star-wars
IN PHOTO: This is a file photo of cosplayers wearing Star Wars costumes Reuters/ File

Australia is well-known for its beautiful landscapes which are also why many producers and directors choose to film in the country. There are other incentives given to filmmakers, which make it one of the most frequented places for creating blockbuster movies. Here are five famous blockbusters that were filmed in beautiful Australia.

1. The Matrix

The film is a co-production of Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures, an Australian company. The Matrix starred Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss and was a huge hit, grossing over $460 million at the world box office in 1999. Almost all the scenes were filmed at Fox Studios in Sydney, Australia. The principal photography was taken in 118 days. The film helped set New South Wales as a big film production center.

2. Mission: Impossible II

The action spy movie starred Tom Cruise and was directed by John Woo. The story revolved around a Chimera virus that threatened to harm people in Australia. Cruise played the role of special agent Ethan Hunt, who met with his espionage and special mission team in Sydney, based on an article by Screen. The movie was a huge success just like the first grossing over $546 million worldwide.

3. The Wolverine

The 2013 superhero film is the sixth installment of the highly popular X-Men film series. The Marvel superhero is played by Australian Hugh Jackman. Filming was done in August 2012 in Australia, which became the movie’s main location because of financial and tax incentives. The movie was a blockbuster hit, grossing over $414 million worldwide.

4. Planet of the Apes

The 2001 science fiction movie was directed by Tim Burton and starred Mark Wahlberg. The story revolves around an astronaut who crash-landed on a planet where highly intelligent apes lived. Filming was done in Australia, as well as in California and Hawaii. The movie was a huge hit, grossing over $362 million worldwide.

5. Star Wars Episode II and III

The two films, named “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith” respectively, are the second and third installment of the famous Star Wars series. The film was directed by George Lucas and starred Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor among others. “Attack of the Clones” grossed over $649 worldwide while “Revenge of the Sith” raked in over $848 million. Filming for both films took place in Australia and other countries at Fox Studios in Sydney, according to a report by Wikia.

More well-known films were also shot in Australia and more are being made in the area, taking advantage of its wonderful scenery. Its close neighbour, New Zealand, was the location for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

To contact the writer of this story, send an email to v.doctor@ibtimes.com.au