Top 5 Movies Filmed in Santa Monica, California by US Box Office

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Lights, Camera, Action: Explore the Movie Magic in Santa Monica!

Lights, camera, action! Get ready to embark on a thrilling cinematic adventure in the picturesque city of Santa Monica, California. Nestled along the sun-kissed beaches of the Pacific Ocean, this vibrant city has played host to countless movie magic moments that have graced the silver screen.

Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just looking for some fun-filled excitement, a visit to the filming locations in Santa Monica promises an unforgettable experience. So, grab your popcorn and let’s dive into the reel world!

Key Takeaways:

  • Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood by exploring the movie filming locations in Santa Monica.
  • Experience the thrill of standing on the same ground where legendary actors and actresses once delivered their unforgettable performances.
  • Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the movie-making process and see how your favorite films were brought to life in this picturesque city.

Lights, camera, action! Picture this: you, strolling down the same streets that movie stars have graced, with the sun setting behind you in an exquisite display of nature’s artistry. As you roam the enchanting locales of Santa Monica, you’ll find yourself transported into the very heart of the movies you hold dear.

Remember that jaw-dropping chase scene from your favorite action flick? Well, buckle up because you can now step into the shoes of your favorite action hero and relive the thrill firsthand.

Feel the adrenaline rush as you stand on the exact spot where those heart-pounding stunts were executed. Just make sure to check your surroundings for any incoming explosions!

Or maybe you’re more of a rom-com aficionado. We’ve got you covered too! Picture this: you, strolling down the picturesque pier where your favorite couple shared a tender moment.

Feel the soft ocean breeze kiss your face as you recreate that iconic scene, capturing the essence of true love against a backdrop that even Cupid would applaud.

And let’s not forget about the comedy lovers! Get ready to laugh your socks off as you explore the filming locations of your favorite comedic masterpieces. Revel in the absurdity as you find yourself in the exact spot where gut-busting jokes were delivered with impeccable timing. Just try not to laugh too hard and draw attention from passersby!

With so much movie magic waiting to be explored, visiting the filming locations in Santa Monica is like embarking on a thrilling treasure hunt.

Each corner you turn holds the possibility of uncovering a hidden gem from your favorite film. And who knows, maybe you’ll even stumble upon a secret set where the next blockbuster is being filmed!

So, whether you’re a cinephile craving an adventure or just looking for some fun-filled excitement, Santa Monica’s movie filming locations offer an experience unlike any other. Grab your camera and get ready to make some unforgettable memories in the reel world!

Ready for Your Close-Up?

Lights, camera, action! It’s time to step into the spotlight and explore the movies filmed in Santa Monica. Discover the enchanting filming locations, soak up the glamour of Hollywood, and immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen.

Get ready for an adventure that will leave you starstruck! Check out the listicle below to start your cinematic exploration. Lights out, movie buffs!

Forrest Gump – US Box Office: USD 330.25 million

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Main Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field, Rebecca Williams, Michael Conner Humphreys, Harold G. Herthum, George Kelly, Bob Penny, John Randall, Sam Anderson, Margo Moorer, Ione M. Telech, Christine Seabrook, John Worsham, Peter Dobson, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Alexander Zemeckis

Release Date: 6 July 1994

Filming Locations: Chippewa Square, Savannah, Georgia, USA; Marshall Point Lighthouse, Port Clyde, Maine, USA; Pemaquid, Maine, USA; Savannah, Georgia, USA; Beaufort, South Carolina, USA

Main Plot: Forrest Gump is a movie about a man with a low I.Q but has good intentions. He is running through childhood with his one and only friend, Jenny. Choosing his destiny and all about the ways of life were taught by his ‘mama.’ When Forrest joins the army for service in Vietnam, he meets his new friends, Dan and Bubba. He wins medals, creates a shrimp fishing fleet, inspires people to jog, starts the ping pong craze, creates the smiley, writes bumper stickers and songs, donates to people, and is also able to meet the president several times. However, this is all irrelative to him because he only thinks about Jenny, his first love, and messed up her life. Although what he only wants is to prove that anyone can love anyone. 

Famous quotes:

Forrest Gump: [running] I had run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours.

[he stops and turns around]

Young Man Running: Quiet, quiet! He’s gonna say something!

Forrest Gump: [pause] I’m pretty tired… I think I’ll go home now.

Jenny Curran: Do you ever dream, Forrest, about who you’re gonna be?

Forrest Gump: Who I’m gonna be?

Jenny Curran: Yeah.

Forrest Gump: Aren’t-aren’t I going to be me?

[repeated line]

Forrest Gump: Stupid is as stupid does.

Forrest Gump: You died on a Saturday morning. And I had you placed here under our tree. And I had that house of your father’s bulldozed to the ground. Momma always said dyin’ was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn’t. Little Forrest, he’s doing just fine. About to start school again soon. I make his breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. I make sure he combs his hair and brushes his teeth every day. Teaching him how to play ping-pong. He’s really good. We fish a lot. And every night, we read a book. He’s so smart, Jenny. You’d be so proud of him. I am. He, uh, wrote a letter, and he says I can’t read it. I’m not supposed to, so I’ll just leave it here for you. Jenny, I don’t know if Momma was right or if, if it’s Lieutenant Dan. I don’t know if we each have a destiny, or if we’re all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it’s both. Maybe both is happening at the same time. I miss you, Jenny. If there’s anything you need, I won’t be far away.

Jenny Curran: Were you scared in Vietnam?

Forrest Gump: Yes. Well, I-I don’t know. Sometimes it would stop raining long enough for the stars to come out… and then it was nice. It was like just before the sun goes to bed down on the bayou. There was always a million sparkles on the water… like that mountain lake. It was so clear, Jenny, it looked like there were two skies one on top of the other. And then in the desert, when the sun comes up, I couldn’t tell where heaven stopped and the earth began. It’s so beautiful.

Jenny Curran: I wish I could’ve been there with you.

Forrest Gump: You were.

Sequel: Gumpisms; The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Cookbook

Fun Fact about Forrest Gump

  • When Forrest gets up to talk at the Vietnam rally in Washington, the microphone plug is pulled, and you cannot hear him. According to Tom Hanks, he said, “Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, they go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don’t go home at all. That’s a bad thing. That’s all I have to say about that.”

Iron Man – US Box Office: USD 318.41 million

Director: Jon Favreau

Main Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Leslie Bibb, Shaun Toub, Faran Tahir, Clark Gregg, Bill Smitrovich, Sayed Badreya, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, Peter Billingsley, Tim Guinee, Will Lyman, Tom Morello, Marco Khan, Dastan Khalili

Release Date: 2 May 2008

Filming Locations: Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, USA; Discovery Drive, Irvine, California, USA; Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA; California Steel Industries – 14000 San Bernardino Avenue, Fontana, California, USA; Lone Pine, California, USA

Main Plot: Iron Man is an action-adventure movie about how a billionaire creates armor to fight evil. Tony Stark is a genius billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist. He’s also the son of legendary inventor and weapon contractor Howard Stark. When Tony is assigned to make a weapons presentation in Iraq, he finds himself captive by the enemy. He barely survives after having a car battery in his chest attached to his heart. To stay, he copied the battery’s design and discovered that it could help to become a power source. Iron Man was born. He uses this device to escape from a cave in Iraq. Once back home, he began to work and then started to improve the Iron Man suit. Tony then discovers that the man in charge of Stark Industries has plans of his own to take over the company. 

Famous quotes:

[last lines]

Tony Stark: There’s been speculation that I was involved in the events that occurred on the freeway and the rooftop…

Christine Everheart: I’m sorry, Mr. Stark, but do you honestly expect us to believe that that was a bodyguard in a suit that conveniently appeared, despite the fact that…

Tony Stark: I know that it’s confusing. It is one thing to question the official story, and another thing entirely to make wild accusations, or insinuate that I’m a superhero.

Christine Everheart: I never said you were a superhero.

Tony Stark: Didn’t?

Christine Everheart: Mmm-mmm.

Tony Stark: Well, good, because that would be outlandish and, uh, fantastic. I’m just not the hero type. Clearly. With this laundry list of character defects, all the mistakes I’ve made, largely public.

Rhodey: [whispers to Tony] Just stick to the cards, man.

Tony Stark: Yeah, okay.

[holds up his notes and pauses]

Tony Stark: The truth is…

[puts cards down]

Tony Stark: I am Iron Man.

Tony Stark: You got a family?

Yinsen: Yes, and I will see them when I leave here. And you, Stark?

Tony Stark: [quietly] No.

Yinsen: So you’re a man who has everything… and nothing.

Tony Stark: [reading the newspaper] Iron Man. That’s kind of catchy. It’s got a nice ring to it. I mean it’s not technically accurate. The suit’s a gold titanium alloy, but it’s kind of provocative, the imagery anyway.

Tony Stark: We gotta go. Come on, move with me. We got a plan, and we’re going to stick to it.

Yinsen: This was always the plan, Stark…

Tony Stark: Come on, you’re going to go see your family. Get up.

Yinsen: My family is dead, Stark… and I’m going to see them now. It’s okay, I want this… I want this.

[Stark is silent for a moment]

Tony Stark: Thank you for saving me.

Yinsen: Don’t waste it… don’t waste your life, Stark.

[dies]

Tony Stark: [recording a log as he tests his rocket boots] Day 11, Test 37, Configuration 2.0. For lack of a better option, Dummy is still on fire safety.

[turns to robot]

Tony Stark: If you douse me again, and I’m not on fire, I’m donating you to a city college. Seriously, we’re just gonna start off with 1% thrust capacity. And three… two… one.

[performs test successfully, then lands. Dummy raises its extinguisher arm hopefully]

Tony Stark: Please don’t follow me around with it either because I feel like I’m going to catch on fire spontaneously. Just stand down. If something happens, then come in.

Sequel: Iron Man 2; Iron Man 3

Fun Fact about Iron Man

  • Director Jon Favreau wanted Robert Downey Jr. because he felt the actor’s past was right for the part. He commented: “The best and worst moments of Robert’s life have been in the public eye. He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles far beyond his career. That’s Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth that goes beyond a comic book character having trouble in high school or can’t get the girl.” Favreau also felt Downey could make Stark “a likable asshole” but also depict an authentic emotional journey once he won over the audience.

Hancock – US Box Office: USD 227.95 million

Director:  Peter Berg

Main Cast: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Jae Head, Eddie Marsan, David Mattey, Maetrix Fitten, Thomas Lennon, Johnny Galecki, Hayley Marie Norman, Dorothy Cecchi, Michelle Lemon, Akiva Goldsman, Michael Mann, Brad Leland, Trieu Tran, Darrell Foster, Liz Wicker

Release Date:  2 July 2008

Filming Locations: 105 Freeway, Los Angeles, California, USA; Fred C. Nelles Correctional Facility, Whittier, California, USA; Los Angeles, California, USA; City Bank Plaza – 505 S Flower St, Los Angeles, California, USA; Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, USA

Main Plot: Hancock is about the life of a superhero who has an attitude that causes damage to almost everyone. The powerful superhero John Hancock has become a joke because of his alcoholism and clumsiness. He also became the most hated man in LA, even though he saved many lives. While saving lives, he also destroyed a lot of property, costing the city millions every time he went into battle. When he saves the life of PR team expert Ray Embrey from an approaching train, the executive is very thankful and believes that he can renew Hancock’s image as a real hero. He brings John home and introduces him to his family. To the executive’s son Aaron, a big fan of John and his wife, Mary. But for some reason, Mary doesn’t allow John near her family or anywhere. 

Famous quotes:

John Hancock: All of you people, blocking the intersection, you’re all idiots.

Rail Crossing Crowd #1: You’re the one that threw the dude’s car at her. And what’s with the train?

Rail Crossing Crowd #2: Why didn’t you just go straight up in the air with the car? You’ve obviously injured that poor woman.

Rail Crossing Crowd #3: She’s right. She should sue you.

John Hancock: Okay. Well, you should sue McDonald’s, ’cause they fucked you up.

John Hancock: [to pinned-down cop] Good job! Do I have permission to touch your body?

Female Cop: Yes!

John Hancock: It’s not sexual. Not that you’re not an attractive woman. You’re actually a very attractive woman and…

Female Cop: [screaming] Get me the hell out of here!

Hancock: Gotta wonder, though. What kind of bastard must I have been, that nobody was there to claim me? I mean, I’m… I’m not the most charming guy in the world, so I’ve been told, but… nobody?

Boy at Bus Stop: [hits Hancock, passed out on bench] Hancock!

John Hancock: [slowly wakes up] What, boy?

Boy at Bus Stop: [points to TV screens] Bad guys.

[pause]

John Hancock: What you want, a cookie? Get the hell out my face.

Boy at Bus Stop: Asshole.

John Hancock: What?

Boy at Bus Stop: You heard me.

Mary Embrey: [referring to Hancock] We broke up decades ago. Long before you were born. He just can’t remember.

Ray Embrey: But you can. Right? You knew? That’s something you might want to bring up on the first date, Mary. “I don’t like to travel. I’m allergic to cats. I’m immortal.” Okay? Those are some of the things you might want to give a little heads-up on.

Mary Embrey: Whatever we are, we were built in twos, okay? We were drawn to each other. No matter how far I run, he’s always there. He finds me. It’s physics.

Ray Embrey: What are you saying? Are you saying you two are fated to be together?

Mary Embrey: I’ve lived for a very long time, Ray. And the one thing I’ve learned: Fate doesn’t decide everything. People get to choose.

Hancock: And you chose to let me think I was here alone.

Mary Embrey: I didn’t think you’d miss what you didn’t remember.

Sequel: Hancock 2

Fun Fact about Hancock

  • The original screenplay was much darker. Apart from being a low-life, Hancock was supposed to be sexually frustrated because he couldn’t have sex with a woman without killing her. The MPAA cleared a scene involving Hancock’s explosive orgasm, but it was removed from the final cut because a test audience didn’t find it funny. The tone was lightened considerably for a summer release aimed at a wide audience, but the MPAA gave the film an R twice before language and violence cuts resulted in a PG-13.

The Sting – US Box Office: USD 159.60 million

Director: George Roy Hill

Main Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Ray Walston, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, John Heffernan, Dana Elcar, Jack Kehoe, Dimitra Arliss, Robert Earl Jones, James Sloyan, Charles Dierkop, Lee Paul, Sally Kirkland, Avon Long, Arch Johnson

Release Date: 25 December 1973

Filming Locations: Union Station – Canal St. & Jackson Blvd., Near West Side, Chicago, Illinois, US; Looff Hippodrome, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, USA; LaSalle Street Station – 141 W. Van Buren Street, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA; 43rd Street El Station, South Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Brownstone Street, Backlot, Universal Studios – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Main Plot: The Sting is a movie about Johnny Hooker, a small-time grifter who unsuspectedly steals from Doyle Lonnegan, a big-time crime boss, when he pulls a regular street con. Lonnegan demands payment for the insult. After Luther is killed, Hooker’s partner, he flees to seek some help from Henry Gondorff, one of Luther’s contacts, who’s also a master of the big cons. Hooker wants to use Gondorff’s ability and expertise to get a big amount of money to Lonnegan. They devise a complicated plan and gather the most talented con artists who want their share. This game has high stakes, and Hooker and Gondorff must prepare to deal with murderous Lonnegan.

Famous quotes:

Johnny Hooker: Can you get a mob together?

Henry Gondorff: After what happened to Luther, I don’t think I can get more than two, three hundred guys.

Floyd: Doyle, I KNOW I gave him four THREES. He had to make a SWITCH. We can’t let him get away with that.

Doyle Lonnegan: What was I supposed to do – call him for cheating better than me, in front of the others?

Doyle Lonnegan: Your boss is quite a card player, Mr. Kelly; how does he do it?

Johnny Hooker: He cheats.

[last lines]

Henry Gondorff: You not gonna stick around for your share?

Johnny Hooker: Nah. I’d only blow it.

[Figuring out which con to pull on Lonnegan]

J.J. Singleton: I dunno know what to do with this guy, Henry. He’s an Irishman who doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, and doesn’t chase dames. He’s a grand knight in the Knights of Columbus, and he only goes out to play faro. Sometimes plays 15 or 20 hours at a time, just him against the house.

Henry Gondorff: Roulette? Craps?

J.J. Singleton: He won’t touch ’em. The croupier at Gilman’s says he never plays anything he can’t win.

Henry Gondorff: Sports?

J.J. Singleton: Likes to be seen with fighters sometimes, but he doesn’t go to the fights or bet on ’em.

Henry Gondorff: Jesus. Does he do anything where he’s not alone?

J.J. Singleton: Just poker. And he cheats. Pretty good at it, too.

Sequel: The Sting II

Fun Fact about The Sting

  • Robert Shaw injured his knee and incorporated the resulting limp into his performance. According to “You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again” by Julia Phillips, Shaw split all the ligaments in his knee after slipping on a wet handball court at the Beverly Hills Hotel a week before filming started. He had to wear a leg brace during production, kept hidden under the wide 1930s-style trousers he wore.

Think Like a Man – US Box Office: USD 91.55 million

Director: Tim Story

Main Cast: Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Jenkins, Jenifer Lewis, Romany Malco, Gary Owen, La La Anthony, Wendy Williams, Sherri Shepherd, Caleel Harris, Arielle Kebbel, Steve Harvey

Release Date: 20 April 2012

Filming Locations: Barnes & Noble – 10850 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA; Rush Street – 9546 Culver Blvd, Culver City, California, USA; Kirk Douglas Theatre – 9820 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, California, USA; S Grand Ave & W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA

Main Plot: Think Like a Man is a movie about four pairs of couples who make their own move to get back to their partners. Four women have given up on their men to do what they want them to do. Then they discover the book by Steve Harvey, Think Like a Man, and start taking his advice. After taking his advice, men start falling in line until men discover what women have been doing. The four boys then conspire to turn the tables to get back to their women.

Famous quotes:

Cedric: What do you call the three rings of marriage? Engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering.

Cedric: Hey Mike, how old is your mom?

Michael: What?

Cedric: No, not like that. Well, it is. It is like that. How old is she? I come in the house, she was like “You wanna eat?” I said “Eat what?”

Michael: First of all, put my plate down and stop hitting on my mom!

Cedric: Don’t get mad at me! I didn’t even wanna be here! Y’all the ones that wanted to be here! I wanted to go to the strip club! Man, wrap this up. I got a bunch of ones and somebody gonna get ’em. Ms. Loretta, I’m ready for the rest of the tour!

Michael: Just don’t want a relationship based on lies…

Cedric: That’s marriage.

Jeremy: I want to be your wife and I want you to be my husband… so bad… so… Will you marry me?

Mya: I don’t go out with guys who don’t open the door for me.

Zeke: Really?

Mya: Really

Zeke: Seriously?

Mya: Yes. No he didn’t…

Zeke: Gotcha…

Sequel: Think Like a Man Too

Fun Fact about Think Like a Man

  • When Dominic (Michael Ealy) talks to the guys about the movie For Colored Girls (2010), he says the psycho drops his kids out of the window. Ealy played the character who did just that in the movie.

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