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From Blade Runner to GTA V, part of what makes blockbuster movies and video games so immersive is the incredible visuals. Even though it's made up, the scenery looks so real, so palpable, it's as if you're almost there. Sometimes, however, you are. If only for a moment.

Our world is so diverse that there are places where you can actually feel like you're in a different galaxy or even a 3D render. The surroundings, the lights, and a few random coincidences can make it look almost identical to your favorite productions.

So, to give you a well-deserved five-minute break, Bored Panda has decided to take you to these locations and we've collected the best photos that were taken there. Enjoy.

#1

These Clouds Over This Abandoned House Look Like They’re Out Of Courage The Cowardly Dog

These Clouds Over This Abandoned House Look Like They’re Out Of Courage The Cowardly Dog

Aaron Groen Report

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh hail no. I'd be in the cellar with the survival kit if the sky looked like that. I've never seen it quite THAT green ---- but close enough we hid for hours until it was safe.

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#2

There Is A House Near Me That Looks Like It’s Out Of A Fairytale

There Is A House Near Me That Looks Like It’s Out Of A Fairytale

CommercialsMaybe Report

To learn more about what goes into producing such images, Bored Panda got in contact with Feed-the-good-wolf, the person behind the dreamlike photo of an altar inside an underground church which had over 24K upvotes on Reddit. "I took it with an iPhone 4 at the salt mines in Poland," they said.

"There was an eerie medieval vibe in the church but it was very surreal too. It's a mixture of the textures and lighting as well as the fact that there were so many right angles that make the pic look like a video game," Feed-the-good-wolf explained. "This altar is entirely carved out of salt."

#3

Amazing Shot Taken At The Right Time And In The Right Place. These Antennas On Top Of The San Francisco Sutro Tower Look Like A Ghost Ship

Amazing Shot Taken At The Right Time And In The Right Place. These Antennas On Top Of The San Francisco Sutro Tower Look Like A Ghost Ship

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the chimney on the right looks like someone is saluting the ship O.O

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#4

The Emperor's Corridor In The Czech Republic Looks Like A Real Life Skyrim

The Emperor's Corridor In The Czech Republic Looks Like A Real Life Skyrim

Steve Coleman Report

#5

This Forest With Trees Covered In Green Moss Right After All Of The Colorful Leaves Fell To The Ground In Basque Country

This Forest With Trees Covered In Green Moss Right After All Of The Colorful Leaves Fell To The Ground In Basque Country

mimadeo Report

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Elsker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next day, the dawn was a brilliant fiery red and I wandered though the weird and lurid landscape of another planet; for the vegetation which gives Mars its red appearance had taken root on Earth. As Man had succumbed to the Martians, so our land now succumbed to the Red Weed...

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We also looked at some tips online and learned that pretty much everyone can take cinematic photos.

To start, ask yourself what makes something look picturesque in the first place. Study your favorite movies. But don't just watch them, try to identify how you can interpret their essence visually.

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You don't have to stick to one particular genre when looking for cinematic inspiration. Yes, you can learn a lot from watching action movies but there's also animation, documentary films... the list goes on. You can broaden your influences by researching lists of films online, such as IMDb's Top 50 Most Beautiful and Visually Stunning Movies.

#6

The Sun Hit This Freshly-Paved Tarmac Just Right And Made A Real-Life Rainbow Road Through Polarized Lenses

The Sun Hit This Freshly-Paved Tarmac Just Right And Made A Real-Life Rainbow Road Through Polarized Lenses

kenziemonsterrawr Report

#7

Volcanic Ash Cloud In Chile Looks Like A Giant Monster Summoned From The Underworld

Volcanic Ash Cloud In Chile Looks Like A Giant Monster Summoned From The Underworld

Bemy_Gunshot Report

#8

Oppstryn, Norway Looking Like A Dreamland

Oppstryn, Norway Looking Like A Dreamland

reidar_nesje Report

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If you find a movie you really like, write down everything you love about it. Observe how every shot is composed, and pay attention to how the lighting establishes the mood of each scene. Filmmaking and photography may be different platforms, but they share many rules. Subsequently, you can easily apply what you learn from watching movies to your photography.

Next, capture images with a prime lens. Movie cameras rarely use zoom lenses since a lot of cinematographers actually prefer using fixed prime lenses—they're a whole lot sharper than lenses with variable focal lengths. Plus, they also provide incredible bokeh that helps isolate the subject from the background.

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Then, learn to shoot raw. JPEG is a type of file that you can readily use right out of the camera but having the ability to edit it broadens the scope of possibilities with the image. RAW files allow you to make significant changes to them without destroying their overall look.

#9

This Photo Of My Son Looks Like A Horror Movie Poster

This Photo Of My Son Looks Like A Horror Movie Poster

dupokey Report

#10

This Looks Like A Screenshot From A Video Game But Is Actually A Real Altar From An Entire Church Carved Underground In A Salt Mine In Poland

This Looks Like A Screenshot From A Video Game But Is Actually A Real Altar From An Entire Church Carved Underground In A Salt Mine In Poland

feed-the-good-wolf Report

#11

This Old Town In Japan That Looks Like A Movie Set

This Old Town In Japan That Looks Like A Movie Set

_deepsky Report

Explore angles. Every element of an image influences how the audience feels when viewing your work, and this includes using angles to establish different moods. Just by changing your camera position, you can change how people perceive your photo as well. 

For example, the eye-level shot replicates how we usually see other people and helps us connect with the subject on a more intimate level.

You can also set the mood with lighting. The two main types of lighting you can begin with are soft lighting and hard lighting. Movies often use soft lighting to make scenes look dreamy and heavenly, and apply hard lighting to set a more dramatic tone.

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#12

I Drove Into A Deep Winter Forest At Night, And It Looks Like In Some Stephen King Story

I Drove Into A Deep Winter Forest At Night, And It Looks Like In Some Stephen King Story

PageD0WN Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like something is going to jump out in front of you. And, you can't turn the car around.

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#13

Long Exposure Photo Of Drones Circling Mountains Makes Them Look Like Sci-Fi Landscapes

Long Exposure Photo Of Drones Circling Mountains Makes Them Look Like Sci-Fi Landscapes

itsreuben Report

#14

This Cemetery Fire From Yesterday Looks Like A Horror Movie's Climax

This Cemetery Fire From Yesterday Looks Like A Horror Movie's Climax

vizquimaister Report

#15

San Francisco Is Looking Like Blade Runner 2049

San Francisco Is Looking Like Blade Runner 2049

Redivstra Report

Lastly, get creative with color grading. It's a subtle enhancement that you can use to complete the movie look you are going for. This process is used to manipulate the tones and hues, emphasizing its overall mood. 

So you can slide the temperature to the yellow side if you want your photo to look and feel warmer and to the blue end if you want to evoke a colder response. Adjust the values of your hues, saturation, and luminance (HSL) until you achieve the color palette that you want.

Follow these steps and who knows, maybe your picture will end up in our next list!

#16

"Earth Pyramids" In South Tyrol, Northern Italy Looks Like An Alien Movie Set

"Earth Pyramids" In South Tyrol, Northern Italy Looks Like An Alien Movie Set

Kilian Schönberger Report

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#18

Space Needle In Seattle Over Clouds Looks Like The Cloud City From Star Wars

Space Needle In Seattle Over Clouds Looks Like The Cloud City From Star Wars

misoisoup Report

#19

These Lights On The Ground That Look Like The Start To A Video Game Quest

These Lights On The Ground That Look Like The Start To A Video Game Quest

passionpeach Report

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Madison Feehan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And nobody's going to point out the characters walking towards the first quest?

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#20

Mont-Saint-Michel In France Looks Like The Disney Logo In Real Life

Mont-Saint-Michel In France Looks Like The Disney Logo In Real Life

mindz.eye Report

#21

My Orange Toolbox Looks Like A Real Life Pickup Item Under My Room's Blue Light

My Orange Toolbox Looks Like A Real Life Pickup Item Under My Room's Blue Light

MSFoxhound Report

#22

The Fog Made The Stadium Look Like An UFO

The Fog Made The Stadium Look Like An UFO

Lubyanchenko Report

#23

This Spot Looks Like A CGI Render To Me. Seriously One Of The Craziest Places I've Ever Seen. Oregon Coast

This Spot Looks Like A CGI Render To Me. Seriously One Of The Craziest Places I've Ever Seen. Oregon Coast

nathanielthewise Report

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Doubleheader
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have ever seen the animated Oregon Travel commercial, then know that it's really not that far off from the real thing! Oregon has some really beautiful sights. I will miss it here.

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#24

I Covered A Door In Mirror Paper Squares And Now It Looks Almost Like Some Sort Of Portal

I Covered A Door In Mirror Paper Squares And Now It Looks Almost Like Some Sort Of Portal

SketchySandwich Report

#25

Frozen Water And Waves Of Lake Michigan Makes Something That Looks Like It's Straight Out Of Game Of Thrones Or Saw

Frozen Water And Waves Of Lake Michigan Makes Something That Looks Like It's Straight Out Of Game Of Thrones Or Saw

cdats Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You need to cross these giant shards of ice to reach the Iron Throne.

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#26

My Picture Of Today’s Sunset Looks Like It Is From GTA

My Picture Of Today’s Sunset Looks Like It Is From GTA

DField118 Report

#27

A Friend On Social Media Spotted This One Pixel Glitch In The Matrix, India

A Friend On Social Media Spotted This One Pixel Glitch In The Matrix, India

ssigea Report

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#28

Photo I Took On My Phone Looks Like Live Action GTA

Photo I Took On My Phone Looks Like Live Action GTA

kalbycool Report

#30

Shot This Photo Of A Neighbor Kid As A Giant Storm Was Passing The Other Night

Shot This Photo Of A Neighbor Kid As A Giant Storm Was Passing The Other Night

SoulcrateSucka Report

#31

My Picture Made It Seem Like I Was A Locked Character

My Picture Made It Seem Like I Was A Locked Character

johnnydoodookink Report

#32

This Tower We Found In An Irish Forest Looks Like Something Out Of A Fairytale

This Tower We Found In An Irish Forest Looks Like Something Out Of A Fairytale

wintsykia Report

#33

The Reflection Of The Lights In The Room Behind Me Make It Look Like The Sky Has A Trap Door

The Reflection Of The Lights In The Room Behind Me Make It Look Like The Sky Has A Trap Door

reddit.com Report

#34

Fire In East St. Louis Last Night Looks Like A Scene From A Movie

Fire In East St. Louis Last Night Looks Like A Scene From A Movie

OopsIArted Report

#35

Cloud From The Storm Today Looks Like A Horror Movie

Cloud From The Storm Today Looks Like A Horror Movie

riskyjon90 Report

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Draco's Dragonfly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just another few seconds and the house will be sucked into the clouds.... I could totally imagine that happening!

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#36

The Corridors In My Hotel Look Like A Retro Fps Game

The Corridors In My Hotel Look Like A Retro Fps Game

NobleRotter Report

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J. F.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given the floor I would say that's on purpose (awesome non the less)

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#37

A Picture Of My Kids At The Zoo Turned Out More Like A Scene From A Horror Movie

A Picture Of My Kids At The Zoo Turned Out More Like A Scene From A Horror Movie

Shadrach451 Report

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#38

Hong Kong Protests Look Like A Dystopian Future

Hong Kong Protests Look Like A Dystopian Future

lsb.co Report

#39

I've Been Told My Photo Of Half Dome Looks Like A Videogame Render

I've Been Told My Photo Of Half Dome Looks Like A Videogame Render

Oxus007 Report

#40

So Last Night's Fog And The Street Light Made My House Look Like A Scene From A Horror Movie

So Last Night's Fog And The Street Light Made My House Look Like A Scene From A Horror Movie

DarkDankDemon Report

#41

Lena Pillars, A Natural Rock Formation In Yakutsk, Russia Looks Like The Wall From Game Of Thrones

Lena Pillars, A Natural Rock Formation In Yakutsk, Russia Looks Like The Wall From Game Of Thrones

Novichokkkkkk Report

#42

Ice Storm Makes North Georgia Look Like Something Out Of An Apocalypse Movie

Ice Storm Makes North Georgia Look Like Something Out Of An Apocalypse Movie

Avcracy Report

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Danieletc
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And most of "The Walking Dead" is shot in Georgia, US, no less.

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#43

The Massive Underground Cathedral Protecting Tokyo From Floods (This Isn't A 3D Render)

The Massive Underground Cathedral Protecting Tokyo From Floods (This Isn't A 3D Render)

BeardedGlass Report

#44

This Photo I Took Of A Building In San Antonio Looks Like It's Straight Out Of An Alien Invasion Movie

This Photo I Took Of A Building In San Antonio Looks Like It's Straight Out Of An Alien Invasion Movie

_rchr Report

#45

I Genuinely Thought My Car Was Hovering Over The Parking

I Genuinely Thought My Car Was Hovering Over The Parking

theam107 Report

#46

A Creepy Little Christmas Tree Fully Decorated In The Middle Of The Woods. Powered By What Looked Like Mini Solar Panels

A Creepy Little Christmas Tree Fully Decorated In The Middle Of The Woods. Powered By What Looked Like Mini Solar Panels

ygtjf Report

#47

My Front Porch View Looks Like A Scene Out Of Stranger Things

My Front Porch View Looks Like A Scene Out Of Stranger Things

ReadItSteveO Report

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#48

Apartment Hallway In Dallas, TX Looks Like A Scene From The Titanic

Apartment Hallway In Dallas, TX Looks Like A Scene From The Titanic

valpaal Report

#49

The Way The Snow Melted In My University's Courtyard Makes The Floor Look Like A Video Game

The Way The Snow Melted In My University's Courtyard Makes The Floor Look Like A Video Game

dougieman97 Report

#50

Photo I Took On My Phone Looks Like Live-Action GTA

Photo I Took On My Phone Looks Like Live-Action GTA

franehr Report

Note: this post originally had 110 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.