Where was Dune filmed?

Denis Villeneuve’s epic sci-fi adaptation of Dune transports viewers to distant planets, vast deserts and surreal dreamscapes, but many of its most breathtaking locations come from real places here on Earth. Although the story unfolds on the desert world of Arrakis, the production filmed across several countries to create its sweeping, otherworldly look. 

If you’ve been watching and wondering where those dramatic dunes, futuristic cities and stark alien landscapes were captured, here’s a guide to the real-world locations behind the film.

Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan

One of the most iconic filming locations in Dune, the Wadi Rum desert provides the perfect stand-in for the harsh surface of Arrakis. Its towering sandstone cliffs, deep red sands and vast, open plains make the desert feel ancient, dangerous and strangely beautiful, ideal for the film’s sweeping shots of the Fremen homeland. 

Wadi Rum is a UNESCO-recognised desert wilderness and has appeared in other sci-fi films like The Martian and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. In Dune, it forms the backdrop for Paul and Lady Jessica’s early encounters with the Fremen and those immense sandworm-filled landscapes.

Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

To capture the sheer scale of Arrakis, the production also filmed extensively in the Liwa Desert. Its towering dunes, some reaching over 150 metres high, help create the sense of endless, inhospitable sand that defines the planet. 

Liwa’s blinding white-gold dunes are used for some of the film’s most dramatic moments, including the scenes of the Atreides family arriving on Arrakis and the Fremen crossing the sands. Filming took place during scorching temperatures, with cast and crew working in extreme heat to achieve the film's realism.

Standlandet Peninsula, Norway

Not every moment in Dune takes place in the desert. The stormy, rugged coastline of the Stadlandet Peninsula in Norway was used for the scenes set on Caladan, the lush, ocean-filled home world of House Atreides. 

Its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves and stark grey skies offer a complete contrast to Arrakis. These calmer, moody scenes serve as the emotional anchor of the film before the Atreides family is thrust into danger. The coastline’s natural beauty adds a grounded, believable quality to the world-building. 

Budapest, Hungary

Although the film features huge outdoor landscapes, many of Dune’s intricate interior scenes were shot on massive sound stages in Budapest. Sets for palaces, military bases, and the interiors of the Arrakeen fortress were built here, combining brutalist architecture with futuristic design. 

Origo Studios & Backlots, Hungary

Hungary’s Origo Studios hosted much of the production, offering the controlled environment needed for the film’s complex visual effects and action sequences. The blend of real sets and CGI gives Dune its dense, lived-in look. 

In addition to indoor sound stages, outdoor back lots in Hungary were used for various logistic and atmospheric shots that help flesh out the worlds of the Imperium. Some of the city exteriors, courtyards and military spaces were created here before being enhanced with visual effects. 

These locations allowed the production to maintain visual consistency while filming across multiple countries with drastically different landscapes.

Brion Tomb, Furtuna, Italy (inspiration)

While not a primary filming location, the film’s production team has mentioned drawing architectural inspiration from Carlo Scarpa’s Brion Tomb in Italy. Its angular, sculptural concrete forms influenced the minimalist, monumental look of Dune’s buildings. 

Though these scenes were recreated on sets rather than filmed on location, it’s a notable influence for fans interested in the film’s visual design.

You can watch Dune through a range of streaming services, including platforms like Prime Video. It's a visually stunning adaptation that’s even more impressive on the biggest screen you can find. 

With Virgin Media’s TV packages, you can access all your favourite streaming platforms, premium channels and blockbuster films in one place, perfect for diving back into the world of Arrakis.