13 Films with Stunning Architecture That Will Make You Appreciate Human Ingenuity
Columbus
Released: August 4, 2017 | Average Rating: 3.8
Set in the small Midwestern city of Columbus, Indiana, the film “Columbus” tells the poignant story of Jin, a son stranded by his father's unexpected illness, and Casey, a young architecture enthusiast. The city is a renowned hub for modernist architecture, featuring clean lines and functional elegance. Their meeting sparks a unique friendship and a shared appreciation for the city's architectural gems.
Learn more about ColumbusThe Grand Budapest Hotel
Released: February 26, 2014 | Average Rating: 4.2
Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a tapestry of whimsical storytelling set against the backdrop of a legendary hotel. The visual splendor of the hotel, with its intricate interiors and opulent facade, plays a crucial role in narrating the tale of a concierge and his trusted protégé. The film meticulously captures the early 20th-century European aesthetic and architectural grandeur.
Learn more about The Grand Budapest HotelPlayTime
Released: December 16, 1967 | Average Rating: 3.8
Jacques Tati’s “PlayTime” is an adventurous sojourn through a gadget-filled Paris. Clumsy Monsieur Hulot navigates an intimidating urban environment full of towering glass structures and complex machinery. The brilliantly designed sets offer a humorous yet critical take on modernist architecture, with a touch of satire.
Learn more about PlayTimeBlade Runner 2049
Released: October 4, 2017 | Average Rating: 4.1
The dystopian world of “Blade Runner 2049” is a masterpiece of futuristic architectural design. Thirty years after the original film, the sequel extends the cyberpunk aesthetic, featuring sprawling megastructures and neon-lit urban landscapes. Officer K’s quest through this bleak yet visually stunning universe underscores the impact of architecture on storytelling.
Learn more about Blade Runner 2049Metropolis
Released: February 6, 1927 | Average Rating: 4.2
Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” is a pioneering work of science fiction and architectural imagination. The film presents a futuristically divided city, with monumental art deco skyscrapers symbolizing the elite's power and vast subterranean workers' quarters reflecting societal oppression. This silent film continues to influence architectural thought and science fiction storytelling.
Learn more about MetropolisDune
Released: September 15, 2021 | Average Rating: 4.1
Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” transports viewers to the arid desert planet of Arrakis, with its imposing sandswept architecture set against a stark alien landscape. The film's visualization of futuristic palaces and fortresses vividly captures the interplay between human civilization and harsh, unforgiving environments.
Learn more about DuneJodhaa Akbar
Released: February 13, 2008 | Average Rating: 3.7
“Jodhaa Akbar” is a romance-epic that unfolds among the grandeur of Mughal architecture. The Mughal emperor Akbar's opulent palaces and sprawling forts provide a magnificent backdrop to this tale of political alliances and true love. The film’s intricate set designs and historical accuracy offer a visual feast.
Learn more about Jodhaa AkbarParasite
Released: May 30, 2019 | Average Rating: 4.1
Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” uses architectural contrast to underline themes of social inequality. The stark division between the lavish mansion of the Parks and the cramped, semi-basement apartment of the Kims visually represents their differing socioeconomic statuses. The meticulous design enhances the narrative’s tension and poignancy.
Learn more about ParasiteEx Machina
Released: January 21, 2015 | Average Rating: 3.8
“Ex Machina” explores the intersection of technology and human emotion within the confines of an ultra-modern, minimalist mansion. As Caleb interacts with the world’s first true AI, the sleek, futuristic design of the reclusive CEO Nathan’s home becomes a character of its own, embodying themes of isolation and control.
Learn more about Ex MachinaHer
Released: December 18, 2013 | Average Rating: 3.9
Spike Jonze’s “Her” paints a near-future metropolis punctuated by innovative architecture where Theodore, a lonely writer, forms an unusual romantic relationship with his operating system. The meticulously crafted urban settings blend warmth with isolation, echoing the film’s exploration of love and human connectivity in the digital age.
Learn more about HerDark City
Released: February 27, 1998 | Average Rating: 4
“Dark City”, directed by Alex Proyas, thrusts its protagonist into a nightmarish world devoid of sunlight, controlled by telekinetic beings. The gothic noir architecture of the city, with its ever-shifting, memory-altering landscape, serves as a critical element in the film’s mystery and dark atmosphere.
Learn more about Dark CityThe Shape of Water
Released: December 1, 2017 | Average Rating: 3.8
Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” intertwines a fairy tale romance with Cold War-era aesthetics. The film’s unique visual style and contrasting settings— from a high-security lab to a rustic apartment—bring to life the otherworldly story of a mute janitor and an amphibious creature. The rich details add depth to this enchanting narrative.
Learn more about The Shape of WaterGhost in the Shell
Released: November 18, 1995 | Average Rating: 3.9
The animated film “Ghost in the Shell” delves into a future where cybernetics and the internet converge. Its depiction of sprawling urban landscapes and technologically advanced infrastructures highlights the themes of human vulnerability and cybernetic enhancement. The dark, neon-soaked cityscapes remain visually and thematically influential.
Learn more about Ghost in the ShellFrom futuristic visions and dystopian worlds to historical romance and cybernetic realms, these 13 films offer more than cinematic entertainment—they provide a feast for the eyes and a deep appreciation for architectural storytelling. Next time you watch a film, take a moment to admire the brilliance of its built environment.