Movies have been a source of entertainment and inspiration for people for decades. The evolution of technology has brought significant changes in the way movies are produced and presented. However, there is still something magical about the old days of cinema when movie sets were actual locations transformed for the needs of the film.
Despite the advancements in technology, many people still appreciate the charm of the past and the authenticity of actual locations. In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic movie locations that have captured the hearts of movie lovers around the world.
Join us on a journey to discover the places where dreams came to life and where fantasy and reality intertwined to create unforgettable movie moments.
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park is a 1993 movie that takes place on the fictional island of Isla Nublar, part of the Cincos Muertes island chain. Initially, the movie was supposed to be filmed off the coast of Costa Rica, but Steven Spielberg chose Isla Nublar as a more accessible and beautiful location for the prehistoric park.
The island of Oahu, Hawaii, was used to recreate the animal preserve from Michael Crichton’s classic novel. Visitors can explore the island on horseback or in ATVs and Jeeps, riding across the plains where Malcolm and Ellie first spotted the giant brachiosaurus or through the valleys where Grant, Lex, and Tim ran from the massive tyrannosaurus.
Regular tours are available to visitors who want to experience the magic and terror of the prehistoric park.
The Goonies
The town of Astoria in Oregon is not only a great place for locals to unwind, but it is also famous for being the primary shooting location for the iconic movie The Goonies.
The final scene of the movie, where the pirate ship sails out of a cave, was filmed in one of the Pacific Coast rock formations. The “Goonie House” is located at 368 38th Street, and other houses used in the movie can be found in the surrounding area.
For beach shots, including “Goonie Rock,” the filming location was a few miles away at Haystack Rock. However, the beach where the final scene was shot is located in Goat Rock State Beach in California, which requires a lengthy trip down the coast.
Fans of the movie can visit these locations and relive the nostalgia of the 80s classic.
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| 368 38th Street | The “Goonie House” |
| Pacific Coast rock formations | Location of the final scene |
| Haystack Rock | Location of many beach shots |
| Goat Rock State Beach | Location of the beach where the final scene was shot |
Shawshank Redemption
Shawshank Redemption is a critically acclaimed movie that takes place inside a fictional penitentiary in the late 1930s. The characters, played by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, spend their life sentences seeking meaning behind bars. The protagonist finds a way to escape the prison, which is considered one of the most secure in the country, through a series of clever moves.
The Ohio State Reformatory was used as the filming location for the prison in the movie. Although the prison was closed in 1990, it was later reopened as a preserved site and is still standing today.
Visitors can tour the prison and see where Andy Dufresne used a tiny rock hammer and a poster of Rita Hayworth to escape his life of imprisonment.
Despite being a fictional prison, Shawshank Prison has become a cultural icon and has been featured in various forms of media, including TV shows and music videos. The movie’s message of hope and redemption has made it a beloved classic among audiences.
Planet Of The Apes
The iconic Planet of the Apes series was filmed in various locations in Arizona and Utah, rather than on a distant planet. Several establishing shots were filmed in Arizona, where the cliff walls from those scenes are still visible today.
Lake Powell, Utah, was also used as a filming location and has since undergone significant changes. The lake, which was created in the 1960s, took 11 years to reach its highest level and now has over 150 meters (500 ft) of water present at the Glen Canyon Dam. The reservoir provides water to cities such as Flagstaff and Phoenix along the Colorado River.
Visitors can easily access the canyons where most of the film was shot with a boat trip and a short hike. The area has become a popular cliff-diving location.
The Planet of the Apes series has left a lasting impact on these locations, which continue to attract tourists and film enthusiasts alike.
The Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter series is a collection of novels written by J.K. Rowling, which follows the life of a young wizard named Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The series was adapted into a successful film franchise, which was shot in various locations across the United Kingdom.
The Hogwarts School of Wizardry, where most of the action takes place, is a fictional school that was brought to life in various locations.
Gloucester Cathedral was used to film several hallway scenes, and the cathedral now offers regular tours of the hallways seen in the films. Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire and Bodleian Library in Oxford were also used for parts of the school. Most interior scenes were shot at Christ Church College in Oxford, whose dining hall was recreated for Hogwarts.
For those who are adventurous, Moaning Myrtle’s haunts can be found at Gloucester Castle in Scotland. Fans of the series can visit these locations and immerse themselves in the magical world of Harry Potter.
The Indiana Jones Trilogy
Indiana Jones is known for his thrilling adventures in exotic locations. In The Last Crusade, the temple where the Holy Grail was hidden was filmed on a Hollywood soundstage, but the exterior shots were filmed at Petra in Jordan.
This impressive cliff dwelling was hand-carved and served as the perfect location for the movie.
In Temple of Doom, the Temple of Kali may be fictional, but the epic battle between Indy and the shaman took place on a real rope bridge. This bridge can be found over the gorge at Victoria Falls in Sri Lanka.
The Indiana Jones trilogy takes viewers on a wild ride through unique and exciting locations.
Back To The Future
Courthouse Square, located on the Universal Studios Hollywood lot, has been a popular filming location for several decades. The set has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including Gremlins, Back to the Future I & II, Batman and Robin, Weird Science, The Nutty Professor, Escape From L.A., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bruce Almighty, and The Ghost Whisperer.
Although the entire lot is a facade, many of the buildings have changed over the years, but the clock tower remains a recognizable landmark. Unfortunately, two fires that occurred in 1990 and 2008 destroyed much of the original sets, including the famous “New York Street” and the King Kong set. Despite this, the clock tower and most of the square itself remain intact.
Visitors can view the square as part of the studio tour, which includes a quick photo opportunity. For a more immersive experience and extended photo opportunity, a VIP tour is available, which allows for much more interaction.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The original family home where the Texas Chainsaw Massacre film was shot has been transformed into a restaurant called the Junction House. Located in Kingsland, Texas, the restaurant features a Leatherface dummy at the top of the stairs, making it a popular destination for horror enthusiasts.
However, the restaurant closed in 2012 and reopened as the Grand Central Restaurant on the grounds of the Antlers Hotel.
The new owners have downplayed the house’s history as a filming location for a horror movie, but still welcome customers who wish to dine in the same place as the cinematic killers. Although the restaurant’s kitschy and creepy atmosphere was adored by many, it was not enough to keep the business running.
Despite the restaurant’s closure, the house’s legacy as a filming location has left a lasting impact on pop culture. Fans of the movie continue to visit the house and its former restaurant, making it a popular tourist destination.
Friday The 13th
The NoBeBoSco campground in Blairstown, New Jersey, is home to the cabins that were featured in the classic horror movie, Friday the 13th. The film was set at Camp Crystal Lake and the surrounding town, where numerous young camp counselors met their demise.
Despite the gruesome history of the location, it is actually owned by one of America’s most wholesome organizations, The Boy Scouts of America.
During the off-season, nostalgic visitors can explore the abandoned camp with permission from the organization, which is granted on occasion. The cabins still stand and offer a glimpse into the eerie setting of the iconic horror movie.
For fans of the movie, a visit to the NoBeBoSco campground is a must-see experience.
1Night Of The Living Dead
The filming locations of George Romero’s 1965 horror classic, “Night of the Living Dead,” have been left in disrepair for decades. However, the cemetery from the opening scene and the chapel have remained, although in a decrepit state, near Romero’s hometown in Evans, Pennsylvania.
The chapel was saved from demolition by a group of preservationists led by Gary Streiner. They called themselves “Fix the Chapel.”
Although the fields have been developed and the roads have been paved, the Evans City Cemetery and the monument where Barbara leaned against as Johnny was attacked remain unblemished. They appear very similar to the opening scene of the original film. The original farmhouse has been demolished, but the basement of the house and the radio station were filmed in nearby Pittsburgh.
The 1990 remake of the film used the same cemetery as the original and a new farmhouse on Jefferson Street, which still stands. The undead residents appear to have moved on, and the locations have been left to decay. Despite the neglect, the chapel and cemetery remain an important part of horror film history.
