Astounding Sources for Wildly Popular Movies

Did you know that The Dark Knight Rises was partly based on A Tale of Two Cities, or that the look of Monster’s University was based on several Ivy League schools? In this entertaining episode of Mental Floss, Elliot Morgan reveals 26 Things That Inspired [some of the most popular] Movies.

If you haven’t gotten your fill of movie inspirations yet, have you ever considered that the magical settings in many Disney films are based on real locations? Bored Panda has put out a fun article tying 18 beautiful destinations to Disney movies. Here are just a few.

“The Little Mermaid – Chateau De Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Image credits: Disney & Elfi Kluck

Prince Eric’s castle in The Little Mermaid was inspired by Chateau De Chillon on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The chateau dates back to the Roman empire, when it was used to guard a road through the Alps. Not only is the since-updated castle itself beautiful, but its position directly on the shores of Lake Geneva makes it the perfect fairytale setting.”

“Sleeping Beauty – Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Image credits: Disney & paparountas

The Royal Castle in Sleeping Beauty was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. This castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1892 as a personal retreat and a tribute to Richard Wagner, his favorite composer. Ludwig II, known by some as the Swan King, was an enthusiastic art patron, leaving beautiful structures throughout Bavaria.”

“Up – Angel Falls, Venezuela

Image credits: Pixar & Alice Nerr

Paradise Falls in Up was inspired by Angel Falls (also known as Kerepakupai Vena in the indigenous Pemon language) in Venezuela. With an uninterrupted fall of 979m (3,212ft), it is the world’s highest waterfall. It falls from a mountain called Auyantepui, which is one of several table-topped “tepui” mountains in Venezuela.”

Check out the full article here.