As a proud Midwesterner who spent many a summer road-tripping across America with my trusty tape deck blasting the Eagles, I find this list of movies set in cities across the United States to be a delightful journey down memory lane. Each film seems to capture the essence of its respective location, from the jazz-filled streets of Kansas City to the charming Southern charm of Charleston.
In the United States, numerous outstanding cities exist, each with at least one noteworthy movie backdrop. Picking just one city for these urban gems can be challenging when it comes to metropolises like New York and Los Angeles, which boast a plethora of films. However, cities such as Kansas City or Memphis have fewer movies filmed in them, but the ones they do possess are cinematic classics. Below is our curated list featuring 32 American cities with iconic films set within their boundaries.
Los Angeles – The Big Lebowski
Innumerable films are based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Picking a single one is quite challenging due to the richness and diversity of options. However, we opted for a film that truly embodies the spirit of LA – “The Big Lebowski.” This movie has earned a special place in the hearts of many film enthusiasts, and its protagonist, The Dude (Jeff Bridges), who is famously known as the laziest man in Los Angeles County, makes this film an essential inclusion on our list.
Atlanta – Gone With The Wind
Despite its questionable themes, “Gone With The Wind” remains the highest-earning film (when accounting for inflation), a historic milestone in both narrative and production. This classic tale unfolds primarily around Atlanta during the Civil War era, offering an enduring glimpse into that period’s reality.
Houston – Rushmore
Director Wes Anderson hails from Houston, and his second feature film, titled “Rushmore,” carries a hint of autobiographical essence. This movie is set in his hometown and features many scenes shot there, even using his old high school as the backdrop for the fictional Rushmore Academy.
San Francisco – Vertigo
It’s not surprising that numerous movies have been filmed in San Francisco, given its famous and scenic nature. Ranging from “The Rock” to “Bullitt”, many movies have chosen this city as their backdrop. Nevertheless, it is impossible to overlook the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, “Vertigo”, on such a list. Not only is it one of Hitchcock’s finest works, but it also ranks among the greatest films ever made.
Philadelphia – Rocky
When you bring up Philadelphia on a list like this, it’s likely that most people will associate it with one film: “Rocky.” This 1977 Best Picture winner might be the movie most synonymous with the city it depicts. Granted, there are other outstanding films set in the City of Brotherly Love, but none can truly match the iconic status of Sylvester Stallone’s original film. In fact, if we’re being truthful, the rest of the movies in the “Rocky” franchise also come to mind when discussing Philadelphia-based films.
Dallas – Dallas Buyers Club
The film titled “Dallas Buyers Club” is an emotionally gripping and exceptional masterpiece. Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal in the movie was truly outstanding and rightly earned him an Oscar. Although Dallas, Texas, has served as a backdrop for numerous films, none are as significant or as impressive as this one.
Cleveland – Major League
In the theme tune for Major League, Randy Newman croons, “Cleveland, city of light, city of enchantment.” The song’s irony might be apparent, but the film itself serves as a heartfelt ode to the city and its ardent supporters of the ex-Indians (now Guardians) baseball team. It stands among the greatest sports films ever produced, and nothing encapsulates Cleveland better than its resilient sports enthusiasts.
Austin – Dazed And Confused
Watching “Dazed and Confused,” you get a strong sense of Austin in the 1970s as if you were there yourself. Director Richard Linklater crafted a heartfelt tribute to his hometown and teenage years with this iconic film, brimming with memorable scenes and side-splitting dialogue. It’s undeniably one of the top Texas-set movies around.
Washington DC – All the President’s Men
Washington D.C., renowned as a globally recognized capital, has served as the backdrop for numerous films. Ranging from biographical dramas about Presidents, such as “Nixon”, to spine-chilling horror movies like “The Exorcist”, D.C. has been host to a diverse array of cinematic stories. Among these, none portray the essence of D.C.’s power and corruption quite like “All The President’s Men”. This film recounts the true story of the two investigative journalists who uncovered one of history’s largest scandals through the Watergate break-in incident.
Miami – Scarface
Florida is often referred to as a sunny haven for less-than-honest individuals, and no movie embodies this image more vividly than “Scarface”. Al Pacino’s iconic portrayal of a Cuban criminal-turned-refugee-turned-drug-lord stands out as a chilling masterpiece. While there are lighter movies set in Miami, none compare to the gritty and violent intensity of “Scarface”.
New York City – Do The Right Thing
Choosing a single movie that encapsulates the spirit of New York City on screen is quite challenging, as there are numerous films set in the city, such as classic Woody Allen movies, romantic comedies, or even comedies like Ghostbusters. However, for this particular instance, we’ve selected a film that resonates deeply with locals – Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing. In essence, this movie embodies New York City.
Boston – Good Will Hunting
Boston, being one of America’s oldest and most emblematic cities, presents a challenging choice for a representative movie. However, few selections epitomize this city quite like “Good Will Hunting,” a film penned and performed by two local luminaries, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The film was extensively shot in Boston, with the city playing an integral role alongside characters Will and Chuckie Sullivan. The moniker “Chuckie Sullivan” evokes a distinctly South Boston flavor.
San Diego – Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
As a devoted fan, I can attest that although San Diego is just a stone’s throw from Hollywood, it sometimes feels like it’s a world apart – more like a million miles away. You might think there would be more movies set there, but you’d be surprised. Yet, when it comes to choosing the best one, it’s a no-brainer: “Anchorman” remains an evergreen classic. The humor in this film, released way back in 2004, still resonates as strongly today as it did when I first watched it.
Seattle – Sleepless In Seattle
Although a significant portion of “Sleepless in Seattle” unfolds in New York, including the iconic finale scene, the movie is essentially a portrayal of Seattle in the early ’90s. It’s a quintessential Tom Hanks romantic comedy, brimming with some of his most humorous one-liners, and it was one of the initial films to popularize Seattle in Hollywood, even though it wasn’t the only one.
Memphis – The Firm
Memphis, known as Elvis’ hometown, hasn’t been a common setting for many movies. Despite its significance in rock ‘n’ roll history and hosting top-notch music festivals, it doesn’t immediately come to mind when choosing a film location due to its less picturesque appearance. However, “The Firm” bucked this trend successfully, with much of the movie actually filmed there, offering an authentic portrayal of the city’s essence.
St. Louis – Meet Me In St. Louis
For quite some time, St. Louis held the position as the fourth largest city in America. However, its charm began to wane around mid-20th century. Yet, it retains the essence of a quintessential American metropolis. It might be surprising to learn that not many films are set there; nevertheless, none can surpass the timeless charm of “Meet Me In St. Louis“, which was filmed during the city’s most glorious era – the 1904 World’s Fair.
Detroit – Dreamgirls
Detroit is famed for two significant American emblems – the automobile industry and Motown records. The latter gave birth to “Dreamgirls”, a fictional portrayal of the vibrant music scene in the city during the 1960s. Similar to other cities mentioned, Detroit may have seen a decline in its shine, but it will always preserve its historical legacy.
Minneapolis/St. Paul – Fargo
The Coen Brothers were raised in Minnesota, which gives their film “Fargo” a deeply personal touch. No other movie captures the essence of Minnesota, particularly the Twin Cities and the state itself, quite like the Academy Award-winning “Fargo”. From the frequent snowfall to the accurate accents, there is no other movie portraying Minnesota as effectively as this one does.
Chicago – The Untouchables
As a devoted admirer, I’ve always been captivated by the enduring allure of Chicago, one of America’s most emblematic and expansive urban centers. Over the years, countless memorable films have been shot there, with the works of the late, revered John Hughes making up a significant portion. However, if you venture overseas, you’ll discover that the city remains globally recognized for figures like Al Capone and its organized crime during Prohibition. This inevitably leads me to recommend “The Untouchables” as a must-watch addition to this list.
Las Vegas – Ocean’s Eleven
Among the all-time great heist films, none can rival the charm and thrill of Ocean’s Eleven, whether it’s the classic 1960s Rat Pack version or the spectacular 2001 remake featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and an exceptional ensemble cast. Each film offers a captivating glimpse into the “cool” side of Las Vegas during their respective time periods. However, if we’re being objective, the more contemporary adaptation arguably surpasses its predecessor as a superior cinematic experience.
Birmingham – Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes” isn’t just a fantastic portrayal of Birmingham, Alabama; it’s an exceptional depiction of the entire state as well. Although “Forrest Gump” might be the first film that comes to mind when thinking of the state, it’s important to note that Forrest travels extensively, whereas “Fried Green Tomatoes” stays local and beautifully showcases the unique qualities that make Birmingham residents truly exceptional.
Nashville – Nashville
In essence, to many, Nashville symbolizes country music. Consequently, it’s fitting that the finest film set in Nashville is not only titled “Nashville“, but also revolves around navigating the cut-throat music industry within the city. The Robert Altman masterpiece underscores why Nashville serves as a pivotal point in American music culture.
New Orleans – A Streetcar Named Desire
Tennessee Williams hails from St. Louis, yet he’s chiefly recognized for his connection to New Orleans. Often called NOLA, this city stands out as one of the most extraordinary in America and has served as a muse for numerous tales throughout history. However, among these narratives, A Streetcar Named Desire portrays a story like no other.
Pittsburgh – Fences
Much like other once-thriving cities in the Rust Belt, Pittsburgh appears to have experienced its prime years, yet it continues to hold captivating narratives, some of which are deeply rooted in its history. The critically acclaimed film “Fences,” featuring the exceptional Denzel Washington, is a testament to this. While the movie may not be the most effortless to watch at times, the payoff is immensely fulfilling, despite its poignant and somber undertones.
Columbus – Ready Player One
In the movie “Ready Player One”, the future appears to be dominated by Columbus, OH. This may not seem probable for a tech hub, but in this film saturated with ’80s nostalgia and numerous exciting hidden gems, it indeed takes that role. Whether this portrayal of a dystopian future will become reality remains to be seen.
Tampa – Cocoon
Tampa ranks among the most rapidly expanding cities in the United States, yet its film background is relatively scant. However, one significant exception to this rule is the timeless movie “Cocoon“. This film features a stellar cast consisting of Wilford Brimley, Don Ameche, Steve Guttenberg, Jessica Tandy, and Brian Dennehy. The plot revolves around retired individuals seeking rejuvenation, a theme closely tied to Florida, as it is not only a popular retirement destination but also rumored to be the location of eternal youth.
Kansas City – Kansas City
1) Jazz is undeniably one of America’s original musical styles, and Kansas City holds a special place as one of its birthplaces. The film “Kansas City” reflects this rich heritage, with director Robert Altman, a native of Missouri, creating an affectionate tribute to his hometown by portraying both the triumphs and tribulations that defined Kansas City during its most influential period in the 1930s.
Denver – Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead.” It’s a peculiar yet enchanting flick that you simply must watch when you’re up for something different. Now, while Colorado’s mountains have always been the star of the show in Hollywood, the city of Denver has often played second fiddle. However, this movie brilliantly highlights why it deserves more attention, especially considering Denver’s current boom and its promise for future cinematic appearances on the silver screen.
Baltimore – Hairspray
Be it John Waters’ original version of “Hairspray” or the more modern musical adaptation, both vividly capture the essence of Baltimore in the early 1960s. While “The Wire” provides an unparalleled portrayal of the city on television, “Hairspray” offers a distinctive and equally essential perspective on the big screen.
Charleston – The Notebook
Nestled in Charleston, South Carolina, the heart-wrenching film The Notebook stands as one of the greatest romantic movies ever made. Despite World War II interrupting their love story and various settings, the movie manages to showcase, albeit partially, the essence and charm of what Charleston was then and continues to be today.
Cincinnati – Traffic
Cincinnati, nestled along an American river, seems ripe with untold tales about the city. Indeed, there are many and the film “Traffic,” although it was shot in various locations globally, presents a narrative that resonates most distinctly as quintessentially American within the context of Cincinnati. It’s a tale that could transpire anywhere, but its Cincinnati setting gives it a uniquely American flavor.
San Antonio – Cloak & Dagger
If you were a child of the ’80s with cable TV, there’s a strong likelihood that you spent plenty of time tuned into the popular show “Cloak & Dagger”. Airing frequently during the mid-eighties, it remains undervalued by those who didn’t grow up enjoying this Dabney Coleman classic. One unforgettable scene from the series takes place on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.
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2024-11-25 18:38