Magnolia (1999)

November 19, 2017September 14, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 film, “Magnolia,” named after a street that spans the San Fernando Valley, was shot mostly, as you might expect, around the Valley. However, some additional scenes were also filmed in Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake and Reno, Nevada.

In the opening “coincidences” sequence, a man is scuba diving and gets accidentally picked up out of the water by an aeriel firefighting plane. These scenes were filmed at Big Bear Lake in California. This photo of the general area was kindly provided to us courtesy of Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights.

LOCATION: Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

There is another coincidence scene in which an attempted suicide becomes an accidental homicide. That scene was actually a composite of a couple different locations. The rooftop shot was done in Hollywood, with both the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign visible in the distance. Also visible is the top of the North Kingsley Apartments, which puts the roof at Hollywood Blvd, facing north up N Kingley Dr. It still looks pretty much the same as it did in the film.

LOCATION: 5217 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The view of the man falling was shot at the Bryson Apartments in Los Angeles. The same apartments were seen in such films as “The Grifters,” “Calendar Girl” and “Stewardess School.”

LOCATION: 2701 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Early in the film, Quiz Kid Donnie Smith, played by William H. Macy, crashes his car into this liquor store in Winnetka. The same liquor store also appeared in Kevin Smith’s “Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back” and The Smashing Pumpkins’ music video for “1979.”

LOCATION: 20001 Roscoe Blvd, Winnetka, CA 91306

Officer Jim Kurring, played by John C. Reilly, investigates a crime scene at this apartment complex in North Hills. As he walks back to his police car, he is approached by a young boy.

LOCATION: 15150 Parthenia St, North Hills, CA 91343

As the two stand on Burnet Ave, the boy performs a rap for him.

Frank T.J. Mackey, played by Tom Cruise, gives his memorable seminar inside this hotel in Valencia. The hotel is only featured from interior views in the film. The same hotel appears in the films “Twilight” and “Little Miss Sunshine,” as well as numerous TV shows, including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “CSI: New York,” “NCIS,” “Big Love,” “Las Vegas,” The Unit,” “Make It or Break It” and more.

LOCATION: 24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia, CA 91355

Linda, played by Julianne Moore, gets upset with a pharmacist after he insinuates she may be abusing the medications. These scenes were filed at the A to Z Pharmacy in North Hollywood, although it is only seen from interior views in the film.

LOCATION: 12626 Riverside Dr # 100, North Hollywood, CA 91607

Donnie visits the Foxfire Room, located on the titular Magnolia Blvd in Valley Village. In a slight bit of movie trickery, Donnie parks in the lot at the rear of the building, but is seen entering through the door facing the street on opposite side.

LOCATION: 12516 W Magnolia Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607

The Firefox Room is a staple of the San Fernando Valley and in the two decades since filming took place, it still looks nearly identical. The bar opens at 7AM daily and it’s dark and inconspicuous. Yet the staff is friendly and the vibe is welcoming. Donnie enters through the door on the right.

Donnie sits at this corner booth. The lighting in the bar is so dark, any brightness quickly overexposes a shot, so photography can be a challenge inside.

He sits and admires Brad the bartender.

Donnie then sits at the corner of the bar and talks to a mysterious older man, credited as Thurston Howell.

The home of Jimmy Gator, played by Philip Baker Hall, can be found in Toluca Lake.

LOCATION: 10240 Moorpark St, Toluca Lake, CA 91602

Officer Jim approaches the corner of this building, when shots are fired.

LOCATION: 4055 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604

He then slides down this embankment on the side of the building.

As Jim is disoriented in the rain, a kid approaches and steals his gun, running up the stairs to escape undetected. While there are still stairs up to the street at the location, they have been remodeled since filming.

The police arrive to assist in the search for the gun, with the L.A. river and overpass visible next to the building.

Late in the film, as a biblical storm hits, Officer Jim finds himself at the intersection of Reseda Blvd and Sherman Way in Reseda. This is located right beside the “Hot Traxx” night club from “Boogie Nights.”

LOCATION: Sherman Way / Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335

He makes an emergency stop at a gas station, only see Donnie climbing on a pole, where he has just attempted to rob his workplace. Donnie then falls to the ground. The pole and payphone are both still standing at the location.

LOCATION: 7222 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335

The two take shelter at the gas station.

LOCATION: 7208 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335

True Romance (1993)

November 18, 2017September 14, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

In the 1993 Tony Scott directed, Quentin Tarantino penned film, “True Romance,” the outlaw couple of Clarence, played by Christian Slater and Alabama, played by Patricia Arquette, supposedly meet in Detroit. In reality, most of the film was shot in Southern California.

In the opening scene of the film, Clarence sits at a bar and talks about Elvis. These scenes were filmed in San Fernando. The bar is only seen from interior views in the film, but you’ll see the distinctive glass block windows match up to those visible behind Clarence in the film.

LOCATION: 1113 San Fernando Rd, San Fernando, CA 91340

Early in the film, Clarence and Alabama watch a Sonny Chiba “Street Fighter” triple feature together. This was filmed at the Vista Theater, one of L.A.’s best vintage theaters.

LOCATION: 4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

After the movies, the couple goes for coffee and pie at Rae’s Restaurant in Santa Monica. The restaurant has been used in countless films, such as “Lords Of Dogtown,” “Bowfinger” and “Starsky & Hutch.”

LOCATION: 2901 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

The comic book store, “Heroes For Sale,” where Clarence works, was actually “Fantastic Store,” a former comic book, music and vintage store located near the famous intersection of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave in Hollywood. The store has unfortunately long since closed and bears little resemblance to how it appeared in the film.

LOCATION: 1718 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The billboard location where the two sit outside and talk could be found in downtown Los Angeles at the Dewey Hotel Apartments. Unfortunately, there is no longer an actual billboard on the side of the building.

LOCATION: 721 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

The building where Drexl, played by Gary Oldman, resides was a combination of two locations. The exterior was located in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was demolished in the 1990s, to make way for a football stadium. The interior living room, where Clarence confronts Drexl, was actually shot on the other side of the country, back in Los Angeles. Known as The Beckett Mansion, the property, located in the West Adams neighborhood, actually operates as an event space and filming location year round. The same house has been featured in Rob Zombie’s “Halloween,” “Neighbors,” “No Strings Attached” and many more. It’s also located directly across the street from the house from “The People Under The Stairs.”

LOCATION: 2218 S Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

The apartment of Floyd and Dick Ritchie, played by Brad Pitt and Michael Rapaport respectively, can be found in Hollywood. The scenes were filmed on the upper level unit of the Krotona Apartments. Tarantino himself lived at Krotona Apartments for a time, staying on the couch of writer-director Scott Spiegel, much like Floyd in the film. The apartment is seen only from interior views in the film. This area is on the side of the building.

LOCATION: 2122 Vista Del Mar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Clarence calls Dick Ritchie from a payphone in the desert. The building in the shot has long since been demolished and now its just an empty plot of land. The mountains in the distance can be seen behind Clarence and Alabama in the payphone in multiple shots.

LOCATION: 17012 E Palmdale Blvd Palmdale, CA 93591 (now demolished)

The scene took place near the intersection of 170th St E and E Palmdale Blvd in Palmdale.

The foundation where the building stood still exists.

Dick Ritchie auditions for a role on “T.J. Hooker” at the majestic Castle Green Apartments in Pasadena. The scene was shot on the bridge of Castle Green facing S Raymond Ave. The location is only seen from interior views in the film.

LOCATION: 99 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Here’s a closer look at the hallway, which leads into what would have been the casting office in the film. Castle Green has been featured in countless films, such as “The Sting,” “Wild At Heart,” “The Little Rascals,” “Deja Vu,” “Sneakers,” “Bugsy,” “The Last Samurai,” “Puppet Master” and many more.

Later in the film, the couple stays at this motel, supposedly located on the Sunset Strip. The real motel, the Safari Inn, is actually located just north of L.A., in Burbank, California.

LOCATION: 1911 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506

The same motel was featured in the films “Apollo 13” and “Coach Carter.”

The final drug deal takes place at the fictional Beverly Ambassador Hotel. The exterior used in the film is The Athenaeum, an event venue at Caltech in Pasadena. The same building was featured in the films “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Beverly Hills Cop II.”

LOCATION: 551 S Hill Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

The hotel interiors were filmed at the former Ambassador Hotel, which has since been demolished. The hotel was a staple of film and television, appearing in such films as “The Graduate,” “Forrest Gump,” “Seven,” “Bobby,” “True Lies,” “L.A. Story,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “The Mask,” “Calendar Girl” and dozens more. Only this post and statue from the original building remain at the location.

LOCATION: 3400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (now demolished)

J.S.A.: Joint Security Area (2000)

November 13, 2017October 18, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

If you’ve never seen the 2000 South Korean film “Joint Security Area,” from “Oldboy” director Chan-Wook Park, you certainly owe it to yourself to seek it out. Amongst it’s many accolades, the film was hailed by Quentin Tarantino as one of the 20 greatest films since 1992.

Part of the film is, of course, set in the Joint Security Area, inside the D.M.Z., where the North and South Korean borders meet and where the two governments meet to discuss matters on occasion. In reality, South Korean citizens are not permitted inside the D.M.Z. or J.S.A., so the production had to create a full-scale replica for the film. That replica was built at the Namyangju Film Studio in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, about an hour outside of Seoul. You can take a more in-depth look at the studio here.

The replica J.S.A. still stands today and looks identical to how it appeared in the film. The replica structure continues to be used by nearly any South Korean production looking to film scenes set within the J.S.A., but remains best known for being seen in the “Joint Security Area” film.

LOCATION: Namyangju Film Studio, 138, Bukhangang-ro 855beon-gil, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Upon approaching the replica J.S.A, you’ll see this sign in front.

Here is the actual J.S.A. recreation, which strongly resembles the real buildings.

This sign is posted next to one of the buildings, depicting the film’s famous final shot.

A closer look at the “North Korean” side. Visitors are of course welcome to freely cross the fictitious border, but the resemblance is so strong, it makes for a strange feeling walking across, as if you really are crossing the border.

The view back of the J.S.A. from the “North Korean” side.

This pavilion overlooking the J.S.A. was also seen in the film in one scene. It still appears exactly as it did in the film.

We leave you with a poster for the film, seen in another section of Namyangji Film Studio. The film studio offers unguided, public tours for a fairly low price. We recommend you pay a visit if you’re an international film fan and find yourself in South Korea.

Coming To America (1988)

November 11, 2017October 12, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1988 Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming to America” was primarily filmed in New York, with some additional filming in Los Angeles, California. The McDowell house can be found in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Unfortunately, quite a few trees and shrubs have since been planted and almost completely obscure all visibility of the home. The same home appears in the film “Jawbreaker.”

LOCATION: 555 S Muirfield Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90020

The fictional McDowell’s fast food restaurant, an obvious riff on McDonald’s, from the 1988 Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming To America,” came to life for a short stint as a pop-up exhibition in Los Angeles in 2017. It’s not the first time this has been done. Previously another McDowell’s pop up surfaced in Chicago in 2015. The “Home of the Big Mick” could be found at Fat Sal’s Hollywood, which converted their establishment for just 48 hours. The pop-up has long since closed, but you can find pictures below of the event. For those wondering, Samuel L. Jackson did not make any surprise appearance to stage a robbery, as depicted in the film.

The ‘Burbs (1989)

November 5, 2017October 9, 2022 / filmoblivion / 1 Comment

The 1989 Joe Dante film “The ‘Burbs” is set in the fictional town of Hinkley Hills, which, judging by the opening zoom, would place it somewhere in Iowa. The story unfolds on Mayfield Place, a cul-de-sac road in Hinkley Hills. In reality, the entire neighborhood was a facade, filmed on a studio backlot.

Known as Colonial Street at Universal Studios, the houses and streets have changed significantly over the years. Once used for television classics such as “The Munsters” and “Leave It To Beaver,” the neighborhood was significantly remodeled in 1988 for the production of “The ‘Burbs.”

In the years that followed, as new productions came along, the neighborhood and the homes began to resemble the film less and less. Some houses were relocated, others heavily redesigned, while others still were demolished altogether. Eventually the neighborhood became known as Wisteria Lane on the TV drama “Desperate Housewives.”

To complicate matters further, several of the houses in “The ‘Burbs” were deliberately shot in close-ups, rarely seen in wide shots. Combined with all of the changes over the years, it makes piecing the neighborhood back together a difficult endeavor.

The centerpiece of the film is of course the Klopek house, which is owned by a creepy family that rarely shows themselves, much to the intrigue of all of the surrounding neighbors. Sadly, the home no longer exists. Portions, however, were said to have been reused and incorporated in the design of this house, which later became Bree Van de Kamp’s house on “Desperate Housewives.”

LOCATION: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

The Peterson house, where Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher live, was also unfortunately demolished and replaced with a different facade.

The house that most closely resembles how it appeared in the film is that of Walter, the old man with the small, white dog. Aside from a paint job and some stairs being added, the house looks pretty much the same.

Ricky Butler, played by Corey Feldman, lives at this house, which was once the home used for “The Munsters,” though it has since been heavily remodeled from how it appeared on the TV series. Likely looking to avoid comparisons to the show, this house was only ever seen in close-up shots of the porch in “The ‘Burbs.”

Colonial Street can be seen as part of the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour and even though the neighborhood has significantly changed and continues to change, movie and television lovers are still sure to appreciate a look around the historic, fictional neighborhood.

Related articles: Matinee (1993), Small Soldiers (1998)

Thelma & Louise (1991)

November 4, 2017December 11, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

Ridley Scott’s 1991 film about two women on the run from the law, “Thelma & Louise,” is set all across the country. In reality, however, the film shot mostly in Southern California and Utah, with a few shots in Colorado. The film features one of the most famous endings of the 1990s.

The girls set off on their adventure when Louise, played by Susan Sarandon, picks up Thelma, played by Geena Davis, at her house, supposedly located in Arkansas. The actual house can be found in Tarzana, California.

LOCATION: 18633 Palomino Dr, Tarzana, CA 91356

The girls make their way to the the Silver Bullet Saloon for a night of drinking and dancing, before things take a dark turn, as a man tries to rape Thelma in the parking lot. Louise intervenes and things take a violent turn, as the women’s would-be getaway trip becomes a run from the law. The Silver Bullet Saloon really is a country-western themed night club, located in Long Beach, California. However, it is now known as the Cowboy Country Saloon.

LOCATION: 3321 E South St, Long Beach, CA 90805

Louise’s vintage Thunderbird convertible is another central character in the film, as it carries them through their outlaw road adventure, into the film’s famous ending. Several identical Thunderbirds were used throughout the production. Located at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, this particular one was featured extensively, primarily being used for close-up shots in the film.

LOCATION: Peterson Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Fast And The Furious (2001)

October 31, 2017October 15, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

Dominic Toretto’s house in the action franchise “The Fast and the Furious” can be found perched on a hillside in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Almost directly across the street is Lady Gaga’s character’s house from the 2018 remake of “A Star Is Born.”

LOCATION: 722 E Kensington Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Not far from the house is “Toretto’s Market and Diner,” which is actually “Bob’s Market,” a long-standing local business. It can also be seen in the films “L.A. Confidential,” “The Salton Sea” and “Nightcrawler.”

LOCATION: 1234 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Brian and Torretto stop off at Neptune’s Net in Malibu, a staple for bikers and surfers on the Pacific Coast Highway. The restaurant was also notably featured in the original version of “Point Break.”

LOCATION: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Back To The Future (1985)

October 22, 2017October 9, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1985 Robert Zemeckis classic “Back To The Future” is among the most famous of all Los Angeles area films. Countless fans continue to flock to these locations.

Doc Brown’s house can be found in Pasadena. It’s the Gamble House, a National Historic Landmark and museum, which is open to public tours. However, only the exterior was used for Doc’s house in the film. The interior was shot at 1777 Hillcrest Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, which is a private residence.

LOCATION: 4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103

Doc’s garage, located on the same property, is now a bookstore.

The street leading up to Marty’s house in 1984 is at the intersection of Sandusky Ave and Kagel Canyon St, not on Roslyndale Ave, where the McFly house is located.

LOCATION: Sandusky Ave / Kagel Canyon St, Los Angeles, CA 91331

Marty McFly’s house can be found in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, in the town of Pacoima, California.

LOCATION: 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331

The Burger King where Mary hitches a ride on his skateboard, grabbing onto the back of a truck, is still operational and going strong. You can find it in Burbank, California.

LOCATION: 535 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502

Hill Valley High School is actually Whittier High School.

LOCATION: 12417 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601

The Twin Pines Mall is actually the Puente Hills Mall in City of Industry. The mall occasionally hosts events in celebration of the film.

LOCATION: Puente Hills Mall, 1600 S Azusa Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748

Inside the mall, you can even find this replica sign for the Twin Pines Mall. Sometimes when there are special events surrounding the film, they will place this sign outside, as it appeared in the film.

When Marty travels back in time to 1955, he discovers his neighborhood, the Lyon Estates, has yet to be built. This spot can be found near Chino. To reach it, you take Chino Corona Rd, which passes a women’s prison. The road becomes Cucamonga Ave and there are signs posted that the road is not maintained. Just ahead you’ll find the spot, which actually has an address. We’ve also included GPS coordinates. The area hasn’t changed much since filming and it’s easily the most remote location featured in the film.

LOCATION: 17545 Cucamonga Ave, Eastvale, CA 92880 (GPS coordinates: 33.935527, -117.633307)

George McFly’s house can be found in South Pasadena.

LOCATION: 1711 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Marty’s mother Lorainne lives at this house, located on the same street, just a few doors down from George’s house. It was used only for exterior shots. This house was also used in another Michael J. Fox film, “Teen Wolf.”

LOCATION: 1727 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

The interiors of Lorainne’s house were filmed at another property on the same road.

LOCATION: 1705 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

The courthouse square and clock tower can be found on the Universal Studios Lot in Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608). The building has been used in countless other films, including “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Gremlins” and “Bruce Almighty.” In 2008, a fire destroyed much of the building, but Universal restored and reopened it in 2009. Today, it can be seen once again as part of the Universal Studios Tour, but be warned, this area frequently hosts productions and the site is routinely closed off from the tours. If you’re adamant about seeing the tower, it’s perhaps best to call ahead and find out if it’s showing on a given day.

Few movie cars are as famous than the Delorean, with many fans building their own replicas. There were in fact seven vehicles built for use in the original trilogy, with only three still known to exist. Below is the first of those three, which appeared throughout the original film and in both sequels. After spending 25 years as part of Universal Studio’s Hollywood Tour, the car had begun showing signs of wearing and many key pieces had been removed, including the famed flux capacitor. A team was hired to meticulously restore the car back to it’s original form and the vehicle is now on permanent display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. The second Delorean is on display at Universal Studios Florida, while the third is privately owned.

LOCATION: Peterson Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

A look inside the restored vehicle.

Here is the restored flux capacitor.

One vehicle from the original film which can still be seen on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour is Biff Tannen’s 1946 Ford Convertible. Some vehicles from the sequels can also be seen there, but here we’ll strictly focus on the first film.

LOCATION: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

October 18, 2017June 24, 2025 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

Tim Burton’s 1985 film “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” introduced the world to Paul Rubens’ classic character, Pee-Wee Herman. In the film, Pee-Wee lives at this South Pasadena home.

LOCATION: 1848 Oxley St, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Later in the film, Pee Wee is chased around the Cabazon Dinosaurs. The dinosaurs are a roadside attraction in Cabazon, California and can be seen from the 10 freeway. Originally built by a sculptor and theme park artist as a way to attract customers to his nearby restaurant, the dinosaurs now operate as a small museum and gift shop. The dinosaurs were also seen in the 1984 film “Paris, Texas” and the 1989 film “The Wizard.”

LOCATION: 50700 Seminole Dr., Cabazon, CA 92230

Pee-Wee gets chased by some kids on bikes at this park in North Hollywood. The same park was famously featured in the film “Say Anything…“

LOCATION: North Hollywood Park, 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Francis lives at this house. The homeowners have since added a lot of shrubs along the front of the property, obscuring the view a bit.

LOCATION: 401 S Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020

The bike from the film can be seen at the Hollywood Museum in Hollywood, California.

LOCATION: Hollywood Museum, 1660 Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028

They also have one of Pee Wee’s costumes, though it is said to be from the TV show, not the film.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

October 15, 2017May 21, 2024 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

John Hughes’ 80s classic, “The Breakfast Club,” was filmed at the former Maine North High School, in Des Plaines, Illinois. The filmmakers converted the high school gymnasium into the famous library set. Today, the building is no longer a high school at all. It’s used as an Illinois State Police Station.

LOCATION: 9511 Harrison St, Des Plaines, IL 60016

One of the most highly disputed film locations you’re ever likely to encounter is the football field, where Judd Nelson does his famous fist pump at the end. Some insisted it was filmed at the same high school as the rest of the production; Maine North. Others insisted it was filmed at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois, where John Hughes himself was an alumni. The majority of the arguments centered between these two locations, with former students from each school disputing which field was used. Others still have claimed it was filmed at Maine South High School in Park Ridge or Maine West in Des Plaines. The argument persisted until 2015, when the cinematographer of the film, Thomas Del Ruth, confirmed to the Chicago Tribune it was indeed the now-defunct Main North High School football field; the same location where principle production took place. The field has since been demolished, but the confusion remains so strong, many people to this day still recreate the fist pump photograph at Glenbrook North.

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