As a cinephile and an armchair traveler with a penchant for uncovering hidden gems, I find these film locations absolutely fascinating! Each location seems to hold a piece of cinematic history that transcends the silver screen.
Movie enthusiasts frequently visit the sites where their beloved films were produced, as shown in this list. Be it significant spots for the movie’s storyline, such as the prison in The Shawshank Redemption, or seemingly insignificant locations like the burger joint in Dazed & Confused, these 32 sites have gained iconic status due to their film appearances.
Hook & Ladder Company 8 – Ghostbusters
One engaging way to rephrase the given text could be: What makes Hook & Ladder Company 8 on North Moore Street in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood stand out is that this active fire station has creatively integrated the Ghostbusters logo into its emblem. The building itself, unlike its movie portrayal, is well-maintained and often attracts fans of the film who take pictures throughout the day.
Quick Stop Groceries – Clerks
As a die-hard fan, I’d like to share an interesting tidbit about Kevin Smith’s filmmaking journey – he crafted the iconic movie “Clerks” on an incredibly modest budget. To save costs, he shot scenes overnight at his very own workplace, the Quick Stop Groceries in Leonardo, NJ. Remarkably, this store continues to thrive today, and it’s safe to say they proudly highlight their cinematic history.
King’s Cross Station – The Harry Potter Series
King’s Cross Station in London is one of several railway stations, and it has long been recognized as a significant transport hub. However, its reputation skyrocketed with the publication of the Harry Potter series. This is because Platform 9 3/4, as depicted in the books, is where Harry and his Hogwarts friends board their magical train to school. In reality, there isn’t actually a Platform 9 3/4, but fans can still take photos at the real station as a tribute to the famous fictional platform.
West 167th Street Stairs – Joker
In the Highbridge neighborhood of The Bronx is an unassuming staircase connecting Shakespeare Ave. and Anderson Ave. There are similar stairs in New York City, but none are as famous as the West 167th Street Stairs, where Joaquin Phoenix famously danced as the titular character in Joker.
Haystack Rock – The Goonies
For quite some time now, the Haystack Rock formation situated along Cannon Beach in Oregon has been a renowned geological landmark. To movie enthusiasts, it’s iconic – featured in “The Goonies” as the beach where the children appeared after discovering One-Eyed Willie’s pirate ship. In addition to this film, it has also made appearances in other productions such as “Twilight” and “Point Break.”
Top Notch Burgers – Dazed & Confused
The film “Dazed & Confused” skillfully immerses viewers into the 1970s atmosphere, earning it a place among the most cherished cult favorites. A key factor contributing to its authentic portrayal of ’70s teen car culture is the presence of Top Notch Burgers, which the characters frequently visit. Interestingly, this restaurant is a genuine establishment in Austin, Texas, where the movie was both set and filmed.
Fox Plaza – Die Hard
2121 Avenue of the Stars, previously known as Fox Plaza, is predominantly recognized as the site where Hans Gruber and his gang carried out their heist in the iconic film “Die Hard“. Located in Los Angeles, this structure was a brand-new addition to the city’s skyline when it served as a movie set in 1988. Sharp-eyed viewers may also recall it crumbling at the end of “Fight Club“.
South Seas Apartment Complex – The Karate Kid
In the film “The Karate Kid,” the South Seas Apartment Complex is portrayed as a typical apartment building common in the Los Angeles area. However, this location, which indeed carries the same name, is not what you might expect from the 1980s classic. Instead, it’s located in Reseda and boasts a more appealing appearance than shown in the movie.
The Philadelphia Museum Of Art – Rocky
In Philadelphia, there are numerous well-known attractions that draw visitors. These include Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, the iconic cheesesteak stands Pat’s and Geno’s, not forgetting the steps ascending to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These stairs gained global recognition through Sylvester Stallone’s film Rocky, as the main character Rocky runs up them and triumphantly celebrates at the top while “Gonna Fly Now” plays in the background.
Georgetown Stairs – The Exorcist
1. In the chilling film “The Exorcist,” the terrifying scene involving the steep steps outside the MacNeil residence stands out as particularly unsettling. These steps make brief appearances throughout the movie, adding to its overall eeriness. Interestingly, these actual stairs can be found in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C., where the movie was set, specifically at the intersection of Prospect Street and 36th Street NW.
Seaside, FL – The Truman Show
In the make-believe setting of the town portrayed in “The Truman Show,” both the on-screen depiction and the film itself are fictional, as it was merely a filming set for the TV show, with Truman (Jim Carrey) being oblivious to this fact. Interestingly, though, the town depicted in the movie closely resembles Seaside, FL, where Congressman Matt Gaetz spent his childhood and the house where Truman resides in the film is located. Isn’t that a curious twist of fate?
Katz’s Deli – When Harry Met Sally
For many years, Katz’s Deli, located on Houston Street in Manhattan, has been known as one of New York City’s most renowned delis. However, its reputation soared to unprecedented levels following the iconic scene from the film “When Harry Met Sally” wherein Sally (Meg Ryan), in a memorable performance, convincingly simulates her orgasm in bed.
Chippewa Square Bus Stop – Forrest Gump
In simpler terms, the iconic film “Forrest Gump,” starring Tom Hanks, unfolds over several decades, yet it’s all narrated by Forrest from just one spot – a bench at Chippewa Square bus stop in Savannah, Georgia. He shares his life story with various individuals while sitting there, and interestingly enough, his life is likened to a box of chocolates.
Fox Theatre, St. Louis – Escape From New York
If you’ve ever pondered which real-world city could serve as a cinematic double for a dystopian, island-bound version of New York City transformed into a prison, it turns out that mid-70s St. Louis, MO held that distinction. The film was shot throughout the city, with the Fox Theater on Grand Ave being one of its notable locations. At the time, this theater was in a state of disrepair and required urgent renovation. Fortunately, it underwent renovation and today is in significantly better condition than it appeared in the movie.
Timberline Lodge – The Shining
One possibility for paraphrasing the given text could be: Timberline Lodge, renowned as a stand-in for The Overlook Hotel in “The Shining,” remains operational today. This lodge, located in Mt. Hood, WA, continues to attract not only ski enthusiasts and nature lovers but also fans of the classic horror film.
Hôtel Sidi Driss – Star Wars
The Hôtel Sidi Driss in Matmata, Tunisia is one of the most unique hotels in the world, and so it’s fitting it would serve as a home on a planet way out of this world. Movie audiences will immediately recognize it as the home of Luke Skywalker and his aunt and uncle at the beginning of the first Star Wars movie. If you’re a fan, and you’re in the neighborhood, the hotel is still open and taking reservations.
7B Horseshoe Bar- The Godfather Part II
As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but share my affection for this iconic establishment, often referred to as either 7B or Horseshoe Bar. Nestled perfectly at the intersection of 7th Street and Ave. B in the heart of Manhattan, it’s a place steeped in history and intrigue. Its longevity is astounding, having been around for years, and its claim to fame extends beyond just being a popular watering hole. It has graced the silver screen on numerous occasions, but none more memorably than in “The Godfather Part II,” where it served as the setting for Frank Pentangeli’s botched assassination.
Ohio State Reformatory – The Shawshank Redemption
Among the top-notch movies from the ’90s, undeniably The Shawshank Redemption stands out. Though it was based on a book by Stephen King, who is originally from Maine, the filming took place at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. Interestingly, this prison had been shut down only a few years prior to filming, which undoubtedly adds an element of realism to the movie.
Bosse Field – A League Of Their Own
“The unforgettable scenes of ‘A League Of Their Own’ have remained timeless for many years. Similarly, the minor league baseball field where it was shot, Bosse Field in Evansville, IN, has also stood the test of time. Despite being a smaller league park, it is third oldest baseball stadium in the United States, surpassed only by Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. The stadium still embodies the same charm that it did in the movie.”
Mountain Lake Lodge – Dirty Dancing
Back in the 1960s, when Dirty Dancing was set, numerous vacation spots that welcomed everyone were scattered across America’s countryside, including the Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia. While many of these places have since shut down, remarkably, the Mountain Lake Lodge is still standing and open for visitors, much like Baby and her family experienced in the film. Surprisingly, you can even rent the very cabin where the Houseman family stayed!
1 Wall Street Court – John Wick
In contrast to the majority of New York City, particularly Manhattan, which is laid out in a grid system, there are specific areas where this pattern deviates, forming unusual block shapes that give rise to uniquely shaped buildings. One such building is 1 Wall Street Court, lending it an intriguing appearance that fits perfectly as the exterior for the enigmatic Continental Hotel in the John Wick series. This clandestine establishment offers a respite for hitmen and criminals, allowing them to unwind with a drink and a peaceful night’s rest, all while keeping a watchful eye out for potential threats.
The Best Little Chapel – The Hangover
Las Vegas is famous for a lot of reasons, including all the tiny wedding chapels all over town. One famous chapel isn’t actually a chapel, though. There are a lot of famous locations in The Hangover, most notably Caesar’s Palace (Caesar didn’t actually live there). One place you’ll have a hard time finding unless you know where to look is The Best Wedding Chapel, as it’s really just a youth hostel on Las Vegas Blvd. that was dressed up to look like a wedding chapel. Still, you can see the parking lot and all the hilarious signs behind the location as you quote all your favorite lines from The Hangover.
Matamata, New Zealand – Lord Of The Rings
As a dedicated fan of “The Lord of the Rings” series and someone who has had the privilege of visiting New Zealand multiple times, I can confidently say that Hobbiton, specifically The Shire, is nothing short of magical. Being there feels like stepping into another world, much like when you first watched the movies and were captivated by Middle Earth’s charm. Having seen many film sets in my lifetime, I can attest to the authenticity of this one – it’s astounding how much remains from the making of the films. The fact that this small town is now globally renowned for its connection to “The Lord of the Rings” series only adds to its allure and makes visiting a must-do on any fan’s bucket list.
Christmas Story House – A Christmas Story
In a similar vein, “Ah, there we go. My house, and dear old Cleveland Street,” is how the movie A Christmas Story starts off. The house seems to be almost a character itself, with its dilapidated furnace and iconic leg lamp, for example… Interestingly, the real house is located in the City of Cleveland, but not on Cleveland Street. Instead, it’s at 3159 W 11th St. It’s also important to mention that while much of the filming took place in Cleveland, the story itself unfolds in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana.
The Dakota Building – Rosemary’s Baby
The Dakota, located at 72nd Street and Central Park West in New York City, is renowned as one of the world’s most recognized apartment buildings, largely due to its role as the chilling backdrop for Roman Polanski’s movie “Rosemary’s Baby.” This building, with its ominous neo-gothic design and spacious, opulent apartments, provides an ideal setting for such a film. Tragically, The Dakota is also notorious for being the place where John Lennon was fatally shot in 1980, while he resided there.
Forks, WA – Twilight
As a dedicated fan of the Twilight series, I consider Forks, Washington as my second home. The captivating books and movies are all set in this humble town nestled in a secluded part of the state westward from Seattle. Despite the fact that most movie scenes were filmed elsewhere, it’s now a bustling tourist destination for fans like me who long to immerse themselves in the world of Forks.
El Coyote – Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Located in Los Angeles since the 1930s, El Coyote is a well-known Mexican eatery steeped in legend. Tragically, it’s also the place where Sharon Tate and her companions had their last meal on August 9th, 1969 before they fell victim to the Manson Family. In his film “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood,” Quentin Tarantino chose to recreate this scene not only within the restaurant but in the exact booth where they dined so many years prior.
Lighthouse Café – La La Land
The Lighthouse Cafe, nestled in Hermosa Beach, California, close to Los Angeles, is well-known as an excellent venue for jazz music. This establishment has been the backdrop for one of the most frequently praised scenes by film critics, often referred to as a “tribute to Los Angeles,” in the movie La La Land.
Drayton House – Saltburn
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the enchanting English countryside dotted with grand, intricately designed homes. These architectural wonders often serve as the backdrop for captivating TV series, such as Downton Abbey, or provide the perfect setting for movies like Saltburn. In the case of the latter, the filmmakers chose the majestic Drayton House in Lowick, Northamptonshire to bring their cinematic vision to life.
Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic Park
Without a doubt, Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii is among the most stunning locales on Earth. It’s no wonder that numerous television shows and films have chosen this breathtaking spot as their setting. Notable productions filmed here include “Lost”, “Magnum P.I.”, “Pearl Harbor”, and perhaps the most renowned movie ever filmed there, the 1993 classic “Jurassic Park”.
The Tasty – Good Will Hunting
Back in the day, I used to frequent this awesome spot known as The Tasty Diner in Harvard Square. It was a go-to hangout for us night owls and college students from every corner of Beantown. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck even gave it a shoutout in their film, “Good Will Hunting”. Too bad it’s no longer there – it closed down a few years ago.
Görlitz Department Store – Grand Budapest Hotel
The exterior of the titular Grand Budapest Hotel might have been a model, but the interior and lobby were actually a beautiful – and vacant – department store in Görlitz, Germany. Sadly, while the building is still standing, it is still unused.
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2024-08-15 01:38