The 2016 Coen Brothers film “Hail, Caesar!” is set against 1950s Hollywood and the production likewise mostly took place there. The house of Carlotta Valdez, played by Veronica Osorio, can be found in Hollywood, not far from Griffith Park.
LOCATION: 4791 Cromwell Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
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The 1992 Cameron Crowe film “Singles” was shot in Seattle, Washington. During the opening credits, various establishing shots around the city are shown, including of course the Space Needle. It has appeared in films such as “The Parallax View,” “Malignant” and many more.
LOCATION: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
The Pike Place Public Market Center also appears during the opening credits.
LOCATION: Pike St / 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Linda, played by Kyra Sedgwick, lives at this duplex.
LOCATION: 203 31st Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Cliff, played by Matt Dillon, moves into the same apartment as Janet, played by Bridget Fonda.
LOCATION: 1820 E Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98112
Steve, played by Campbell Scott, sits on a bench discussing marriage with Linda at Gas Works Park. At one time the area was a gas plant, but it ceased operations in 1956, when the city converted to natural gas. Some of the structures were left in tact and the area now serves as a public park. The same park has appeared in the films “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Three Fugitives” and “Little Fish,” as well as the TV shows “Six Feet Under” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
LOCATION: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
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The 1994 James Cameron film “True Lies,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis, was filmed in numerous cities and states, including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Baltimore, Rhode Island and the Florida Keys. In the film, Harry Tasker, a secret agent for U.S. counterterrorism played by Schwarzenegger, pursues a terrorist named Aziz, played by Art Malk. Aziz flees through hotels on a motorcycle, while Harry pursues on horseback.
The chase first passes through 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 Romance,” “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)
The chase continues at the Westin Bonaventure hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Harry rides a horse through the water as Aziz takes a hostage inside the elevator.
LOCATION: 404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Harry in turn takes his horse up the opposite facing elevator.
Here is the elevator entrance Aziz takes. Both elevators used in the film are marked with plaques noting their appearance in the film.
Here’s a closer look at one of the plaques. There are several more around the hotel, noting some of the other films shot there, including “In the Line of Fire” and “Forget Paris.” We appreciate when locations celebrate their film history in this manor.
Here is the elevator entrance Harry takes up to the roof.
Taking things a step further, the hotel dedicated the entire hallway leading from the parking garage to the lobby to all of it’s cinematic history. The Westin Bonaventure is one of the most frequently filmed locations in all of Los Angeles. In addition to the previously mentioned films, movies such as “Interstellar,” “Rain Man,” “Lethal Weapon 2,” “Strange Days,” “Nick of Time,” “Hard to Kill,” ‘Playing God” and many more have all filmed at the hotel and posters for many of them line their walls. Here is the “True Lies” poster on display at the hotel.
Harry threatens Simon, played by Bill Paxton, as he holds him on a ledge at the Sepulveda Dam in Van Nuys. The dam has likewise been featured in many films, such as “Escape From New York,” “Gattaca,” “The Italian Job,” “Iron Man 2” and many more. It has also appeared in such TV shows as “American Horror Story,” “Alias,” “Knight Rider” and more.
LOCATION: Sepulveda Dam, 15758 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406
The base of the dam is open to the public and there is a large recreation area surrounding it, with trails leading directly to the dam. There are several options for areas to park and the length of the hike to reach the dam depends on where you choose to start. It can be a short walk or a long one, depending on your preference, but all of it is on level ground and what we consider fairly easy to traverse on foot.
Helen, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, is sent on a staged spy mission to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Gib, played by Tom Arnold, informs her she is undercover as a prostitute and her mission is to plant a bug in one of the rooms, leading to her famous striptease scene for Harry. The hotel is another staple of film, having appeared in such movies as “Ghostbusters,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Independence Day,” “Fight Club” and dozens more.
LOCATION: 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
The Crystal Ballroom of the same hotel also appeared in the film for the tango scene between Harry and Helen. This particular ballroom has also appears in such films as “Pretty In Pink,” “Rocky III,” “The Bodyguard,” “Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion,” “The Fabulous Baker Boys” and more. It has also appeared in such TV shows as “True Blood,” “Bridgerton” and more.
Aziz’s men kidnap Harry and Helen, loading them in a van and driving up this ramp of the Millennium Biltmore, which is located just past the hotel on S Grand Ave. The same area can be seen in the 2018 version of “A Star Is Born,” “Chinatown” (on the upper ramp to the right) and from the reverse angle in the film “Seven.”
Late in the film, a major action sequence takes place at the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. Harry peruses terrorists at the bridge, as they attempt to transport some nuclear warheads across it. The location is featured in another action sequence in the James Bond film “License To Kill” and also appears in the films “Key Largo,” the 2024 remake of “Road House,” “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “Up Close & Personal,” “CrissCross” and “The Triangle,” as well as the TV series “Burn Notice.”
LOCATION: Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon, FL, 33050 (GPS coordinates of the start of the bridge: 24.706964, -81.124353)
There are two bridges there, built to connect Knight’s Key to Little Duck Key. The one on the right, originally known as the Knights Key-Pigeon Key-Moser Channel-Pacet Channel Bridge, is now commonly referred to as the Old Seven Mile Bridge. It was constructed from 1909 to 1912 and eventually decommissioned in favor of a new bridge, seen on the left, which was completed in 1982 for vehicular traffic. A portion of the Old Seven Mile Bridge is still open to pedestrian traffic and cyclists. However, it has been under reconstruction since 2017 and is expected to reopen by the end of 2021. Sections of the Old Seven Mile Bridge were missing altogether and the production rebuilt portions for the film, as well as using miniatures for some of the explosions.
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The house from the early Jim Carrey comedy “Once Bitten,” can be found in Beverly Hills, California. In the film, the Countess, played by Lauren Hutton, lives at the home, which sits along a narrow road on a hillside.
LOCATION: 1355 Angelo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The 1990 David Lynch film “Wild At Heart,” starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, filmed in Southern California, New Orleans, Louisiana and El Paso, Texas. The opening scenes were filmed at the MacArthur in Los Angeles, formerly known as the Park Plaza Hotel. No longer a functioning hotel, the MacArthur today serves primarily as a property for hosting filming and special events. However, it is under renovation with apparent plans to open a portion up once again as a hotel in 2022. While we have been inside the hotel, the Grand Staircase seen in the opening was crowded at the time and we weren’t able to get photos the way we wanted. You can find plenty of shots of it online, the staircase is located just through the lobby doors of the main entrance.
LOCATION: 607 S Park View St, Los Angeles, CA 90057
We did get better shots inside the restroom of the MacArthur, where Marietta Fortune, played by Diane Ladd, makes a pass at Sailor Ripley, played by Nicolas Cage. The same bathroom has appeared in such films as “Reservoir Dogs” and “Barton Fink.” It has since been remodeled a bit, but remains largely recognizable.
The Pee Dee Correctional Institution, where Sailor is released from prison, is actually the property of the city’s Department of Water and Power.
LOCATION: 1630 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Lula, played by Laura Dern, picks up Sailor and they take off down Main Street.
Sailor and Lula drive past this restaurant as they travel across the country. The same restaurant was featured in the film “Duel,” as well as the TV series “Sharp Objects.”
LOCATION: 12625 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
As Sailor and Lula arrive into New Orleans, they are seen driving past Antoine’s Restaurant, which still operates today.
LOCATION: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
They stay at the Hotel Brazil, also located in New Orleans.
LOCATION: 532 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112
The interiors of Mr. Reindeer’s home were filmed at the Castle Green Apartments in Pasadena. Castle Green has been featured in countless films, such as “True Romance,” “The Sting,” “The Little Rascals,” “Deja Vu,” “Sneakers,” “Bugsy,” “The Last Samurai,” “Puppet Master” and many more.
LOCATION: 99 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Lula nearly gets into an accident at the intersection of E 4th Pl and Mateo St.
LOCATION: E 4th Pl / Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Sailor tells Lula he’s leaving near the intersection of Naud St / Wilhardt St. This is located very close to the Pee Dee Correctional Institution location.
LOCATION: 1709 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
As Sailor is walking, some gang members approach him. He insults them and gets attacked.
LOCATION: E 2nd St / S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sailor runs back to Lula, jumping on top of cars in a traffic jam along Banning St, very close to the above location. The large building behind him is no longer there. Sailor sings “Love Me Tender” to Lula near the intersection of Banning St and N Vignes St.
LOCATION: Near Banning St / N Vignes St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
To see our “Wild at Heart” location page, click here.
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The 2008 Kevin Smith comedy “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” was filmed primarily around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. It is not the director’s first time using the city as his backdrop, having previously filmed portions of “Dogma” there as well.
In the opening credits, Miri, played by Elizabeth Banks, is awakened to the sounds of a car crashing in front of the church on the right.
LOCATION: 161 Hazelwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Miri lives with her roommate Zack, played by Seth Rogan, at this home, which is located just across the street from the church.
LOCATION: 200 Hazelwood Ave, Hazelwood, PA 15207
The exterior of the high school reunion Zack and Miri attend is also located just across the street from their house at 327 Hazelwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207.
Miri works at the Monroeville Mall in Monroeville, which horror fans will know well as the shopping mall from George Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead.” Early in the film, Miri is dropped off at this entrance, which is to the left of the movie theater. The area beside the entrance is now a loading dock, so that portion has changed a bit. The parking numbers still match up however, as well as the mall entrance itself, so just look for row 50 on the signs if you’re uncertain. We’ve also provided GPS coordinates below.
LOCATION: 200 Mall Cir Dr, Monroeville, PA 15146 (GPS coordinates: 40.428730, -79.797013)
The fictional Bean-N-Gone Coffee Shop where Zack works can also be found in Monroeville, located less than a mile from the mall.
LOCATION: 2525 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville, PA 15146
The exterior of the building where Zack and Miri hold auditions for a porn film can be found at this theater in McKeesport.
LOCATION: 1614 Coursin St, McKeesport, PA 15132
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The 2004 Michael Mann film “Collateral” takes place during one night in Los Angeles, where production was likewise based. Early in the film, a taxi driver named Max, played by Jamie Foxx, gets gas at this station, which has since been remodeled.
LOCATION: 1400 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Max picks up Vincent, played by Tom Cruise, who turns out to be a hitman and uses Max to make the rounds as he finds his targets. Vincent’s first stop is this apartment, where he tells Max he’s closing a real estate deal.
LOCATION: 1039 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
He asks Max to go to the alley in the back and wait for him. This is actually a completely different location, where a body suddenly falls on top of Max’s taxi cab.
LOCATION: Alley behind 1666 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (GPS coordinates: 34.062793, -118.266048)
Yet a third location was featured in the shots looking up at the broken window. It was also used as the interior, where Detective Fanning, played by Mark Ruffalo, later arrives at the scene.
LOCATION: 1033 Beacon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (back side of the building, GPS coordinates: 34.048907, -118.276713)
Another alley is featured when Vincent ties Max to the steering wheel as he leaves to kill his next target.
LOCATION: Alley behind 3200 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (GPS coordinates: 34.061102, -118.292291)
Max honks on the horn for help, but instead attracts some men looking to rob him. They attempt to take Vincent’s briefcase, but he returns to the car and executes the men.
At the end of the film, Max and Annie, played by Jada Pinkett Smith, arrive at the Redondo Beach Station. Director Michael Mann previously used this same station in the opening shots of “Heat.” If you plan to visit this station, the only way to access the platform is by purchasing a fare.
LOCATION: 2406 Marine Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Max and Annie continue down to the street level below the station.
The film ends as Max and Annie make their way out to the street and the train departs.
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The 2003 film “American Splendor” tells the story of local Cleveland, Ohio legend Harvey Pekar and his autobiographical comic book series of the same name. The film was likewise shot primarily around the Cleveland area, with a few additional scenes filmed in New York City and Los Angeles. Early in the film, a young Harvey is seen trick or treating at this house.
LOCATION: 9806 Newton Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
As young Harvey continues walking down the street, the film transitions into adult Harvey, played by Paul Giamatti, walking down the same street.
LOCATION: 9801 Newton Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
Harvey lives at this home, located in Lakewood.
LOCATION: 12962 Clifton Blvd, Lakewood, OH 44107
Harvey has lunch with famed cartoonist Robert Crumb at Shay’s Restaurant, a local favorite which is still going strong.
LOCATION: 4007 St Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
Just before Harvey enters a bakery, the Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral is seen in one of the establishing shots. The church was also famously featured in the film “The Deer Hunter,” as well as making a brief appearance in “Major League.”
LOCATION: 733 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
The bakery where Harvey runs into an old college classmate is the Elmwood Home Bakery, exactly as depicted in the film. It too is still going strong at the same location nearly twenty years after the film.
LOCATION: 15204 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
Harvey takes Joyce, played by Hope Davis, to dinner at Gene’s Place. The restaurant is only seen from interior views in the film.
LOCATION: 3730 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44111
A quick shot in California takes place when a stage production is held for “American Splendor.”
LOCATION: 703 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
To see our “American Splendor” location page, click here.
The 2019 Noah Baumbach film “Marriage Story,” starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, tells the story of a couple whose lives are split between New York City and Los Angeles. Production likewise took place in both cities. Nicole, played by Johansson, visits her mother’s house several times in the film. The home can be found in Altadena.
LOCATION: 1145 New York Dr, Altadena, CA 91001
Charlie, played by Driver, picks up some food for his son Henry at this plaza. As Charlie talks on the phone, Henry drops his food.
LOCATION: 5270 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Charlie and Henry can be seen walking to Bert Spitz’s office in this alley.
LOCATION: 8118 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (back alley behind building, GPS coordinates: 34.071805, -118.366658)
Charlie takes Henry trick or treating to this home.
LOCATION: 1325 Miller Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Charlie then takes Henry trick or treating inside this store, which is located very close to the above house, making it geographically accurate to where the characters would have walked.
LOCATION: 8495 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Charlie rents an apartment in Los Angeles. Both the interior and exterior are seen in the film and both have since been remodeled. You can still recognize it as the building, but it looks a bit different now. The interior is where the long argument scene between Nicole and Charlie was filmed.
LOCATION: 1530 N Formosa Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
The closing Halloween party scenes were filmed in front of this home in Altadena.
LOCATION: 2011 Mar Vista Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
To see our “Marriage Story” location page, click here.
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The 1993 romantic comedy “Sleepless in Seattle,” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, was filmed, as you might guess, in Seattle, Washington, with additional filming in New York City, New York, Baltimore, Maryland and Chicago, Illinois. Annie, played by Meg Ryan, visits her family at this house. The home is mostly obscured from the street by trees and hedges, but if you walk up closer, you can get a clear view.
LOCATION: 1235 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Sam, played by Tom Hanks, lives at this house, which sits on Lake Union in Seattle. The path which leads to the home is gated off and marked as private. You can in fact see the home from the gate, but the views are limited. Here are some aerial views.
LOCATION: 2448 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
This door is seen many times throughout the film, including when Annie eventually visits the residence.
These distinct mailboxes seen in the film really do exist at the location. The area is out near the parking lot and accessible to the public. Sam’s house is just to the right of here.
Sam walks with his friend Jay, played by Rob Reiner, as he discusses setting Sam up on a blind date. They start our near 1st Ave and Stewart St.
LOCATION: 86 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 (facing 1st Ave, near Stewart St)
They continue walking along 1st Ave and turn down Pine St, when Sam asks Jay to evaluate his butt.
LOCATION: Pine St / 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
They continue towards the famous Pike Place Market. Sam and Jay have drinks here, where Jay brings Sam up to speed on the modern dating scene. These scenes were filmed at The Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar, which is located within Pike Place Market. The two characters sit at the corner of the bar on the right. There are small red plaques on the bar in front of each seat where the characters sat. It’s always nice when places acknowledge their film history in this way, so we highly recommend visiting.
LOCATION: 1517 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
The sign outside appears in a later scene, as Sam is out on a date with Victoria and introduces her to his son, Jonah. This sign is just outside of the above location.
Jonah’s friend Jessica, played by Gaby Hoffmann, lives at this home. It is seen briefly as Jessica mails a letter to Annie.
LOCATION: 1816 4th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
After Annie arrives in Seattle, she is seen turning at this intersection, with the Space Needle visible in the distance.
LOCATION: Western Ave / Broad St, Seattle, WA 98121
The film’s famous ending takes place at the observation deck atop the iconic Empire State Building in New York City.
LOCATION: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Film Oblivion 