Have you ever wondered how the set of blockbusters looks today? Do they even exist? The answer is that some still exist and have become cherished tourist attractions. The 50 Holywood location sets we’ll highlight in this gallery comprise magical houses and bustling cityscapes. Swipe through to see how these legendary sets have transformed.
The Overlook Hotel: “The Shining”
Kubrick’s chilling masterpiece was filmed at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon. This once-serene mountain resort welcomes guests for a drink, food, and views today. Dare to check in for a night filled with unforgettable chills (or stunning mountain vistas)?
Jurassic Park: “Jurassic Park”
Jurassic Park, filmed in Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, featured Spielberg’s dinosaurs roaming lush jungles. This scenic location is now a popular tourist spot where you can swap an encounter with a T-Rex for thrilling ATV rides and zip-lining adventures.
Hogwarts: “Harry Potter”
Alnwick Castle in England served as the exterior for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Perhaps all the spells cast in this medieval fortress still call Muggles for tours, enchanting events, and the chance to learn wand combat (or at least pretend to).
Tatooine: “Star Wars”
The deserts of Tunisia brought Luke Skywalker’s home planet Tatooine to life. Although weathered by time, these iconic structures remain a popular destination. The location still has the distinctive domed entrance to the Lars homestead from Luke’s first appearance in “A New Hope.”
The Steps: “Rocky”
Philadelphia’s Museum of Art steps are forever linked to Rocky Balboa’s triumphant run in the film. Today, tourists still mimic his iconic climb, adding their triumphant fists in the air as they channel their inner Rocky. They can even take a picture right next to the bronze “Rocky III” statue at the base of the stairs.
Hill Valley: “Back to the Future”
Courthouse Square in Universal Studios Hollywood was Hill Valley’s esteemed town square. Despite some modern touches, you can still feel Marty McFly’s presence in this timeless set. Take a photo with the clock tower and see if you can spot a DeLorean time machine!
The Gladiator Arena: “Gladiator”
Malta’s Fort Ricasoli became the ancient Roman Colosseum in “Gladiator.” Though the spot has a few rough edges due to time, it remains a monumental piece of cinematic history, with the massive stone archways and weathered walls that formed the backdrop for Maximus’ epic battles.
Halloweentown: “Halloweentown”
Each fall, St. Helens, Oregon, transforms into the whimsical Halloweentown, enchanting locals and visitors alike with an annual festival that keeps the spooky spirit of the movie alive. The town square still features the giant Jack-o’-lantern, lit in a ceremony reminiscent of the movie’s magical moments.
The Firehouse: “Ghostbusters”
Remember the Ghostbusters HQ? That scene was in the New York-based Hook & Ladder 8 firehouse. This firehouse still stands with a Ghostbusters sign that welcomes fans daily. If you’re worried about remembering the scene, don’t; the exterior of the building has remained virtually unchanged since filming.
The Italian Streets: “The Italian Job”
The streets of Turin, Italy, witnessed epic car chases in “The Italian Job.” Today, its streets are quieter but still echo with memories of those fast and entertaining Mini Cooper escapades. You can still drive along the Palazzo Madama and Via Roma, recognizing the exact turns and alleys where the thrilling chase occurred.
Middle-earth: “The Lord of the Rings”
Matamata in New Zealand was transformed into the legendary Hobbiton for “The Lord of the Rings.” In this charming set, every detail remains intact, allowing fans from all over the globe to tour Tolkien’s fantastical world. Pay attention because you’ll also spot the Hobbit hole and the Bag End.
The Church: “The Graduate”
Santa Barbara’s United Methodist Church hosted the climactic wedding scene in “The Graduate.” This quaint venue remains popular for weddings and nostalgia-filled visits for fans and aspiring Mrs. Robinsons (hopefully with less dramatic exits).
The Plantation: “Gone with the Wind”
Twelve Oaks, portrayed by Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina, was the opulent home of Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind.” Visitors can explore its grand mansion and lush gardens and perhaps even reenact Scarlett’s dramatic balcony scene.
The Market: “Indiana Jones”
The bustling marketplace scene in Indiana Jones was filmed in the Tunisian city of Kairouan. While the vibrant stalls may not be the same ones Indy navigated, the town retains its mystery and allure. It has kept the architectural Indy backdrop of the medina alive.
The Diner: “Pulp Fiction”
The Hawthorne Grill in Los Angeles hosted the iconic diner scenes in Pulp Fiction. Though now closed, its legacy lives on through fans visiting the original site. Thanks to the same building exterior, the scene’s unforgettable tension and dialogue continue to resonate with movie buffs.
Nakatomi Plaza: “Die Hard”
Fox Plaza in Century City, Los Angeles, became the infamous Nakatomi Plaza. Today, it’s a typical office building, but “Die Hard” fans still flock to see where John McClane saved the day. Interestingly, the building generates over $100,000 annually from film tourism.
The Beach: “The Beach”
The Maya Bay in Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands was present in several scenes in “The Beach.” Although it closed for ecological recovery, it reopened with strict visitor limits to preserve its stunning natural beauty. The closure restored blacktip reef sharks to the bay.
Mel’s Drive-In: “American Graffiti”
The scene no longer exists despite “American Graffiti” fans wanting to visit the original Mel’s Drive-In. However, replicas throughout California keep the 1950s nostalgia alive for film buffs. The San Francisco location hosts over 1,000 customers daily.
The Mansion: “The Godfather”
Remember the Corleone family compound? It was set on Staten Island’s Longfellow Road and now serves as someone’s private property. Regardless, the exterior remains uncannily recognizable to eagle-eyed fans passing by, and its owner had to pay a whopping $2.4 million to get it.
The Hotel: “Pretty Woman”
Another iconic set was the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, which played a central role in “Pretty Woman.” Guests can still book the $100,000 “Pretty Woman Package” for a taste of Hollywood glamour, including a private jet and a shopping spree.
The Prison: “The Shawshank Redemption”
Fans of prison breaks will never get over the “The Shawshank Redemption” set at the Ohio State Reformatory. The scene is currently decommissioned, but it still offers tours for visitors to explore the film’s legendary locations. The site attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
The Diner: “Twin Peaks”
Devotees flock to the scene of “Twin Peaks” to savor a “damn fine cup of coffee” and indulge in a slice of cherry pie, with the cafe serving up over 100 slices daily. Twede’s Cafe is now the Double R Diner in North Bend, Washington, with the cafe’s interior carefully restored, including the red vinyl booths and counter stools.
The Hotel: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
While the film used miniatures and sets, the Grandhotel Pupp in the Czech Republic inspired the movie’s aesthetic. Though not a replica of the fictional hotel, the Pupp’s ornate facade evokes the same old-world European glamor. The hotel hosts an annual film festival where visitors can experience its exquisite charm.
The House: “Home Alone”
In 2012, the McCallister family home in Winnetka, Illinois, sold for $1.585 million. This iconic red-brick Georgian remains a cherished private residence where Kevin famously outsmarted the Wet Bandits. Enthusiastic fans often drive by to catch a glimpse of the house.
The Bradbury Building: “Blade Runner”
Los Angeles’ architectural gem, the Bradbury Building, was pivotal in the dystopian classic Blade Runner. The ironwork, open cage elevators, and grand skylit atrium are recognizable. This 1983 five-story office building features a stunning Victorian court and has become a popular tourist destination.
The Office: “The Office”
Thousands of fans can still envision the drama featuring the series’ cast, who used the Chandler Valley Center Studios interior in Los Angeles as the set. While this old Dunder Mifflin scene is closed to the public, fans can visit the exterior in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The Bar: “Cheers”
Imagine a bar attracting over 500,000 visitors annually because of a series! Well, imagine no more because this is the reality in the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston, which inspired the iconic exterior of Cheers. It’s now officially named Cheers Beacon Hill.
The Castle Set: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”
Doune Castle in Scotland played multiple roles in the comedy classic. When you book a visit, you can take audio tours narrated by Python member Terry Jones. In a surprising marketing twist, the castle saw a 30% increase in visitors after the film’s release.
The School: “Grease”
Are you wondering where T-Birds and Pink Ladies ruled the school? It’s at Venice High School in Los Angeles. This location served as Rydell High’s exterior, and fans still visit to see where the high school showdowns took shape. The front step scene where Sandy and Danny’s summer romance rekindled remains essentially unchanged.
The Farm: “Field of Dreams”
With over 115,000 visiting fans yearly, the baseball diamond built for “Field of Dreams” in Dyersville, Iowa, remains open. Fans can have a catch on the same field where movie magic happened because the management has kept the cornfields surrounding the baseball diamond flourishing.
The Apartment: “Friends”
As you hum along to the iconic ‘Friends’ theme song, picture this: the familiar red brick facade and green-framed windows you see on screen were part of an apartment building at 90 Bedford Street in New York City. Remarkably, this exterior has remained unchanged since the show’s heyday, and fans still flock to a ‘Friends’ moment.
The Casino: “Casino Royale”
Feeling lucky? If so, you might enjoy a stay at the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, famously doubled as Hotel Splendide in the James Bond film Casino Royale. Enjoy the Bond-like luxury as you ascend the grand staircase and admire the opulent lobby, both iconic backdrops to the film’s thrilling poker scenes.
The Library: “Ghostbusters”
This one takes you back to the “Ghostbusters” library, which is set in the New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room. Unfortunately (for the fans), the library is a portal of information, not paranormal activity; you’ll have to stay silent!
The Beach: “Jaws”
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, became the fictional Amity Island, which sees a 25% increase in tourism during “Jaws” anniversaries. The good news is that fans still flock to its beaches with less fear of sharks and more appreciation for the island’s beauty.
The Mall: “Back to the Future”
When you visit the scene at the Puente Hills Mall in California, you’ll find a commemorative plaque set during the film’s 30th anniversary. While modernized, it still attracts the film’s enthusiasts looking to recreate Marty’s time-traveling departure; however, the parking lot where the DeLorean first accelerated to 88 mph remains intact.
The House: “A Christmas Story”
You’ll find the Parker family home, now a museum in Cleveland’s heart, Ohio. Welcoming over 50,000 visitors annually, you can become one of them and tour the restored house with the iconic light in the front window. Another happy fact is that the interior is recreated to match scenes from the film.
The Hotel: “The Shining” (Exterior)
While interiors were arranged on set, the Stanley Hotel in Colorado inspired King’s novel. This hotel reports a 200% booking increase while embracing its spooky reputation. Today, you can book ghost tours, enjoy film screenings, and shiver over the same grand entrance with an eerie feel, just as in the film.
The Diner: “When Harry Met Sally”
Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City today sells over 15,000 pounds of pastrami weekly. This past set hosted the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene. In a good turn of events, patrons can sit at the marked table and order the same delicious meal.
The Bridge: “The Bridge on the River Kwai”
Here is a sad story because the original bridge in the film was destroyed. The exciting news is that an inspired reconstruction in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka, has been completed, and the area currently attracts movie buffs, history enthusiasts, and adventurous people for whitewater rafting tours.
The Bar: “Good Will Hunting”
In the motion picture “Good Will Hunting,” you’ll find the L Street Tavern in South Boston in several scenes. The bar maintains its local charm while welcoming fans to sit where Matt Damon and Ben Affleck once sat. Here is the kicker: The booth from the film still exists.
The House: “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Another iconic home that is currently a private residence is the “Mrs. Doubtfire” Victorian house in San Francisco. If you want to visit, you can pass by the house and see the unchanged blue exterior and bay windows where Robin Williams’ character transformed into the beloved nanny.
The Prison: “The Green Mile”
Here comes another prison with over 20 major film productions: The Tennessee State Penitentiary. Although closed, the scene with the imposing stone front and guard towers evokes the film’s gloomy atmosphere. It remains cherished as the film’s primary location. Nonetheless, you’ll still find the scene hosting special private events.
The Cafe: “La La Land”
La La Land’s Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles still sings along in many fans’ minds. Thankfully, the observatory set allows visitors to enjoy a dance under the domed ceiling and planetarium projector featured in the film’s magical dance sequence, in which Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone waltzed among the stars.
The Hotel: “Lost in Translation”
Here is a fun fact: the hotel’s regular schedule remained active while the director, Sofia Coppola, worked. The Tokyo’s Park Hyatt Hotel, staring alongside Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, still welcomes guests in the same rooms to visit the iconic New York Bar under the “Lost in Translation” experience package.
The House: “Psycho”
When you tour the infamous site of cinematic terror up close, you’ll see the Bates Motel and the Universal Studios lot house as part of the tour. Meticulously maintained, the ominous Victorian house still looms over the motel, preserving the chilling atmosphere from Hitchcock’s masterpiece.
The Island: “Cast Away”
The beloved “Cast Away” star Tom Hanks called Monuriki Island in Fiji home. Although the island is uninhabited, adventurous explorers can still visit and channel their inner Chuck Noland. Since the film’s release, the island has become a protected nature reserve.
The School: “Dead Poets Society”
St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, the film’s primary location, is still open. Gothic-style buildings and lush grounds remain largely unaltered, keeping and stimulating the film’s inspirational atmosphere. If you are a fan and want a tour, you can book one to appreciate the panoramic campus and walk in the footsteps of the young poets.
The Bar: “Coyote Ugly”
Did you know that the bar in the film was not one set but many? Luckily, a chain of Coyote Ugly Saloons remains open worldwide. The franchise has expanded to over 20 locations globally, with authentic bar-top dancing and the rowdy ambiance of the movie, complete with entertaining bartenders.
The Bookshop: “Notting Hill”
Notting Hill’s charming library drew its inspiration from the Travel Bookshop. Even though the original shut down, you can find a similar shop opened that keeps the rom-com dream alive. The area sees a constant stream of fans recreating Julia Roberts’ “I’m Just a Girl” scene.
The House: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
Our final cinematic gem is the iconic modernist home in Highland Park, Illinois. The house is now a private residence that fetched $1.06 million in 2014. While the interior is off-limits, the unforgettable glass-walled garage — the scene of a Ferrari’s fateful demise — remains a captivating architectural marvel, drawing admirers to this suburban landmark.
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