The Hangover (2009)

The 2009 comedy “The Hangover” was filmed in Nevada and Southern California. Early in the film, Alan Garner, played by Zach Galifianakis, is seen getting fitted for a tuxedo with Doug, played by Justin Bartha, at this residence in Pasadena, California.

LOCATION: 415 S Grand Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Stu, played by Ed Helms, lives at this home, located in West Hollywood.

LOCATION: 1325 N Ogden Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90046

The gas station where Alan tells the man not to look at his car was formerly located at 1 Goodsprings Rd, Jean, NV 89019, but has since been completely remodeled.

The characters stay at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

LOCATION: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phil, played by Bradley Cooper, waits for valet with Stu and Alan in this area.

The guys check into the hotel at this area.

Later they are seen walking across the lobby in this area.

The wedding chapel building was not an actual wedding chapel. The production built a facade over the building to make it appear like a wedding chapel.

LOCATION: 1236 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

The hotel where Jade, played by Heather Graham, stays was formerly located at 3330 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103, but has since been demolished.

Mr. Chow, played by Ken Jeong, emerges from the trunk nude in this area just outside of the Vegas strip.

LOCATION: Near E Mandalay Bay Rd / Haven St, Paradise, NV 89119 (GPS coordinates: 36°05’38.0″N, 115°10’07.6″W)

The guys get into a car accident next to this liquor store.

LOCATION: 917 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

The scenes at Mike Tyson’s house were filmed at 22634 La Quilla Dr, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

The 2007 Coen Brothers film, “No Country for Old Men,” is set in West Texas in 1980. The movie was filmed in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico, with much of the film shot around Las Vegas, New Mexico (not to be confused with the famed city in Nevada). Early in the film, Anton Chigurh, played by Javier Bardem, becomes agitated at a gas station owner and gambles the man’s life on a coin toss. The building currently sits abandoned and can be found on the outskirts of Las Vegas.

LOCATION: 2619 NM-104, Las Vegas, NM 87701

While it is never seen from this angle in the film, here is a closer look at the gas station exterior.

Most of the scene takes place inside. Here is how the interior looks where Anton Chigurh stood.

On the run with drug money, Llewelyn Moss, played by Josh Brolin, gets a room at the Regal Motel.

LOCATION: 1809 N Grand Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Rightfully paranoid he’s being tracked, Llewelyn heads up to the front desk and books a second room.

Llewelyn is seen exiting room 138.

On the hunt for Llewelyn, Anton Chigurh uses a pay phone to call Llewelyn’s mother-in-law. In reality, no pay phone exists where Anton stands, it’s just some parking spaces in front of the Las Vegas Train Station.

LOCATION: 500 Railroad Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Llewelyn checks into the Historic Plaza Hotel, where he realizes he’s been tracked. The same hotel is seen in the films “Easy Rider” and John Carpenter’s “Vampires.”

LOCATION: 230 Plaza Park, Las Vegas, NM 87701

The lobby of the real hotel appears in a few scenes, most memorably when Anton confronts Carson Wells, played by Woody Harrelson.

As Carson walks up the stairs, Anton approaches him from behind and tells him to proceed to his room. In the film, the room is shown to be room 213. However, we visited room 213 and can confirm it is not the room used in the film. Nothing about the layout matches what is seen in the film, including the hallway outside. What is seen in the film is either a different hotel or a set. The lobby scenes are the real Historic Plaza Hotel, however.

Right next to the stairs is this sign noting the hotel’s appearance in the film.

Here is the area where the hotel clerk’s front desk was located.

Llewelyn pays off the clerk to notify him is anyone else enters the hotel. When he later calls and no one answers, he confirms Anton is in the building.

A gun fight spills into the streets between Llewelyn and Anton. Llewelyn stops a truck to try to escape, but the driver is quickly shot by Anton.

LOCATION: 518 Douglas Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Llewelyn flees in the truck and jumps the curb of this intersection before crashing.

LOCATION: 527 Grand Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

After fending off Anton, Llewelyn crosses the border to Mexico. The border station was built by the production at this intersection.

LOCATION: E University Ave / Grand Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Llewelyn walks up E University Ave (also known as NM-104), where he buys a coat off some men passing him. He also tosses the money over the fence, but below is not the grassy area seen in the film, rather some railroad tracks. Carson Wells is seen later at the same location.

LOCATION: E University Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701 (GPS coordinates: 35°35’47.4″N, 105°12’44.2″W, overlooking 700 Railroad Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701)

Wounded and in need of medicine, Anton blows up a car in front of Mike Zoss Pharmacy, in order to distract everyone inside as he takes what he needs.

LOCATION: 610 Douglas Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

After recovering from his injuries, Llewelyn stays at the Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque, which has since been demolished. The front street can still be matched up, when Ed Tom Bell, played by Tommy Lee Jones, arrives right after a crime has transpired.

LOCATION: 5000 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 (now demolished)

Ed Tom meets a fellow officer at the morgue, also located in Albuquerque.

LOCATION: 715 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Carla Jean, played by Kelly Macdonald, lives at this home.

LOCATION: 915 Jackson St, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Late in the film, Anton gets into an accident at this intersection. In the film, a traffic light is seen, but in reality there is only a stop sign.

LOCATION: Baca Ave / 6th St, Las Vegas, NM 87701

After some boys approach Anton to check on him, he asks for one of their shirts and then escapes down this sidewalk.

Related articles: Fargo (1996), The Big Lebowski (1998), Hail, Caesar! (2016)

Back To The Future Part II (1989)

The 1989 sequel “Back to the Future Part II” is once again shot primarily around Southern California. The film makes use of several locations from the first film, revisiting many of them from the perspective of an alternate timeline. Marty McFly’s house once again appears in the film. It can be found in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, in the town of Pacoima, California.

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LOCATION: 9303 Roslyndale Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331

After Marty’s girlfriend Jennifer sees her future self, she faints. Marty and Doc drop her off at her house, which can be found in Monrovia.

LOCATION: 161 N Magnolia Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016

Marty discovers that life in 1985 has been altered and his home town is now a dangerous area. The auditorium of Whittier High School can be seen behind him.

LOCATION: Whittier Ave / Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601

Marty comes across the home of Mr. Strickland, which can also be found in Whittier. While we did not experience any issues during our visit, we’ve heard stories of others being confronted for filming or photographing this residence.

LOCATION: 12511 Bailey St, Whittier, CA 90601

The exterior scenes of Biff’s casino were filmed at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

LOCATION: 1 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Biff’s house can be found in South Pasadena, on the same street as George and Lorraine’s houses from the first film.

LOCATION: 1809 Bushnell Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

The exterior of Whittier High School once again serves as Hill Valley High School, which is primarily seen from the back of the school.

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LOCATION: 12417 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601

This tunnel is featured a couple times in the film as Biff makes his way to the dance. Near the end of the film, Biff and Marty fight over an almanac from the future. Marty rides a hoverboard as Biff tries to elminitate Marty in the tunnel. The tunnel can be found in Griffith Park, just before you reach the famous Griffith Observatory. The same tunnel can be seen in 1988’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” also directed by Robert Zemeckis.

LOCATION: Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, Mt Hollywood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Several vehicles from the film can be seen on the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour, including this Litestar Pulse.

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

Also on the tour is this Ford Probe.

This Ford Edsel is also on display.

Related articles: Used Cars (1980), Back To The Future (1985), Back To The Future Part III (1990), Death Becomes Her (1992), Forrest Gump (1994), Cast Away (2000)

Easy Rider (1969)

The 1969 counterculture road trip film, “Easy Rider,” directed by Dennis Hopper, was filmed across the American Southwest and South, including many sites tucked away along back roads.  If  inclined, one could take a unique road trip cross-country revisiting the filming locations.  Production took place across California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Louisiana.

At the beginning of the film, after completing a drug deal that scores them cash for a cross-country trip, Wyatt and Billy, played by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper respectively, begin their trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.  During the opening credits montage, they are seen driving past many locations on their bikes.  They drive along the California-Arizona Bridge at the border of the two states, passing over the Colorado River.  The Old Trails Bridge (15130 W Historic Rte 66, Topock, AZ 86436) can be seen behind them.

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LOCATION: California-Arizona Bridge, AZ-95, Needles, AZ 92363

During the same montage, they pass this hotel as they drive down Route 66 through Flagstaff, Arizona.  This building is located within walking distance of the “shit happens” jogging scene in “Forrest Gump.”

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LOCATION: 2 W Historic Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

At the end of the day, Wyatt and Billy stop off at this motel, where the owner shuns them and changes the vacancy light to “no vacancy.”  Known as the Richfield building, it is located next to the Pine Breeze Inn RV Park.  The building itself has no known address.  The exact GPS coordinates are 35°13’27.1″N 111°48’02.3″W.  The owners are clearly aware of their connection to the film.  On the front door window, there is a small poster for the film.

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LOCATION: GPS coordinates: 35°13’27.1″N 111°48’02.3″W (nearest address is 10520 W Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86015)

Here is the side of the building, where Wyatt and Billy have their encounter with the rude motel clerk.

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After picking up a hitchhiker, Wyatt and Billy stop at the Sacred Mountain service station in Flagstaff.  Billy pulls Wyatt aside and questions the safety of allowing the hitchhiker to fill his gas tank, as that is where their money stash is hidden.  The station has long since closed, but the building still remains.  If you’re driving on US-89, there is a small intersection at 150 Rd, which is where the building is located.

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LOCATION: GPS coordinates: 35°27’17.9″N 111°33’45.3″W (near intersection of US-89 / 150 Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004)

Billy, Wyatt and the hitchhiker end up camping overnight at Lomaki Pueblo in Cameron, Arizona.  There are several ruins along the trail at Lomaki Pueblo.  To find the exact spot used in the film, simply follow the trail to the furthest ruins and the location is just behind the wall.  In the photo below, the walking trail is just to the right of the frame.  It’s not a difficult task to reach the site, but there are many rocks protruding from the ground, so watch your steps as you traverse the uneven terrain.

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LOCATION: Lomaki Pueblo, Cameron, AZ 86020 (GPS coordinates: 35°34’46.3″N 111°28’04.8″W)

Even if you’re not a fan of the film, the Lomaki Pueblo is a unique place to visit and one we recommend if you’re in the area.

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Wyatt and Billy ride into a parade taking place around Plaza Park in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The hotel on the left also appears in the films “No Country For Old Men” and John Carpenter’s “Vampires.”

LOCATION: 230 Plaza Park, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Wyatt and Billy get arrested for parading without a permit, where they meet George Hanson, played by Jack Nicholson. George helps them get released from the police station, which is also located in Las Vegas.

LOCATION: 157 Bridge St, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Independence Day (1996)

The 1996 sci-fi action film “Independence Day” was a large scale production, filming in California, New York,  Utah, Washington D.C., New Mexico and more.  Capt. Steven Hiller, played by Will Smith, lives at this Los Angeles home, where he first spots the giant spaceship in the sky.

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LOCATION: 6033 W 74th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045

The First Lady, played by Mary McDonnell, receives a phone call at the famed Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown L.A.  The hotel is a staple of film, having appeared in such movies as “Ghostbusters,” “Fight Club,” “Species,” “Blonde” and many more.

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LOCATION: 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The alien ships are seen destroying a number of famous landmarks, including the US Bank Tower in Downtown Los Angeles. The building has appeared in countless films, including “Southland Tales,” “Darkman,” “The Thirteenth Floor” and more.

LOCATION: 633 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Empire State Building in New York City is also seen being destroyed.

LOCATION: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

The sequence with the fires engulfing the tunnel full of cars was filmed at the Second Street Tunnel in Downtown L.A.  This is another popular filming location, appearing in such films as “Kill Bill,” “Demolition Man,” “Blade Runner,” “The Terminator,” “Double Dragon” and many more.

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LOCATION: 620 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Hiller drags a defeated alien across the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.  The salt flats have been seen in many films, such as “Pirates Of The Carribean: At World’s End,” “The Tree Of Life” and this film’s 2016 sequel, “Independence Day: Resurgence.”  The I-80 freeway traverses straight through the Bonneville Salt Flats, with viewing points on the side of the road.  There’s also an exit to drive in for a closer look.

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LOCATION: Bonneville Salt Flats, UT 84083

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Wendover Airfield, located near the border of Nevada and Utah, served as the airfield where President Thomas J. Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman, gives his speech to rally the troops before taking their final stand against the aliens.  This scene was filmed in front of Hangar 2.  This area is private property, but they do allow tours.  Wendover Airfield has appeared in many films, such as “Con Air,” 1982’s “The Philadelphia Experiment” “Mullholland Falls,” The Core” and Ang Lee’s 2003 version of “The Hulk”

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LOCATION: 345 Airport Way, Wendover, UT 84083

Hiller’s military uniform can be found on display at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is Las Vegas.

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LOCATION: 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Showgirls (1995)

Paul Verhoeven’s infamous 1995 film “Showgirls” was of course filmed primarily in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The city is constantly changing and many of the skylines and buildings are quite different than they appeared back in the 1990s.  Here we’ve highlighted a few spots still bearing some resemblance.

The topless club where Nomi, played by Elizabeth Berkley, first starts dancing is Cheetahs, a real club which still remains in business.

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LOCATION: 2112 Western Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102

After getting into an argument with James, played by Glenn Plummer, Nomi sits on a bench in front of the Luxor Hotel & Casino.

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LOCATION: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Near the end of the film, Nomi is hitchhiking along the I-15 freeway in the southbound lane with the Luxor and Excalibur seen in the distance.  It’s difficult to replicate this location.  Besides of course being on a busy freeway, the skyline has changed a lot, with Mandalay Bay Rd now an overpass above the freeway, partially blocking the skyline.  This is actually a view from Dean Martin Dr, which runs parallel with the freeway.  A stadium is currently being constructed in this area, so it will inevitably change even more in the time to come.

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LOCATION: I-15, Las Vegas, NV 89118 (this photo is taken from Dean Martin Dr, next to the southbound lane of the freeway, near Connector Rd)

In front of the Vista Theater, you’d find these hand prints and signatures from Rena Riffel, Lin Tucci and Patrick Bristow.

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LOCATION: Vista Theater, 4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Related articles: Basic Instinct (1992)

Casino (1995)

Much of the 1995 Martin Scorsese film “Casino” was filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, as you might imagine.  The house where Ace, played by Robert De Niro, lives can be found in the Paradise Palms neighborhood.  A real casino owner did at one time live in the home and once was even targeted for attack by a car bomb.  However, it is not the same man De Niro’s character is based on in the film.  Former rap mogul Suge Knight is also said to have owned the house at one time.

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LOCATION: 3515 Cochise Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89169

Related articles: Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), The Departed (2006), The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013), The Irishman (2019)

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

In the opening of Steven Soderbergh’s ensemble heist remake, “Ocean’s Eleven,” Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, is released from prison. This scene was filmed at the East Jersey State Prison. A real prison, the location has appeared in numerous films, including “The Irishman,” “Malcolm X,” “Rounders,” “He Got Game,” “The Hurricane” and more.

LOCATION: 1100 Woodbridge Rd, Rahway, NJ 07065

Danny meets up with Rusty, played by Brad Pitt.  The two drive to Musso & Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood, founded over 100 years ago.  The two can be seen driving to the parking lot with a camera mounted on the back of the car.  The interior pops up twice in the film.  First when Danny lays out the plans for a Vegas heist to Rusty, then again when Danny questions if ten men is enough, or if they need one more. The restaurant has popped up in numerous films, including “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” “Ed Wood,” “Blonde” and “Swingers,” as well as the TV shows “Mad Men” and “Bosch.”

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LOCATION: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Later in the film Rusty rescues Basher, played by Don Cheadle.  This was filmed at a bank in Downtown Los Angeles, across the street from where the opening scenes of “Speed” were filmed.

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LOCATION: 601 W 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

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The reverse view is also shown in the scene, looking out onto the intersection of S Grand Ave and W 5th St.

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The gang plans a “pinch” to create a temporary blackout on the Las Vegas Strip.  The scenes in which they steal the device to create the electromagnetic pulse were filmed at the Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility on the UC Irvine campus in California.

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LOCATION: 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA 92617

The ending, with the gang all standing in front of the casino fountain, was filmed at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

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LOCATION: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Related articles: The Limey (1999), Erin Brockovich (2000), Traffic (2000), Magic Mike (2012), The Laundromat (2019)

Pawn Stars

Just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, also known as the “Pawn Stars” shop from the hit TV series.  The shop is open 24 hours, with security always posted at the front entrance.  Depending on the level of business at a given time, the staff will sometimes form a line outside for visitors to enter if it becomes too crowded inside.

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LOCATION: 713 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101

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Video inside the store is strictly forbidden.  However, photography is permitted.  Here is the famous sales counter from the show.

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