10 Romantic Films Set in Lost Cities

Description: An adventurer searches for a lost Incan treasure, but finds love and intrigue in the process, set against the backdrop of Machu Picchu.

Fact: The film was shot on location at Machu Picchu, providing an authentic setting for the lost city. It was also one of the first films to use the now-iconic fedora hat, later popularized by Indiana Jones.

Description: While not strictly a romance, the film features a love story set against the backdrop of an ancient Egyptian city. The chemistry between Rick O'Connell and Evelyn Carnahan adds a romantic subplot to the adventure.

Fact: The film's set for Hamunaptra was one of the largest ever built for a movie, covering over 20 acres. Brendan Fraser performed many of his own stunts, adding authenticity to the action sequences.

Description: This animated adventure follows two con artists who accidentally end up in the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. Their journey is filled with humor, friendship, and a touch of romance.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be much darker and more adult-oriented, but was toned down to appeal to a broader audience. The city's design was influenced by Mayan and Aztec architecture.

Description: This animated film follows a linguist who joins an expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis, where he finds love and adventure in equal measure.

Fact: The film's design was heavily influenced by Jules Verne's works, with the city of Atlantis depicted as a blend of steampunk and ancient technology. It was one of Disney's first attempts at a more mature, adventure-driven story.

Description: A reclusive romance novelist is swept off her feet by a dashing cover model when they're both kidnapped and taken to a lost city in search of treasure. Their adventure becomes a journey of love and self-discovery.

Fact: Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum star in this action-comedy, showcasing their chemistry both on and off the screen. The film's setting was inspired by the real-life lost city of Petra in Jordan.

Description: While primarily an adventure, the film includes a romantic subplot between Mowgli and Shanti, set in the lost city of the monkeys, adding a layer of romance to the jungle setting.

Fact: The film's visual effects were groundbreaking, with the lost city of the monkeys being entirely CGI, creating a vivid and enchanting environment.

Description: Set in a fictional lost city hidden in the Andes, this film tells the tale of a treasure hunter who falls in love with a local woman, leading to a quest for both gold and the heart.

Fact: The film's set design was inspired by the ancient city of Machu Picchu, with intricate details to reflect the lost civilization's culture and architecture.

Description: This film follows the real-life explorer Percy Fawcett, who ventures into the Amazon to find an ancient city, only to find love and adventure in equal measure. The backdrop of the lost city adds a layer of mystery to the romantic narrative.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Colombia and Northern Ireland, capturing the lush, untamed beauty of the Amazon. Charlie Hunnam underwent extensive physical training to portray Fawcett's grueling expeditions.

Description: A group of explorers search for a lost city in the jungle, where one of them finds love with a native woman, blending romance with the thrill of discovery.

Fact: The film was shot in Belize, with the jungle setting providing an authentic backdrop for the lost city. It was one of the first films to use extensive CGI to depict the ancient ruins.

Description: This documentary-style film follows the expedition of Hiram Bingham III to Machu Picchu, with a romantic subplot between two explorers, highlighting the allure of lost cities.

Fact: The film was one of the first to document the rediscovery of Machu Picchu, providing a historical perspective on lost cities and their romantic allure.