Throughout the United States, filmmakers use locations as the backdrops of their films to set the tone of the story.
Film and TV Locations in America
Here are 35 iconic filming locations across the U.S.:
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia
The steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, served as the setting for part of “Rocky.”
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This film is about an aspiring boxer who runs up those 72 stone steps.
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Today, the steps feature a bronze statue of the character at the top.
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It is an iconic landmark in the city.
Stadium High School, Tacoma
Many of the iconic scenes in “10 Things I Hate About You” were filmed at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington.
The stadium was also the filming site of the scene when Patrick Verona sings to Kat Stratford.
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills
In “Pretty Woman,” Richard Gere’s character brings Julia Roberts’ character to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
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The Firehouse, New York City
The firehouse at 14 N. Moore Street in New York City served as the headquarters in “Ghostbusters.”
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It is a functional branch of the city’s fire department.
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Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, is a familiar sight to fans of “The Shawshank Redemption.” Portions of the movie were filmed on location within the prison.
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Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
“Rain Man” follows estranged brothers as they take a trip and learn more about one another, which includes a stop at the hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. In “The Hangover,” Caesars Palace is the backdrop for a bachelor party.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
You can spot the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, in the background of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Maltese Falcon,” “San Andreas,” and “Vertigo.”
Chippewa Square, Savannah
Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia, is where the title character in “Forrest Gump” sat on a bus stop bench.
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On this bench, he tells his life story to a series of strangers.
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While the bench has since been moved to a museum exhibit, the scenic square still stands.
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The iconic fountain also remains in the background.
The New York Public Library, New York City
One of the most iconic scenes filmed in the New York Public Library in New York City was the pre-wedding scene in “Sex and the City.”
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Other films that used this stunning location include “Spider-Man” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.”
Many of the scenes in “Sex and the City,” the popular TV show, featured Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment at 66 Perry St. in the West Village.
Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park was the filming location of “Thelma & Louise.” While the storyline represents the title pair driving off the Grand Canyon, the scenes were actually filmed in Moab, Utah.
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Henry River Mill Village, North Carolina
The abandoned textiles town, Henry River Mill Village, served as the setting for District 12 in “The Hunger Games.”
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It represented a run-down town that no one cared to repair.
Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon
Most of the scenes in The Shining” were filmed in a London studio.
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Several of the aerial shots used in the movie were captured at the Timberline Lodge in Mount Hood, Oregon.
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Jackson, Georgia
While “Stranger Things” is set in a fictional town in Indiana, many scenes were shot in Jackson, Georgia.
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Mystic Falls, Covington, Georgia
The Mystic Grill, clock tower, Gilbert House, and Lockwood Mansion featured in “The Vampire Diaries” are in Covington, Georgia.
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Edgartown, Massachusetts
“Jaws” was filmed on an island in Martha’s Vineyard called Edgartown.
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The pier on which beachgoers stand is still there, and the town remains a popular vacation destination.
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Arts District, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, has a number of filming sites, particularly within the Arts District, such as the loft where Jess and her roommates lived in “New Girl.”
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Kalama, Washington
Many of the scenes in “Twilight” were filmed in Kalama, Washington.
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McGee’s, New York City
The most well-known setting in “How I Met Your Mother” is MacLaren’s Bar, the spot where the group consistently meets up to chat. The actual bar is McGee’s and is located at 240 W. 55th St. in NYC.
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Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Filmmakers used Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, as the backdrop for “The Notebook.”
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This city represented Seabrook, the setting in the storyline, and includes the Boone Hall Plantation and Cypress Gardens.
Katz’s Delicatessen, New York City
Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City is the setting for the famous scene in “When Harry Met Sally” where Sally faked an orgasm. It is a popular eatery among New Yorkers.
Maine North High School, Illinois
“The Breakfast Club” is set in a high school.
It was filmed at Maine North High School in Illinois.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
“Breaking Bad” fans will recognize the house at 3828 Piermont Drive as the home of Walter White, as well as the structure at 4257 Isleta Blvd., which served as the location of Los Pollos Hermanos.
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Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke
Mountain Lake Lodge is the resort featured in “Dirty Dancing.”
Both interior and exterior shots were used in the film.
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This location was a key element of the storyline.
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
The main characters in “La La Land” danced around inside the Griffith Observatory.
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The interior was not used for filming.
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Filmmakers used shots of the exterior and recreated the interior for the scenes.
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Bath, Maine
Although the storyline shows that the characters are in North Carolina, many of the shots in “Message in a Bottle” were filmed in Bath, Maine, at Popham Beach and the Maine Maritime Museum.
Mystic, Connecticut
“Mystic Pizza” was Julia Roberts’ breakout film, and parts of it were filmed at the Mystic Pizza Parlor in Mystic Seaport, Connecticut.
Newport, Rhode Island
The classic film, “High Society,” featured the Inn at Castle Hill and the opulent Rosecliff mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. This city is also featured in “Amistad”, “True Lies,” and “The Great Gatsby.”
Boston, Massachusetts
Some people refer to Boston as Hollywood East because of its prominence in film and TV. You’ll spot elements of the city in “Love Story,” “Ally McBeal,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Legally Blonde,” “Mystic River,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” and “The Witches of Eastwick.”
Hanapepe Valley, Kauai
Parts of “Jurassic Park” were filmed in Hanapepe Valley on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
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Winnetka, Illinois
In “Home Alone,” Kevin McCallister protects his family’s home from burglars, and the actual house is in Winnetka, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.
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Want more filming locations? Check out this road trip across the U.S. with stops at unique locations along the way. Here are a few more locations that are featured in a number of films. And here’s a list of a filming location in every state.
You can learn more about U.S. filming locations and how you can improve your skills by applying to the Nashville Film Institute here.
