I often watch movies and series filmed in places I plan to visit. It’s one of my favourite ways to get a feel for a country’s culture, people, and vibe. Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes work beautifully on screen.
The country is regularly used as a filming location for international productions, such as Game of Thrones, which helped spark Iceland’s tourism boom. About 2.3 million people visited Iceland in 2025 — a record high.
To help you prepare for your Iceland adventure, I’ve selected seven feature films, series, and documentaries. My picks cover different styles and themes to appeal to every traveller’s taste.
Under an Arctic Sky
Under an Arctic Sky is a 2017 documentary following six surfers who chase waves along Iceland’s north coast. The film presents Iceland’s raw beauty in a unique context that captivates even non-surfers.
With a runtime of just 40 minutes, Under an Arctic Sky easily fits into a busy pre-travel schedule. The documentary is available on Netflix in various countries and for rental on platforms like Apple TV.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams star in this musical comedy that tells the story of Fire Saga, a band from a small coastal town called Húsavík. While not entirely filmed in Iceland, the movie takes a wholesome look at the country’s culture.
The film was released on Netflix in 2020, making it easy for subscribers to watch it before visiting Iceland. But regional restrictions vary.
Island Songs
The documentary follows composer Ólafur Arnalds as he travels to different parts of Iceland to collaborate with seven artists, recording a new piece in a different town each week.
Island Songs lasts about 70 minutes and offers an authentic glimpse into Icelandic life, capturing both the country’s striking scenery and its close-knit communities. You can stream it on Prime Video and Apple TV, depending on your region.
Heima
Like Island Songs, Heima combines Icelandic landscapes with music. The film follows Icelandic folk-rock band Sigur Rós on a 2006 tour, covering small and large concerts across Iceland.
Whether you’re a fan of Sigur Rós or discovering their music for the first time, Heima captures the band’s ethereal tunes to get you in the mood for your trip. You can access the 97-minute film via the official Sigur Rós website or watch it on Apple TV (depending on location).
Iceland with Alexander Armstrong
In this documentary, well-known UK television presenter Alexander Armstrong explores Iceland. Across three episodes, he learns about its history, folklore, and nature, visiting everything from volcanic landscapes to remote fishing villages.
Armstrong’s warm presenting style makes the series an easy watch. It’s available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Katla
In this mystery-drama television series, local people who disappeared decades ago return to their town, but they haven’t aged at all. The series has received favourable reviews from critics and viewers.
Katla is an eight-episode series, so add it to your watchlist if you have time for a pre-trip binge. It’s streaming on Netflix and Apple TV in various regions.
101 Reykjavik
101 Reykjavik is a 2000 romantic comedy set in Iceland’s capital. The story focuses on a young, directionless man who still lives with his mother and takes an interest in her friend over Christmas.
The premise may sound low-key, but the film has become a cult favorite. You can stream it online on platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime in many locations.
So, do you need a VPN for streaming 101 Reykjavik? Not necessarily, but it can help. If the film is available on your paid streaming platform, a VPN can reduce slowdowns if your ISP throttles connections based on traffic type. Using a VPN also lets you connect to a server in your home country, which can help you keep using your paid subscription while travelling.
Getting in the Mood for Your Iceland Experience
Iceland is a small island packed with natural beauty — volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, the Northern Lights. Watching the recommended films and series will deepen your feel for the country before you touch down.
But make sure to do other types of research before your trip. Study the local culture, food, and accommodation, and check the weather forecast. Building a clear plan will help you make the most of your Iceland adventure.