tourist movie jamaica

10 Extraordinary Movies Set In Jamaica That Will Inspire You To Visit!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Travel Via Cinema , Jamaica

Sofia De Vera combines a heartfelt passion for cinema with over 15 years of critiquing for esteemed film publications, wielding academic credentials from the University of Southern California and New York University, to serve as your personal guide through the enchanting worlds of film and television.  Her full guest bio can be found here.

Jamaica has a lot to offer for both national and international filmmakers. The country is known for its beautiful beaches and majestic waterfalls. It is also well known for being the birthplace of reggae music, its cuisine and of course, its world-famous rum! So it will come as no surprise that there are so many wonderful movies set in Jamaica.

It’s hard to dispute that the Caribbean has some of the most beautiful places in the world. If you think about the word “paradise”, you’ll probably imagine the landscape of one of these islands.

Among them, Jamaica stands taller due to its rich history and captivating culture. Those who are unsure about visiting a place so far should pay attention, for the island has lots to offer: from the most postcard-like sights you can see, to some of the tastiest food on the continent. Not to mention the coffee.

There is one more thing to mention when it comes to this beautiful island: the world wouldn’t be the same without reggae, and reggae wouldn’t exist without Jamaica. The island was the birthplace of this musical genre and way of life. In fact, many of the core values of Jamaicans come from the reggae and Rastafari culture. It is rooted in their way of seeing the world.

A good look at Jamaica would mean seeing a little bit of all the aspects that make the country so beautiful. Each of these films will contribute to painting a greater picture. That picture is charming and colorful. That picture is Jamaica. Dive in, but don’t forget to put on sunscreen! 

These films set in Jamaica have narratives that rely on their settings as much as their main protagonists, and as a result, spectators get a glimpse of this iconic country through the director’s eyes. To honor the concept of cinematic travel, we have also assembled lists of our favorite films shot in some of our all-time favorite travel destinations: Oregon , Edinburgh , Colombia , Ukraine or Turkey .

Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.

You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students ) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.

Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions . Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best. 

While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.

Page Contents

Countryman (1982)

Rockers (1978), the harder they come (1972), smile orange (1976), shottas (2002), yardie (2018), home again (2012), clara’s heart (1988), cool runnings (1993), pirates of the caribbean: the curse of the black pearl (2003).

Countryman , by Dickie Jobson, is one of the most important movies made in Jamaica. This movie sits in a very particular place in the country’s film industry. Unlike many of the films in this list, not many people saw it when it came out.

While it has become more popular internationally, not that many people have seen it today. Yet is an influential part of many Jamaicans’ lives. It became a cult classic on the island, which is no surprise, for many folks saw themselves and their values represented in the titular character.

The film follows a fisherman who lives in solitude in a remote location in Jamaica. He is known only as Countryman and is credited as such—although now we know that he was played by the late Edwin Lothan. One day, he stumbles upon a plane crash near his home in the jungle. Among the wreckage, he sees that two people were still alive and decides to save them. 

However, this good deed puts him in a kind of trouble he has never been in: these two men could unleash a political scandal in America if they were to be found by the wrong people. And that is Colonel Sinclair (Basil Keane), who has ordered a manhunt throughout the jungle. Countryman will do his best to protect them.

Countryman is deeply rooted in reggae. In fact, it was produced by Island Records, a label that was instrumental in the careers of many artists from all over the world, among which Bob Marley is of note. The film itself was dedicated to Marley and the values he stood for. There is no doubt that it’s an essential film for anyone planning a visit to Jamaica.

This is certainly one of the best movies set in Jamaica and is for true fans of reggae. What was just said about Countryman also applies to Rockers : it’s a film with reggae at its roots. But this one is much more explicit. Rockers are about the reggae genre and movement, featuring the appearance of some of the most prominent figures in the scene.

Thanks to its documentary style, a big chunk of the film is comprised of real-life concerts and studio recordings by figures like Bob Marley and Kiddus I. Many of the events caught in this film went on to become essential reggae history. 

What makes this movie so interesting is the fact that it began as a documentary project by Greek filmmaker Theodoros Bafaloukos. He wanted to capture the rising reggae culture that was taking over the island.

But as he got more and more material, he realized that he had something else in his hands: the chance to craft a cinematic experience that would use narrative to show what it was like to be a reggae musician back in that day.

He decided to weave a story through all the footage he got and managed to make a compelling film that would make you feel like you were there. Yet the story of Rockers isn’t what you probably expect.

It follows Horsemouth (Leroy Wallace), a drummer living in a ghetto who, after saving some money, buys himself a motorcycle. The film sees him setting off on his bike and trying to sell and distribute reggae records around the island of Jamaica.

When his bike is stolen by a group of gangsters, he and his gang will stand up for what’s right. The title of the film comes from the word that was used back then to describe reggae musicians.

Going back even further back in time is a film that’s a key part of the history of reggae. The Harder They Come is a crime film set in the city of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. It follows the story of a poor man from the countryside who tries to make it as a singer in a big city.

The character of Ivan Martin was played by the talented Jamaican singer, Jimmy Cliff. Even though Martin is a great singer from the very beginning, it will take him much effort and suffering to even get to be heard.

This film is credited with some very important achievements, yet it’s perhaps one of the least-known films on this list. It was Jamaica’s first feature-length film. And it was made on a low-budget and nothing but a force of will: Perry Henzell managed to write, film, and direct this film almost all by himself—he collaborated with Trevor Rhone, who was a playwright.

With the little practice he had gotten making school productions, Henzell dived right in to make the country’s first feature and did a wonderful job at it. The movie was made by Jamaicans for Jamaicans: it showed the local culture in a naturalistic way and even used the local dialect that Jamaicans spoke.

The Harder They Come is also known for introducing the international public to reggae. Upon its successful release in Jamaica, the film was also distributed all around the world.

This exposed people not only to Jamaica but also to its culture. International viewers were most surprised by the groovy and charming songs that were played in the film and became very much interested in reggae as a result.

Smile Orange , like these last three of the best movies set in Jamaica, was made in the seventies and stands as one of the best films that Jamaican cinema has to offer. Like the films before it, it offers a crude yet humorous look at the Jamaican-man experience. It’s a satirical film that pokes fun at racism and slavery as only a Jamaican could.

The film was directed by Trevor Rhone, the man who worked with Perry Henzell to make The Harder They Come . Smile Orange was based on a play he had written years before, which meant that Rhone had a good deal of experience directing actors in these roles.

The film follows Ringo (played by Carl Bradshaw, who was also in Rhone’s previous film), a Jamaican who works as a swindler: he earns his pay by conning unsuspecting tourists who come to visit the island. And he is good at his job: his way of speaking and personality will charm even those who are watching the film.

When he gets a job at a hotel on the island, The Mocho Beach Hotel, Ringo is forced to see that, even though Jamaica gained its independence in 1962, there is still much that hasn’t changed.

Smile Orange was shown all over the world and was praised by critics for its daring story and unexpected approach to a difficult subject matter. It seems strange to say in this day and age, but it seems like the film opened the eyes of many critics towards the way that black people were still being exploited, even though slavery was abolished.

Crime has been the main part of Jamaican films ever since its very first feature-length, The Harder They Come . Through time, different directors have had different approaches to portraying the criminal side of Jamaica.

What’s great about Shottas is that it was made by people who were born and raised in Kingston, who had a good grasp on what they are depicting, and who are aware of the dangers of these kinds of films.

This film was made almost in its entirety by Cess Silvera, a Jamaican filmmaker who hasn’t worked on many successful projects. It would be fair to say that Shottas wasn’t successful either: the film could be seen in Jamaican cinemas for a while and only got a limited release in the United States.

Before the film was even released, an unfinished copy leaked and was distributed through the Internet. However, the people who got to see it loved it and became fans of the film. When it was time to see it in theatres, those people were there. But the window to see the film was so small that very little money was made from ticket sales.

Shottas tells the story of two young men who, after growing up together in the Kingston ghetto, find themselves living a life of crime in Jamaica. These men are played by Spragga Benz, a local DJ, and Ky-Mani Marley, the only son of Bob Marley.

The film will see them coming out with new ways of thieving, eventually becoming extortionists. When the police get too close to their tracks, they decide to flee to Miami, where a fitful end will meet them.

The name Yardie may sound familiar to you. Before its 2018 adaptation, it was a very popular book in England and Jamaica. Written by Victor Headley, Jamaican-born and British-raised, the book was one of the first to be made by and for black people. It is said that this was the novel that prompted bookstores to reserve a spot for books written by black people.

The book tells the story of a young man from Jamaica who becomes a key figure in London’s underworld. However, the film goes in a different direction.

Directed by famous English actor Idris Elba, the film tells a smaller story than the book, one that is much more focused on Jamaica. It follows the life of Dennis Campbell (Aml Ameen), referred to simply as D, a Jamaican man who becomes involved in a transnational drug-dealing plot.

Yardie begins in 1973, with D living with his brother in Kingston, and shows the two of them as they try to help two gangs make peace. But everything takes a turn for the worse when his brother is killed.

The audience catches up with D ten years later and we see that he has become a part of one of the gangs. It’s his business as an enforcer and drug dealer that will see him traveling to London with a pack of cocaine. There he will meet an old friend of his and rekindle a lost love. When he tries to escape his ties with the gang, things will get even sourer.

All the way from Canada comes this film that takes a deep and long look at immigration and deportation laws. Home Again , by Sudz Sutherland, follows three people who had emigrated from Jamaica with their families when they were children but are now forced to go back to the country, they know almost nothing about and barely lived in.

Of course, the title of the film is ironic: no one of these people considers Jamaica their home. It is, rather, their hell, for the locals aren’t very keen on those who went away.

Each of these three people has a touching story behind it. With a bad record and four years in prison, a man (Lyriq Bent) is deported from the United States. When the British authorities find weed in his possession, a young boy (Stephan James) is sent away. Not only is a mother of two (Tatyana Ali) been forced to leave her children in Canada, but she also finds herself being broken up with by her boyfriend who was secretly a drug dealer.

Home Again does a great job of showing a side of Jamaica that tourists don’t usually see. It will help you open your mind to different ways of experiencing the city. It’s not pretty to see, but the stories told here are those of real people.

Back in 1988, people were in love with Whoopi Goldberg in everything she was in and had no clue who a young boy by the name of Neil Patrick Harris was. Also, back then, a new movie by Robert Mulligan —the director of To Kill a Mockingbird , among many other classic films— meant that the stars were aligned and something magical was happening.

When Clara’s Heart came out, it became quite an important hit, amassing a luxurious box office. However, it was very badly received by critics. There was a very big expectation around this movie, and it didn’t seem to meet it at all. But today we can look at it with new eyes and try to see what, in that time, people couldn’t see.

Clara’s Heart it’s told in a subdued manner which was very different from how movies at the time were made. In fact, it is different from the way that movies are made today. The movie follows a woman named Clara (Goldberg) who works as a maid in a Jamaican hotel. There she meets David Bart (Harris), the son of two grieving parents who have lost their daughter.

The film will see her playing a key part in the family’s healing, being there for David when no one else seems to be.

Even though the plot still doesn’t hold completely up, it is surprising to see such a powerful performance by this young and brave Goldberg. But it’s not a surprise to learn that Harris got to where he is today, for his talents in front of the camera were clear even then, in his first role. Clara’s Heart tells the story of a different kind of Jamaica.

Any kid who used to watch Disney Channel back in the 90s and 00s should be familiar with this charming film. Cool Runnings , by Jon Turteltaub, told the story of a group of Jamaicans who, against all odds, set out to compete in the Olympics. But not any Olympics; the Winter Olympics. And bobsleigh of all sports.

The irony of the matter may be lost if you happen to be unfamiliar with what bobsleigh is about: this sport was established in the 1870s and consists of a race down a snowy, twisting, and sloped circuit with an aerodynamic sleigh. For a whole generation, Cool Runnings was the first time they ever came in contact with the sport.

What’s even more interesting than the premise is the fact that the film was based on a true story. In 1988, the Jamaica national bobsleigh team made their debut at the Winter Olympics to the astonishment of all watching. Of course, coming from a tropical country, there weren’t any tracks they could practice on, so lots of their training was done on wheels.

They hadn’t been provided with much in terms of equipment either, but luckily the other teams chimed in and lent them some of their gear. As you may imagine, they didn’t do so well, but they managed to make a good first impression for a team of underdogs who had all the odds against them.

Cool Runnings begins in 1987 in Jamaica with Derice Bannock (Leon Robinson), a sprinter who was on the verge of qualifying for the Olympics. It seems like his chance to compete is completely gone, but then he discovers that the committee leader of the tournament was a bobsled medalist. Device figures that this is his chance and decides to create the first Jamaican bobsled team. To do so, he and his newfound team prepare by going down Jamaica’s streets in pushcarts.

By this point in time, one would think that most people are familiar with Pirates of the Caribbean . But younger generations who were born after the first three movies came out —which were the most popular and the best— haven’t had the experience of seeing the wonderful original trilogy.

Not all of them take place in Jamaica, but they are a great resource to explore the wonderful sights that the Caribbean Islands have to offer.

Even though the first three movies are great, we’re only going to talk about the first one here to keep away from spoilers. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl follows an infamous pirate by the name of Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp) as he tries to get his hands on a precious but cursed ship known as the Black Pearl.

He will unwillingly find himself working with Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), a young blacksmith, to rescue Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) from the hands of the pirates aboard the Black Pearl.

The first movie takes place in Port Royal, a key city during the times of pirates and traders back in the late 17 th and early 18 th centuries. Located on the southern shore of Jamaica, this was one of the ruling seats of the British Government in the Islands.

However, it no longer exists: now it’s just a village that was taken over by time. Still, it’s a wonderful place to visit and remember the good and bad deeds that were done there.

• 10 Films To Make You...

10 Films to Make You Fall in Love with Jamaica

Jamaica is different things to different people — and movies featuring Jamaica tend to reflect that. From British movies in the 1950s featuring pirates and colonialism to portrayals of social justice and crime, films set in Jamaica are varied in nature. Here are 10 of them to make you fall in love with Jamaica.

Countryman (1982).

One of the greatest Jamaican films of all time and a cult classic for anyone who knows Jamaica is Countryman . The film is dedicated to Bob Marley and the Wailers, and the soundtrack is by that giant of Jamaican music Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry . Countryman, after whom the film is named, plays a Rastafarian fisherman who rescues two Americans from a crashed plane and helps them evade the authorities as some local political intrigue plays out. The film really showcases rural Jamaica and the peaceful message of Rastafariansim — especially when Countryman holds forth with his regular words of wisdom.

Rockers (1978)

Smile orange (1976).

Smile Orange is a classic of the 70s — satirising the eminently risible tourism business which plays such an important role in Jamaica. The lead character, a hotel waiter known as Ringo, is a bit of a chancer and conman who somehow manages to hang on to his job despite a series of ill-advised escapades. Featuring some fabulous orange waistcoats and flared trousers, this is a genuinely funny film and shot entirely in Jamaica. https://youtu.be/9E7MbZpeGv8

Holding On To Jah (2011)

This documentary about roots reggae and Rastafarian culture took a few years to make but is intended to be the definitive film on the subject. It features interviews with a range of well-known Rasta reggae artists. Holding On To Jah is indeed a fascinating insight into Rasta culture and the important role of music within that. Filmed in Rasta communities across Jamaica, the film is a must-see for anyone wanting to learn more about roots reggae and Rastafarianism.

Made in Jamaica (2006)

This documentary about Jamaica’s music gets beneath the surface as it follows some of the country’s reggae and Dancehall artists. Released to critical acclaim at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival , Made in Jamaica is an energetic look at Jamaica’s culture of music and at Jamaican society itself. The live music performances are outstanding, and despite some critics feeling that the film skates over some of the deeper societal issues raised by the film, there’s enough exposure to some of the issues to prompt further exploration by keen viewers. What is really captivating though are the scenes filmed in downtown Kingston — neighbourhoods most people watching the film will never visit.

The Harder They Come (1972)

A real icon of Jamaican film, The Harder They Come is as relevant today as the day it was made. The story, based on true events of the time, involves the protagonist travelling from the country to Kingston seeking his fortune in music. Hard reality bites and our hero slips inexorably into a life of crime from which he is unable to escape. On the run from the police, he eventually meets a violent end. The film stars that icon of Jamaican music, Jimmy Cliff , who also had a massive hit with the eponymous title song. https://youtu.be/ixorORgo-mQ

Marley (2012)

Marley is a documentary about the life, music and legacy of Bob Marley . This documentary, made with the support of the Marley family, is beautifully shot and features plenty of footage of Marley and interviews with his contemporaries. This is the definitive account of an icon, and an immersive introduction to his timeless music. https://youtu.be/cthCtb8K6tY

Cool Runnings (1993)

Inspired by the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team, Cool Runnings is a classic comedy that has become a modern Jamaican cultural reference. Everybody knows the film about four plucky Jamaicans who travel to Calgary for the Winter Olympics, overcoming numerous hardships and challenges on the way. There is now even a Kool Runnings water park and a bobsled ride (on tracks) in Jamaica. If you happen to be in Calgary, the real bobsled used by that actual team sits outside the reception of the Calgary Olympic Park. An underdog comedy with Jamaican spirit. https://youtu.be/I3GOkUiOQms

Dr No (1962)

Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels in his home, Goldeneye , on the north coast of Jamaica near Oracabessa. This was the first to be made into a movie. Shot largely in Jamaica, it remains possible to visit many of the original locations such as the Liguanea Club in Kingston that stands in for Queen’s Club in the film; and The Grand Port Royal Hotel where the bar scene was shot. Perhaps the most iconic scene is when Ursula Andress walks out of the sea wearing a bikini and a dagger at Dunn’s River on the north coast. https://youtu.be/AZ6mOC4uSX4

Cocktail (1988)

This is an 80s classic from Tom Cruise’s golden years. Our final film is nothing other than cheesy, stylish fun with neon lights. Two guys, Cruise and Bryan Brown, working as barmen in a Manhattan cocktail bar, decide to move to Jamaica to pursue their dream. There’s some outstanding scenes filmed on the north coast around Frenchman’s Cove and the Blue Lagoon , showcasing some of the best public beaches on the north coast of the island. It’s okay to still love the 80s.

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Places to Stay

The best holiday apartments in jamaica, the caribbean.

The Best Villas to Stay on Jamaica, the Caribbean

See & Do

The best things to do in jamaica.

The Best Villas and Vacation Rentals to Book in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The Best Resorts in Jamaica, the Caribbean

The Best Places for Surfing in Jamaica

The Best Hotels to Book in Jamaica, the Caribbean, for Every Traveler

The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Jamaica

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Jamaica

Guides & Tips

Jamaica - a love letter to my teenage self.

The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels to Book in Jamaica

The Best Hotels to Book in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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There’s a way to make a movie like "The Tourist," but Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck doesn’t find that way. Here is a romantic comedy crossed with a crime thriller, shot in Paris and Venice, involving a glamorous mystery woman and a math teacher from Wisconsin. The plot is preposterous. So what you need is a movie that floats with bemusement above the cockamamie, and actors who tease each other.

As the mystery woman, Angelina Jolie does her darnedest. She gets the joke. Here is a movie in which she begins in a Paris cafe, eludes cops by dashing into the Metro, takes an overnight train to Venice, picks up a strange man ( Johnny Depp ) and checks them both into the Royal Danelli without one wrinkle on her dress or one hair out of place. And is sexy as hell. This is the Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly role, and she knows it.

Depp is in the Cary Grant role of the obliging, love-struck straight man who finds himself neck deep in somebody else’s troubles. In theory, these two should engage in witty flirtation and droll understatement. In practice, no one seems to have alerted Depp that the movie is a farce. I refer to farce in the dictionary sense, of course: a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations. Depp, however, plays his math teacher seriously and with a touch of the morose.

The plot involves — oh, hell, you know, the usual mystery man who has stolen millions from a gangster and gone into hiding while smuggling instructions to Jolie, his lover, instructing her to take the train to Venice, etc. And the cops from Scotland Yard who are tailing her in hopes of nailing the guy. And the gangster and his hit men who are also on the thief’s trail. And chases over the rooftops of Venice, dinner on a train, a scene in a casino, designer gowns and a chase through the canals with Jolie at the controls of a motor taxi, and...

Well, there was really only one cliche left, and I was grateful when it arrived. You know how a man in a high place will look down and see a canvas awning that might break his fall, and he jumps into it? Yep. And it’s shielding a fruit cart at the open-air market and he lands on the oranges and runs off, leaving the cart owner shaking his fist. This is a rare example of the Vertical Fruit Cart Scene, in which the cart is struck not from the side but from the top.

The supporting roles are filled by excellent actors, and it’s a sign of the movie’s haplessness that none of them make a mark. You have Paul Bettany and Timothy Dalton as cops, Steven Berkoff as the gangster and Rufus Sewell as "The Englishman," who must be important because he hangs around without any apparent purpose. Once in London, I saw Berkoff play a cockroach in his adaptation of Kafka’s "Metamorphosis." It might have helped if he’d tried the cockroach again.

A depressing element is how much talent "The Tourist" has behind the camera. Writer-director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck made " The Lives of Others ," which won the 2007 Oscar for best foreign film. The screenplay is by Christopher McQuarrie (Oscar winner for " The Usual Suspects ") and Julian Fellowes (Oscar winner for " Gosford Park "), along with von Donnersmarck. It’s based on a French film written by Jerome Salle , which was nominated for a Cesar. All three "Tourist" writers seem to have used their awards as doorstops.

It doesn’t matter that the plot is absurd. That goes with the territory. But if it’s not going to be nonstop idiotic action, then the acting and dialogue need a little style and grace and kidding around. Jolie plays her femme fatale with flat-out, drop-dead sexuality. Depp plays his Wisconsin math teacher as a man waiting for the school bell to ring so he can go bowling. The other actors are concealed in the shadows of their archetypes. Cary Grant would have known how to treat a lady.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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The Tourist (2010)

Rated PG for violence and brief strong language

103 minutes

Paul Bettany as Acheson

Rufus Sewell as Englishman

Steven Berkoff as Ivan

Angelina Jolie as Elise

Johnny Depp as Frank

Timothy Dalton as Jones

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9 must-see Jamaican films

When it comes to film-making, Jamaica is more than just a picturesque location. It’s the land of stories and storytellers, and artists express themselves through the magic of moving pictures. Each film provides a snapshot of a people throughout history, defining culture for generations to come. Here are some Jamaican films every Jamaican must see:

1. The Harder They Come (1972)

When discussing Jamaican film, it’s impossible not to reference The Harder They Come . Perry Henzell’s immortal classic made international waves and put reggae centre stage with its timeless soundtrack. Jimmy Cliff’s journey as the singer-turned-gunman Ivanhoe Martin, is a chilling tale that still resonates today.

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2. Smile Orange (1976)

Compared to Jamaican plays, the number of Jamaican films is few. Films based on plays are even fewer. With Smile Orange , Trevor Rhone’s play of the same name is brought to life by Rhone himself. Set against the backdrop of the tourist industry, the movie is a sharp comedy starring Carl Bradshaw as a smooth-talking con man.

3. Dancehall Queen (1997)

Capturing the essence of dancehall is not without its challenges, but with Dancehall Queen , the film successfully visualises it. Audrey Reid’s Marcia Green is a heroine for the ages and highlights the importance of dance, both in the story she tells, and in the extravagant costumes she wears.

4. Sprinter (2018)

It may be one of the more recent additions to Jamaican filmography, but Storm Saulter’s Sprinter manages to do justice to a story that’s been told time and time again. A young track star with hopes of greatness on the world stage and the hurdles he must overcome to get there.

5. Shottas (2002)

If The Harder They Come is the godfather of Jamaican film; Shottas is its loud and rambunctious nephew. Fuelled by rage and youthful exuberance, the film chronicles the story of Biggs and Wayne, who start their criminal careers as children, and throughout the film pursue a better life by any means necessary.

6. Third World Cop (1999)

With its policeman protagonist, Third World Cop is a rare instance in Jamaican film. Paul Campbell’s Capone would likely be the villain in another story. Director Chris Browne’s crime film, set in the heart of Kingston, is a story of an undercover detective trying to make a difference in his old community. The film is one of the highest-grossing Jamaican films, making $21 million on a budget of only $500,000.

7. Kingston Paradise (2014)

Featuring a dramatic turn for comedian Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, Kingston Paradise is the directorial début of the supreme Mary Wells. The characters in the film are all trapped by aspiration, longing to live life on their own terms. The performances are excellent, improved only by the score composed in part by the incomparable Michael Irvine.

8. Life + Debt (2001)

Stephanie Black’s eye-opening documentary looks at the global economic policies that have affected Jamaica and how they came to be. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, the film still manages to have keen resonance with the modern day.

9. Fire In Babylon (2010)

It may be produced in the United Kingdom, but Fire In Babylon is as Jamaican a film as they come. This documentary, chronicling the historic West Indies cricket team, features interviews from the most iconic living legends of the sport, telling the story of one of the greatest teams in sporting history.

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.

• «Roy Rayon picks his favourite Festival song
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10 Best Jamaican Movies of All Time: A Showcase of Jamaican Cinema

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Jamaica has a vibrant and diverse film industry that is relatively young compared to other countries. However, the country has produced several influential and groundbreaking movies that have had a significant impact both domestically and internationally.

Jamaican movies often explore themes related to the country’s unique culture, history, and social issues. Many of these films incorporate elements of Jamaican music, particularly reggae and dancehall, which have helped to define the country’s cultural identity on a global scale.

Some of the most notable Jamaican movies include “The Harder They Come” (1972), which is considered a classic of Jamaican cinema and helped to popularize reggae music internationally, “Rockers” (1978), which is a music-filled drama about the struggles of young musicians in Kingston, and “Shottas” (2002), a gritty crime drama that explores the underworld of Jamaican gangsters.

Best Jamaican Movies

Overall, Jamaican movies offer a unique perspective on the country’s history, culture, and social issues, and are well worth exploring for anyone interested in the rich and diverse world of international cinema.

1. Third World Cop (1999)

“Third World Cop” is a Jamaican action-drama film directed by Chris Browne, released in 1999. The film tells the story of a young Jamaican cop, Capone, who must navigate the dangerous and corrupt world of the Jamaican police force in order to bring down a powerful drug lord.

The film is noted for its gritty and realistic portrayal of life in Jamaica, as well as its thrilling action sequences and memorable characters.

It also explores themes of justice, corruption, and the struggle to do what is right in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The film features strong performances by its lead actors, including Paul Campbell as Capone and Mark Danvers as the ruthless drug lord.

“Third World Cop” was a critical and commercial success in Jamaica and internationally, and is regarded as a landmark in the history of Caribbean cinema.

It helped to bring attention to the vibrant and dynamic film scene in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, and inspired a new generation of filmmakers to tell their own stories on the big screen.

• Paul Campbell, Mark Danvers, Carl Bradshaw (Actors)
• Chris Browne (Director) - Chris Browne (Writer) - Carl Bradshaw (Producer)
• English, Spanish (Subtitles)
• Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

2. The Harder They Come (1972)

“The Harder They Come” is a 1972 Jamaican crime film directed by Perry Henzell. The film tells the story of Ivanhoe Martin, a young man from the countryside who dreams of becoming a reggae singer and making it big in Kingston.

When his music career doesn’t take off, Ivanhoe turns to a life of crime and becomes a notorious outlaw, pursued by the police.

The film is known for its iconic soundtrack, which features reggae classics by Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, and other legendary Jamaican artists.

The film’s themes of poverty, corruption, and resistance resonated with audiences worldwide, and it has since become a cult classic of Jamaican cinema.

“The Harder They Come” was groundbreaking in its use of Jamaican Patois and its depiction of the realities of life in urban Jamaica. The film showcased the vibrant culture and music of the island, helping to popularize reggae music and Jamaican culture around the world.

Overall, “The Harder They Come” is a powerful and inspiring film that captures the spirit of Jamaica and its people. It remains a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Jamaican film industry and a milestone in the history of Caribbean cinema.

• German (Subtitle)

3. Smile Orange (1976)

“Smile Orange” is a 1976 Jamaican comedy film directed by Trevor D. Rhone. The film follows the story of a smooth-talking waiter named Ringo, who works at a popular resort in Jamaica.

Ringo spends his days charming guests and avoiding work, while also dealing with the eccentricities of his boss and the challenges of life in a rapidly changing country.

As the film progresses, Ringo becomes embroiled in a series of comical and sometimes dangerous situations, including run-ins with tourists, local gangsters, and corrupt officials.

The film provides a humorous and insightful look at life in Jamaica during the 1970s, with commentary on issues such as tourism, politics, and cultural identity.

“Smile Orange” is known for its witty humor, colorful characters, and lively soundtrack, featuring classic reggae music from artists such as Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff.

The film was a commercial and critical success in Jamaica and remains a beloved classic of Caribbean cinema. It is a must-watch for fans of comedy and Caribbean culture.

• Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
• Carl Bradshaw (Actor)
• Trevor D. Rhone (Director) - Trevor D. Rhone (Writer) - Edward Knight (Producer)
• English (Playback Language)
• English (Subtitle)

4. Shottas (2002)

“Shottas” is a 2002 Jamaican crime film directed by Cess Silvera. The movie follows the story of two young Jamaican men, Biggs (Ky-Mani Marley) and Wayne (Spragga Benz), who grow up together in the dangerous streets of Kingston, Jamaica, and later become involved in organized crime in Miami, Florida.

The film was well received for its realistic depiction of the Jamaican gangster lifestyle and its portrayal of the harsh realities of life in Kingston.

It also features a number of popular reggae and dancehall artists, including Wyclef Jean, Paul Campbell, and Louie Rankin.

Despite its critical success, the movie was controversial for its graphic violence and portrayal of drug use, which led to it being banned in some countries.

However, it has since become a cult classic among fans of the gangster film genre.

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5. Dancehall Queen (1997)

“Dancehall Queen” is a Jamaican film directed by Rick Elgood and Don Letts, and released in 1997.

The film follows the story of a struggling street vendor named Marcia, played by Audrey Reid, who enters a local dancehall competition in order to win the prize money and change her life.

The film is set in Kingston, Jamaica, and features a soundtrack of popular dancehall music from artists such as Beenie Man, Lady Saw, and Bounty Killer.

The film’s choreography was also influenced by dancehall, and the film helped to popularize the dance style both in Jamaica and internationally.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and is considered a classic of Jamaican cinema. It has been credited with helping to launch the careers of several Jamaican actors and musicians, including Audrey Reid and Beenie Man.

• Factory sealed DVD
• Audrey Reid, Carl Davis, Paul Campbell (Actors)
• Don Letts (Director) - Don Letts (Writer)
• English (Publication Language)
• Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

6. One Love (2003)

One Love is a 2003 Jamaican drama film directed by Rick Elgood and Don Letts. The film follows the story of Kassa (played by Ky-Mani Marley), a young reggae musician who falls in love with Serena (played by Cherine Anderson), a gospel singer from a strict Christian family.

Their love faces opposition from Serena’s family, who disapprove of Kassa’s Rastafarian beliefs and lifestyle.

Kassa is also struggling with his own personal demons, as he tries to come to terms with the death of his father and the pressures of the music industry.

The film features a soundtrack of reggae and gospel music, and explores themes of love, faith, and cultural differences. One Love received mixed reviews upon its release, but was praised for its depiction of Jamaican culture and music.

• Ky-Mani Marley, Cherine Anderson, Idris Elba
• Winston Bell, Idris Elba, Cherine Anderson (Actors)
• Rick Elgood (Director) - Shelaagh Ferrell (Producer)

7. Rockers (1978)

“Rockers” is a Jamaican movie released in 1978, directed by Ted Bafaloukos. The film features several prominent Jamaican musicians, including Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Jacob Miller, and Robbie Shakespeare.

It tells the story of Horsemouth, a drummer and streetwise hustler, who along with his friends, sets out to make a living in the music industry.

The movie captures the essence of Jamaica’s vibrant music scene during the late 1970s and showcases the culture’s unique style of reggae music.

“Rockers” is considered a classic in Jamaican cinema and is regarded as one of the best reggae movies ever made.

• Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (Actor)
• Ted Bafaloukas (Director) - Ted Bafaloukos (Writer) - Patrick Hulsey (Producer)

8. The Lunatic (1991)

“The Lunatic” is a Trinidadian film directed by Ian Harnarine and released in 1991.

It tells the story of a young man named Ti-Jean who is sent to live with his uncle in the countryside of Trinidad after his mother dies. Ti-Jean is mentally challenged and has trouble fitting in with his new surroundings.

As Ti-Jean tries to navigate his new life, he meets a young woman named Sara who helps him adjust to his new surroundings.

However, their relationship is threatened by Ti-Jean’s uncle, who is suspicious of their friendship and wants to control Ti-Jean’s life.

The film explores themes of mental illness, family relationships, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities in Trinidad. It won several awards, including the Best Short Film Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992.

• Julie T. Wallace, Paul Campbell, Reggie Carter (Actors)
• Lol Creme (Director) - Anthony C. Winkler (Writer) - Marnee K. Bie (Producer)
• (Playback Language)

9. The Mighty Quinn (1989)

“The Mighty Quinn” is a crime thriller movie directed by Carl Schenkel and released in 1989. The film is based on a novel titled “Finding Maubee” by A.H.Z. Carr.

The story takes place on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Gregory, where a police chief named Xavier Quinn (played by Denzel Washington) investigates the murder of a wealthy businessman.

The prime suspect in the case is Quinn’s childhood friend, Maubee (played by Robert Townsend), who has fled the island after being accused of the crime.

Quinn, who is convinced of Maubee’s innocence, sets out to find him and clear his name. Along the way, he discovers a web of corruption and deceit involving some of the island’s most powerful figures, including the police commissioner and a drug lord.

As the investigation deepens, Quinn realizes that he is caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, and that his loyalty to his friend may cost him everything he holds dear.

“The Mighty Quinn” was generally well-received by critics and audiences, who praised the film’s exotic setting, strong performances, and engaging plot. The movie also features a soundtrack with songs by Bob Dylan, including the title track, “The Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo).”

• Denzel Washington, Robert Townsend, James Fox (Actors)
• Carl Schenkel (Director) - A.H.Z. Carr (Writer)
• Spanish, French (Subtitles)

10. Better Mus’ Come (2011)

“Better Mus’ Come” is a 2011 Jamaican drama film directed by Storm Saulter. The movie is set in the 1970s during the politically turbulent time in Jamaica known as the “Cold War,” which was marked by gang violence and political unrest.

It follows the story of a young man named Ricky (Sheldon Shepherd) who becomes involved with a gang called the Shower Posse while also falling in love with a woman from a rival gang.

The film received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the social and political issues that plagued Jamaica during the time period, as well as its complex characters and nuanced storytelling.

It was also praised for its use of authentic Jamaican patois and its incorporation of reggae music into the soundtrack.

“Better Mus’ Come” was a breakthrough for Jamaican cinema, as it was the first feature film from the island to receive widespread international distribution.

It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2010 and went on to be screened at several other international film festivals.

• Sheldon Shepherd, Sky Nicole Grey, Ricardo Orgil (Actors)
• Storn Saulter (Director) - Storm Saulter (Writer) - Sam Bratter (Producer)

3 Characteristics of Jamaican Movies

Strong Jamaican cultural influences: Jamaican movies often showcase the country’s unique culture, music, and way of life. They may feature characters speaking in Jamaican Patois, traditional music like reggae and dancehall, and Jamaican cuisine.

Realistic portrayals of social issues: Many Jamaican movies deal with social issues that are prevalent in the country, such as poverty, crime, and corruption. These movies often feature realistic portrayals of these issues and the impact they have on people’s lives.

Focus on community and family: Jamaican movies often emphasize the importance of community and family, highlighting the bonds that exist between people and the ways in which they support each other.

They may also portray the challenges that families and communities face and the ways in which they overcome them.

3 Reasons To Watch Jamaican Movies

Rich Cultural Representation: Jamaican movies provide a unique insight into the country’s culture, including its history, music, and traditions.

These films often showcase the country’s diverse population, highlighting the beauty of its people and the richness of their culture.

Exposure to Different Perspectives: Watching Jamaican movies can broaden your worldview by exposing you to different perspectives and ways of life.

You can learn about the struggles and triumphs of people from a different culture and see the world through their eyes.

Entertainment Value: Jamaican movies offer great entertainment value with their unique blend of drama, comedy, and music.

These films often have a vibrant and colorful visual style that is both captivating and enjoyable to watch. Whether you’re a fan of reggae music or not, Jamaican movies are sure to keep you entertained.

Best Jamaican Movies – Wrap Up

“The Harder They Come” (1972) – This film, directed by Perry Henzell, is considered a classic of Jamaican cinema. It stars Jimmy Cliff as a young musician who becomes involved in the drug trade.

“Rockers” (1978) – Directed by Ted Bafaloukos, this movie is a celebration of Jamaica’s reggae music scene and features performances by several prominent musicians.

“Dancehall Queen” (1997) – This film, directed by Rick Elgood and Don Letts, tells the story of a young woman who dreams of becoming a dancehall queen.

“Third World Cop” (1999) – This action movie, directed by Chris Browne, follows a cop who takes on a gang of criminals in Kingston, Jamaica.

“Better Mus’ Come” (2010) – This movie, directed by Storm Saulter, is set in 1970s Jamaica and tells the story of a young man caught up in political violence.

These films represent a diverse range of genres and showcase Jamaica’s unique culture and history.

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Matt Crawford

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12 Fantastic Jamaican Movies To Watch Now

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Travel across the Caribbean with these Jamaican movies to teach you more and take you there.

Many love to travel to the Caribbean islands and Jamaica as tourist destinations, especially for that crystal clear water, endless and toasty sun, and tropical drinks.

However, there is so much more to Jamaica, including its culture, history, people, and beauty, that you don’t always see in escapist books and fancy resorts.

Below, watch some of the best movies about Jamaica to teach you more as well as a few set there to transport you abroad with breathtaking scenery.

We’ll also showcase movies from Jamaica that might be set in other countries that still shine a light on issues that Jamaicans face today, including racism, poverty, and migration.

Plus, find Jamaican gangster movies and hop in a bobsled. Make great music and dance the night away.

Be sure to let us know your favorite Jamaica movies in the comments as we are always updating our lists and can’t possibly name them all. Let’s get started.

You might also enjoy our list of the best Caribbean movies to watch .

Where to grab your favorite Jamaican films and books :

• Express VPN – Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allows you to view movies worldwide – and they help keep your information safe. Our writers couldn’t have such diverse film reviews without a VPN.
• Amazon Prime Video – Stream thousands of ad-free movies and TV series on demand with Prime Video.
• Audible Plus : From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.

Table of Contents

12 Best Jamaican Movies

Cool runnings (1993).

Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up; it’s bobsled time!

In one of the most well-known Jamaican movies ever made, we follow a ragtag team of inexperienced amateurs as they take on the toughest competition of their lives.

After an unfortunate accident means that sprinter Derice fails to qualify for the 1988 Summer Olympics, he decides to try for the Winter Olympics instead.

There aren’t many categories he can put his skills to, but one of them is bobsledding, and there just so happens to be a (disgraced) former Olympic coach right here on the island!

With a team consisting of his egg-obsessed best friend, another angrier Olympic hopeful who fell in the same accident, and the man who caused the accident in the first place, they’re not exactly a safe bet.

But surely Jamaican confidence and team spirit will prevail?

Loosely based on a true story, this David and Goliath underdog story is fun and heartfelt – not many other movies from Jamaica will have you punching the air with joy as much as this one!

Watch even more classic and iconic island movies .

Countryman (1982)

Living mostly in solitude, the life of the fisherman named Countryman is a fairly simple one.

But that simplicity is brought to an abrupt halt when he encounters two Americans who have survived a plane crash on his island.

Little does Countryman know that the two are involved in smuggling goods and that there are some sinister people after them.

Fortunately, Countryman’s survival and combat skills should ensure that he and his new friends manage to escape from their pursuers.

It’s true that the plot of Countryman is not among the most complicated of all the best Jamaican movies, but nor does it need to be.

As well as being one of the best 80s action adventure movies about Jamaica, Countryman is a celebration of the music, magic, and culture of Rastafari.

In fact, the whole thing was inspired by – and dedicated to – the music and lyrics of Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Black Mother (2018)

In one of the most dreamlike and surreal Jamaican films on this list, director Khalik Allah ostensibly takes the viewer on a tour of his native country.

We are shown all over the island of Jamaica, from the coast to the villages and beyond, to the schools, hospitals, red-light districts, and countryside.

With each frame, Allah fills the screen with vivid imagery; a boat coming in to dock, rainwater cascading down stone steps, and a doctor and mother having an ultrasound session.

All these scenes are rendered in crystal clarity, oftentimes in slow motion, to maximize the beauty and tactile nature of the moment.

For a cinematic experience like almost no other, be sure not to miss Jamaica movies such as this.

Dancehall Queen (1997)

Single mother Marcia is finding it hard to make ends meet.

Working as a street vendor outside a dancehall will only get her so far, so she’s been relying on the financial aid provided by gangster Larry, a local gunman.

However, even this relationship won’t keep things from spilling over into trouble.

Larry seems to have ideas about Marcia’s teenage daughter, Tanya, and another local hoodlum named Priest – the man responsible for the death of one of Marcia’s friends – is also on the loose.

When all seems bleak, inspiration strikes Marcia: she’s going to dress up into the alter ego Mystery Lady and pit the two men against each other.

She might even win the dance competition at the dancehall she works outside of while she’s at it.

With some intense dance moves and a killer soundtrack, Dancehall Queen is one of the best dancing Jamaican movies that you didn’t know you needed.

Shottas (2002)

Young wannabe criminal masterminds Biggs and Wayne are not strangers to living the hard way.

As kids growing up on the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, they rob a soda truck and make off with enough money to buy visas to the United States.

Fast forward 20 years and the two friends are working their way up the ranks of the Miami underworld, where their main obstacle to success and riches is the drug kingpin Teddy Bruck Shut.

But if they manage to take him out, they’ll be on top of the world.

Unlike other more upbeat Jamaican films, this particular cult favorite takes on a much grittier tone.

This low-budget thriller stars Ky-Mani Marley (you may be familiar with his more famous father, Bob) as the main protagonist in one of the more authentic Jamaican gangster movies.

Babylon (1980)

Set in the UK during the turbulent Thatcherite period of the 1980s, Babylon focuses on David, a young Jamaican musician living in South West London.

During the day, David works as a mechanic, but by night he runs a Jamaican “sound system” – a group of MCs playing reggae, ska, and other music for the Jamaican masses.

Despite his ambitions to create and promote music, the working-class David faces daily hardships and racism from many sides, including work colleagues, neighbors, fascist groups, and the police.

Jamaican movies aren’t always set in Jamaica, as this hard-hitting British-made feature will show you.

Following mass migration in the mid-20th century, there is a strong Jamaican community in the UK, and Babylon stands as one of the most poignant Jamaican films of the period.

This is a tough, unrelenting watch, but also an important representation of Jamaican culture in the UK.

Smile Orange (1976)

If there’s one thing that Jamaica experiences a lot of, it’s tourism.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people head to Jamaica and the Caribbean for their vacation time, and with that comes a booming tourist industry and culture.

Dealing with that phenomenon in this film is Ringo Smith, a smooth-talking con man, waiter, and general hustler.

As we follow him on his day-to-day activities, we see the people and situations he has to put up with, and his efforts to try and exploit the exploiters at their own game.

Directed by Trevor D. Rhone, who also wrote the play the film is based on, Smile Orange is one of the most acidic, cynical, and funny movies about Jamaica on this list.

Like many good satires, it rides the line of comedy and tragedy, reading as hilarious to some and fairly depressing to others. Depending on your global sensibilities, be prepared for either.

Made in Jamaica (2006)

Looking to dive into the Jamaican reggae music scene? Then this is one of the best music-based Jamaican movies for you!

Made in Jamaica features almost entirely live performances from a huge number of Jamaican artists, including Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Lady Saw, Toots and the Maytals, and more.

These performances were captured in many venues across Kingston, Jamaica by director Jérôme Laperrousaz, including spots that not many tourists venture into.

There’s a lot of passion and energy on display here, and the enthusiasm of the musicians and the crowds will have you bopping along in your seat.

The Harder They Come (1972)

The Harder They Come is another of the best music-based movies from Jamaica, this time in 1972. This is the story of Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin, who’s just a man looking for work.

Having worked small jobs here and there – suffering setbacks and misfortune along the way – Ivan ends up recording a record for a local music producer.

Fortunately for Ivan, the song becomes a hit; unfortunately for him, though, the record producer takes almost all of the money for Ivan’s work.

Pitting himself against the corrupt music business institution, Ivan gradually slides into a life of crime and finds himself an unlikely folk hero in the eyes of the people.

But like many folk heroes, Ivan might just be destined to go out in a blaze of glory.

The only thing as glorious as actor/musician Jimmy Cliff’s vocal talents is the abundance of strong Jamaican accents to be heard here.

Jamaica films like this sometimes need subtitles in order to catch everything being said, so make sure to have some ready if you need them.

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Out the Gate (2011)

Having survived hardship and misfortune in his native Jamaica, young musician Everton decides to head to the United States in order to make it big in the music industry.

Over time, he manages to start making things work in Hollywood, both professionally and personally, until the ruthless Don of LA starts to put the squeeze on Everton.

Now Everton is under pressure to make ends meet and keep up with the Don’s increasing demands. But pretty soon, things start to boil over.

Despite the American setting, the flavor of this story is one hundred percent Jamaican, making Out the Gate the perfect choice for a spot on this Jamaica movies list.

It should be said that Out the Gate is also quite the emotional rollercoaster, with tragic and terrifying lows mixed in with the rest of the drama, providing some stronger stakes for the viewer.

Third World Cop (1999)

Following the death of his partner at the hands of local criminals in a shootout, undercover cop Capone is reassigned to Kingston, Jamaica, specifically to his old hometown of Dungle.

While there, Capone is reunited with those he grew up with, such as old flame Rita and his friend Ratty.

However, since he left his old neighborhood behind, it seems that Capone and Ratty have gone down different paths, as Ratty is now the right-hand man of an arms trafficking gangster.

Eventually, the two are going to have to have a showdown.

With Jamaican gangster movies and action crime films, it was inevitable that there would be some that cross into the “childhood friends now living on opposite sides of the law” sub-genre.

But while you may already know the beats of this often-told story, Third World Cop has an undeniably strong and brash style to back itself up, which elevates it immensely.

Out Deh: The Youth of Jamaica (2020)

The youth of Jamaica are determined to forge a new and better future for the island.

That’s the driving force behind this documentary from director Louis Josek, who follows three young individuals as they proclaim their ambitions and go about following them.

They have grand personal aspirations; one wants to make it as a pro surfer, and another wants to be a professional Jamaican rapper.

At every turn, they say that people tell them they can’t do these things, and yet they persevere, full of confidence and defiance, because they see a future beyond strict traditions and old practices.

The cinematography on display here is also some of the best that you’ll find in both classic and modern movies about Jamaica, with shots that help make the country feel like a character all of its own.

For a taste of the culture of modern Jamaica, definitely watch this documentary.

Where to read more about and watch these movies:

Amazon Prime Video  |  Netflix  |  IMDb | Hulu | Max

Save These Jamaican Films For Later:

Where to grab your favorite Jamaica books and movies:

What are your favorite movies from Jamaica?

What Jaimcan movies – from, about, and set there – do you recommend? Let us know in the comments.

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Movies about Jamaica

By: Author Maxanne

Posted on Published: March 7, 2022  - Last updated: August 29, 2023

Jamaica is famous across the globe as the Reggae Kingdom, a must-see travel and tourist destination, and the home of some of the world's most delectable cuisines. With International Reggae Day (July 1) as the emphasis, we showcase films that transcend beyond the beauty of Jamaica through these Movies  about Jamaica .

In this post:

• Heike Makatsch, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Wotan Wilke Möhring (Actors)
• Ed Herzog (Director)

Almost Heaven (2005)

A terminally ill woman (Heike Makatsch) becomes an unwilling tourist in Jamaica.

• Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
• Vinnie Jones, Patrick Bergin, Eriq La Salle (Actors)

Johnny Was (2006)

Johnny, trying to escape a violent past, hides out in the world's least-safe safe house. When Johnny's former comrade escapes from prison, Johnny faces being dragged back into violence and away from his new love.

• Factory sealed DVD
• Paul Campbell, Mark Danvers, Carl Bradshaw (Actors)

Third World Cop (1999)

A police officer (Paul Campbell) fights gunrunners until he realizes an old friend (Mark Danvers) is involved.

• Prince Allah, Lascelle 'Wiss' Bulgin, Watty Burnett (Actors)

Holding On To Jah

Holding On To Jah is the story of Roots Reggae music and the Rastafarian movement as told by musicians and people who brought it to the world

• Toots and the Maytals, Gregory Isaacs, Capleton (Actors)

Made in Jamaica

The story of how a small island nation of only three million people took their pain and turned those deep collective emotions into songs, which continue to resonate around the world.

• Countryman, Hiram Keller, Kristina St. Clair (Actors)

A couple crash-lands on a Caribbean island and is rescued from paranoid politicians by a mystical fisherman-philosopher.

• Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace (Actor)

Rockers (1978)

Starring Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace and Richard “DirtyHarry” Hall, Rockers is a story of oppressed Jamaican musicians getting even with the “mafia types” in the business. Featuring Burning Spear, Bunny Wailer, Third World, Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, Gregory Isaacs, Kiddus I, Junior Murvin. Rockers includes acting roles and appearances by Jacob Miller, Gregory Isaacs, Burning Spear,

• Jimmy Cliff, Janet Bartley (Actors)

The Harder They Come (1972)

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff stars as Ivan Martin, an aspiring singer who leaves his rural village for the big city of Kingston, hoping to make a name for himself. Newly restored from the original 16mm negative.

• Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis (Actors)

Cool Runnings (1993)

Four Jamaican bobsledders dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, the Jamaicans set out to become worthy of Olympic selection, and go all out for glory.

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Sprinter (2018)

A Jamaican teen who is burdened by an unstable father and an unruly older brother hopes a meteoric rise in track-and-field can reunite him with his mother, who has lived illegally in the U.S. for over a decade. Executive produced by Jada Pinkett and Will Smith.

Bob Marley: One Love

This film celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, in theatres on January 12, 2024.

• Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy. Marley (Actors)

Born into poverty in rural Jamaica, Bob Marley became a prophet for the world's oppressed, preaching peace, love, and understanding with a universal language – song.

On what would have been Marley's seventy-fifth birthday, Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald combines unheard tracks, unseen footage, and intimate interviews to paint a definitive portrait of the legendary artist.

• Audrey Reid, Carl Davis, Paul Campbell (Actors)

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The Most Incredible James Bond Locations in Jamaica  

By Matthew Chernov

Matthew Chernov

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No other film franchise inspires travel the way the James Bond series has for the past 60 years, and topping the destination list of every serious 007 fan is the country of Jamaica, where iconic scenes from “Dr. No,” “Live and Let Die,” and the upcoming “No Time to Die” were shot.

“Jamaican culture is very important to James Bond,” says Renee Robinson, the Film Commissioner of Jamaica. “As we all know, Bond was conceived here by Ian Fleming, and the character and the country are deeply intertwined.”

Beyond the familiar origin story, Robinson believes that Jamaica and Bond share much in common. “There’s something magical about Jamaica, and it’s fed into the mythology of James Bond over the years,” she says. “He’s a larger-than-life figure, and Jamaica also plays that type of role globally. We’re a small country with a small population, but our global brand has a strong impact on people around the world, and that works in tandem with the Bond franchise.”

Although the pandemic continues to affect tourism around the world, Bond fans might want to consider planning their future dream vacation right now. After all, with so many must-see locations in Jamaica to visit, a little extra itinerary preparation might actually come in handy. To help you organize the ultimate James Bond adventure, here are 15 locations in Jamaica that will leave you shaken and stirred.

Boundbrook Wharf – 'No Time to Die' 

Situated on a quiet harbor in Port Antonio, and easily recognizable on screen because of the bright yellow moorings, Boundbrook Wharf was used as a location for an intense nighttime action sequence in “No Time to Die.” In the film, a large ship explodes within sight of the wharf. Since the scene takes place in Cuba, the surrounding area was dressed to look like a Cuban military base; complete with political murals depicting Fidel Castro and Che Guevara that were painted on the dilapidated wharf structure by a local Jamaican artist who based his work on authentic Cuban designs. Bond fans hoping to catch a glimpse of these murals today are in for a disappointment, however. After production wrapped, they were covered with a fresh coat of blue paint to keep their images secret.

Ken Jones Aerodrome – 'No Time to Die'

During production of “No Time to Die,” the Cessna 185 seaplane that flies Bond from Jamaica to Cuba was based at the Ken Jones Aerodrome in St. Margaret’s Bay, located just outside of Port Antonio. This tiny airfield consists of two small structures and a single runway, and features lush green hills on one side and shimmering blue bay waters on the other. Scenes of the plane taking off for Cuba were also reportedly shot at the aerodrome, but do not appear in the film’s final cut. A far cry from Jamaica’s bustling Norman Manley International Airport that was featured in the opening scenes of “Dr. No,” Ken Jones Aerodrome serves only a handful of tourist resorts in the area.

Coco Walk – 'No Time to Die'

Early in “No Time to Die,” Bond is retired from the British Secret Service and living in Jamaica. One of the most memorable images in the film shows him looking forlornly out at a dazzling blue bay from the deck of his waterfront cabin. The secluded spot where Bond’s cabin was built is actually a private beach called Coco Walk, located on the coast of San San Bay in Port Antonio. The film’s crew constructed it from scratch and shot both interiors and exteriors there. To reach Coco Walk, you descend a long wooden staircase from high atop a cliff, and climb carefully down to the beach below. Although the cabin was demolished immediately after filming wrapped, the surrounding area still looks exactly the way it appears in the film. Since Coco Walk is private property, the best way for Bond fans to see it is by chartering a small boat that will take you into San San Bay itself.

Market Square – 'No Time to Die'

An exterior driving scene in “No Time to Die” was shot on the streets of Port Antonio; specifically at the intersection of West and Williams Street, in an area known as Market Square. The location’s centerpiece is a large obelisk honoring the citizens of Jamaica’s Portland Parish who lost their lives during the two world wars. Bond fans who visit the neighborhood should plan on having lunch at nearby Piggy’s Jerk Centre, a popular jerk restaurant that serves some of the island’s tastiest chicken. Piggy’s was so beloved by Daniel Craig – who ate there regularly with the film’s cast and crew – that when it burned down shortly after production wrapped, he personally helped raise funds to rebuild it. Piggy’s actually appears on screen in “No Time to Die” in the scene where Bond leaves a Jamaican nightclub and discovers that his car won’t start. Look over Craig’s shoulder and you’ll spot it in the background.

Cocosan Villa – 'No Time to Die'

While filming “No Time to Die” in Port Antonio, Daniel Craig stayed at this luxurious six-bedroom villa for two weeks. One of five exclusive villas that form Jamaica’s Geejam resort, Cocosan has seen its fair share of celebrity guests in the past, including Jay Z and Beyoncé. Decorated with a glossy Tarantino-style retro-hipness, Cocosan comes equipped with a huge vinyl record collection, a Ferrari-red piano, an assortment of plexiglass artwork depicting vintage Playboy magazine covers from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and several large porthole windows that somewhat resemble the iconic James Bond gun-barrel logo. If you’re a fan of the cinematic spy series and can afford $6,000 per night, why not rent the villa and live like Craig for a while?

Laughing Waters – 'Dr. No'

Perhaps the most iconic scene in the entire James Bond franchise takes place in the very first film, “Dr. No.” As Bond watches from behind a tree, Honey Rider steps gracefully from the sea and shakes the water from her golden blonde hair, before pulling a knife from the belt around her waist when Agent 007 startles her. That unforgettable moment was shot at Laughing Waters in Ocho Rios, which is a beautiful private beach owned by the Jamaican government. Graced with cascading waterfalls and powder-soft sand, only a select number of people are allowed to set foot on it each year in order to maintain its pristine splendor. However, the property – which is managed by the St. Ann Development Corporation and Jamaica’s Urban Development Corporation – can be rented for small weddings and social events.

Moon Palace Resort – 'Dr. No' 

The all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort in Ocho Rios isn’t actually featured in a James Bond film, but if you’re a 007 fan, you might want to stay there anyway. That’s because the resort contains the ruins of an authentic helipad that was used to transport the cast and crew of “Dr. No” to and from the nearby shooting locations. The crumbling helipad can be found just beyond the resort’s furthermost poolside bar, and still bears the familiar 007 logo painted on it. Sometime over the past several years, the first “0” in 007 broke off and fell into the sea, but you can still see it clearly in the water below. While standing on the helipad, be sure to look across the ocean at Reynolds Bauxite Pier, which served as Dr. No’s secret lair in the first Bond film.

Jamaica Swamp Safari Village – 'Live and Let Die' 

Midway through “Live and Let Die,” Bond is captured and taken to a remote Louisiana crocodile farm to be eaten alive. Although set in the United States, this sequence was actually shot at a popular crocodile farm in Falmouth, Jamaica. Founded in 1970 by colorful Ohio outdoorsman Ross Kananga, Jamaica Swamp Safari is a working wildlife sanctuary that currently houses 80 crocodiles, along with boa constrictors, wild boars, and various other animals. Kananga – who died in 1978 while spearfishing in Florida – not only performed the stunt where Bond runs across the backs of several snapping crocodiles, his larger-than-life personality inspired the filmmakers to name the movie’s main villain after him. Some of the sanctuary’s longtime employees were present when the film was shot, and will gladly provide Bond fans with stories about the experience.

Cinnamon Hill Golf Course – 'Live and Let Die'

At key moments in “Live and Let Die,” Bond encounters the mysterious Baron Samedi (played by actor, choreographer, and 7 Up pitchman Geoffrey Holder) lurking in an eerie graveyard. In reality, these scenes were shot at Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Jamaica’s Montego Bay. A picturesque waterfall located just off the green at hole #15 marks the original spot from the film. Surprisingly, the area still looks quite similar to the way it appeared on screen more than four decades ago. In addition to being a memorable Bond movie location, Cinnamon Hill also contains the ruins of an authentic sugar mill and an ancient aqueduct. In a curious case of life imitating art, several real graves are located throughout the golf course, with some tombstones dating back to 1726.

Green Grotto Caves – 'Live and Let Die'

Since every great Bond villain needs a secret lair, the “Live and Let Die” location scouts chose the visually striking Green Grotto Caves on the north coast of Jamaica to serve as the sinister Dr. Kananga’s underground base. Helmets and hairnets are required when touring the cave system, both to prevent bumps to the head and to keep away the bats that routinely swoop down from crevices above. Although the Green Grotto tour guides will helpfully point out several key locations from the film when asked, bear in mind that the subterranean Grotto Lake, located deep in the bowels of the labyrinthian cave system, is not where the climax of “Live and Let Die” was shot, despite what they might tell you. In actuality, that sequence was filmed on a set at Pinewood Studios, though its inspiration may have come from the real Grotto Lake.

Couples Sans Souci Resort – 'Live and Let Die'

Thanks to some clever editing, two different locations were used to create James Bond’s beachside hotel in “Live and Let Die.” Cottage number 1039 at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay was used for the main exterior shots of Bond’s bungalow, while the Couples Sans Souci Resort in Ocho Rios was used for the scene where Bond buys a set of tarot cards at the hotel’s gift shop. What makes the Couples Sans Souci Resort particularly important for Bond fans is that it includes a deluxe suite dedicated to Sir Roger Moore himself. Since Moore stayed at the resort during filming, room D20 now features a plaque above the door inscribed with his name. The Roger Moore Suite rents for $600 per night, and comes with a balcony overlooking the resort’s private beach.

Ian Fleming’s Goldeneye 

Casual Bond fans often assume that James Bond was born in England, but the truth is a bit more complex than that. Although Ian Fleming never specified where his character was born, author John Pearson’s authorized biography of 007 lists Bond’s birthplace as a small city in Germany, while the recent young adult Bond novels suggest he was born in Switzerland. A case could be made, however, that Bond was truly born at Goldeneye, Fleming’s stunning home in Oracabessa. That’s because Fleming wrote each of the original Bond books there between 1952 and 1964. Built to his exact specifications, Goldeneye is a gorgeous 5-bedroom villa located on a cliff overlooking a private beach. Current owner Chris Blackwell purchased the property from reggae legend Bob Marley in 1977, and opened it as a resort in the late 1980s. Today, guests can rent the Fleming villa for $10,605 a night during the high season, or stay in one of the less expensive beach huts and lagoon cottages that have been added to the property over the years.

Noël Coward’s Firefly 

When famed British playwright Sir Noël Coward came to Jamaica in the 1940s, he stayed in Oracabessa with his friend Ian Fleming. After purchasing a nearby house which he dubbed Blue Harbour, Coward discovered a piece of land overlooking the island’s scenic north coast. He was so fascinated by the local fireflies that he sought out the land’s owner – Jamaican heiress Blanche Blackwell, who was a mistress to Fleming, and inspired the iconic characters Pussy Galore and Honey Rider. Coward bought the land from Blackwell and built a house on it which he named Firefly. Following his death in 1973, the estate was given to the government of Jamaica, and has remained virtually unchanged since then. Today, visitors can tour Firefly, which is filled with Coward’s original furnishings and vintage photographs of its many famous guests, including Britain’s Queen Mother, who came to lunch in 1965.

James Bond Beach 

When the weather is hot and you’re looking for a low-key spot to go for a swim, James Bond Beach in the parish of St. Mary on Jamaica’s north coast should definitely be on your agenda. Rumor has it that Ian Fleming enjoyed swimming here in the late 1950s. Today, this funky public beach is one of the best bargains on the island, costing only $5 for non-residents who want to take a refreshing dip. Bond fans will feel right at home thanks to the vintage movie posters for “You Only Live Twice” and “Diamonds Are Forever” that are prominently displayed at the entrance to the beach. Once you’ve cooled down, stroll over to the waterfront Moonraker Bar and order their signature James Bond cocktail, which is made with Blackwell rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime.

Jamaica Inn 

After a long day of location hunting, a cocktail is definitely in order, and for 007 fans, there’s no better place to enjoy a martini than the historic Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. Located on what was originally a coconut plantation, this luxury resort was founded in 1950 by Texas newspaper tycoon Charles Marsh, and has welcomed countless celebrity guests over the years, including Hollywood legends like Katherine Hepburn, Errol Flynn, and Marilyn Monroe. The main attraction for Bond fans is that Ian Fleming spent many nights here sipping drinks with the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and Roald Dahl. Fleming even mentions the Jamaica Inn in his novel “Dr. No,” describing the hotel’s bar as one of the best places to imbibe spirits on the island. Rumor has it that the phrase “shaken not stirred” was coined here – the thought being that shaking a cocktail with ice creates a colder drink that’s perfect for the hot Jamaican weather.

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13 Must-See Bond Filming Locations in Jamaica

Written by Lavanya Sunkara and Lura Seavey Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The alluring beaches, exotic locales, and year-round sunshine of Jamaica inspired Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. The prolific author lived on the island's north shore in the small town of Oracabessa while he wrote the first dozen James Bond novels.

It was on this Caribbean island in 1962 that the first film, in one of the longest running movie franchises of all time, began with Sean Connery as the dapper secret agent in Dr. No. The movie's success was solidified when Honey Ryder, portrayed by Ursula Andress, emerged from the waves on the fictional island of Crab Key. Jamaica, in all its tropical glory, sets a beautiful stage for a riveting story.

A decade later, the island took center stage as San Monique in Live and Let Die. Featuring the debut of Roger Moore as the titular character, Bond outsmarts crocodiles and goons, saving his lover, Solitaire, from the clutches of the evil Dr. Kananga. In 2021's No Time to Die , the island was finally center stage in its own right, when the iconic MI6 agent settles down to retire in a small waterfront cabin in Jamaica.

Whether you are an ardent Bond fan, or someone who enjoys visiting places popularized by film, Jamaica is sure to please you. Fancy resorts, cascading waterfalls , intriguing caves, and turquoise waters lapping onto stunning shores await your visit. While you may not find 007 here, you can certainly have your own adventures.

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island and is known as the birthplace of reggae. Bob Marley, one of the musical genre's pioneers, has a surprising connection to Ian Fleming and Goldeneye , his home on the north shore. Keep reading to find out all about the top Bond filming locations in Jamaica.

1. Laughing Waters Beach

2. swamp safari, 3. port antonio, 4. dunn's river falls, 5. san san bay, 6. half moon, 7. rose hall great house, 8. boundbrook wharf, 9. green grotto caves, 10. couples sans souci, 11. goldeneye, 12. port maria, 13. james bond beach, map of must-see bond filming locations in jamaica.

In Dr. No , Bond and Honey Ryder meet for the first time on a glorious beach on Crab Key, where sandbanks next to a waterfall provide them shelter from the island's henchmen. This fictional island beach in reality is Laughing Waters , a 10-minute drive from the center of Ocho Rios and a short distance from one of the area's popular tourist attractions : Dunn's River Falls .

Ian Fleming himself suggested the beach to the movie producers, and Honey Ryder's pivotal introduction scene catapulted the film's popularity. Laughing Waters, often referred to as Crab Key Beach, looks the same as it did back in the 1960s, thanks to its protection by the government.

Jamaica's Urban Development Corporation now has authority over the property, and visitors wishing to recreate the iconic scene can obtain permission to visit, or rent the beach and on-site villas for weddings and other special events.

Live and Let Die marked Roger Moore's Bond debut and brought the filming to the island where it all started. One of its most memorable scenes involves Bond leaping across the backs of crocodiles and setting fire to the lab in a Louisiana crocodile farm. The scene was actually shot in Jamaica at Swamp Safari. Located in Falmouth, an hour from Montego Bay, the gates still feature the "Trespassers Will Be Eaten" sign, as seen in the film.

Swamp Safari sits on two acres of the Trelawny mangrove and operates as a sanctuary for crocodiles displaced by overdevelopment. There are 80 crocs hanging out in the muddy waters and basking in the sunshine.

The small concrete mound on which Bond finds himself surrounded by crocodiles still exists; it is now connected by a bridge, and visitors are allowed to go with a guide. A stuntman named Ross Kananga, who owned the original crocodile farm, performed the daring act of jumping over the crocodiles, although it took him five tries and a few near misses to get it just right. The film's villain, Dr. Kananga, was named after the daredevil as a nod to his bravery.

Across from the croc-infested pond sits Kananga House , which was rebuilt after Bond famously set it on fire. Named in memory of the late stuntman (who tragically passed away a few years after filming), the house is open to visitors and shows a video clip of the scene inside. Swamp Safari welcomes guests and offers tours; visitors can get an up-close look at crocodiles, reptiles, and indigenous birds.

No longer disguised as another Caribbean location, Jamaica takes center stage in No Time to Die , when Port Antonio becomes Bond's new home. We first see the town as Bond is driving his Jeep past a waterside ball field and into the city through its narrow streets and brightly painted storefronts, including Musgrave Market. He stops in Market Square, the sign for the junction of West Street and Williams clearly behind him. A local souvenir shop and the square's centerpiece, a white memorial erected to commemorate Portland Parish's citizens lost in WWI and WWII, are also prominently featured.

Bond fans will also want to seek out the modest Piggy's Jerk Centre on Foreshore Road, a restaurant that was not only shown in a nighttime scene but was also one of Daniel Craig's favorite local eateries. The building tourists see today is not the same as the one the actor frequented, yet it is even more precious to Bond fans than the original. The small takeout stand was destroyed in a fire not long after filming, but Craig and the crew came to the rescue, raising and donating the funds needed to rebuild and open back up for business. Rumor has it that Craig has kept in touch with the owner, Eustas Lindsay, who is said to have great sightseeing advice in addition to his great food.

While Laughing Waters remained nearly unchanged over the decades, Dunn's River Falls has transformed quite a bit since the day Bond, Ryder, and Quarrel washed themselves in the pools of the terraced waterfalls.

As one of the most popular attractions in Jamaica , the falls see thousands of visitors enjoying its tiered cascades, which span over 600 feet across. If you visit when there are no cruise ships docked in port, you might find some space to climb to the top of the falls without many people around.

In the 2021 film No Time to Die , James Bond comes full circle, returning to Jamaica not only as a filming location but as the spy's home. The retired British Secret Service agent has settled into a quiet life, living in a cabin on the shores of a crystal-blue bay. In real-life, the cabin was purpose-built on a stretch of private beach called Coco Walk, inaccessible by roads. The best way to see this spot is the same way the production team got in and out: by boat.

Unfortunately, the cabin was destroyed after filming wrapped, but fans can still admire the scenery of this idyllic little slice of Bond's brief retirement from the water.

Fans who want to stay where actor Daniel Craig spent his nights can book their stay at the Geejam's Cocosan Villa, a private six-bedroom villa that has every luxury you can imagine. Tourists may want to opt for a standard room at the Geejam , since the villa runs around $4,500 per night.

Half Moon luxury resort in Montego Bay has been renovated over the years, but this beautiful property sitting on a crescent-shaped beach was where Roger Moore's Bond meets and spends the night with Gloria Hendry's Rosie Carver in Live and Let Die.

Cottage No. 10 was the setting of his hotel room on the fictitious voodoo island of San Monique. Here, the famous British spy fights a venomous snake, comforts Carver, and enjoys a lovely breakfast on the veranda the following morning.

Visitors can rent the Bond villa at Half Moon or opt for any other well-appointed villa along the two-mile beach. The resort is a 15-minute drive from Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport.

Annie Palmer, known as the White Witch, is believed to haunt the 18th-century Rose Hall Great House, a Jamaican Georgian-style mansion on the North coast near Montego Bay. She lived there with her husband, John Palmer, in the early 1800s.

According to folklore, Annie killed her spouse and two subsequent husbands, as well as a few male slaves working on the plantation, before being violently murdered. If that wasn't enough, it was also once owned by Johnny Cash.

It was here, on the grounds of the Rose Hall Plantation, that a crucial scene in Live and Let Die took place. After Bond frees Solitaire, they make their escape through a poppy field and graveyard. This makeshift graveyard with a small shack and nearby field were brought to life for the film on the hills behind the house.

No sign of these sets remain on the grounds, which are now part of the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. Those hitting greens here will not only enjoy panoramic sea views, but can sneak away to the gentle waterfall featured in the scene (near the 15th green) as a gorgeous backdrop for the main characters.

Boundbook Wharf in Port Antonio's West Harbour makes a debut in No Time to Die , costumed as a Cuban military base that is the site of a nighttime action scene. The area was transformed to resemble Cuba by a local artist, who painted murals of Castro and other Cuban political figures. Although there is now a new coat of paint over the artwork, the set design lives on underneath as a covert mark left in the spy's wake.

Although Live and Let Die 's unforgettable final fight scene was filmed in a UK studio, the setting was inspired by Green Grotto Caves. Some of the scenes of Moore and Jane Seymour trying to evade Kanaga's men were filmed inside the massive cavern.

The expansive cave system that makes up Green Grotto Caves is located equidistant from Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Here, you can walk under the stalactites, past the eerie exposed roots of strangler trees, through a labyrinth of chambers to get to Dr. Kanaga's underground lair and subterranean lake. The cave is believed to be at least 28 million years old and is considered among the largest walkthrough caves on the island.

Couples Sans Souci, formerly Sans Souci Hotel, in Ocho Rios, appears briefly in Live and Let Die . While it is only seen in some exterior shots of Bond's hotel room on San Monique, it left an indelible mark on Roger Moore. He spent his time during filming in one of the resort's spacious suites (numbered D-20), which has since been turned into the Roger Moore Suite.

A quick look inside Couples San Souci explains why he fell in love: the balcony overlooks a pristine private beach and the mountains beyond. This all-inclusive, couples-only five-star resort offers spacious rooms, restaurants, swimming pools, fitness and sports facilities, and a spa.

Starting from the early 1950s, Fleming spent winters in a house he designed in the town of Oracabessa on Jamaica's north shore. The house, named Goldeneye, wasn't extravagant; in fact, it was just one floor and simple, but it was surrounded by banana and sea grape trees, with stairs leading down to a small beach.

Fleming spent many days snorkeling there with his wife, Ann. It was here, in a corner of a room with large open windows, he wrote all 12 of the James Bond novels. A sunken garden built to Fleming's specific desires leads from the front door to the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea.

During the filming of Dr. No, Fleming entertained the stars at Goldeneye. In the 1970s, reggae legend Bob Marley considered purchasing Goldeneye, but instead opted for a home in Kingston.

Today, the house and its surrounding gardens are part of the Fleming Villa of the GoldenEye resort . Upon entering, an airy, richly appointed living room, with shelves full of Bond books and memorabilia, greets visitors. A side room, featuring photos of Ursula Andress from her iconic scene in the first movie on turquoise colored walls, transports you back in time.

The Goldeneye resort also offers beach huts and lakeside cottages for fans and nature lovers to immerse themselves in the pristine beauty that inspired many scenes in the films. A gazebo Fleming used to write in now serves as a fine-dining restaurant, and the cottages have access to salt and freshwater infinity pools.

A short drive from Goldeneye is the quaint town of Port Maria. It was at the quaint St. Mary Parish Church, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Cabarita island in Port Maria, where Fleming tied the knot with the love of his life, in 1952.

Before Kingston became the island's commercial hub, Port Maria was the center of trading in Jamaica. The town today, with a handful of buildings including the courthouse where Fleming and Ann got their wedding license, remains a sleepy outpost.

The little church, built in 1861, shows its age, but visitors can admire its limestone blocks and views of palm trees and crashing waves. The same year Fleming got married, he wrote his first Bond novel, Casino Royale , published in 1953. Cabarita Island serves as the model in Live and Let Die for Mr. Big's "Isle of Surprise," where he conducts his smuggling business.

Next to the Goldeneye estate lies the small James Bond Beach. For a nominal entrance fee, you can visit this secluded stretch of golden sand with a stunning backdrop of the St. Mary's Mountains. Though Fleming had his own private seashore, he often frequented this beach during his time in Jamaica.

Bring a chair, umbrella, and relax to the tunes drifting from the nearby Moonraker Jamaican Restaurant. On-site amenities include changing rooms and showers. Don't be surprised if you have to share the tropical waters with other beachgoers looking for a refreshing dip during the high season.

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2. The Porter

3. The Long Song

4. Cool Runnings

5. No Time to Die

7. The Sun Is Also a Star

11. Jane Eyre

12. The Harder They Come

13. How Stella Got Her Groove Back

14. Home Again

15. Top Boy

16. Sprinter

17. Granite Harbour

18. Rabbit Ears: Anansi

19. The Revolution Generation

20. Big George Foreman

21. We the Ragamuffin

22. Bird Box: Barcelona

23. Dreaming Whilst Black

24. Still Up

25. Little Boy Blue

26. Bria Mack Gets a Life

27. Three Little Birds

28. blakk wi blak...k...k.

29. Power Book III: Raising Kanan

30. Bob Marley: One Love

31. 5th Ward

32. 7 Toughest Days

33. Bob Marley: Freedom Road

34. Bob Marley: Legacy

35. Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend

36. bob marley and the wailers: the bob marley story.

37. One Love: The Bob Marley All-Star Tribute

38. Bob Marley Live in Concert

39. Bob Marley: Roots of the Man

40. Bob Marley: Uprising Live!

41. Caribbean Nights: The Bob Marley Story

42. Bob Marley: Spiritual Journey

43. Bob Marley: The Legend Live at the Santa Barbara County Bowl

44. When Bob Marley Came to Britain

45. rebel music: the bob marley story.

46. Bob Marley & The Wailers: One Love/People Get Ready

47. Bob Marley & The Wailers: Waiting in Vain

48. Bob Marley: Up Close and Personal

49. Bob Marley: Keep on Moving

50. Bob Marley and the Wailers: Live! At the Rainbow

51. Bob Marley: No Woman, No Cry

52. Bob Marley: Giant

53. Bob Marley & The Wailers: Could You Be Loved

54. Bob Marley Feat. Lauryn Hill: Turn Your Lights Down Low

55. Bob Marley: Easy Skanking

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57. Bob Marley & The Wailers: Buffalo Soldier

58. Bob Marley & The Wailers: Exodus

59. Bob Marley & The Wailers: Satisfy My Soul (Live)

60. Bob Marley & The Wailers: Easy Skanking in Boston '78

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Famous Movies From Jamaica

List of popular movies from Jamaica, listed by popularity with movie trailers when available. All prominent movies shot in Jamaica are included. This list of famous films made in Jamaica includes additional information about the movies, such as who directed them and what genre they are. Any top rated movies made in Jamaica should appear on this list, with the most well-known ones at the top. The most popular cinema of Jamaica is included below, so if you see a movie that's missing then it probably isn't very well-known.

The list of movies filmed in Jamaica include The Blue Lagoon , Cool Runnings , Dr. No , Knight and Day , and more. If you've ever wondered what movies were shot in Jamaica, find out here! 

The Blue Lagoon

• # 196 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
• # 20 of 64 on The Best Movies Of 1980
• # 198 of 472 on The 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever

Cool Runnings

• # 37 of 117 on The Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
• # 38 of 100 on The 100 Best Disney Channel Original Movies
• # 24 of 207 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made

Knight and Day

• Dig Deeper... Famous Movies Filmed in New England
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• # 61 of 73 on The Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives

Legends of the Fall

• # 195 of 264 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
• # 587 of 769 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
• # 85 of 288 on The 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time

• # 6 of 49 on The Top 45+ Films Released In 1962
• And Deeper... List of All Movies Released in 1962
• # 544 of 769 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

• # 76 of 468 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
• # 14 of 15 on 15 Underrated Hyper-Stylized Action Movies
• # 14 of 20 on 20 Action Movies That Are Way Better Than The Oscar Winners That Beat Them

Lord of the Flies

• Dig Deeper... List of All Movies Released in 1990
• # 73 of 90 on The Best Movies of 1990
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Live and Let Die

• # 52 of 199 on The Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
• # 147 of 228 on The 200+ Best Film Scores Of All Time
• # 12 of 26 on The 25+ Best 'James Bond' Movies, Ranked

Dancehall Queen

Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend

A Perfect Getaway

• # 11 of 56 on The Best Vacation Horror Movies, Ranked By Fans
• # 9 of 21 on What's the Greatest Hawaii Movie of All Time?
• # 18 of 31 on The Best Horror Movies Set During Summer

The Harder They Come

Third World Cop

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The Tourist: Cast, Plot, Release Date, and Everything Else We Know

The new trailer for HBO’s The Tourist offers a glimpse of its upcoming genre-bending show and a very lost and very amnesiac Jamie Dornan.

HBO Max just dropped the full trailer for their U.S. exclusive premiere of the BBC miniseries The Tourist , starring Jamie Dornan ( Belfast , A Private War ) as 'The Man' who, in the opening scene, runs off the road by a massive truck in the Australian wilderness. Following the accident, he wakes up in a hospital bed with no recollection of what happened before or who he is.

Throughout the series, he sets off on a journey to find out more about his identity and past and figure out why somebody wanted him dead and is still threatening his life. The trailer forecasts a stylish, harrowing ride with much unpredictability, numerous light-hearted moments, and action-packed sequences. Based on the first look, the show's tone gives Fargo vibes with a hint of classic McDonagh, while the visuals are more in the vein of True Detective . Even in this short clip, the makers did not shy away from directly referencing the Coen brothers .

Plot: What Can We Expect?

BBC describes the show by saying , " The Tourist is full of shocking, surprising, funny and brutal turns. The Tourist is set in a world populated by quirky, enigmatic characters, and off-beat comedy punctuates high-stakes action. At its heart, however, is a story of self-discovery with a ticking time bomb underneath: as The Man starts to uncover the mystery of who he was, he's also forced to ask who he is now – and fast. Will he unlock the secrets of his identity before those who are trying to kill him catch up with him?"

The Tourist is a genre-bending show combining mystery, action thriller, drama, and black comedy elements. The trailer looks somewhat dour and clunky in parts, but the creators stated several times that the show does not play things straight but peppers scenes with dry wit and pulse-pondering entertainment.

The trailer introduces a show with a fresh and vibrant tone, jokes elevated by much physical comedy, and awkward pauses. For fans of weird dark comedies , inappropriate humor, and twisted satires, The Tourist might turn out to be a true gem. Fingers crossed.

Cast and Crew

The six-episode limited series is co-produced by HBO Max, executive produced by Two Brothers Pictures' Christopher Aird, Andrew Benson, Tommy Bulfin (BBC), and Chris Sweeney ( Back to Life , Liar ). Sweeney is also set to direct with Daniel Nettheim ( Rush ). Harry and Jack Williams ( One of Us , Fleabag ) wrote the scripts while Lisa Scott is also serving as a producer.

The Tourist stars Jamie Dornan , Danielle Macdonald ( Dumplin , Paradise Hills ), Shalom Brune-Franklin ( Line of Duty , Road Kill ), Damon Herriman ( Mr. Inbetween , Once Upon A Time In Hollywood ), Alex Dimitriades ( Amazing Grace , The End ), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson ( Lady Dynamite , Journey ), and Kamil Ellis ( Clever Man, Nowhere Boys ).

Related: True Blood Reboot Is Still Getting Fleshed Out Says HBO Boss In a recent interview with BFI, Dornan shared how it felt that the show's creators wanted him to play 'The Man' from the very beginning. Dornan says, "It's nice to hear them say that, and they told me that at some point, but you never really truly believe that sort of stuff you know the imposter syndrome is real, and you feel like if you've ended up there, you've ended up because a whole host of people have said that they don't want to do it."

Dornan instantly felt he was on a journey with the character, saying, "I think I was sent the first three scripts and after one probably I was like yes, this is just when you think you have a grasp of what's happening and what's going to happen next and why this person is where he is at this given point that's just turned on its head you know it is just you're pinballed around the place from beat one of the show until the end of six hours you know that's truly exciting and mad read. I didn't even know what happened in the end, and I'd already committed."

Dornan also told BFI he was excited by the many question marks regarding if 'The Man' was manipulated by other characters or if he was lying about what he knew and did not know. He said, "Getting to explore his own identity as it's given to him that's kind of rare and exciting, and it makes the process of taking on information, responding to it accordingly really fresh."

Everything Else We Know

The show was filmed in South Australia and Flinders Ranges Mountain in the spring and summer of 2021. The outback of Australia is a character in itself. The openness and remoteness of the landscape, just like rural environments in general, lends itself as a great backdrop for sinister, twisted dramas. Some people tend to believe they can get away with things in remote places, anyway.

Related: Six Feet Under Revival 'Dead' According to HBO Max Boss Dornan warns us, though, confusion and jarring sensations you get by watching the first episode only escalate during the rest of the show. He said, "The confusion you have at the end of the first episode that will just escalate and escalate and escalate. There is so much of 'hold on, I thought she was' and 'oh no,' there are loads of that. Just when you think you know what the crack is, something happens."

Dornan recounts shooting The Tourist as the toughest, longest, most physically most demanding projects of his entire career , but also fun, saying, "It was the hardest job I have ever done in my life, and it was the longest job I have ever done, and if you are going through something like that's so long and hard physically hard to shoot if you're not getting along with the people that you're spending time with all day every day it's going be the trickiest five months of your life. I got really lucky with those guys. They are just such a good bunch. My ethos going into everything is make the most of this, enjoy the days, enjoy the people, make friends, whatever happens after is totally out of your control."

The Tourist will debut on HBO Max on March 3, 2022.

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Purchase of Holiday Inn by Catalonia, a testament of international confidence in local tourism brand — Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has described the purchase of the Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay by respected international brand Catalonia Hotels & Resorts as a strong signal of confidence in Jamaica’s tourism sector and a potential trigger for further investments.

Holiday Inn Montego Bay is operated by the prominent Jamaican businessman Kevin Hendrickson-led East Bay Management Company Limited.

“The acquisition of the Holiday Inn Resort by Catalonia Hotels & Resorts signifies not just a successful handover from a local leader to a global brand but also the continued attractiveness of Jamaica as a destination for world-class hospitality investments,” Bartlett said, according to a release from the Ministry of Tourism.

The tourism minister hailed Hendrickson for his significant contribution to the tourism sector.

“His continued commitment to excellence and his leadership at not only Holiday Inn Resort but across the entire Courtleigh Hospitality Group have undoubtedly contributed to the property’s success and, ultimately, to its appeal for a prestigious brand like Catalonia,” Bartlett said.

In a joint press release announcing the purchase, Hendrickson noted that it was a difficult decision to sell the resort.

“I am proud to leave it in the hands of a company with such prestige and hotel experience as Catalonia Hotels & Resorts. We wish to thank all our guests for their passionate support over the last sixteen (16) years and for making us a part of your family,” he stated.

READ:  Catalonia Hotels acquires Holiday Inn Mobay property from Hendrickson

Meanwhile, Catalonia Hotels & Resorts expressed their enthusiasm for expanding their presence in the Caribbean.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the Caribbean with the acquisition of this resort. As a Spanish hotel chain with over 40 years’ experience in tourism this acquisition represents a major landmark for the company, intensifying our presence in the Caribbean, and highlighting our commitment to expansion into new and vibrant markets,” said Félix Navas, general manager for Catalonia Hotels & Resorts.

In the meantime, Catalonia has outlined ambitious plans for the property as it intends to invest significantly in it within the coming months to ensure it aligns with their high standards while maintaining a strong commitment to the local community and environment.

“This focus on employee well-being and positive local impact aligns perfectly with Jamaica’s own emphasis on sustainable tourism development and value chain integration at all levels of the sector,” added Bartlett.

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