Where Was Chernobyl Diaries Filmed? Brad Parker’s Engrossing Disaster Horror Film!

You must have seen numerous horror films, but have you watched a disaster horror movie? Well, if you have, then I’m sure you’re aware of the movie Chernobyl Diaries (2012). The disaster horror film follows a group of friends who travel to Europe and visit the ghost town of Pripyat on their way to Moscow. After being stranded in the ghost town, they soon realize that they’re not alone. In this article, I’ll discuss the movie and tell you where was Chernobyl Diaries filmed. 

You’ve probably watched many movies and documentaries about the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster that happened on 26 April 1986. But I bet you’ve never heard about a horror movie related to the Chernobyl Disaster. If you’ve already seen the movie, then you know after a point of time how scary the movie gets. The disaster horror film features several independent actors like Jonathan Sadowski, Jesse McCartney, Devin Kelley, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, and Nathan Phillips. 

Jonathan Sadowsky and Olivia Taylor Dudley are American actors. Sadowsky is best known for starring in the sitcom Young & Hungry. He has also been in Bruce Willis’ action thriller film Live Free Or Die Hard and the 2009 horror movie Friday The 13th. On the other hand, Dudley is widely known for her roles in horror films like Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension and The Vatican Tapes. 

Now let me quickly tell you where was Chernobyl Diaries filmed. The disaster horror movie was filmed in Belgrade, Serbia, Hungary, and Pripyat, Ukraine.

From director Brad Parker, Chernobyl Diaries was released in the United States on 25 May 2012. It arrived on streaming platforms on 7 January 2014. The disaster horror film is an Alcon Entertainment production distributed internationally and in the US by Universal Pictures. However, let’s move ahead and learn more about the filming locations.

Where Was Chernobyl Diaries Filmed? Chernobyl Diaries Filming Locations!

Brad Parker’s Chernobyl Diaries garnered mixed responses from critics, who were not impressed with the movie’s screenplay, whereas some critics called it an essential monster film that lacked originality. Despite its not-so-great reviews, the disaster horror film did quite well at the box office as it earned over $37 million against a budget of just $1 million.

Parker is a filmmaker, visual effects artist, and screenwriter who made his feature directorial debut with Chernobyl Diaries. The movie got average ratings on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. However, let’s cut to the chase and find out where was Chernobyl Diaries filmed.

Belgrade, Serbia

A significant portion of the disaster horror film, Chernobyl Diaries was shot in the city of Belgrade in Serbia. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and is home to some of the world’s most important and most prominent museums. The production team was lucky enough to find a World War II army bunker built by the Nazis and used as headquarters. Oren Peli, who wrote the movie’s screenplay in an interview, shared his experience during the production process in the bunker.

Peli talked about how creepy the entire place was and that it gave a negative vibe. The cast was quite scared while shooting some of the scenes. He added that the underground tunnels were very narrow and that there were no safety lights. 

Brad Parker, the director of the movie, in another interview, talked about how the production team would leave the cast in the dark just to record their natural reactions. He also added that the whole experience was great, and at the end of the day, everyone had fun. Remember the parking lot scenes? Those scenes were shot in New Belgrade, a municipality of Belgrade.

Hungary

After filming in Belgrade, the cast and crew traveled to the city of Kiskunlacháza in Hungary. The city falls under Pest County and is situated in the northern part of central Hungary. It has a population of 8,672 people and shares its border with the town of Ráckev. The production team, after filming in and around the city, shot some vital scenes at an abandoned Soviet Air Force base just outside the city. 

Besides that, the cast and crew filmed some of the scenes in the capital city of Budapest. With a population of over 1.7 million, the city is widely famous for its architectural marvels. The production team shot at Kelenföld Power Station in Budapest. All the control room scenes were filmed here.

Pripyat, Ukraine

The production team visited the abandoned city of Pripyat in Ukraine but could not continue filming due to still–present nuclear dust. The condition of the city was not suitable for work. Instead, they traveled to Belgrade, Serbia, and shot a significant portion of the movie there.

Plot Of Chernobyl Diaries (2012) | You Better Run Fast!

The story of Chernobyl Diaries revolves around Chris Walker, played by Jesse McCartney. Chris and his girlfriend Natalie, played by Olivia Dudley, and their common friend Amanda travel to Europe. Chris intends to propose to Natalie in Moscow and visit his brother Paul, played by Jonathan Sadowski, who lives in Kyiv.

They travel across Europe and visit several cities before reaching Kyiv, Ukraine. Chris and Paul catch up with each other while Natalie and Amanda freshen up. Paul plans to visit Pripyat, an abandoned city that sits in the shadow of the nuclear power plant of Chornobyl. They meet a tour guide named Yuri, who takes them and another couple to Pripyat.

After reaching Pripyat, they roam around the city and have fun. When it’s finally time to leave, they find out that their car is broken after being stranded in the ghost town with no food or water to drink. They soon realize that they’re not alone. And, their fun trip turns into their worst nightmare.

Final Words

I wouldn’t suggest you visit the abandoned city of Pripyat in Ukraine, but I would suggest visiting Belgrade and Budapest. Both are spectacular cities with a lot to see and learn. However, if you haven’t seen Chernobyl Diaries yet, watch it as soon as possible. It’s a must-watch if you enjoy watching disaster horror films. Also, if you liked reading the article, then do not forget to let me know in the comments section.