Movies To Watch Before Your Trip To Norway

Norway, a land sculpted by glaciers and steeped in Viking history, stands as one of Europe’s most breathtaking countries. While travel guidebooks can spark excitement for your upcoming journey, immersing yourself in visual previews of the nation’s pristine fjords, the awe-inspiring Arctic landscapes, and the vibrant, dynamic cityscapes can truly solidify your understanding of Norway’s vast scope and unparalleled grandeur. Witnessing these cinematic representations offers a unique perspective, allowing you to connect with the spirit of this remarkable country before you even set foot on its soil.

What truly unifies the Norwegian films highlighted here is a profound sense of vitality, a palpable energy that permeates the very core of Norwegian culture. Through the mediums of animation, heartwarming comedy, deeply introspective narratives, and meticulously crafted historical portraits, these films offer an invaluable window into the soul of Norway, providing a glimpse into the character of its people and the vibrant energy that pulsates throughout the Land of the Midnight Sun. They are more than just entertainment; they are cultural ambassadors, inviting you to experience Norway through the eyes of its storytellers.

#1 The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix

This undeniably charming stop-motion animation classic has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Norway’s popular culture, becoming a beloved national treasure. Not only does this film hold the distinction of being the most successful and widely seen Norwegian film of all time, captivating audiences of all ages, but it also impressively held the box office record for any stop-motion film until 1993, when it was finally dethroned by the iconic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Directed with meticulous detail and heartwarming charm by Ivo Caprino, The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix masterfully brings to life the unforgettable characters created by the talented cartoonist and author Kjell Aukrust. And while the film is undoubtedly animated and brimming with fantastical elements, it depicts a beautifully stylized version of a real mountain located in Lom, a picturesque village nestled within the stunning Oppland county. The attention to detail in capturing the essence of this region is truly remarkable.

The enthralling adventure begins in Flåklypa, a quaint and tiny mountain town that exudes a unique charm. Here, we meet Theodore Rimspoke, a bicycle-repairman and fantastical inventor of extraordinary contraptions, who lives and works alongside his endearing animal sidekicks: Sonny Duckworth, a bubbly and irrepressibly optimistic magpie, and Lambert, a pessimistic hedgehog whose dry wit provides a perfect counterpoint to Sonny’s enthusiasm. The friends’ peaceful existence is disrupted when they discover that Theodore’s former assistant, a disgruntled and ambitious individual, has stolen his prized design for a revolutionary engine, using it to become a world champion driver, basking in the glory that Theodore rightfully deserves. Fueled by a desire for justice and a thirst for revenge, Rudolph, the deceitful former assistant, brazenly challenges anyone to face him in a high-stakes race. Seizing the opportunity to reclaim what was stolen and restore Theodore’s honor, the trio bravely takes the bait, embarking on a thrilling and unpredictable journey. Hijinks and comical sabotage ensue as they navigate the treacherous path to the starting line, encountering a colorful cast of characters and overcoming numerous obstacles. The film culminates in a heart-stopping and exhilarating race sequence around the majestic mountain, where skill, ingenuity, and unwavering determination will ultimately decide the victor.

The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix is an absolutely perfect film to watch if you’re planning a trip to Jotunheim National Park, a premier destination in Norway for avid hikers and passionate anglers alike. This stunning national park offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature and experience the raw beauty of the Norwegian landscape. In addition to exploring the breathtaking Flåklypa valley, which lies nestled beneath the very mountain captured so vividly in the film, consider heading to the charming village of Lom to take in the awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the highest mountains in Northern Europe, their peaks piercing the sky with majestic grandeur. And be sure to save ample time for a visit to the iconic Lom Stave Church, a remarkable example of traditional Norwegian architecture and one of the few remaining stave churches in the country, offering a glimpse into Norway’s rich cultural heritage.

#2 Kon-Tiki (1950)

One of the most enduring and celebrated legacies of Norway’s Viking heritage is the unwavering spirit of adventure and the insatiable drive for exploration, qualities that are still deeply treasured and admired by contemporary Norwegians. Although this Academy Award-winning documentary, a testament to human ingenuity and courage, is set in the warm, inviting waters of South America and the remote islands of Polynesia, it focuses on the extraordinary life and accomplishments of national hero Thor Heyerdahl, the famed 20th-century explorer and pioneering experimental ethnographer. His unwavering dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the past made him a true icon of Norwegian exploration.

Heyerdahl fearlessly postulated that the pre-Columbian peoples of South America, driven by a thirst for discovery and a mastery of ancient seafaring techniques, had successfully sailed to and colonized the far-flung Polynesian islands over 1500 years ago, challenging conventional historical narratives. Seeking irrefutable proof to support his bold and groundbreaking theory, Heyerdahl meticulously constructed Kon-Tiki, his own tiny balsa-wood raft, using the very same pre-Columbian materials and ancient methods in 1947 that the ancient explorers would have painstakingly utilized. With his remarkably simple yet ingeniously designed raft and a small, dedicated crew of fellow adventurers, he bravely set out to recreate the same daring expedition from the coast of Peru to the shores of Tahiti, facing the immense challenges of the open ocean with unwavering determination.

While modern movie-goers might understandably feel drawn to the visually stunning and emotionally engaging 2012 narrative retelling of this incredible story, it is highly recommended to experience the raw authenticity and historical significance of the original documentary instead. Heyerdahl and his intrepid team of fellow scientists captured all of the film’s breathtaking footage on a single black and white 16mm camera, providing a unique and intimate glimpse into their extraordinary journey. The documentary also delves into the finer points of the explorer’s fascinating theories and the meticulous methods he employed in his groundbreaking research. There is simply nothing more thrilling and immersive than feeling like you are right there on the raft with Heyerdahl and his team, sharing in their triumphs and tribulations for 101 unforgettable days. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Once you’re in Oslo, the vibrant capital city of Norway, a visit to the real raft at the Kon-Tiki museum is an absolute must for any traveler seeking to connect with the spirit of exploration and adventure. The museum also boasts an extensive library, housing approximately 8000 volumes, providing a treasure trove of information for researchers and enthusiasts alike. You’ll also find meticulously detailed maps from the original expedition, along with fascinating exhibits showcasing other vessels Heyerdahl recreated for his future expeditions, further illuminating his remarkable contributions to our understanding of human history. The museum is thoughtfully designed to be very kid-friendly, with main exhibitions specifically curated to be approachable and engaging for even the youngest visitors. After immersing yourself in the world of exploration at the Kon-Tiki Museum, take full advantage of your prime location on the water by checking out the nearby Fram Museum, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Viking Ship Museum, or the Norwegian Maritime Museum, each offering a unique perspective on Norway’s rich maritime heritage. And be sure to round out your day with a delectable seafood feast at one of the many exceptional restaurants in the area, savoring the fresh flavors of the Norwegian coast.

#3 Troll Hunter

Norse mythology, a rich tapestry of ancient tales and legendary figures, offers a vast panoply of mythical creatures and captivating characters. Troll Hunter, a hilarious and inventive mockumentary, cleverly capitalizes on one particularly terrifying and infamous breed: the troll. This dark comedy seamlessly blends elements of fantasy with the raw, unscripted feel of cinema-verite, uniting a cast of both well-known Norwegian comedians and talented non-actors, all of whom improvised their dialogue on set, adding a layer of authenticity and spontaneity to the film. This clever box office hit has drawn comparisons to the groundbreaking film The Blair Witch Project for its effective use of found footage, creating a sense of realism and immersion that draws the viewer into the heart of the story. It has been widely heralded as a modern classic, featuring shaky, hand-held shots of the frozen tundra juxtaposed with fantastically realized CGI creatures, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film follows a group of three ambitious film students as they embark on a seemingly straightforward documentary project about a suspected bear poacher named Hans. However, they soon stumble upon a shocking revelation: it isn’t bears that Hans is after, but trolls—whose very existence in the North has been elaborately and meticulously covered up by the Norwegian government for decades. Driven by a thirst for the truth and a desire to expose the government’s secrets, the young filmmakers plunge themselves into unimaginable danger as they chase enormous, mythical creatures across the desolate landscape, desperately try to verify the truth behind the rumors, and find themselves becoming the target of shadowy government agents who will stop at nothing to keep their massive secret safely hidden on the down low.

Troll Hunter was primarily filmed in the majestic mountains of Western Norway, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and rugged terrain of this stunning region. The film serves as a fun and engaging preview of the types of landscapes you’ll encounter around the charming towns of Bergen, Skei, or Flåm, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. Experiencing these locations will truly transport you into the world of the film, allowing you to imagine the mythical creatures lurking just beyond the horizon.

#4 Insomnia (1997)

This semi-noir psychological drama masterfully utilizes the near perpetual daylight of the Midnight Sun above the Arctic circle to symbolize the overwhelming weight of guilt and the debilitating effects of anxiety. The film’s unique setting, where the sun never truly sets, creates an atmosphere of constant tension and unease, perfectly reflecting the protagonist’s internal turmoil. Insomnia follows the acclaimed actor Stellan Skarsgård as Jonas Engström, a seasoned detective haunted by his past mistakes, who is assigned to investigate the brutal murder of a teenage girl in Tromsø, a bustling town in the far north of Norway. The town’s remote location and unique geographical characteristics contribute to the film’s unsettling and atmospheric tone.

As the film opens, we learn that Engström has been exiled from Oslo, the capital city, after his reputation was irrevocably tainted in a previous case, leaving him with a cloud of suspicion and regret hanging over his head. Reassigned to the isolated outpost of Tromsø, he soon discovers that he has met his match in an equally clever and cunning murderer, leading him down a treacherous path filled with deception and moral ambiguity. During a bungled rendezvous, fraught with tension and fueled by exhaustion, Engström—delirious from severe insomnia—runs through a thick blanket of fog, his vision obscured and his senses heightened. In a moment of tragic miscalculation, he shoots, missing the intended suspect and inadvertently killing his own colleague, plunging him into a deeper abyss of guilt and despair. What unfolds is a suspenseful and psychologically complex miasma as Engström desperately tries to cover up his fatal mistake while simultaneously continuing his relentless investigation, battling his inner demons and the ever-present threat of exposure. All the while, our tormented detective cannot find rest, perpetually haunted by the ghosts of his past and the crushing weight of his present actions, trapped in a cycle of sleepless nights and unrelenting guilt.

The film is filled with breathtakingly otherworldly vistas of the Arctic landscape and provides a glimpse into the close-knit communities of the north, showcasing the unique culture and resilience of the people who call this region home. Whether you’re planning a visit to Tromsø in the winter months to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights or exploring the area during the brighter times of the year, when the sun graces the sky for nearly 24 hours a day, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the lively atmosphere of this vibrant town, which proudly boasts the highest number of pubs per capita in all of Norway. As the recognized gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø is also the perfect town to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Sami people at the Tromsø University Museum, learn about their traditions and way of life, feed arctic reindeer at a local farm, visit the fascinating Polar Museum to discover the history of polar exploration, and even embark on an unforgettable journey into the fjords for a thrilling whale safari, encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

#5 Elling (2001)

Elling is an Oscar-nominated deadpan comedy, celebrated for its dry wit and heartwarming portrayal of human connection, about two dysfunctional men in their 40s who forge an unlikely friendship and become reluctant roommates. Elling, the protagonist, is so severely paralyzed by debilitating agoraphobia that, after the heartbreaking death of his beloved mother, he must be sent to a mental institution for treatment and support. There, he encounters Kjell Bjarne, a lovable but socially awkward and sex-obsessed slob who is unable to function in normal society after spending a lifetime confined to institutionalized living. Despite their contrasting personalities and individual struggles, the two men find solace and companionship in each other.

Two years later, the government, in an effort to promote deinstitutionalization and encourage independent living, offers the men an opportunity to live independently, moving them into a furnished apartment in Oslo. To their utter dismay and horror, a well-meaning but somewhat intrusive social worker breaks the news that the men are now expected to actively interact with society and integrate into the community, a daunting and terrifying prospect for both of them. Kjell, driven by his insatiable desires, quickly falls for their eccentric and pregnant neighbor, while Elling, hesitant but curious, befriends a renowned poet, gradually stepping outside his comfort zone and discovering the joys of human connection. These experiences eventually lead the characters to confront their fears and insecurities, embrace new challenges, and experience the rich tapestry of life that they have been avoiding for so long.

Elling brilliantly juxtaposes the lives of two mentally ill men with the backdrop of a society that proudly prizes its status as the happiest nation in the world, prompting viewers to question societal norms and the true meaning of happiness. What’s more, the film commendably refuses to stigmatize its lead characters or enforce any kind of simplistic moral lesson about mental illness. Instead, it presents a nuanced and compassionate story about two fully realized characters who are simply confronted with the everyday banality of life and the challenges of navigating the complexities of human relationships.

While the film embarks on journeys into the gorgeous Norwegian countryside, showcasing the natural beauty of the nation, it also provides an intimate glimpse into the rhythms of life in Oslo, Europe’s fastest growing city center, a dynamic metropolis teeming with endless dining options, world-class museums, and a rich tapestry of history and culture. Heading there yourself? Consider this itinerary for experiencing a perfect day in Oslo, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and discovering its hidden gems.