Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Lights, camera, action! We typically associate these words with Hollywood, New York and recently Louisiana for climbing up the moviemaking ladder for its number of blockbusters. However, these aren’t the only destinations that utilize their idyllic backdrops and huge sound stages to create impressive scenes that drape across the big screen.

These following four destinations have managed to stay out of the spotlight for years before they starred in buzz-worthy motion pictures; but it you can’t miss a good movie that you won’t want to miss their landscapes which have made some films epic.

Ouarzazate, Morocco

His timeless performance in “Gladiator” garnered Russell Crowe rave reviews that included nominations and coveted Academy award wins like Best Actor Award and Best Picture.  However, his portrayal of gladiator Maximus could not have been successful without the right setting. 

That’s where the Moroccan city of Ouarzazate came in, which was the backdrop for his long pilgrimages along the vast desert and other scenes like his training for battle. The city is Morocco’s version of Hollywood, and its rustic appearance is so authentic it was even deserving of a cameo in the acclaimed TV show “Game of Thrones.”

Khao Phing Kan, Thailand

Who knew a chain of remote islands would become as famous as 007 when they made their acting debut in “The Man with the Golden Gun.”  After becoming bitten by the acting bug and famously adopting name the name James Bond Island, they no longer hide in the shadows as Thailand’s secret treasure. 

These days, travelers from far and wide come to see where James Bond once squared off with Christopher Lee's villainous Scaramanga.  However, they are also are undeniably smitten by the beauty reflected from the turquoise water as well as the gigantic 66 foot rock, Ko Tapu.

Gold Coast, Australia

Australia’s Gold Coast may not be as popular as Melbourne or Sydney but its many claims to fame make it a movie capital in its own right. Along with appearances in Bollywood films, the area is home to the Village Roadshow Studios, a film studio that is responsible for setting the stage for Mathew McCaughey and Kate Hudson to search for treasure while falling back in love in the process in “Fool’s Gold.”

In addition, under the studio's operation it also takes movie-lovers on a thrill ride with the Warner Bros Movie World, a theme park that is completely devoted to movies. Whether plunging at fast speeds on the GREEN LANTERN Coaster or being scared silly while riding the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster, not all of the Gold Coast's plots climaxes on screen.

Thailand: Koh Phi Phi

We are not quite finish with Thailand yet because the island of Khao Phi Phi was the setting for “The Beach” staring Leonardo DiCaprio.  In the movie, Koh Phi Phi was painted to be a paradise, and indeed it is with enormous rocks emerging out of the blue waters lined by white sand. 

For all DiCaprio fans, a visit to this beautiful island is guaranteed to bathe you in natural luxury while while you walk the sandy coastline that the celebrated actor once stood.