Outside views · North America

1 Best Movies Set in or About Costa Rica

Compare how outside filmmakers have used Costa Rica as a sustained setting or subject.

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Runtime, mood, and entry level help narrow the list without replacing the editorial ranking.

FilmRuntimeGenreMoodBest for
Island of the SharksNot verified

1 Movie Set in or About Costa Rica

Foreign-led films whose sustained setting or subject remains centered on Costa Rica.

  1. Island of the Sharks (1999) poster

    1. Island of the Sharks

    1999

    This large-format documentary plunges into the teeming waters around Cocos Island, far off the Costa Rican coast, showcasing its sharks, rays, and other misunderstood predators in one of the ocean's richest sanctuaries.

Hear the country first

10 Best Movies from Costa Rica to Watch First

Start with films made from within Costa Rica, then follow the country's own creative voice through the complete ranking.

  1. Maikol Yordan de Viaje Perdido 2014
  2. Hombre de fe 2017
  3. Maikol Yordan 2: La cura lejana 2018
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Selected by the FilmsAroundThe.World editorial desk

Selections require an outside creative lead and a story or subject substantially centered on Costa Rica. Decision labels are concise editorial aids, and content notes are non-exhaustive. Read the methodology.

Editorial review: 2026-07-13

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