If you stroll through Potsdamer Platz, you will immediately sense its vibrancy. Berlin is alive here. Whereas today glass facades sparkle, not long ago the square was a no-man’s land, right in the middle of a divided city. It is precisely this transformative character that makes the area so exciting for filmmakers.

Here’s a look at some of Potsdamer Platz's most captivating on-screen appearances:

Unorthodox (2020, Netflix miniseries): This acclaimed series tells the story of Esty's escape from an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in New York, with Berlin playing a central role. One particularly memorable scene sees Esty (Shira Haas) and Robert (Aaron Altaras) visit The Barn café at Potsdamer Platz. Amid the quiet chatter and lattes, the square symbolises Esty's transition into a new, open world.

Homeland (2015): The hit US series about ex-CIA agent Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes) has made Berlin even more visible on the global map. At Potsdamer Platz, elegant facades mingle with the tension of international power plays. Chase scenes, secret meetings and a constant sense of danger make the square seem like the epicentre of espionage.

Wings of Desire (Der Himmel über Berlin, 1987). Even before the new Potsdamer Platz buildings were planned, Bruno Ganz wandered through divided Berlin as the angel Damiel. In Wim Wenders' poetic film, the square is depicted as a melancholic wasteland, symbolising a city still divided by the Wall. Today, after its reconstruction, these scenes are even more striking, as the area has undergone a complete transformation.

From angel wings to spy thrillers, Potsdamer Platz has many faces. Whether as a symbol of freedom, an action-packed hotspot, or a backdrop for big emotions, it continually reveals a new side on screen. So grab your popcorn, update your watchlist, and next time you’re at the cinema, keep an eye out for Potsdamer Platz.

Photo: Der Himmel über Berlin