The City of Brotherly Love has starred in numerous blockbuster movies, showcasing the city’s iconic sights. For film buffs, it’s the perfect guide for exploring Philadelphia’s historic, culturally rich and ever-growing neighborhoods which are the fabric of the city.
Here’s how you can discover Philadelphia’s innovative spirit through the movies.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0017VT5E8″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]ROCKY[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B017WRCYYI” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]CREED[/easyazon_link]: “Rocky,” “[easyazon_link identifier=”B0006GAOG8″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Rocky II[/easyazon_link],” “[easyazon_link identifier=”B00M5MN68O” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Rocky III[/easyazon_link],” “[easyazon_link identifier=”B001MLY7PU” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Rocky V[/easyazon_link],” “[easyazon_link identifier=”B017C59N76″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Rocky Balboa[/easyazon_link]” and “Creed”. You may recall the famous scenes where Rocky runs through the Italian Market in South Philadelphia. Challenge yourself to a run up the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, then throw your fists in the air and pose with the bronze Rocky statue that can be found at the bottom of the steps.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B005DD7H50″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]LIMITLESS[/easyazon_link]: The action-thriller “Limitless” stars Philadelphia’s own leading man [easyazon_link identifier=”B0192PDISY” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Bradley Cooper[/easyazon_link]. The final scene of the film was shot with Cooper and [easyazon_link identifier=”B000I62JBE” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Robert DeNiro[/easyazon_link] in the heart of Philadelphia’s business district, Center City west. The corner of 21st and Market streets was transformed into 57th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City for the climactic finale.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B00BZAJMWG” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK[/easyazon_link]: “Silver Linings Playbook,” starring Philadelphia native Bradley Cooper, is a dramatic film based on a true story taking place in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Feel the sense of community as parts of the city and both sides of the Delaware fill the screen. See Ridley Township, Upper Darby and a taste of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in this award-winning romantic comedy.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B009NX4PVU” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]PHILADELPHIA[/easyazon_link]: “Philadelphia,” starring Academy Award-winners [easyazon_link identifier=”B00HQLF35I” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Tom Hanks[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B01NBHKID8″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Denzel Washington[/easyazon_link], was directed by Academy Award-winner [easyazon_link identifier=”B002CMV1N4″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Jonathan Demme[/easyazon_link]. It was filmed in many locations throughout Philadelphia, notably City Hall.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B005RYDENY” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]THE SIXTH SENSE[/easyazon_link]: “The Sixth Sense”, starring [easyazon_link identifier=”B000XJSL9U” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Bruce Willis[/easyazon_link], was filmed throughout Philadelphia including Boathouse Row and the streets of the Fairmount Neighborhood, known for its young artsy vibe and grand architecture.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B001HQKB1Y” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]BABY MAMA[/easyazon_link]: Philadelphia is the home of many firsts — including the first female head writer of [easyazon_link identifier=”031629506X” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Saturday Night Live[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”0316056898″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Tina Fey[/easyazon_link]. This comedic mastermind starred in “Baby Mama” with [easyazon_link identifier=”006226835X” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Amy Poehler[/easyazon_link]. Head to Love Park, the University of Pennsylvania or Rittenhouse Square to follow in the footsteps of this hilarious duo.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B002KF2HWM” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]TWELVE MONKEYS[/easyazon_link]: “Twelve Monkeys,” starring [easyazon_link identifier=”B000NMZFKK” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Brad Pitt[/easyazon_link] and Bruce Willis, features the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Eastern State Penitentiary, and the historic Girard College.
- TRANSFORMERS: Philadelphia welcomed plenty of blockbuster entertainment when “[easyazon_link identifier=”B002SANP0C” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Transformers Revenge of the Fallen[/easyazon_link]” was filmed all over our city. Some of the most iconic locations of the film include the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, where visitors can get a great view from the Race Street Pier; The [easyazon_link identifier=”0812235150″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]University of Pennsylvania[/easyazon_link] where [easyazon_link identifier=”B01M0OASNB” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Shia LeBouf’s[/easyazon_link] character was a student; and Eastern State Penitentiary, where LeBouf and co-star Megan Fox take shelter after running from the Transformers along the Schuylkill River.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B003QSK9SG” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]NATIONAL TREASURE[/easyazon_link]: Philadelphia’s incredible historic monuments help star [easyazon_link identifier=”B0040CCGW4″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Nicolas Cage[/easyazon_link] of “National Treasure” throughout his journey. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are featured prominently – as well as a prized possession of Philadelphia’s favorite founding father, [easyazon_link identifier=”0486290735″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Benjamin Franklin[/easyazon_link].
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0060D3NIW” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL[/easyazon_link]: “Up Close and Personal,” with [easyazon_link identifier=”B0167X43Z6″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Robert Redford[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B004UPAIKI” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Michelle Pfeiffer[/easyazon_link], features Philadelphia’s local television scene. Head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a glimpse into one of its settings.
- TRADING PLACES: “Trading Places,” starring [easyazon_link identifier=”B00119XQHI” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Eddie Murphy[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B0014C7MFY” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Dan Akroyd[/easyazon_link] and the late [easyazon_link identifier=”B001KWZ76Y” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Don Ameche[/easyazon_link], has memorable scenes in and around one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful parks and buzzing restaurant scenes, Rittenhouse Square, and on the steps of the Curtis Institute of Music. Philadelphia is a hub for education, innovation, food, and culture (we’re ranked #1 in the country for culture by Travel + Leisure!); “Trading Places” showcases many of our city’s best locales.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0018R8IIU” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]WITNESS[/easyazon_link]: “Witness,” starring [easyazon_link identifier=”6304712588″ locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Harrison Ford[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B003UARIMA” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Kelly McGillis[/easyazon_link], and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00V2KTU5S” locale=”US” tag=”thetravelersway-20″]Danny Glover[/easyazon_link], is the story of a Philadelphia cop who tries to solve a murder witnessed by a young Amish boy. The most memorable scene is set in Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.
Do you have a favorite movie set or filmed in Philadelphia?
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Anthony has found travel provides a healthy balance to his day job as a criminal defense attorney. Living on the periphery of blogging for years, he’s now decided to flex his creative muscles with a little writing and photography of his own. Anthony’s favorite travel destinations are the Caribbean, Italy, and Ireland.
