Rebate Safe as Filming in Hungary Continues
zita kisgergely
Filming in Hungary has continued at pace during 2026 as the government confirms that the framework ensuring tax incentives to international productions will remain unchanged.
Filming in Hungary has continued at pace during 2026 as the government confirms that the framework ensuring tax incentives to international productions will remain unchanged
Deputy prime minister and foreign minister Anita Orbán has stated that the government wants to continue offering a system that is stable and predictable so that even more global productions are enticed to film in Hungary.
The current framework assures a 30% rebate on eligible production expenses, which has partly helped clinch Hungary’s position as the leading production hub in Europe after London.
The minister’s words will be welcome news to producers, especially as it comes from such a senior level. In a Facebook statement, Orbán (no relation to the previous prime minister of Hungary) wrote:
“Our key objective is to provide a stable and predictable framework once again for the Hungarian film tax-rebate system, and to bring even more international productions and professional collaborations to Hungary,”
The rebate system came under pressure in 2025 when a 140 billion HUF cap was imposed. That has since expired, however, with applications made after July 1st, 2026 no longer being subject to that limitation. The resulting backlog is currently being processed by the National Film Office.
Here’s a list of just some of the films and TV series that filmed in Hungary during 2026.
Arnold Schwarzenegger. Photo via Wikipedia.
The Kelly’s
If you were in Budapest during the summer, this was one production that didn’t go under the radar. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (who was frequently spotted riding his e-bike around town) and Geena Davis, the film follows a disgraced and battle-hardened NYC cop whose life spirals into chaos when a group of terrorists takes his wife hostage.
Alone at Dawn
Ron Howard’s military drama starring Adam Driver and Anne Hathaway wrapped at the beginning of the year. The shoot utilized a quarry in Fejér County to double as Afghan terrain and various logistics hubs across Budapest.
Caine
This high-octane action thriller and standalone John Wick spin-off from the franchise features Donnie Yen reprising his role as the blind assassin Caine. The production filmed in Budapest and Hong Kong.
The Nightingale
The wartime drama starring both Dakota and Elle Fanning (who play siblings for the first time on screen) was shot on the streets of Budapest and the nearby town of Szentendre, transforming the local scenery into German-occupied France.
The Masque of the Red Death
From A24, this is a new Gothic horror film adaptation of the Edgar Allan Poe short story of 1842. Starring Mikey Madison and Léa Seydoux, it also filmed in Budapest
Killing Hitler
A historical action thriller directed by Danny A. Abeckaser which centres on a real-life 1933 plot by Jewish-American mobsters to assassinate Adolf Hitler shortly after he became German chancellor. The feature debut of Michael Douglas’ son, Dylan Douglas, the film was shot in Budapest during the summer of 2026.
Day of the Jackal S02
Earlier in the year, the second season of the thriller series shot partly in Budapest, this time standing in for the Moldovan capital city of Chișinău.
Dinner with Audrey
Budapest stood in for Paris yet again in the filming of this production which focusses on Audrey Hepburn’s early career and how she came to collaborate with with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy.
Portrait of a Lady
Another period film set in Europe, this one based on the classic novel of Henry James. It centres on a young American woman after she inherits a large fortune and follows her struggles as she enters European society.
Sources & further information
Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.
Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.