Nostalgic 80’s & 90’s movie filming locations

The early 80’s through mid 90’s was by far the decade for awesome movies & music, and thus, exploring these iconic movie filming sites has become a passion of mine. Almost every movie during this time period also featured a “totally rad” soundtrack.

From John Hughes classics like Ferris Bueller (my personal favorite), Sixteen Candles & The Breakfast Club, to big action blockbusters like Back to the Future and Jurassic Park, to awesomely bad movies like Mannequin & Weekend at Bernies, nothing today can really come close to these gems. I really don’t even watch any movies made after 2012 that often, most of the time resorting to classic of the 80’s and 90’s.

It’s no surprise that today many of these films now have cult followings. Today, I find myself more likely to lounge around enjoying an 80’s movie marathon than hitting the box office. When I want to veg out, I find myself more likely to pop in a 80’s gem like Whitewater Summer or Just One of the Guys over an Oscar winner like Inception. Many of these movies are hard to find today, so I recommend checking Tubi (awesome for finding old gems) and browsing used book and DVD stores.

Even better than watching your old faves, you can actually visit many of the filming locations. From the Ferris Bueller house in Long Beach (unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera and this was in the days before camera phones were popular), to the firehouse from Ghostbusters in NYC, to The Goonies house in Astoria, Oregon, there are plenty of nostalgic 80’s & 90’s filming locales to explore just about everywhere in the country. Not only do I love re-watching these movies again and again, but I also love hunting down the real life locations!

Here are a few fun movie destinations I have come across on my travels in the past 15 years. Take a walk down memory lane with me! Note: I will be adding more as I travel more so check back for updates.

A Christmas Story

• Release date: November 1983
• Brief synopsis: The nostalgic story of Ralphie’s quest to receive a Red Ryder Range 200 BB gun for Christmas, despite disapproval from his parents and teachers.
• Claim to fame: The cult Christmas classic now airs 24/7 every Christmas Eve on TBS (this tradition began on TNT in 1997).
• Filming Location: Ralphie’s house is located at: 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44109.

Once considered a flop at the box office, watching A Christmas Story has now become a beloved holiday tradition to many thanks in part to a 24 hour airing on TBS every Christmas Eve. For many of us who grew up watching this charming story way before the TBS marathon, we can’t wait all the way until Christmas Eve to pop it in. I usually watch this one at least twice even though this is hard to do with my ever going movie collection.

From Ralphie’s bunny suit, to the “Fra-gee-lee” Leg Lamp, to the iconic “You’ll shoot your eye out” line, the memorable classic lives on 30+ years after its’ initial release.

The iconic house is located in Cleveland, Ohio and is now open for tours. The entire house has been remodeled to look the same as it did in the movie, right down to the leg lamp in the front room window.

A tour guide will take you on a narrated journey through each room, while providing amusing anecdotes about the cast and filming process. We learned during our tour that you can tell when the movie is filed at the house vs. the set via the curtains. Curtain open = filmed at the house whereas curtains closed = a soundstage.

Next door is a museum where you can view rare memorabilia and pick up rare themed souvenirs. You can also rent out this house or the neighboring Bumpus house although both are quite pricey. This is one of my favorite things to do in Cleveland – definitely check it out if you are visiting or just passing through. Note: There is a massive gift shop which is free all the time. Tip: Dine at the Rowley Inn just across the street. They serve delicious pierogies. Also, our tour guide told us the cast hung out here – pretty cool!

Home Alone

• Release date: November 16th, 1990
• Brief synopsis: Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone and has to defend his house from 2 burglars, Harry and Marv.
• Claim to fame: It made McCaualy Culkin a household name.
• Filming Location: 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093

I lived in Chicago for 25 years and for some reason never drove by the famous McCallister house until years later. This beautiful Georgian Colonial Revival is located in the beautiful North Shore neighborhood of Winnetka. It looks just the same on the outside as it did in the movie, but unfortunately the interior has been remodeled in an ugly modern monochrome grey theme. I am sure you have seen the pictures, but if not here you go. Which do you prefer? I love the cozy look of the 90’s house.

There is a gate up but it doesn’t take away at all from the pictures. I wrote a post where I cover in detail the house (how much it sold for, etc.) and also included some pictures of Murphy’s house next door and other filming locations throughout Winnetka and nearby towns. Check it out if you are interested in learning more.

Field of Dreams

• Release date: April 21, 1989
• Brief synopsis: An Iowa farmer is convinced to plow his cornfield and build a baseball diamond after hearing ghostly whispers stating “If you build it, he will come.”
• Claim to fame: It’s the best baseball movie of all time. Its also got one of the most famous movie quotes of all time “Is this Heaven? – It’s Iowa”
• Filming Location: The movie site attraction is located at: 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA 52040

Seeing the iconic field where one of my favorite movies filmed has been on my bucket list for years. It’s just so out of the way that I never had the opportunity until recently (spring of 2026). I think this movie offers just the perfect mix of baseball, heart, and fantasy. I watch it at least once every summer.

On a recent cross country move from Cleveland to Phoenix, I finally had the chance to check it out as my route took me near Dubuque (this attraction is located about 30 min from Dubuque in the small town of Dyersville, Iowa). If you want to take your pictures with the corn stalks in the background, plan your visit between July-September which is the growing season. With our May visit, we just missed it, but we did appreciate the lack of crowds.

Besides seeing the actual field used for filming (you can also play baseball – they have gloves, bats, and balls available), you can also tour the Kinsella Farmhouse, meet and play catch with the Ghost Players, and enjoy the Ghost Players famous comedy show.

There are lots of great photo opps. It’s a great time for both baseball fans as well as anyone like me who just loves this movie. I love that you can take your picture by one of the most famous movie quotes of all time “If you Build It, He Will Come.”

Sixteen Candles

• Release Date: May 4th, 1984
• Brief synopsis: Her entire family forgets Samantha Baker’s 16th birthday due to her sister’s upcoming wedding.
• Claim to fame: Now considered one of Hughe’s best films. Anthony Michael Hall’s breakout role.
• Filming location:  3018 Payne St, Evanston, IL 60201

If you are a John Hughes fan, you will definitely want to plan a trip to Chicago. Some of the best 80’s classics like Sixteen Candles filmed here. Although the Baker house did not make a big impression in the movie as in Home Alone, it’s still fun to check it out. This is one of my favorites, so I had to drive by and see it in person.

The Breakfast Club

• Release Date: February 15th, 1985
• Brief synopsis: Five very different high school students are forced to spend Saturday detention together.
• Claim to fame: The movie that defined Gen X. Who could forget Judd Nelson’s iconic fist pump?!
• Filming location: 9511 Harrison Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016 (Shermer High School)

Out of all John Hughes movies, this is one I’ve seen the most. It never gets old, no matter how many years go by. I love the timeless message that everyone struggles no matter their stereotypes.

The high school is a police station now, but you can still drive by and see the building that served for exterior shots for the detention. This was a real high school which closed (Maine North High School in Des Plaines, Illinois). Note that I read in a book recently (You Couldn’t Ignore Me if you Tried) that only some scenes were shot in the school. Some were shot on a stage and others at nearby high schools.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

• Release Date: June 11th, 1986
• Brief synopsis: A teen fakes an illness, skips school, and visits iconic Chicago attractions with his friend Cameron and girlfriend Sloane.
• Claim to fame: The most famous movie set in Illinois
• Filming location: 370 Beech Street in Highland Park, Illinois (Cameron Frye’s house)

I saw the main house from Ferris Bueller years ago while living in Long Beach. Unfortunately, this was before phone cameras were popular and I lost my digital camera. Fortunately, I was able to see Cameron’s place on a recent trip to Chicago. Who could forget the iconic scene where Cameron destroys his father’s prized Ferrari and it goes crashing out the garage window into the trees?

It’s a beautiful glass mid-century modern home, unfortunately hard to see much during the warmer months. I recommend a winter visit when the trees do not get into the way. You can read more about the famous Ben Rose house in this article by the NY Times.

On a side note, you can visit many of the sites the trio does on their day off, namely the beautiful Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). One of the city’s best attractions is also a prime movie site. Recently, I finally checked out the Skydeck where you will stand on a 1.5 inch thick piece of glass on the 103rd floor of the historic building. The views are beautiful. More importantly, they conveniently mark off the exact spot where Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane look out at the city so you can recreate the scene.

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles

• Release Date: November 25th, 1987
• Brief synopsis: Neal Page (Steve Martin), an uptight businessman, is forced to travel (in various means) with Del Griffith (Candy) in an attempt to get from NYC to Chicago for Thanksgiving.
• Claim to fame: It’s the best roadtrip movie of all time & one of the best holiday movies
• Filming location: 230 Oxford Rd, Kenilworth, IL 60043

I am such a fan of Steve Martin – I’ll watch pretty much everything he is in, my favorite being Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. This may be one of the best movies of all time and I watch it without fail every year around the holidays. I loved the chemistry being Martin and Candy in this! So many hilarious scenes!

While Neal’s house didn’t play much of a role in the film, it is still a gorgeous red brick Colonial worth checking out. In fact, I think it looks like a smaller version of the Mcallister house. It’s located in a gorgeous neighborhood in Kenilworth – not a far drive from the other Hughes movie houses. As is the case for most movies, only exterior house shots were used.

Uncle Buck

• Release Date: August 16th, 1989
• Brief synopsis: Buck (John Candy), a lazy slob, has to watch his brother’s 3 kids following a family emergency.
• Claim to fame: One of Candy’s best roles
• Filming location: 2602 Lincoln Street, Evanston, Illinois

I was a big fan of watching Uncle Buck as a kid so it was fun to see this house in person. The Russell’s house was used for exterior shots, but interior scenes filmed on soundstages. The high school scenes shot at the now closed New Trier West High in Northfield, Illinois.

On a side note, MaCaulay Culkin and Gaby Hoffman are both great as the 2 kids. We all associate Culkin’s first role as Kevin in Home Alone, but this movie was actually released a year earlier (his first role was actually Rocker Gibraltar.

Can’t Buy Me Love

• Release Date: August 1987
• Brief synopsis: A nerdy high school student pays the most popular girl in school $1000 to be his girlfriend.
• Claim to fame: One of the most underrated 80’s films. I absolutely love this one!
• Filming location: Cindy Mancini’s house is located at: 3050 North Hill Farm Drive in Tucson, Arizona. Kenneth’s house is located at: 3324 N Christmas Avenue Tucson (private residence). The airplane graveyard is located at: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756.

This underrated 80’s teen comedy is one of my all time favorites which I’ve probably seen 200 times. Starring a then unknown Patrick Dempsey, this charming feel-good film features a likeable story line & cast. While not as well-known as the John Hughes teen dramedies, Can’t Buy Me Love is a worthy contender for best high school film of all time. The plot revolves around geeky Ronald (Patrick Dempsey) and his rise in popularity after paying cheerleader Cindy (Amanda Peterson) $1000 (saved up from mowing lawns) to be his girlfriend.

Despite the negative reception from critics, anyone who attended high school can relate to the life lessons, and thus, it’s no surprise this film has a cult following. As Ronald states near the end of the film “Nerds, jocks. My side, your side. It’s all bullshit. It’s hard enough just trying to be yourself. ” The classic advice still holds true today.

I jumped at the opportunity to check out all the filming locations while living in Tucson (an underrated city with so much to do). Cindy Mancini’s house still looks exactly the same today, although the front lawn is much smaller than it appears on screen. The home today is the clubhouse in Tucson’s Hill Farm HOA community. As you drive past, I can picture Ronald mowing Cindy’s lawn in the hot desert sun. The scene where Ronald & Cindy go on a date to an Airplane Graveyard was actually filmed at the Pima Air & Space museum. At this historic gem, you can view over 300 historic aircraft on display.

Hocus Pocus

• Release Date: July 1993
• Brief synopsis: 3 executed witches from the 17th century come back to life in 20th century Salem, Massachusetts via a black flame candle lit by a virgin on Halloween.
• Claim to fame: Went from a box office bomb to the most popular Halloween movie of all time.
• Filming locations: 4 Ocean Ave Salem (Max & Dani’s house -private residence) 318 Essex St, Salem, MA (Allison’s house/The Ropes Mansion), 12 Derby Square/Old Town Hall (exterior of parent’s Halloween Party)

It’s hard to believe that this now uber popular film went by unnoticed in the 90’s to all but the biggest Halloween movie buffs. A poorly timed summer release did not help. Repeated airings on Freeform, special live shows at Disney World, and easy availability of the blu ray spawned a new generation of fans in recent years. No movie really embodies the Halloween spirit quite like Hocus Pocus. Personally, I was a big fan of this movie growing up in the early 90’s so it’s even more nostalgic for me watching it as the years go on. So, what did I think of the sequel (I absolutely hated it! One of the worst movies I’ve seen!)

The story revolves around a brother and sister (Max and Dani) who light a candle (along with Max’s crush from school Allison) and bring 3 ancient witches back from the dead. A whimsical plot involves the trio chasing the siblings around Salem. Lots of cheesy 90’s special effects, lovely fall foliage, a timeless feel, and an enchanting family-friendly haunting vibe easily keeps this my #1 Halloween pick of all time.

This movie has become so popular that visitors from all over come to see the Salem houses which were used in the filming. Max & Dani’s house looks exactly the same today as it did in the film. Remember that this is a private residence, so do not bother the owners and view from afar. The other most popular filming locale is Allison’s house which now operates as the Peabody Essex museum.

Asides from the Hocus Pocus filming sites, Salem is one of the best Halloween destinations in the country. From creepy old haunted cemeteries, to ghost tours, to special shows & festive events, there is something hauntingly fun to do all 31 days in October.

Home Alone 2

• Release Date: November 1992
• Brief Synopsis: Kevin McCallister is back. This time he loses his family in an airport and takes the wrong flight to NYC (as opposed to Florida with the rest of the family). Alone in the Big Apple, he checks into the famous Plaza hotel and explores the city sights. Later he runs into the Sticky Bandits and comes up with a plan to stop their burglary of a toy store.
• Claim to fame: One of the most beloved sequels and Christmas films of all time. A lot of people I know actually prefer this one. I love it but I still prefer the cozy house setting of the first film.
• Filming locations: Central Park (Pigeon lady scenes), Wollman ice rink (Marv skating scene), Rockefeller Center (Kevin by the tree), Queensboro Bridge (taxi into the city scene), Plaza Hotel (hotel Kevin checks into)

As the beloved Christmas movie shot at numerous iconic sites across the city, it’s hard to visit and not bump into at least one memorable site that Kevin visited. From the tree at Rockefeller Center, to Radio City Music Hall, to the Plaza hotel, Home Alone buffs will love seeing the same places that Kevin saw as he was alone in the Big Apple.

Perhaps the most famous site in the city is Central Park and the beautiful Wollman Ice Rink. Here you get to check off 2 famous movie scenes – the scene where Kevin meets the Pigeon lady and the scene where Marv and Harry are plotting their robbery of Duncan’s Toy Chest at the rink. It’s always a pretty fun place to skate too so definitely check it out around the holiday season. It’s pricey, but worth it in my opinion.

Bonus: Not an 80s/90s film, however, the best romantic comedy of all time (Serendipity with John Cusack) also filmed at the Wollman rink!

Also, NYC is so beautiful and magical during the Christmas season! I really love the city this time of year – the decorations, the ice rinks, the gorgeous trees…it’ so enchanting. Check out my guide to Christmas in New York!

Dirty Dancing

• Release Date: 1987
• Brief Synopsis: Teenager Francis “Baby” falls in love with her dance instructor while staying with her parents at an upscale summer resort in the Catskills.
• Claim to fame: Patrick Swayze’s most iconic role. “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” became one of the most popular movie songs of all time. And who could forget the famous dance lift scene?
• Filming locations: Several areas around Lake Lure. The famous stone steps are now part of a private property. However, you can see them from a distance on a cruise. The Esmeralda Inn was location of the final dance scene. Also consider booking a room at the Lake Lure Inn (we learned on our tour that Swayze & Grey stayed here while filming).

Although the film was originally supposed to flop, teenagers around the country fell in love with Patrick Swayze’s smooth dance moves. Everyone wanted to take dance lessons and learn how to do that famous lift (which the stars actually never rehearsed!). And, the now timeless song, became one of the most popular movie songs of all time. In fact, the year the movie was released, it was the number 1 wedding song. The song is so intertwined with the movie that you can’t help thinking of that final dance number every time it comes on the radio.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is the one where Baby (Jennifer Grey) is practicing her dance moves on the stone steps. The actual stone steps are found on Lake Lure in Western North Carolina. Today you can take a narrated cruise on the lake and see the steps, along with enjoying the fabulous scenery on what has been called “one of the ten most beautiful lakes in the world” by National Geographic. Lake Lure was used as an alternative to the Catskills (where the movie is said to take place) as the lush green mountain scenery of WNC is very similar to the Upstate NY region.

Your tour guide will get as close as he can to the stairs so you can get a good pic. Unfortunately, no boats are allowed in the immediate area.

Another great filming site is the portion of the lake where Swayze and Grey practiced their dance moves in the water. You will go right pass this site on the cruise. Here it is!

Unfortunately, the lodge featured in the movie is actually located in Virginia (Mountain Lake House), however, you can take a stroll around the Lake Lure Inn where the cast stayed at during the filming process.

Also be sure to plan a stop at the visitor’s center which features a bunch of memorabilia and fun photo opportunities.

Ghostbusters

• Release Date: June 1984
• Brief Synopsis: Three parapsychology professors start a ghost removal service.
• Claim to fame: The theme song (“Who Ya Gonna Call?”) is one of the most iconic movie songs of all time.
• Filming locations: 476 Fifth Avenue (New York Public Library – first ghost encounter), 14 North Moore Street (the Ghostbusters Firehouse)

While the New York Public Library is worthy of a tour for the incredible architecture alone, it is also a primate movie filming site. Ghostbusters opens with the famous shot of the library’s iconic marble lions. And of course, the first ghost encounter takes place in the beautiful Reading Room. Fortunately, the library is open to the public for free tours. With history plus movie nostalgia rolled into one, this is a must stop for any new NYC visitor!

Learn more about the history of this gorgeous library

Big

• Release Date: June 1998
• Brief Synopsis: A teenager wishes to be big on a Zoltar machine at a carnival. He gets his wish when he wakes up in a thirty-something year old man’s body.
• Claim to fame: The breakout role that put Tom Hanks on the road to stardom. Really, is there a bad Tom Hanks movie?
• Filming locations: FAO Schwarz (old Fifth Ave location, although the new Rockefeller Center has the piano), Times Square (Hotel St. James – rundown hotel were adult Josh checks into), Rye Playland (Zoltar boardwalk scene). Also, on an interesting note, the beautiful Soho loft (where Josh lives in NYC) recently sold for almost 10 million!

One of the most memorable movie scenes of all time is Tom Hanks playing chopsticks on a foot piano in a department store in Big. We all wanted our chance to do the same after seeing this movie! I dreamed of getting one every Christmas, but sadly it never came! It’s the best scenes in the movie, and one of the most memorable of all time in my book.

Today, you can purchase a mini version of one of these pianos at FAO Schwartz, and also live out your movie fantasy on the giant mat piano which measures 16 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. Note: The line can be long, especially during the holiday season. On another note, the original FAO Schwarz (where Big filmed) on Fifth Avenue closed down in 2015. Three years later, the store opened with a new owner at a new location at Rockefeller Center.

On an interesting side note, many think that Duncan’s Toy Chest from Home Alone 2 was FAO Schwarz. While the iconic New York store was an inspiration, exterior shots of the toy store were actually of “The Rookery” building in Chicago.

National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation

• Release Date: February 1997
• Brief Synopsis: Another cheesy film in the Vacation series, this one following Clark Griswold and company’s crazy antics in Las Vegas. For me, this one is tied with Christmas Vacation for best in the series.
• Claim to fame: Filmed at The Mirage casino resort. Steve Wynn closed down a portion of the casino for filming as he was friends with the producer! Read more fun facts about this awesome movie.
• Filming locations: 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd (The Mirage Resort), The 770 Las Vegas Blvd North (Neon Museum – Audrey dancing scene), the Hoover Dam (Griswolds meet up with Eddie)

Update: The gorgeous Mirage resort closed in July of 2024. I’m so sad to see it go! Why did they get rid of the fabulous volcano show? – I’ll never get it!

As I step through the doors of the beautiful Mirage resort in Vegas, I am immediately reminded of my favorite Chevy Chase movie. Although most prefer the original, Vegas Vacation is actually right up there with Christmas Vacation as the best in the series in my opinion. This movie has everything – silly over-the-top cheez factor, lots of goofy cousin Eddie antics, Siegfried & Roy, casino action, pretty views of the Vegas Strip, & even Wayne Newton!

Although the movie was filmed throughout the property, the most notable movie site is the lobby check in desk, which features a gigantic 200,000 gallon saltwater fish tank. Much of the casino floor and Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Dolphin Habitat can be seen throughout the movie.

Another filming locale, which also happens to be one of the best attractions in town, is the Neon Museum, a “graveyard” featuring all the retired neon casino signs. Vegas Vacation fans will surely remember the scene with Audrey dancing atop the neon signs.

Forrest Gump

• Release date: July 1994
• Brief Synopsis: Classic Oscar Winning Tom Hanks film which chronicles a 30 year period in a mentally disabled man’s life.
• Claim to fame: Nominated for 13 Oscars and won 6 including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hanks), and Best Director (Zemeckis)

Filming location: Chippewa Square, one of the most picturesque of the 22 squares in Savannah, was the filming site of the bench scenes. One of the most famous movie lines of all time was filmed here…”My mama always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Besides the historical significance and lovely public squares, Savannah is most famous for its’ many historical movie moments. The beautiful historic district has always drawn many filmmakers to the area.

Although the famous Forrest Gump bench has been moved to the history museum, you can still visit the site where Tom Hanks made his most memorable movie quote.

Pretty Woman

• Release date: March 1990
• Brief Synopsis: Classic Julia Roberts fairytale story of a hooker and business man unexpectedly falling in love.
• Claim to fame: The movie that put Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on the map.
• Filming location: The famous Rodeo Drive sign can be seen at Santa Monica & Wilshire Blvd. The Beverly Hills sign, most associated with the series of the same name, is another popular tourist photo opp. See it at South Santa Monica Boulevard & Moreno Drive .

Although not one of my personal favorites, Pretty Woman is still one of those iconic 90’s movies which just about everyone who grew up in the decade has seen at least once. Although super touristy, you have to walk down Rodeo Drive on your first trip to L.A.

On Rodeo Drive, you can recreate the famous scene when Julia Roberts struts down to the tune of Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman walking down the street.” Although you may lack the cash to go on a shopping spree, it’s fun to window shop the luxury shops, take your pic next to the iconic Beverly hills sign, and grab a cappuccino while attempting to spot a celeb (don’t get your hopes up as the most common sightings occur at everyday places like Whole Foods and Starbucks).

Other 80’s/90’s movies which filmed on Rodeo

Troop Beverly Hills (1989): Cheesy guilty pleasure of mine featuring Shelley Long as a Girl scouts leader. The movie filmed throughout Beverly Hills. Notable sites included Giorgio and The Beverly Hills Hotel. The Nefler house is located at 901 N. Camden Drive, just steps from Rodeo Drive.

Clueless (1995): The Alicia Silverstone classic filmed throughout the Valley and L.A. The Beverly Wilshire on Rodeo Drive makes an appearance as Cher walks down the stairs next to some shops.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Several scenes from the Eddie Murphy classic were filmed in Beverly Hills.

Good Will Hunting

• Release Date: December 1997
• Brief Synopsis: Will Hunting (Matt Damon), an intellectually gifted math genius, works as a janitor at MIT. A psychologist (Robin Williams) helps him find direction in his life.
• Claim to fame: The film that sparked the careers of both Matt Damon and Affleck. Ben Affleck became the youngest winner of the Original Screenplay Oscar at the age of 25 (Damon was 27).
• Filming locations: The iconic Damon/Williams bench scene was filmed at Boston Public Garden (4 Charles St). The famous bar scenes (“How do you like them apples”) filmed at L Street Tavern in South Boston at 658 E. 8th St.

The most iconic moment in Good will Hunting is the scene where Matt Damon and Robin Williams share a philosophical moment on the bench of a beautiful Boston park. This park happens to be Boston Public Garden, one of the city’s most gorgeous public places. You can sit on the actual bench that Damon and Williams sat on, reliving the famous scene.

Another cool filming location is L Street Tavern, the Southie Bar where Will, and the gang hang out drinking each night.

People all over the world fell in love with this movie, and the city of Boston itself, and tourists continue to visit these iconic filming sites. Even though much of the city has changed in the past 20 years since the film’s release, it’s fun to reminisce, particularly for those of us who lived in the region.

Check out my list of free things to do in Boston (lots to do here that won’t cost you a dime). I really loved my years living here and miss all the wonderful architecture and historical attractions, much of which is free to explore.

Cheers

• Release date: September 1982
• Brief synopsis: The series follows the lives of a diverse group of employees and regulars at a Boston bar “Where Everybody Knows your Name.”
• Claim to fame: Nominated for 117 Emmys and won 28! Widely considered one of the best written TV series of all time.
• Filming location: The Bull & Finch Pub (28 Beacon St) was the inspiration for the series.

Cheers is perhaps best known for its’ theme song, ranked amongst the best of all time in a 2011 Rolling Stones poll. I have to admit that back in the day I often stopped just to listen to the song while channel surfing. It’s crazy how these catchy TV intros stay with you long after their time.

The beloved series ran for 11 seasons, from 1982 to 1993. The Boston based Bull & Finch pub (est. 1969) inspired the TV series bar. This bar was ranked “best of Boston” the same year Cheers premiered. Boston architect Charles Bulfinch also designed the US Capitol in D.C. Visiting Cheers has always been one of the city’s biggest tourist draws – we took family members here all the time while living here. The bar is conveniently located on Beacon Street, across from Boston Public Garden.

While only exterior shots were used in the filming process, a replica bar and gift shop were eventually added as the pub became more popular. A second Cheers bar opened in Faneuil Hall, with this one being an exact replica of the TV series. Update: This bar closed in August of 2020.

Even though Cheers is quite congested and touristy today, the cozy ambiance, lively vibe, & great memorabilia still make it feel like somewhere “Where everybody knows your name.”

The Terminator

• Release date: 1984
• Brief synopsis: A cyborg (disguised as a human) arrives from the future (2029) to present day L.A. (1984) to kill a woman named Sarah Connor, whose future son will fight a war against the machines.
• Claim to fame: Made Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name.
• Filming location: Griffith Observatory

I am a big fan of Arnold and I have always loved his movies (especially T2 and also Last Action Hero is totally underrated). The famous scene when The Terminator arrives in Los Angeles took place at the Griffith Observatory.

The Griffith is one of L.A.’s best tourist attractions. Featuring magnificent views of the Hollywood sign, wonderful on-site trails, and breathtaking night vistas of the city, it is my top recommended attraction for first time visitors. I lived in L.A. for a while and this was my go-to for hiking.

The futuristic look of the Griffith has led to its appearance in more than one science fiction flick. Scenes from Transformers and The Man From Planet X also used the observatory as a background.

More notable movies which filmed at the Griffith

• Yes Man (2008): Great Jim Carrey movie about a man who attends a self help seminar, and sets out on a quest to say yes to EVERYTHING for an entire year! Watch for the Griffith in the scene where Allison (Zooey Deschanel) is leading her running tour.
• La La Land (2016): Award-winning musical featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The dance number inside the planetarium took place at the Griffith. Also, “A Lovely Night” dance number filmed at Griffith Park.
• Rebel without a Cause (1955): Classic teen drama, featuring James Dean in one of his last roles. Several scenes were filmed at the Griffith.
• Back to the Future 2 (1989): The tunnel scene where Marty gets chased by Biff was filmed at the Griffith tunnel. Also, it served as the entrance to Toontown in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

A Very Brady Christmas

• Release Date: December 1988
• Brief Synopsis: Mike and Carol Brady fly the whole gang home for the holidays in this monstrously popular made-for-TV Brady Christmas special.
• Claim to fame: At the time, it ranked as the highest watched TV movie of the year, with a massive 25.1 Nielsen score.
• Filming location: The Brady house is located at: 11222 Dilling St, Studio City, CA 91602.

In this 80’s Christmas themed made-for-TV special, the lovable quirky 1970’s TV cast reunites for the holidays in the same Brady house featured on the classic series. The whole gang returned, with the exception of Susan Olsen (Cindy) who was on her honeymoon.

This film is always on my must-watch list each December. Yes, this movie is really cheesy, although the same can be said for all those Hallmark movies we love to binge watch all December long.

The iconic house recently sold for 1.6 million over asking price. TV network HGTV outbid former NSync singer Lance Bass with a bid of 3.5 million. Plans to restore the house to its’ 1970’s style grooviness is currently underway. Coming in 2019, you will be able to watch the transformation in progress in “A Very Brady Renovation.”

Rocky III

• Release Date: May 28, 1982
• Brief Synopsis: Rocky is now enjoying his fortune and fame after becoming heavyweight champion. After losing his title to Clubber Lang, Rocky turns to former adversary Apollo Creed.
• Claim to Fame: The Eye of the Tiger theme song which landed on the top of the Billboard charts and was nominated for an Academy Award.
• Filming location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy (Rocky statue)

Next to the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art stands the actual 8 foot tall statue of Rocky featured in the film. Stallone donated the statue to the city after filming. In the film, Rocky unveils the statue at the top of the stairs at the art museum.

Today, it has been moved to the side of the building. Nevertheless, a huge line of fans show up every day to get their picture next to the iconic site. I don’t blame them – this was one of our stops after moving here too! Stallone himself, a Philadelphia native, is known to show up every now and then.

Philadelphia is a wonderful city with a long list of things to see and do. To date, it has been one of my favorite cities I’ve lived in. Check out my favorite free things to do in Philly for some fun museums and parks to add to your bucket list.

Edward Scissorhands

• Release date: December 1990
• Brief synopsis: A scientist builds an artificial man with scissors for hands (the inventor dies before finishing his hands). He lives alone until a women invites him into her suburban home.
• Claim to fame: Tim Burton’s first film with Johnny Depp.
• Filming location: Lutz, Florida (the house is located at 1774 Tinsmith Circle in the Carpenters Run subdivision).

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton have worked on eight films together, with Edward Scissorhands being their first venture together. In my opinion, this will always be the best Burton film. The eccentric, oddly colored suburban neighborhood which Peg the Avon Lady (Dianne Wiest) brings Edward Home to is actually located in Lutz, Florida.

This suburb is located about 5 miles north of Tampa in the Carpenters Run subdivision. The houses were painted pastel colors for the movie. Recently, I lived about 10 min away from this house (in New Tampa) so I had to check it out. I love all Tim Burton movies with this being my all time favorite, so it was cool to see the house.

Director Burton chose the (at the time) newly created subdivision because it reminded him of the cookie cutter homes where he grew up in California. The painting of the houses in pastel color really added to the surrealism, and dream-like tone of the film.

While the neighborhood was portrayed as strange in the film, today the houses are all back to original earth tones – although it is still cool to see the location where Burton and Depp filmed if you happen to be in the vicinity!

Of course, there are plenty of great beaches, museums, and attractions which make the Tampa area worthy of a visit on its’ own accord. Consider visiting this house as an extra bonus. While you are in the area, be sure to check out my full guide to visiting Tampa Bay!

Just One of the Guys

• Release date: April 26, 1985
• Brief synopsis: Aspiring journalist, Terry Griffith, feels that if she poses as a boy at another school then her writing will be taken seriously. She believes that she lost a newspaper internship over the guys because of her gender.
• Claim to fame: It’s a loose adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
• Filming location: Papago Park in Phoenix (625 N Galvin Pkwy). Terry’s house is located at: 2210 N 9th Avenue

This is another underrated classic like Can’t Buy Me Love which I have probably seen at least 100 times. If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely put it on your must watch list. The plot revolves around a high school student who transfers schools to prove that she can get her paper published if she poses as a boy. It’s really fun – similar to She’s the Man (although much funnier and more original as it came first).

Basically, there is a funny scene in the movie where Terry is on a date with Sandy. It takes place at Hole in the Rock, an interesting landmark in Phoenix where you can enjoy a unique viewpoint of the city. I recognized it from the movie right away years ago on my first visit. On a side note, Papago is one of many great free attractions around the Phoenix Metro.

**Note some of these homes are private residences – do not disturb the owners and simply view/take photos from a distance!

Why do I love 80’s & 90’s films?

There is just something about these retro movies which hold a special place in my heart. It could be the feel good plots where the nerd always wins, the hip music, the hilarious use of old tech like huge cellphones and walkmans, or perhaps the crazy clothes and hairstyles that seem so out of place today. In my opinion, this is easily the best decade for movies, TV shows, and music, followed by the 90’s. The worst? We are living in it right now 🙂

My top 80’s movie picks

Early 80’s

• Raiders of the Lost Ark
• Gremlins
• E.T.
• A Christmas Story
• The Outsiders
• The Karate Kid
• Vacation
• Wargames
• Hoosiers

Mid 80’s

• Stand by Me
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
• Back to the Future
• Sixteen Candles
• The Breakfast Club
• Pretty in Pink
• Ghostbusters
• Goonies
• Fright Night
• Back to School
• Better Off Dead
• Weird Science
• The Labyrinth
• The Sure Thing
• Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom
• Just One of the Guys
• The Heavenly Kid

Late 80’s

• Weekend at Bernie’s
• Back to the Future Part II
• Dead Poets Society
• Some Kind of Wonderful
• Summer School
• Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
• Field of Dreams
• Christmas Vacation
• Honey, I Shrunk the KIds
• The Lost Boys
• License to Drive
• Adventures in Babysitting
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• Killer Klowns from Outer Space
• The Princess Bride
• The Wizard
• The Secret of My Success
• Beetlejuice
• Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
• Like Father, Like Son
• Say Anything
• Can’t Buy Me Love
• Overboard
• Vice Versa
• The Burbs
• Mannequin
• Big
• The Blues Brothers
• Whitewater Summer
• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
• Child’s Play