Several months, if not years, of hard work go into filming the 2.5-hour-long movie that is shot in various locations all around the world. Ever wondered if the coffee place you see every morning on your way to work was featured in a cinematic blockbuster? Well, that's what today's article is all about! We found some amazing pictures of what some places once featured in the most popular movies, TV shows, and even music videos look like now. Today's catalog has it all! Movies, history, nostalgia, and some places are lesser known to many of our readers. Join us on this trip as we introduce you to the locations that have quite a history associated with them.
Twin Peaks
First premiered in April 1990, Twin Peaks is a mystery drama that makes anyone clench their butts in anticipation of what's coming next. The series was created by David Lynch and Mark Frost and features the murder case of an (apparently) innocent high schooler.
This picture shows the iconic "Twin Peaks" around which the show's entire soul is concentrated. The series was shot near North Bend and Fall City, Washington. However, you'll probably miss out on a lot of trees now because of the construction.
First Blood
We stayed true to our word when we told you this list would feature some of the absolute masterpieces of the cinematic universe! One of the most iconic action characters in film is Rambo, and here is where First Blood was filmed.
The plot was based in the fictional town of Hope, Washington. These train tracks' actual location is in Hope, British Colombia. This spot was flooded with 3,000 Rambo fans in October 2022 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film.
The Ring
Directed by Gore Verbinski, The Ring was released in 2002 and quickly became one of the most popular psychological horror films of that era. What could go wrong by watching a strange cassette? Turns out as in The Ring, A LOT!
Located in the scenic backdrop of Dungeness Landing in Sequim, WA, the team did much work in the 'aisle' in the background, which is not there now. The eerie aura was perfect for giving anyone the jitters considering everything going on in the movie.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
A pair of couples and a steamy road trip, what could go wrong? Well, when the group gets in an accident, knocking one of the friends off, everything that followed had been nothing but wrong!
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman and released in 2006, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise isn't for the faint of hearts. This scene features the back roads of Texas, a lesser-known place (perfect for this movie) called Lund Rd, Elgin, Texas.
Forrest Gump
Thanks to his supportive mother, Forrest Gump never fell behind in any aspect of his life despite his disabilities. The Robert Zemeckis-directed movie never fails to give its audience a new perspective on life and teach them to look at the brighter side.
The "Margaret Mitchell Hall" featured in the shot where Forrest beats up Jenny's male friend is an actual place named Marks Hall at the University of South California. Forrest Gump has multiple filming locations and visits iconic moments in history.
Bram Stroker's Dracula
When a 15th-century Dracula imprisons you in his castles and sets out on a journey to track down your fiancé, who knows what comes next? Directed by director Francis Ford Coppola, Bram Stroker's Dracula is based on the novel Dracula, written by Stroker.
The still from the movie features Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. It looks much more refined in the recent photo than the one taken from the movie. We wonder, though, how did they even convince the authorities to shoot there?
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
A movie about robots from the future trying to kill a boy who is being protected by another robot from the future; as twisted as the plot sounds, there are a few movies that have won people's hearts as the Terminator series did.
Director James Cameron made sure that his audience felt uneasiness by the sinister bloodthirst by featuring a playground full of little children and their mothers moments before incinerating them with a nuclear apocalypse. The actual location is Elysian Park in Los Angeles.
The Hangover
Released in 2008, The Hangover is one of the funniest modern comedies. This location (Valley Presbyterian Hospital) in Van Nuys offered the backdrop for the scene when the guys were searching for Doug (and why they went there the night before).
Director Todd Phillips did an excellent job setting up this "Treasure Hunt" of finding Doug, whose wedding was just a day away. The groomsmen go on a wild goose chase around Las Vegas searching for their friend, visiting iconic Vegas landmarks.
Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
This is not an iconic location from a TV show or movie, but this place was featured in a music video. And not just any music video. It was the most career-defining song of the genre-defining artist of his age, Michael Jackson.
Featured in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video, this house is situated in the Angelino Heights Historic Area. Now that all the eerie lights and sinister decorations have been taken care of, we think this place is charming. This is a residential property now.
The Butterfly Effect
What if you had the ability to alter the past? Eric Bress and J.M Gruber's The Butterfly Effect explains exactly why you shouldn't mess with the past, even with a minuscule level, since the repercussions can be unpredictable.
Evan Treborn finds himself in a complete mess when he tries to abuse his ability to alter the past. The results put Evan on an alternate-reality spree with no fixed outcomes. "Sunnyvale Institution" was built upon Riverview Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Final Destination 2
Another cinematic masterpiece is Final Destination 2, which frames itself as one of the movies that can easily make just about anyone scared of the fact that no matter how hard one tries, escaping the grim reaper's scythe is inevitable.
Director David R. Ellis gave his audience chills with the plot, the cast, and the outstanding execution of the script. Surprisingly enough, the movie features scenes from the Riverview Hospital too! Just like The Butterfly Effect or Halloween Resurrection.
Iron Man
Superhero movies just don't feel the same unless Robert Downey Jr. walks in with his Iron Man suit. Iron Man is one of the most popular superheroes, the benchmark of an immersive story, a cool character, and even cooler acting.
Directed by Jon Favreau and released in 2008, the infamous "For your consideration, The Jericho" scene was filmed in Alabama Hills, California. This scene captures everything you need from a superhero movie; action, blast, missiles, will to fight against evil, and Robert Downey Jr!
Star Trek: The Original Series
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, where this shot of one of the most iconic franchises in the history of the science fiction genre was filmed, still looks pretty much the same as we remember it from the series many of us grew up watching.
We don't need to introduce you to the plot of this one, right? We all remember it like the back of our hands! This masterpiece created by Gene Roddenberry was first aired in the mid-1960s and never looked back since then!
The Karate Kid (1984)
When a teen gets bullied by kids from high school skilled in martial arts, he seeks the help of Mr. Miyagi, his apartment's handyman, to teach him karate so that he can fight his way back to stop the bullies.
The 1984 The Karate Kid, directed by John G. Avildsen, is a classic of the time. Filmed and based in California, the house from the movie looks just like it was in the film even after so many years!
Se7en
Some of the most memorable crime movies are the ones that induce an uneasy, eerie sensation as the plot is uncovered. David Fincher's Se7en achieved that as their audience anticipates what thrill awaits them in the next frame.
Released in 1995, this movie is still considered an uneasy thriller. It was filmed in Los Angeles and set in a New York-inspired city. It's amazing how the photographer found this exact location despite being in such a hideous location.
Zodiac
Another masterpiece from director David Fincher, Zodiac narrates a story of a cartoonist who takes it upon himself to decode the mystery of a serial killer who is obsessed with the Zodiac. Will his wits bring him closer to the killer?
This is a shot of a house from Long Beach, CA. As frequently as it is featured in the movie, you'd be shocked to know that reaching this place is pretty easy and convenient (unless you want to go into the basement, that is)!
Rocky
Directed by John G. Avildsen in 1976, Rocky was the movie that started an iconic franchise. Rising from the small-time fights to a chance to face off against the world heavyweight champion, Rocky keeps you clinging to the screen with every jab.
This frame features "The Original Pat's King of Steaks," which has an immense influence on the movie and the culinary world. The scene in Philadelphia features Rocky and loan shark Tony Gazzo eating here, which claims to have invented the cheesesteak.
Breaking Bad
Widely considered the best TV series, Breaking Bad is about a high school chemistry teacher who seeks "other ways" to make money when diagnosed with cancer. Rio Rancho High School, named J.P Wynne High School in the series, is where Walter used to teach.
This frame features Rio Rancho High School during the shoot (along with Walter's car) and after the shoot. Well, as far as we can see, not a lot has changed here except for the school's name.
Frankenstein (1931)
Released in 1931, James Whale directed a movie that introduced a new era of fear of the monstrous Frankenstein. When a laboratory experiment fails and sets a monster on the loose, the locals are haunted by its presence as it continues to wreak havoc.
This scene faced a lot of backlash for being too disturbing. Shot at Malibou Lake, California, this segment was censored but made public later. In this scene, Frankenstein kills the little girl Maria who attempted to befriend him by drowning her.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Ever since A Nightmare on Elm Street was released in 1984, the Evergreen Memorial Park & Crematory and Ivy Chapel in Los Angeles came into the limelight and have been frequently visited by fans. The chapel looks surprisingly similar to how it looked back then.
This church scene is for Rod Lanes's funeral. The story is about a young girl who has to stay awake if she doesn't want to be murdered by a clawed killer in her dreams who is waiting for her to doze off.
Gladiator
Released in 2000, Ridley Scott's Gladiator is the pinnacle of fine historical drama movies. Very few movies have been as influential and immersive as Gladiator. The cold and ancient-looking rocky backdrop of Alabama Hills is perfect for adding some more drama.
Featured in other famous movies like Iron Man, the Alabama Hills offers a scenic yet rough-looking environment. You can see that the location didn't fail the director to give some beautiful shots too!
Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2
Despite a good plot and a fair direction, it is sad that director Lee Harry's Silent Night Deadly Night Part 2 failed to win the favor of critics and fans. However, this iconic scene is still memorable, and the location looks well-preserved.
This scene captures the Sierra Madre Pioneer Cemetery in Los Angeles. The story revolves around Ricky, who is tracing back his steps to learn how he became a murderer ever since his brother Billy died.
Friday
A classic light-hearted comedy, Friday was released in 1995. This movie was directed by F. Gary Gray and featured a friend duo looking to build up their stacks to repay the money they took from a gangster.
This shot features Craig Jones' (played by Ice Cube) house then and now. This Los Angeles-based property is a tourist hotspot, and movie fanatics regularly visit to check this place out and remember the scenes it was featured in.
Godzilla (2014)
Few monsters have a "fan base," and Godzilla has probably the largest fan base in the entire cinematic universe. The Gareth Edwards-directed version of the movie was released in 2014 and has been considered the most successful one so far.
The lush and crowded city in Godzilla is San Francisco, California. This photographer did an amazing job finding the exact location from where the shot was taken to get us this charming photograph years after Godzilla stomped that region!
The Fast And The Furious
A movie about cars, action, heists, and above all, family! When Dominic Toretto catches the attention of the LAPD under the suspicion of "High-speed" robberies, the friends he makes on the way turn into a family in The Fast and The Furious.
Owned and maintained by the Toretto family, this shot captures the Toretto Market and Cafe, run by Mia, Dom's sister. One thing that was the most notable about this place (which is Bob's Market in Echo Park) was that the tuna sandwiches were awful.
Psycho (1960)
Released in 1960, Psycho is the movie that your old man refers to when he mentions how movies in his age used to be 'gold.' Director Alfred Hitchcock left no stone unturned to give jitters to his audience.
The film was shot in Los Angeles and Phoenix, Arizona. This light pole spot is very famous, and the 1998 remake of the film used it too. Located on Gorman Post Road in Gorman, California, it is astonishing how little the site has changed.
Top Gun
One of the first movies that come to our mind when we hear the words "American," "action," and "drama" movies. Director Tom Scott put in the work to make the audience clench in all the action that is sprinkled like cherries on a cake!
This shot is from San Diego's Banker Hills. This shot from the movie has quite the 80's aesthetic vibe. The scene of Maverick being chased down by Charlie was shot in this location near a huge palm tree by the top.
The Exorcist
One of the most popular supernatural horror movies ever made, The Exorcist, was released in 1973 but continues to give viewers chills. Regan's house is still a local tourist attraction in Georgetown, DC, where not a lot has changed.
Loosely based on a true story instance of demonic possession, the film is about a young girl, Regan, possessed by a demonic entity while she was 'playing' with an Ouija Board. You can visit "Exorcist House" in Georgetown, DC if you are a fan.
Pulp Fiction
Released in 1994, this crime masterpiece directed by Quentin Tarantino is considered one of his most successful projects. This movie has a cult-like following for its surreal screenwriting and action-packed scenes.
This scene of Butch walking back to his apartment has many fan theories describing how this apparently 'simple' scene is rather full of complexities and skill. Somewhere near Runnymede Street, North Hollywood, this location has changed visibly but not drastically.
Piranha 3D
Another movie that featured an underwater assassin or rather, an entire battalion of underwater assassins. Alexandra Aja directed a movie that induced a strange fear in our minds forever to watch out for tiny fishes in swampy waters!
Released in 2010, the shooting of this movie took place in Bridgewater Channel, Lake Havasu City. The location looks almost the same now. Lake Havasu City was worried about tourism declining in the region because of the fear induced by the movie.
976-Evil
How wrong can wrong numbers get? Well, for the protagonist of Robert Englund's 976-Evil, dialing the wrong number invited some troubles with an evil entity. The photograph captures the Olive Branch Foursquare Church in the movie and now in real life.
This church looks much more pleasant in the daylight! The story was about a boy who dials a "Horrorscope" number inviting the Devil into his life. Released in 1989, this movie was shot in Los Angeles, with the church scene in Monrovia, California.
The Entity
Raped by a ghost? Sidney J Furie's The Entity is about Carla Moran, who is tagged 'crazy' by her psychiatrist for believing that a supernatural force is trying to attack her and establish an uninvited physical relationship.
The movie combined eerie and disturbing psychological setups of paranormal presence and sexual assault. This scene features Barbara's house in the film and now. The pretty house at 523 Sheldon Street, El Segundo, California, will scare anyone if they've seen the movie!
Child's Play 2
While everyone loves dolls when they are young, Child's Play movie series made the 90's generation afraid of Chucky, the doll that gets possessed by the evil spirit of a serial killer, Charles Lee Ray.
This huge house on 635 South Mateo Street, Los Angeles, California, looks pretty neat compared to when it was featured in the movie. Kids still get goosebumps if a life-size copy of Chucky the doll pops up in front of them, especially in this neighborhood!
Hereditary
Words fall short for Ari Aster's 2018 film, Hereditary. Unlike most other horror movies that rely heavily on jump scares or intense gore to make their audience uneasy, Hereditary does it simply by the cast's sinister vibe and to-the-point acting.
The scenic backdrop of Larkin Sunset Gardens, Utah, turns dark because it features the funeral of Charlie, a 13-year-old girl. If you haven't already, you should watch this movie to appreciate the purest form of acting and direction offered by the crew.
The Sandlot
Having his hands full with direction, narration, and co-writing the story of The Sandlot, David Mickey Evans left no stone unturned in delivering a movie with a cult following. Despite being released in '93, the movie still has a solid fanbase.
There are many 'Sandlot' visitors, mostly movie fanatics and die-hard fans. This is Scotty Smalls' house at 1556 S 2000 E Salt Lake City, Utah. The original retro vibes were the best compliment to the plot and the age.
Nothing But Trouble
A wealthy gadabout, a beautiful lawyer, and two "Brazillionaires" run into trouble when a troubling cop gets on their tale after he catches them driving recklessly. Only to end up in a dull court where the judge had a 'thing' against the rich.
This classic comedy by Dan Aykroyd was a hit in the 90s ever since it was released in 1991. This spot captures the Iron Horse Trailhead in Santa Clarita, CA, which has been upgraded since its 'debut' in the movie.
Hereditary
We've already discussed how iconic Hereditary is. This is where another eerie turn of events turns the story into a darker, more sinister side. This is the spot where Charlie bumped her head while in a car, decapitating and killing her.
Somewhere near Park City, Utah, we can't believe the photographer was able to spot this location that kickstarted a malicious time for the Graham family. The moral of the story is to never peep your head out of the car window!
The Hitcher (1986)
When a boring and lonely trip across a country road "takes a new turn" for Jim Halsey, he sets out on an unexpected adventure full of gore, murders, and car chases to pursue a serial killer John Ryder who he must stop!
Released in 1986, The Hitcher was directed by Robert Harmon. The seemingly never-ending and vast sand dunes in the backdrop were California's Imperial Sand Dunes. Not much has changed. Looks like the perfect playground for a serial killer who's loose on a killing spree.
The Curse of La Llorona
Featuring the legend of the scary La Llorona, this 2019 released movie had rumors about its relation with the Conjuring or the Anabelle universe, which obviously isn't the case. However, the story is quite interesting and unique.
Directed by Michael Chaves, this shot captures Anna's house on Hobart Blvd., Los Angeles, California. The daylight takes away all the sinister vibe from this building. We still wouldn't check on any woman we find crying by the river in this area, though!
Poltergeist
Located at 1801 East G Street in Ontario, the "Holiday Inn" (now named Ontario Airport Inn) is where the ending of the famous and all-time classic American horror movie Poltergeist was shot.
When the Freeling family is haunted by a demonic presence that is attracted to their youngest daughter, Carol, they succumb to terror as an entire group of ghosts led by "The Beast" ruin their peaceful lives.
Jaws
Steven Spielberg's 1975 Jaws featured an epic battle between man and a deadly predator lurking underwater near the beaches of Amity Island. While the mayor and police have a clash of opinions on closing the beach or not, the waters turn bloody.
This scene features the Gay Head Lighthouse of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts in the background. In this scene, the police chief Brody and Hooper are arguing with Mayor Vaughn because the police officials are more concerned about the beachgoers.
Doctor Sleep
A 2019 sequel to Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, Doctor Sleep continues the story of Dan Torrance, who is still processing trauma from the Overlook Hotel. The plot is partially set in the fictional town of Frazier, New Hampshire.
It was mostly filmed, however in Atlanta, Georgia. This scene features the Ethanol Plant, located at 6310 Ball Ground Hwy, Ball Ground, Georgia. The owner of the site was given $2,000 to use the location.