Top 10 offbeat movie locales

updated 9:47 a.m. ET Feb. 22, 2007

Sometimes it's not the director, or the editing, or even the actors that make a movie — it's the scenery. If you've ever been so inspired by a movie's landscapes that you wanted to book your trip right there and then, you know exactly what we mean. And while there are places that are synonymous with the big screen (New York and Paris come to mind) we've focused on off-the-beaten-path locales that captured the imagination of travelers everywhere when they appeared on the silver screen. Whether you're moved by a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach or the tranquil greenery of a small town, we've scouted out ten less-talked-about movie locales well worth a visit.

1. Angkor
You won't find any secret artifacts entombed in temples here like the one Lara Croft (played by Angelina Jolie) discovered in the film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001), but Cambodia's maze of ancient temples, dating back earlier than the 9th century is sure to evoke a sense of wonder and mystery. Of particular interest is Ta Prohm, the star temple featured in the movie — where Jolie fell into the hidden tomb. The neighboring town of Siam Reap offers hotels, restaurants, and spas aplenty. It was while filming here that Jolie fell in love with the country's arresting beauty and was inspired to adopt her Cambodian son.

2. Goa
Known for its endless beaches and all-night seaside bashes, India's Goa is also home to laid-back charm, medieval small towns, quaint villages, and lush green forests. The hedonistic hotspot has a romantic side as well, tranquility that proves perfect for those looking for a romantic respite. That's what Jason Bourne and his girlfriend Marie were after in the opening scenes of “The Bourne Supremacy” (2004), but their peaceful beach getaway soon gave way to a fast-action car chase; the surrounding scenery was so beautiful it had travelers the world-over ready to book a trip.

3. Madison County
When “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995) came to the big screen, cinema buffs flocked to Madison County, Iowa, to see for themselves where this visually stunning and hopelessly romantic movie was filmed. If you find yourself in this peaceful place in the Midwest, be sure to take a picture of the Roseman and Holliwell covered bridges, the reason why Clint Eastwood's character (Robert Kincaid) comes to Madison County and ultimately meets Francesca. You can also stop in at the Northside Café and the Stone Bridge, both featured in the film.

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4. Memphis
The marriage of music and movies is best found in the city of Memphis, an icon of rock, pop, and soul. For a half-century it has been dubbed the "Home of the Blues" and the "Birthplace of Rock-n-Roll," but movie buffs know it has also starred in Hollywood hits and Oscar award-winning films. Whether chronicling the lives of legendary giants Jerry Lee Lewis (“Great Balls of Fire;” 1989) and Johnny Cash (“Walk the Line;” 2005), or setting the scene for the story of a pimp turned rapper (“Hustle & Flow;” 2005), the city's love for music is best characterized in its vibrant nightlife. Pair that with southern-style cuisine, and you'll find a number of ways to cure just about any bout of the blues.

5. Montreal
Montreal is no stranger to the big screen — it's just that the city most often finds itself acting a double for someplace else. Not so in “Afterglow” (1997), however — this movie about two Montreal couples was filmed here, but more importantly, lets the city take center stage. Fans of the film will want to stop by the bar at the Ritz-Carlton, where one of the films most important scenes takes place. Foreign-language film fans will recognize the city landscape featured in “Les Invasions Barbares” (The Barbarian Invasions; 2003), the winner of the Foreign Language Film Oscar.

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