and action, The Losers delivers a thrilling ride of redemption and justice.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Director: Rob Marshall
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush, Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, Stephen Graham.
This is another one on our list of movies filmed in Puerto Rico.
Johnny Depp’s iconic Captain Jack Sparrow graces the shores of Puerto Rico in this installment of the beloved pirate saga, adding a touch of Caribbean magic to the film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) follows Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he embarks on a quest to find the legendary Fountain of Youth.
Along the way, he encounters Angelica (Penélope Cruz), a former flame, and faces off against the infamous pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).
The race for the Fountain involves treacherous waters, mermaids, and the Spanish navy, adding layers of adventure and danger.
Sparrow navigates alliances and betrayals in his pursuit of eternal life, making this installment a swashbuckling journey filled with mystical elements, humor, and Captain Jack Sparrow’s signature eccentricity.
5. 22 Jump Street (2014)
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
- Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare, Wyatt Russell, Amber Stevens, Jillian Bell
The hilarious undercover duo, played by Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, embarks on their mission at fictional MC State University, filmed on location in Puerto Rico.
22 Jump Street (2014) continues the comedic adventures of undercover cops Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum).
This time, they go undercover as college students to bust a drug ring. As they navigate campus life, the duo faces the challenges of growing up and maintaining their partnership.
The film humorously plays on the sequel trope, acknowledging its existence. It mixes action and comedy as Schmidt and Jenko work to uncover the drug supplier.
The movie, filmed in Puerto Rico, is known for its self-aware humor, the chemistry between the leads, and its satirical take on sequels.
6. GoldenEye (1995)
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 on
- Director: Martin Campbell
- Cast : Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabella Scorupco, Famke Janssen, Joe Don Baker
Part of the James Bond legacy, “GoldenEye” features Puerto Rico’s lush landscapes, which double as exotic locations characteristic of the Bond universe.
GoldenEye (1995) follows James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) as he investigates the theft of a powerful satellite weapon known as GoldenEye.
Bond discovers that the gun is in the hands of former MI6 agent Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), who plans to use it to cause a global financial meltdown.
As Bond races against time, he navigates a web of betrayal, encounters the mysterious and lethal Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen), and attempts to stop Trevelyan’s destructive plot.
The film features action, espionage, and classic Bond elements, introducing Brosnan as the iconic secret agent in a Cold War-era thriller.
7. The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Director : Grant Heslov
- Cast: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Robert Patrick
This satirical war comedy, starring George Clooney, incorporates Puerto Rican scenery to create a visually engaging backdrop for its offbeat narrative.
The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) is a satirical war comedy about journalist Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) as he ventures into Iraq to cover the war.
He encounters Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), who claims to be part of a secret U.S. Army unit with psychic abilities.
The story weaves between Cassady’s past experiences in the New Earth Army, led by the eccentric Bill Django (Jeff Bridges), and the present-day quest to find a missing unit member.
The film humorously explores themes of military absurdity, unconventional warfare, and the blurred line between reality and the paranormal.
8. Runner Runner (2013)
- IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
- Director: Brad Furman
- Casts: Justin Timberlake, Gemma Arterton, Anthony Mackie, Ben Affleck,
- Michael Esper.
This is also one of the movies filmed in Puerto Rico. Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck star in this thriller set against the backdrop of online gambling, utilizing Puerto Rico’s landscapes to enhance the film’s intensity.
Runner Runner (2013) centers around Richie Furst (Justin Timberlake), a Princeton student who loses his tuition money in an online poker game he believes to be rigged.
Determined to uncover the truth, Richie travels to Costa Rica to confront the site’s owner, Ivan Block (Ben Affleck).
Instead of finding deception, Richie is seduced by Block’s luxurious lifestyle and the promise of wealth.
As Richie becomes involved in Block’s empire, he discovers the dark side of online gambling and must navigate a dangerous game of deceit and betrayal.
The film explores themes of risk, morality, and the consequences of seeking fortune in high-stakes gambling.
9. The Perfect Wedding (2012)
- IMDb Rating: 6.4 /10
- Director: Scott Gabriel
- Cast: James Rebhorn, Kristine Sutherland, Eric Aragon, Jason T. Gaffney, Apolonia Davalos.
This romantic comedy takes advantage of Puerto Rico’s romantic ambiance, showcasing the island as an ideal setting for love and laughter.
The Perfect Wedding (2012) is a romantic comedy that follows the story of Paul Fowler (Eric Aragon), a gay man preparing for his upcoming wedding.
However, things take an unexpected turn when his conservative parents arrive unannounced, unaware that their son is marrying a man.
As Paul attempts to keep the true nature of the wedding secret, comedic situations arise, testing relationships and challenging societal expectations.
10. After the Sunset (2004)
- IMDb Rating: 6.4 /10
- Director: Brett Ratner
- Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Woody Harrelson, Don Cheadle, Naomie Harris.
Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek light up the screen in this heist film, which makes the most of Puerto Rico’s stunning locations to bring its caper to life.
After the Sunset is a heist film that revolves around the story of master thief Max Burdett (Pierce Brosnan) and his partner-in-crime and romantic interest, Lola Cirillo (Salma Hayek), after successfully pulling off a series of high-profile heists; they decide to retire to a tropical paradise.
However, an FBI agent, Stan Lloyd (Woody Harrelson), who has been trying to catch them for years, suspects that they might be planning one last job.
As Max and Lola enjoy their seemingly idyllic life, Stan closes in on them, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse.
The film combines comedy, romance, and heist action to explore themes of trust, loyalty, and the allure of a life of crime.
11. Mambo Kings (1992)
- IMDb Rating: 6.4 /10
- Director: Arne Glimcher
- Cast: Armand Assante, Antonio Banderas, Cathy Moriarty, Maruschka Detmers, Desi Arnaz, Jr., Roscoe Lee Browne
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this musical drama celebrates Puerto Rican culture and showcases the island’s vibrant music scene.
Mambo Kings (1992) is a musical drama about two Cuban brothers, Cesar (Armand Assante) and Nestor Castillo (Antonio Banderas), who immigrated to New York City in the 1950s with dreams of becoming successful musicians.
The brothers form a mambo band and achieve some success, but they face the challenges of the music industry, personal struggles, and the impact of fame on their relationship.
The film is based on Oscar Hijuelos’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love.
It explores themes of cultural identity, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the power of music to shape lives.
12. Captain Ron (1992)
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
- Director : Thom Eberhardt
- Cast: Kurt Russell, Martin Short, Mary Kay Place, Meadow Sisto, Benjamin Salisbury.
Captain Ron is also on our list of movies filmed in Puerto Rico. Kurt Russell and Martin Short star in this comedy, taking audiences on a nautical adventure with Puerto Rico’s beautiful coastline as the backdrop.
Captain Ron is a comedy adventure film about the Harvey family—Martin (Kurt Russell), his wife Katherine (Mary Kay Place), and their two children—as they inherit a yacht.
They hire the unconventional Captain Ron (Martin Short) to sail the boat from the Caribbean to Miami.
Captain Ron’s carefree and unpredictable nature clashes with the Harvey family’s uptight attitudes, leading to comedic misadventures.
As they navigate storms, pirates, and various challenges on the high seas, the film explores the dynamics of the Harvey family and the transformative power of embracing spontaneity.
13. Sorcerer (1977)
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Director: William Friedkin
- Cast : Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal, Amidou, Ramon Bieri.
This movie, filmed in Puerto Rico and directed by William Friedkin, uses the lush Puerto Rican jungle as a critical element in its suspenseful storyline.
Sorcerer is a suspenseful thriller directed by William Friedkin. The story revolves around four men with troubled pasts who find themselves in a remote South American village.
Each has reasons for being there, but they are united by a dangerous job – transporting volatile nitroglycerin through treacherous jungle terrain to extinguish an oil well fire.
The film shares themes of desperation, survival, and the moral complexities faced by individuals pushed to their limits.
As the characters confront their demons and the unforgiving jungle, Sorcerer builds tension and suspense, making it a gripping and intense cinematic experience.
14. A Perfect Murder (1998)
- IMDb Rating: 9/10
- Director: Andrew Davis
- Cast: Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow,
- Viggo Mortensen, David Suchet, Sarita Choudhury
Starring Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow, this suspenseful drama features Puerto Rico’s luxurious landscapes as a backdrop for a high-stakes murder plot.
Perfect Murder (1998) is a psychological thriller about wealthy businessman Steven Taylor (Michael Douglas) and his wife Emily (Gwyneth Paltrow).
Steven discovers that Emily is having an affair with an artist named David Shaw (Viggo Mortensen).
Instead of confronting them directly, Steven devises a meticulous plan to murder his wife and make it look like a robbery gone wrong.
The plot unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game between Steven, Emily, and David, with unexpected twists and turns.
As the scheme becomes increasingly complex, the film delves into themes of betrayal, greed, and the dark undercurrents of a seemingly perfect marriage.
Based on Frederick Knott’s play Dial M for Murder, A Perfect Murder is a suspenseful and engaging thriller.
15. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
- IMDb Rating: 9/10
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Cast: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Oreste Baldini
While not entirely filmed in Puerto Rico, this cinematic masterpiece includes scenes shot in the historic city of Fajardo, adding a touch of Caribbean elegance to the iconic film.
The Godfather: Part II is a cinematic masterpiece directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
The film is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather and follows the parallel stories of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in the late 1950s and early 1960s and the rise of his father, Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro), in the early 1900s.
In the contemporary timeline, Michael expands the family’s criminal empire and faces internal and external threats.
Meanwhile, in the past, Vito establishes himself as a powerful and cunning Mafia don in New York.
The film explores themes of power, family, loyalty, and the consequences of a life immersed in organized crime.
The Godfather: Part II is known for its intricate narrative structure, compelling characters, and iconic cast performances.
It received widespread critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history.
