Jordan's Wadi Rum is developing a reputation for its otherworldly look and feel.
The desert valley, located in southern Jordan about 60 km east of the coastal city of Aqaba, has taken on the role of various alien landscapes in Hollywood films numerous times.
It has played Mars several times as well as other fictional planets. Most recently, it starred as the moon Jedha in the latest Star Wars flick.
Of course, considering Wadi Rum is also known as Wadi Al Qamer (Valley of the Moon) in Arabic, it seems more than appropriate.
1. Red Planet (2000)
Red Planet was primarily shot in Australia, but Wadi Rum stood in for the canyons of Mars in the film.
Despite an amazing performance by the valley, the film was considered a major box office flop, only grossing $33 million globally compared to the $80 million that was hoped for.
2. Mission to Mars (2000)
The year 2000 was a big one for Wadi Rum. It played Mars twice that year.
Mission to Mars, unlike Red Planet, did moderately well in the cinemas. And again, Wadi Rum gave a top-notch Oscar-worthy performance!
Can there be a category for Best Filming Location?
3. Prometheus (2012)
In this film, Scientists and explorers travel to the distant moon LV-223 aboard the Prometheus space craft, hoping to make contact with humanity's "Engineers".
Parts of the Prometheus were shot in Iceland and Scotland, and a large portion of the shots of LV-223's surface were shot in Wadi Rum.
4. The Last Days on Mars (2013)
Seriously, talk about typecasting ... once again Wadi Rum stood in as the surface of Mars.
The sci-fi horror flick The Last Days of Mars tells the story of a group of scientists based on the Red Planet. They may have researched and worked in peace for six months ... but that's all about to change.
Remember, Wadi Rum is just acting! It's not really a dangerous alien planet. Don't be scared.
5. The Martian (2015)
And ... again! Wadi Rum got the role of Mars!
This was one of the Jordanian valley's biggest roles to date. The Martian was a major box office success and it was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
Seriously though, can Wadi Rum get a nomination for Best Location Ever?
6. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Star Wars: Rogue One premiered at cinemas around the world in December, showcasing Wadi Rum as the fictional moon of Jedha.
A sort of pilgrimage site for believers in "the Force", Jedha is a small desert moon located in the Jedha system of the galaxy's Mid Rim. It is considered the spiritual home of the Jedi and it is the first place where individuals began exploring the nature of the Force.
If you ask us, with all these top performances, Wadi Rum should be a pilgrimage site for every sci-fi fan as well.