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Inspector Gadget (1999)

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The 1999 live action adaptation of “Inspector Gadget,” starring Matthew Broderick, is set in the fictional town of Riverton, Ohio, but was filmed in primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Los Angeles, California. The Bradford Robotics Industry, where the Gadget Program is developed, was filmed at this building in Los Angeles. It has been featured in countless films and television series, including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “Divergent,” “The Muppets,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “License To Drive,” “Unlawful Entry,” “The Negotiator,” “Wrath Of Man,” “Child’s Play 2,” “Enough” and dozens more.

LOCATION: 635 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

The headquarters of Claw, played by Rupert Everett, was filmed at PPG Place in downtown Pittsburgh. The same building appeared in the film “Fire Down Below.”

LOCATION: 1 PPG Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Inspector Gadget tests out his new body at Fort Duquesne, overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline (Fort Duquesne, 3 Rivers Heritage Trail System, Downtown, Pittsburgh, PA 15222).

Inspector Gadget’s distinctive, narrow house can also be found in Pittsburgh in the South Side Slopes neighborhood.

LOCATION: 7 Roscoe St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

The Riverton Police Station was filmed at the Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles. The same building has been featured in countless films, such as “Flashdance,” “Back To School,” “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “Stand And Deliver” and more.

LOCATION: 1816 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

The bridge where Inspector Gadget battles Robo-Gadget is the Roberto Clemente Bridge in Pittsburgh.

LOCATION: Roberto Clemente Bridge, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Claw captures Brenda, played by Joely Fisher, at this building in Los Angeles, which is actually part of Los Angeles Center Studios in Downtown Los Angeles. This area, in spite of certainly appearing to be a public street, is actually behind gates and part of the studio. The address of the studio itself is on S Bixel St, but this particular area is near S Beaudry Ave. You can see the area from some public spots, such as near the intersection of W 6th St / S Beaudry Ave, but it only offers a side view from a distance. The studio has been used in hundreds of productions, with this particular area appearing in the films “Frailty,” “Constantine,” “Grandma’s Boy,” and “Wrath Of Man,” just to name a few.

LOCATION: 450 S Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (the address of the studio complex is S Bixel St, but this spot is closer to 451 S Beaudry Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017)

To see our “Inspector Gadget” location page, click here.

King Richard (2021)

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The 2021 film “King Richard” tells the story of the rise of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and their father Richard, who trained them from an early age. The Williams home, featured in numerous scenes throughout the film, can be found in Compton, California. Only the exterior scenes were filmed here, the interiors were filmed inside a different home.

LOCATION: 2114 E Piru St, Compton, CA 90222

The production made several modifications to the exterior of the home, including the windows, stairs, door frame and posts on the front porch.

A subplot involving a neighbor who doesn’t get along with the Williams family takes place at the home directly across the street.

LOCATION: 2117 E Piru St, Compton, CA 90222

The tennis courts where Richard Williams, played by Will Smith, trains his daughters is located at Leon H Washington Park near the neighborhood of Watts.

LOCATION: 8908 Maie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90002

The Williams family parks their van in this area.

The Godfather (1972)

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One of the most famous filming locations in the world is the Corleone house from the 1972 classic “The Godfather,” located in Staten Island, New York. The property itself appears much larger on film than it is in person. The stone wall that lines the perimeter was built higher for the film, to give it more of an appearance of a compound. A large entrance gate was also built on the street by the filmmakers and subsequently removed after filming. The large yard where the wedding was hosted was actually shot on the yards of several homes on the same street. The interiors of the home were built on a set.

LOCATION: 110 Longfellow Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301

The stone wall and shrubs partially obscure the home in person, but it is still very identifiable and mostly visible.

Here is an aerial view of the property.

Jack Woltz, played by John Marley, lives at this home, located in Beverly Hills. The famous scene where he awakens to discover a horse’s severed head in his bed was a composite of two locations. The exterior establishing shots were filmed at this home, while the interior scenes were filmed at Falaise, which is part of the Sands Point Preserve and open to the public (127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050). The famous bedroom scene was actually filmed in the dining room.

LOCATION: 1011 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The Beverly Hills home is known as the Hearst Estate, for once having belonged to William Randolph Hearst. While not quite as famous as his San Simeon estate, Hearst moved to this home in 1947, where he remained until his death. The home today is a private estate not visible from the road. The estate also appears in the films “The Bodyguard,” “Fletch,” “The Jerk,” “Into the Night” and “Harper.” Many TV shows have also shot here, including “Charlie’s Angels,” “Columbo,” “Mod Squad” and “The Colbys,” as well as Beyoncé’s video “Black Is King.”

Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, is exiting the Radio City Music Hall with Kay, played by Diane Keaton, when he learns his father has been shot. The landmark concert hall has appeared in countless productions, such as “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Annie,” “Rocky III,” “Radio Days” and many more.

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LOCATION: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

American Sniper (2014)

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The 2014 Clint Eastwood film “American Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper is set in Texas and Iraq. However, much of the filming took place in Southern California, with some additional filming in Morroco. Early in the film, a young Chris attends church with his family at this location in Highland Park. An additional scene moments later shows Chris helping his brother in a fight on a playground. This was also shot on the same property.

LOCATION: 6338 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Chris Kyle, played by Cooper, enlists in the military at this building, which can be found in Acton.

LOCATION: 33318 Santiago Rd, Acton, CA 93510

While deployed in Iraq in search of a sadistic killer known as “The Butcher,” Chris assembles a team to capture or kill him. After his team learns the suspected location of The Butcher, they enter a family’s home directly across from the targeted building, to gather information and run a stakeout. These scenes were filmed on a set at the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita, California. The ranch features many Middle Eastern sets, with quite a number of different productions filming there, such as “Iron Man.” The Americans subdue the man who owns the home on this floor. After things settle down, the family, who claims they don’t know anything, serve dinner to the team in the dining room in the background.

LOCATION: 20019 Blue Cloud Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390

After noticing scrapes on the skin around the homeowner’s elbows, Chris becomes suspicious the man is hiding something and begins searching the bedrooms. He discovers a large hole in the floor concealing a major weapons stash. The hole and the metal sheet covering it are still there.

Here is the area in the living room where the team watches out the window, photographing who is coming and going from the adjacent building.

The shot of Chris crossing the Texas border line is on E Ave K in Lancaster, just past 85th St E.

LOCATION: GPS coordinates: 34°40’31.8″N 117°58’28.7″W (Near E Ave K / 85th St E, Lancaster, CA 93535)

Chris Kyle’s house in the film can be found in Sherwood Forest, near Northridge in the San Fernando Valley.

LOCATION: 8843 Newcastle Ave, Sherwood Forest, CA 91325

Related articles: Breezy (1973), The Bridges Of Madison County (1995), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Changeling (2008)

Bagdad Cafe (1987)

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The 1987 film “Bagdad Cafe” (also known as “Out of Rosenheim”) mostly takes place at an isolated cafe and motel in the California desert. Decades later, the cafe not only still stands, it remains an active business. Originally built in the 1950s, the cafe was located along the former Route 66, attracting many motorists. Major freeways were later built, rerouting traffic away from many small, roadside establishments. Yet somehow this one, originally known as the Sidewinder Cafe, has survived almost 70 years and counting.

LOCATION: 46548 National Trails Hwy, Newberry Springs, CA 92365

While the film is set in Bagdad, California, which is now itself a ghost town after being bypassed by larger freeways, the production actually took place 50 miles west in the town of Newberry Springs. In 1995, the cafe renamed itself the Bagdad Cafe, in recognition of the film.

The film itself tells the story of a German tourist named Jasmin Münchgstettner, played by Marianne Sägebrecht and her burgeoning friendship with Brenda, the owner of the cafe, played by CCH Pounder.

After Jasmin gets into a fight with her husband, she arrives at the cafe and begins helping Brenda, who is also at odds with her husband.

The motel, also featured throughout the film, was demolished in 2015. Here is the area where it stood, located beside the cafe.

LOCATION: 46536 National Trails Hwy, Newberry Springs, CA 92365 (now demolished)

Only the sign for the motel remains.

Here is a sign located at the cafe, noting its historical significance and connection to the film.

Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

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The 2001 comedy “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” starring Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, was primarily filmed in Southern California, with some additional footage shot in Smith’s home state of New Jersey. The film opens in 1970s Leonardo, New Jersey at the Quick Stop Groceries, where Jay and Silent Bob are shown as babies sitting outside the store in strollers. The location is of course famous among Smith fans as the primary location of his debut film, “Clerks.”

LOCATION: 58 Leonard Ave, Leonardo, NJ 07737

As the story jumps to present day, the original characters from “Clerks,” Dante and Randall, played by Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson, talk inside at the counter. Randall decides to call the police on Jay and Silent Bob, to get rid of them loitering outside.

Jay and Silent Bob stand next to the RST Video, where they appear in many of Smith’s other films.

LOCATION: 60 Leonard Ave, Leonardo, NJ 07737

Brodie’s Secret Stash, a fictional take on Smith’s “Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash” was filmed at the real store, formerly located at 35 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. It has since relocated to a bigger space down the road at 65 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

The Mooby’s restaurant seen in the film now sits vacant in North Hollywood.  This same location was used as Pig Burgers in “Better Off Dead.” Here Jay meets Justice, played by Shannon Elizabeth, and he and Silent Bob join up with her friends, who turn out to be diamond thieves.

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LOCATION: 6223 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Justice and her accomplices stop at this liquor store in Winnetka, where Jay and Silent Bob try to stand out front, but can’t get comfortable leaning on the glass windows.  The same liquor store also appeared in the film “Magnolia” and The Smashing Pumpkins’ music video for “1979.”

LOCATION: 20001 Roscoe Blvd, Winnetka, CA 91306

The women set up Jay and Silent Bob as patsies, sending them on a mission to rescue a monkey from a testing lab, while they actually stage a diamond heist. These scenes were filmed in Valencia, California.

LOCATION: 27220 Turnberry Ln, Valencia, CA 91355

This area is where the science lab entrance was located.

To the right is where the Diamond Exchange entrance was located.

The Arena Diner, where Jay and Silent Bob escape police, was filmed at the famous Vasquez Rocks.  One of the most popular filming locations in all of California, the iconic rocks have appeared in such films as “The Flintstones,” “Dante’s Peak,” “Jingle All The Way,” “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “Starship Troopers,” “Hail, Caesar!,” “Blazing Saddles,” “In The Army Now,” “Paul” and dozens more.  Television shows which featured Vasquez Rocks in episodes include “The Fugitive,” “The A-Team,” “MacGuyver” and perhaps most famous of all, the original “Star Trek” series, where the rocks were seen in numerous episodes, serving as multiple different planets. The rocks have also been seen in music videos for Michael Jackson, Radiohead, 311 and many more, as well as countless commercials.

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LOCATION: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350

The building where Jay and Silent Bob run into Pumpkin Escobar, a fellow unionized drug dealer played by Tracy Morgan, was formerly located at 1557 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. It has since been demolished and a parking lot stands in its place.

E! News does a story in front of Mirimax Studios, which does not actually have a real studio lot. The scenes were filmed at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City. The film’s studio lot scenes were all shot here as well.

LOCATION: 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City, CA 91604

At the end of the movie, numerous characters from Smith’s past films are seen coming out of the El Rey Theatre, which is depicted as a movie theater. Jay then invites everyone to the concert “across the street.” The El Rey is in fact a live music venue, not a movie theater, and the closing performance by Morris Day & The Time was filmed inside the same location. The venue also appeared in the films “Night Of The Comet” and “License To Drive.”

LOCATION: 5515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Related articles: Clerks (1994), Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jersey Girl (2004), Clerks II (2006), Zack And Miri Make A Porno (2008), Red State (2011), Yoga Hosers (2016), Jay And Silent Bob Reboot (2019)

Nightcrawler (2014)

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The 2014 Dan Gilroy film “Nightcrawler,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, was filmed around Los Angeles, California. The film tells the story of a Louis Bloom, an ambitious freelance photojournalist, who increasingly crosses moral boundaries to obtain captivating footage to sell to news stations. The production made use of locations all around the city. During the opening credits, the Griffith Observatory is seen. The Observatory is of course a staple of film and television, appearing in such films as “The Terminator,” “Rebel Without A Cause,” “La La Land” and dozens more.

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LOCATION: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Capitol Records building also makes an appearance during the opening credits. It can also be seen in countless films, including “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” “Calendar Girl,” “Get Him to the Greek,” “Rush Hour,” “Freakier Friday” and many more.

LOCATION: 1750 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Lou’s apartment can be found in Angelino Heights, near Dodger Stadium.

LOCATION: 1045 Figueroa Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Lou sits parked near Bob’s Market, listening to the police radio. The same market can be seen in such films “The Fast And The Furious,” “L.A. Confidential” and “The Salton Sea.”

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LOCATION: 1234 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Lou starts filming a police arrest in front of this building in Echo Park, prompting the officers to threaten him with arrest.

LOCATION: 1123 Laveta Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Over in Koreatown, Lou arrives at the aftermath of a car jacking, where a man has been injured. He once again oversteps his bounds, causing him and another photojournalist to be kicked out of the crime scene. In the film, the characters state the location as 1st and Western, which is accurate.

LOCATION: S Western Ave / W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90004

After eavesdropping on a call of another photojournalist selling his footage, Lou heads to a news station, where he successfully sells his footage as well. This was filmed at 5808 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, but the building has since been demolished. The corporate offices for Netflix now stand in its place.

Later in the film, Lou rejects an offer to work for Joe Loder, played by Bill Paxton, in front of another TV station just down the road, which still stands.

LOCATION: 5800 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Lou interviews Rick for a job as his assistant at Dinah’s Cafe in Culver City. The same restaurant has also appeared in such films as “The Big Lebowski” and “The Limey.”

LOCATION: 6521 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Lou attempts to interview a witnesses next door to another crime scene in front of this home.

LOCATION: 1415 N Coronado St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

He then enters the home of the crime scene, which is one house to the left, to get more footage.

LOCATION: 1411 N Coronado St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

After Rick, played by Riz Ahmed, spills some gas on his car at this gas station in Studio City, Lou threatens to fire him.

LOCATION: 12007 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Joe Loder lives at this home, located in Venice.

LOCATION: 808 Royal Ct, Venice, CA 90291

Royal Ct is a very narrow road, but there is a pedestrian walkway from Pacific Ave, which offers easier access and parking.

Joe Loder’s van crashes into a light pole at this intersection in Studio City.

LOCATION: Ventura Pl / Laurel Canyon Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Lou captures an active crime scene where a shooting is taking place in Tarzana. The home sits down a long drive and cannot be seen from the street.

LOCATION: 4808 Topeka Dr, Tarzana, CA 91356

Out front on Topeka Dr, however, the area where he parks on the street can easily be seen.

Lou uses his video footage to track down the shooting suspects. He follows them after they leave their apartment, located in Echo Park.

LOCATION: 1701 Clinton St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

The shooting suspects stop at this Chinese restaurant, where Lou sets up to videotape their capture, before calling the police to report them.

LOCATION: 252 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Related articles: Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

Child’s Play 2 (1990)

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The 1990 horror sequel “Child’s Play 2” was filmed primarily in Southern California, with a bit of the opening filmed in Chicago, Illinois. The Play Pals Toy Factory can be found in Long Beach. The same building appeared in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”

LOCATION: 118 Pier S Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

Andy, played by Alex Vincent, lives at this home, located in South Pasadena.

LOCATION: 2035 Milan Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

The adoption center can be found in Downtown Los Angeles. The building has been featured in countless films and television series, including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “Divergent,” “The Muppets,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “License To Drive,” “Unlawful Entry,” “Wrath Of Man,” “The Negotiator,” “Inspector Gadget,” “Enough” and dozens more.

LOCATION: 635 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Kyle, played by Christine Elise, gets pulled over in front of this building, also located in Downtown L.A. It too has appeared in many films, such as “Saw,” “Another Day In Paradise” and “Out For Justice.”

LOCATION: 1243 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Andy’s school scenes were filmed at Dorris Place Elementary School. The same school appeared in the films “Unlawful Entry,” the 2003 version of “Freaky Friday,” “Robocop,” “Cooties” and “Pinocchio’s Revenge,” as well as the TV series “Cold Case” and “Lucifer.”

LOCATION: 2225 Dorris Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Freaky Friday (2003)

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The 2003 remake of “Freaky Friday,” starring Lindsay Lohan (Anna Coleman) and Jamie Lee Curtis (Tess Coleman), was filmed in Southern California. The Coleman house could be found in Pacific Palisades. The same home appeared in the film “You Again” and the sequel “Freakier Friday.” It was destroyed by wildfires in 2025.

LOCATION: 732 Chapala Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

The high school seen in the film is Palisades High School. The same school was used in the original 1976 “Carrie,” “Spawn of the Slithis,” “The Glass House,” “Havoc,” “Crazy/Beautiful,” the TV show “Saved By The Bell” and many more productions. The school was likewise destroyed by wildfires in 2025.

LOCATION: 15777 Bowdoin St, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

The elementary school scenes were filmed at Dorris Place Elementary School. The same school appeared in the films “Child’s Play 2,” “Unlawful Entry,” “Robocop,” “Cooties” and “Pinocchio’s Revenge,” as well as the TV series “Cold Case” and “Lucifer.”

LOCATION: 2225 Dorris Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90031

The exterior of the building where the wedding rehearsal dinner takes place was filmed at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood. The hotel has been featured in numerous other films, such as “Strange Days,” “Get Shorty,” “The Player,” “Wayne’s World 2,” the 2003 remake of “The Italian Job” and many more.

LOCATION: 8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

To see our “Freaky Friday” location page, click here.

Bad Ronald (1974)

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The 1974 cult thriller “Bad Ronald” tells the story of a boy whom, after an accident, is locked inside his home even as it changes ownership. The home in question is known as the Goode House, located in Glendale, California.

LOCATION: 119 N Cedar St, Glendale, CA 91206