From Mr. Darcy’s home to the animated world of ‘Spirited Away,’ you may lose yourself in the lush foliage.
Starting with its opening titles and ending with the final credits, movies have long served as an inspiration for interior designers. With this issue of ELLE Decor, we’re looking beyond the confines of the four walls of the home and into the garden, which has long been a feature of the magazine. Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy’s magnificent estate and Spirited Away’s cartoon world are among our top 10 favorite movie gardens—read on for some top-notch garden ideas for your own future plantings.
1. LITTLE WOMEN
Aunt March’s Parisian home is anything but humble in Greta Gerwig’s renowned version of the original tale, which focuses on the March sisters’ impoverished origins. This garden foretells the family’s future with its stately lawns and charming seating.
2. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
It doesn’t matter which film adaptation you prefer—the gardens of Mr. Darcy’s house in the 2005 iteration are breathtaking. You can sit here and think about an unrequited love for a long time.
3. IT’S COMPLICATED
The chef’s garden in Nancy Meyers’s 2009 romantic comedy has already received a lot of attention, but the kitchen deserves the same attention.
4. DOWNTON ABBEY
You may be familiar with Downton Abbey because of its lavish set design. However, the grounds and gardens seen in the 2019 film adaptation of the television series are likewise well tended. It’s a palace fit for the British kings and queens.
5. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
Forget about your conventional garden design inspiration when it comes to the legendary topiary structures from Tim Burton’s 1990 film “Dumbo.” It’s hard to say no to these adorable creatures, isn’t it?
6. THE FAVOURITE
Every scene in The Favourite, a 2018 period drama that deviates from the norm, draws attention and raises eyebrows. Yorgos Lanthimos, the director of the picture, has created a fantastical universe with its formal hedges and lush English lawns.
7. THE KARATE KID
Mr. Miyagi’s Zen backyard from the 1984 film Karate Kid is nearly as inspiring as the heroic underdog who practices there.
8. ATONEMENT
With its gorgeous gardens, the 2007 film Atonement provides a visual break from the sorrow and deception of the story.
9. THE SECRET GARDEN
The Secret Garden, a 1993 film about a quaint, colorful garden, may be the genesis story of gardeners everywhere.
10. SPIRITED AWAY
Spirited Away may not be real, but Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 film has been a source of garden envy for many people for years and years now.
