Buzz
The location or setting of a movie is typically where it’s filmed, right?
Not exactly. Many times, filmmakers face constraints like budget limitations or restrictions imposed by certain cities, which forces them to adjust their filming spots. This could mean shooting the film in an entirely different town or city—hoping it won’t be too obvious.
Of course, movies offer an escape from reality, taking viewers into a realm of heightened imagination. The combination of perception and human creativity has been central to the success of the film industry for over a century. This magic is about immersing yourself in a new world and becoming engrossed in a compelling story.
Although we may prefer seeing a film in its authentic setting, relocating at times contributes to the illusion and excitement. Here are 10 movies you never realized were filmed in totally unexpected locations.
Heads up: If you haven’t watched these films yet, be warned—spoilers ahead.
10. Platoon (1986)Reportedly: VietnamActually: The Philippines
The harrowing experience of the Vietnam War is captured in this 1986 hit, starring Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger. What appears to be Chris Taylor’s (Charlie Sheen) heroic tale unravels into a deep sense of regret. His transformation as a young, determined soldier in Oliver Stone’s iconic war film evokes intense pain and tension, the kind of gripping atmosphere that defines great war films.
But here’s the catch:
The entire film seems to depict an intense battle set in the sweltering jungle of Vietnam. But despite winning Best Picture, this masterpiece was actually filmed in the Philippines.
Under normal circumstances, Oliver Stone is known to be a challenging director to work with. However, this film and its grueling 10-week shoot in the harsh Philippine jungle reportedly pushed Stone’s tough persona to an entirely new level.
The Philippine jungle bears a striking resemblance to the rugged terrain of Vietnam. Therefore, most fans of this iconic film won’t notice that the action never truly unfolds in Vietnam itself.
9. Scarface (1983)Supposedly: MiamiActually: Los Angeles
No, you're not mistaken. Tony Montana and his infamous sidekick aren’t living it up in the sunny city of Miami, Florida. In reality, many are unaware that this 1980s classic was filmed in Los Angeles, not the heart of “Little Havana.”
Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant, rises to tremendous power in the drug trade in 1980s Miami. As he works his way up the criminal ladder, he soon realizes he may not have been fully prepared for the consequences of his ascent.
Iconic scenes in the film—such as Tony’s brutal escape from a detention camp and his “El Paraiso” lunch stand—are actually filmed across several parts of Los Angeles. Sorry, film lovers, but Scarface’s estate is in sunny California!
8. Selma (2014)Reportedly: SelmaActually: Atlanta
In 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. chose Selma, Alabama, as the location for his marches in the fight for African American rights. However, the iconic marches seen in this 2014 film were actually shot in Atlanta, Georgia.
Director Ava DuVernay does an incredible job of portraying the harsh realities of the time, expertly guiding her talented cast through the emotional scenes. While the city of Selma is featured, many parts of the film were shot in different locations across Georgia.
For instance, the Alabama courtroom where Judge Frank Johnson supports the second Selma march in 1965 was actually filmed at the Rockdale County Courthouse in Conyers, Georgia.
Additional scenes were filmed at Marietta Square and the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art in Marietta, Georgia. There were also segments shot at Georgia Tech and other spots around Atlanta.
Selma took home the Oscar for Best Original Song and was also nominated for Best Picture.
7. The Philadelphia Story (1940) Allegedly: Philadelphia Actually: Culver City, California
The title speaks for itself, doesn't it?
Nope. We certainly hate to admit it, but this Hollywood classic had almost no scenes filmed anywhere near the “City of Brotherly Love.” Instead, the movie was filmed at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Culver City, California.
In the movie, Tracy Lord, a newly divorced woman from Philadelphia, must come to grips with whom she truly loves after facing a deeply challenging choice between three men. This popular classic received a 100 percent on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8/10 rating on IMDb.
6. Cloverfield (2008)Allegedly: New York CityActually: Los Angeles
Money changes lots of details in a film, especially the backdrop to this 2008 thriller directed by Matt Reeves. What appears to be New York City under attack by a mass-murdering monster is mostly shot in Los Angeles.
A group of friends enjoying a going away party must make a break for it once the city comes under attack by the creature. This film was innovative for its handheld camera techniques depicting a human-killing beast thriller rather than a simple ghost/paranormal flick.
Unfortunately, what you may not have known is that the army's battle with the creature takes place on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California. Sorry to spoil the fun, but the entire scene of the Statue of Liberty’s head being thrown into a crowded New York street was filmed entirely on the West Coast.
5. Chicago (2002)Reportedly: ChicagoActually: Toronto
This cinematic version of the musical didn’t feature a single scene filmed in the “Windy City.” Set in the Jazz Age, the story revolves around two dangerous women who are pushed to their limits when accused of murder and sentenced to death. Throughout the movie, the women must fight to secure the fame that could save their lives.
What does any of this have to do with the city of Chicago?
Nothing! Though the movie musical is called Chicago, it was actually filmed entirely on Canadian soil—in Toronto, to be specific. On the other hand, the Broadway version of this six-time Oscar winner plays out on US soil in New York City.
4. The Amityville Horror (1979) was initially set in Amityville, New York, but the actual filming took place in Toms River, New Jersey.
Considered one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time, The Amityville Horror explores the lives of the Lutz family—a young couple who think they've found the perfect home. Or so they believed.
The family soon learns that their idyllic Long Island home harbors a dark, infamous secret. More unsettling is the fact that this haunting tale is based on a true story, which was written as a book before the film was made. But what's most intriguing to us isn't the house itself, but its location.
Part of the thrill of The Amityville Horror comes from our desire for a chilling experience. We yearn for the spine-tingling sensation of driving through a ghostly town on Long Island, dreading the thought of approaching the coordinates of this notorious house.
Sadly, the film wasn't shot in New York at all. Instead, the production turned to New Jersey after Amityville’s town officials rejected the request to film on the real-life site. Eventually, the team found a suitable replacement in the quiet town of Toms River in Ocean County.
3. Casablanca (1942) was originally set in Morocco, but in reality, it was filmed in California, with possible scenes shot in Arizona.
“Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
If these words hold meaning for you, then you've had the privilege of watching the legendary Casablanca. This timeless classic seems to provide a breath of fresh air for those who appreciate the art of cinema. The film reshapes your views on acting, screenwriting, and the importance of blocking scenes.
Set against the backdrop of early World War II, a nightclub owner in Casablanca, Morocco, faces a life-altering decision that will define which side of history he aligns with. Without giving away too much of this three-time Oscar-winning masterpiece, we'll skip ahead to the key point.
Despite its Moroccan setting, Casablanca was not filmed there or anywhere near Africa. The majority of the movie was shot at the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank, California. The scene involving Major Strasser’s arrival was filmed at what is now Van Nuys Airport. There are also rumors, though unconfirmed, that a hotel scene took place at the Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff, Arizona.
2. Dallas Buyers Club (2013) was set in Dallas but was actually filmed in New Orleans.
Set in 1980s Dallas, a bold swindler uses his cunning to acquire medication for AIDS patients after being diagnosed with the disease. Dallas Buyers Club is a film marked by sorrow and deep corruption. The only thing missing from this movie is the city of Dallas.
This revelation might be surprising to some, particularly since Matthew McConaughey is known for enjoying Texas-based film projects. In an interview on the topic, McConaughey shared:
New Orleans has been doubling for Texas for a while. I fight to shoot in Texas, but I don’t know if I have the pull or the leverage or the pocketbook to get productions to shoot there. Obviously, if we could shoot this in Dallas for the same price, we’d shoot it in Dallas.
Sadly, this example highlights how film budgets can limit certain creative choices. Despite this, Dallas Buyers Club won three Oscars at the 2014 Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
1. Saving Private Ryan (1998) was believed to take place in Normandy, France, but in fact, it was filmed in Ireland.
It's nearly impossible to find the right words to express our admiration for this cinematic milestone, crafted by the outstanding cast and crew behind Saving Private Ryan. On June 6, 1944, over 150,000 Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, determined to end tyranny and dictatorship during World War II. The viewer is so immersed in the film that it almost seems as if they’ve forgotten it's a work made with professional equipment and acting.
What you might not know is that the actors who played these brave soldiers never actually set foot in Normandy. In reality, the film was shot in Ireland, for a variety of reasons. The dramatic D-Day scenes in the opening 20 minutes were filmed at Ballinesker Beach, Curracloe Strand, located in County Wexford, Ireland.
Approximately 2,500 men from the Irish Defense Forces served as extras for the movie.
