Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic portrayal of the 1970s and 1980s porn industry, “Boogie Nights,” was shot all around Southern California, but like many of his early works, was primarily based around the San Fernando Valley.

The opening shot of the Reseda Theater can be found on Sherman Way in Reseda, California.  The theater has long since closed, but plans are underway to reopen the property as a mutiplex.

LOCATION: 18443 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

Just down the street is the “Hot Traxx” nightclub, which is now a church.  Also right around the corner is the workplace of Quiz Kid Donnie Smith in “Magnolia.”

LOCATION: 18419 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

Dirk Diggler’s parents’ house is located far south of the Valley, down in Torrance, California.

LOCATION: 3503 187th St, Torrance, CA 90504

Jack Horner takes Dirk out for a meal with Amber Waves and Rollergirl at Du-Pars Restaurant and Bakery in Studio City.  The same restaurant was featured in the film “Valley Girl.” The location has since closed down and the building has been heavily remodeled.

LOCATION: 12036 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (now closed)

Jack Horner’s house is tucked away in the city of Covina.  The property is not easily visible from the street.

LOCATION: 19515 E Cameron Ave, Covina, CA 91724

The side of the house, where Little Bill, played by William H. Macy, witnesses his wife having sex outside, while a group of party guests watch.

The back of Jack Horner’s house, with the patio and swimming pool, where the party takes place.

Later in the film, Dirk Diggler moves into his own house, located in Woodland Hills.

LOCATION: 4214 Lobos Rd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Amber Waves makes a documentary about Dirk Diggler, which itself is based on the documentary “Exhausted: John C. Holmes, the Real Story.”  The bridge Dirk stands in front of is the Colfax Ave footbridge in Studio City.  It can be found near the intersection of Colfax Ave and Ventura Blvd.  Once you spot the overpass on Colfax, the bridge is just beneath it and can easily be accessed by foot.

LOCATION: Near the intersection of Colfax Ave / Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (nearest address is 4028 Colfax Ave, Studio City, CA 91604)

Towards the end of the film, things take a darker turn as Dirk solicits himself to perform sexual acts for money.  The alley where he meets the man in the truck is still there, but the buildings to the left has since been demolished.  The church in the background can still be seen.  This location is very close to the donut shop in the film.

LOCATION: 18128 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

Buck Swope picks up some donuts at the aforementioned Miss Donuts.  This is in Reseda, near the church seen above and the “Hot Traxx” location.

LOCATION: 18231 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

The drug dealer robbery is planned from the El Royale Hotel in Studio City.

LOCATION: 11117 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Things reach a crescendo with a drug deal gone bad, at this house in Encino.  Sadly, the house has since been demolished and a new home build in it’s place.  Luckily, we we able photograph it prior to it’s demolition.

LOCATION: 16801 Encino Hills Dr, Encino, CA 91436

Related articles: Hard Eight (1996), Magnolia (1999), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), There Will Be Blood (2007), The Master (2012), Inherent Vice (2014), Licorice Pizza (2021)