10 Iconic Blockbusters That Were Filmed on Green Screens

Green screen technology has revolutionised filmmaking, turning any studio into an out-of-this-world landscape. From futuristic cities to apocalyptic battlegrounds, it’s easy to associate green screen studios with sci-fi or fantasy, but it pops up in almost every genre.   In this article, we’re going to talk through some of our favourite films that have been filmed in a green screen studio.

 1) The Matrix (1991)

Neo dodging bullets in slow motion is unforgettable, and almost entirely crafted on green screen stages. The iconic “bullet time” sequence was a combination of practical effects and digital wizardry.

 2) 300 (2006)

Zack Snyder’s stylised take on the Battle of Thermopylae was shot almost entirely in a warehouse with green screens. The bold visuals were added in post-production, frame by frame.

 3) Avatar (2009)

One of the most successful and innovative uses of green screen studios in recent times, James Cameron’s sci-fi epic redefined the world of cinema. The actors performed on sparse stages, later transformed into the lush alien world of Pandora.

 4) Life of Pi (2012)

The breathtaking ocean scenes were filmed in a giant water tank with green screen walls. You’d be forgiven for thinking Richard Parker was real, too, but he was actually mostly CGI.

 5) Gravity (2013)

Most of Gravity was filmed in London using green screen environments and robotic rigs (of course, it wasn’t actually filmed in space), capturing zero-gravity illusions with stunning accuracy.

 6) Avengers: Endgame (2019)

One of the most imagery-rich movies of the last decade, from time travel to alien worlds, Marvel’s climactic battle relied heavily on green screen sets to bring comic-book spectacle to life.

 7) The Jungle Book (2016)

A single actor, Neel Sethi, acted entirely against green screens and animatronic props. The lush jungle and animal cast were all created digitally, which makes his performance even more impressive.

 8) Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)

George Lucas embraced digital filmmaking early. Much of the film, including the clone army and cityscapes, was built on green screen stages.

 9) King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s reimagining of Skull Island was filmed in New Zealand using extensive green screen and motion capture technology, especially for Kong himself (as opposed to the 1993 technique of a big, clay model and stop-motion animation).

 10) Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Though known for practical stunts, green screens were crucial for enhancing environments, weather effects, and creating post-apocalyptic wastelands.

The Magic of the Green Screen

What these films really show is that green screen isn’t just about flashy effects, it’s a tool for telling bigger, bolder stories. At Mount Pleasant Studio, we love seeing how a simple green backdrop can transform into anything you imagine. Whether we’re working on a commercial, a music video, or something cinematic, it always starts the same way: in the studio, with a bit of creativity and a lot of potential. The magic begins here, what happens next is anyone’s guess.