If you’re a movie buff and have ever wanted to explore the settings of your favorite blockbuster films there are plenty of places in the United States where you can do just that.
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There are, of course, hundreds of famous film locations all across the US, however. To narrow things down a little, we’ve highlighted 5 must-see locations that you can easily turn up to and visit while traveling in the country.
Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8
Location: New York City, New York
Film Appearances: Ghostbusters
New York itself is almost one big film set considering its many onscreen appearances. However, one of its more hidden highlights is Firehouse, Hook and Ladder Company 8, better recognized as the Ghostbuster’s HQ.
The distinctive 3-story building in the Tribeca neighborhood in Manhattan and is dwarfed by its taller neighbors but has made a big mark in film history.
Whilst it is still used as a working fire station today and there are no actual ghosts at the site – that have been reported – it is a relatively easy piece of film history to snap a photo of when exploring NYC.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Film Appearances: Rocky
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is already well worth a visit if you’re visiting the city. However, for many it is instantly recognizable from the Rocky series, where the eponymous boxer runs up the 72 steps to the main entrance.
As you might imagine, a lot of people go to reenact the infamous training montage scene from the Oscar-winning movie. Now, just known colloquially as ‘the Rocky Steps’ you can join in too or just enjoy the spectacular city views from the top of the stairs at your own pace.
As an extra bonus, you can also see the bronze statue that appeared in Rocky III close to the southwest side of the bottom of the steps. Whilst Rocky is a fictional character, he’s very much become part of the cultural landscape of Philly both literally and figuratively.
Fox Plaza Tower
Location: Los Angeles, California
Film Appearances: Die Hard
Whether you agree that Die Hard is a Christmas film or not, a trip to the actual site of the fictional Nakatomi Plaza is something to enjoy on a trip to LA.
Fox Plaza as it’s actually known in real life, is in the Century City area of West Los Angeles. Whilst it’s not recommended to run around the building shoeless like John McClane – it’s a working office after all – it is a sight you will definitely want to see if you’re a superfan.
Monument Valley
Location: Navajo County, Utah/Arizona
Film Appearances: Rio Grande, Back to The Future Part III, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Forrest Gump
You’ve almost certainly seen Monument Valley crop up on screen at some point in the past. It’s been in dozens of pictures since the 1930s and is, as a result, one of the most recognizable natural landmarks you’ll find in the US, especially if you’re a fan of westerns.
The breathtaking red sandstone buttes can be found in Navajo county on the Arizona-Utah state borders. The geological marvels are already impressive just to witness on their own, however, these sights have become iconic worldwide thanks to the contributions of legendary directors like John Ford.
Griffith Observatory
Location: Los Angeles California
Film Appearances: La La Land, The Terminator, Rebel Without a Cause
Griffith Observatory has quite an illustrious history in Hollywood’s back catalog. Its Art Deco design and views of Los Angeles, have made it a go-to for many directors over the last 100 years.
Its most notable on-screen appearance recently was in La La Land, but it is just one of many times the site has made its impact in the film. In total, it has appeared on-screen over 40 times in films and just as many times on TV.
If you go for a visit, it’s well worth exploring the observatory to enjoy it’s many science exhibitions and daily planetarium shows.
What you’ll notice about these 5 sites is that they’re worth a visit even without their film history taken into consideration. However, if you are a film avid, then you shouldn’t miss one or two of these locations on your next trip to the states.
