Ranking LA's 50 Most Iconic Filming Locations

As we all know, many of Hollywood’s films are shot on the lot of a motion picture studio which the rest of us don’t have access to. However, you’ve probably visited at least a few of these spots in Los Angeles that have made appearances in popular films and television shows. While some of these locations have been filmed on countless times, others are memorable for one iconic scene from a film.

A couple of these have even been a stand in for a setting in another state or country. From the violent action in Pulp Fiction to the romance in La La Land, our list covers a diverse mix of properties which have been featured in every genre imaginable.

In our search, we have taken into consideration the number of film permits, the novelty, and popularity of the films that featured these locations. Whether you’re looking to rent a location or are eager to visit a spot from your favorite movie, take a look at our list below:

IV. Memorable Locations (50-36)

50. Pulp Fiction Junkyard

Film Permits: 1
Appears in: Pulp Fiction

A junkyard might seem worlds apart from the glamour of Hollywood, it became the backdrop for an important scene in Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. In this scene, the two main characters played by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta attempt to dispose of a body and car. While known as Monster Joe’s in the film, the real junkyard is called A & R Auto Dismantlers in Sun Valley, California.

48. The Parking Lot from A Star is Born

Film Permits: 26
Appears in: A Star is Born

This grocery store located in Glassell Park made its way into one of the most talked-about movies of 2018. When Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s characters stop by for frozen peas, they end up discussing songwriting in the empty parking lot. While this may have been a normal supermarket to shop at, A Star is Born has now made Super A Foods a destination.

47. The Frolic Room

Film Permits: 10
Appears in: LA Confidential

The Frolic Room is said to be the most historic dive bar in Hollywood with household names like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland being regulars of the establishment. The giant neon yellow sign invites customers into an immersive space with a jukebox and walls lined with historic photos of celebrities. With the Black Dahlia last seen at this bar and countless celebrities stopping by since the 30s, the bar has an authenticity to it that other new bars don’t possess. This atmosphere made it the ideal setting for scenes in the 1997 film noir, L.A. Confidential.

46. Strip Mall from Nightcrawler

Film Permits: 11
Appears in: Nightcrawler

Located at 1522 West Sunset Boulevard, by the strip mall at Laveta Terrace in Echo Park, Angelino's is a popular local bakery, well loved for its delicious croissants, donuts, smoothies and coffee. Kavanaugh says that location scouting for this type of night scene needs to be done at night because in the daytime, the same location usually doesn't look as dramatic. "I was washed ashore in the ebb and flow of the city at night," says Kavanaugh. "These intersections, neighborhoods, 24-hour laundromats, late-night taco trucks and Korean BBQ stands would be the sets and locations—and characters—for this film."

45. The Smokehouse

Film Permits: 8
Appears in: Argo, La La Land, The Office (TV)

Established in 1946, this restaurant is located next to the Warner Brothers lot in Burbank, California which has led to its strong connection with the film industry. The establishment became so popular that it relocated just a few years later. While producers and actors frequent the establishment for a bite to eat, it has also been used as a set for several films and television shows. You have probably seen characters from La La Land, Argo, The Office, and Scandal stopping here for a meal or a discreet meeting.

44. Desert Hideout from Terminator 2

Film Permits: 2
Appears in: Terminator 2

Out in the desert, Cactus Jack's market which sat along a dusty road in Lancaster, California stood out with its bright yellow and red exterior. You may remember it from Terminator 2: Judgement Day when Sarah, John, and T-800 made a pit stop here. While the market has since closed, the building still remains in a barren state in the surrounding desert.

43. Vista Theatre

Film Permits: 17
Appears in: True Romance, Get Shorty, Cafe Society

Located on Sunset Drive, this single-screen theater opened in 1923 is one of the remaining buildings from Hollywood’s construction in the 20s. Out front, the theater’s sidewalk displays hand and footprints from independent and cult film icons. The theater was also featured in the film, True Romance where Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette’s characters first meet. While having mostly screen pornographic films, the theater has recently been renovated to show newly released films.

42. Victorian Village

Film Permits: 51
Appears in: Countless photoshoots

Established in 1969, the Heritage Square Museum has preserved eight historic Victorian buildings which were at risk of being demolished during expansion in the 60s. These properties include a barn, a methodist church, and an octagonal house which has become more rare in the U.S. Walking through the open-air museum takes you back in time and immerses you in another era. The museum has been featured in films like Saving Mr. Banks and Legally Blonde.

41. The Last Bookstore

Filming Permits: 111
Appears in: Gone Girl, You (TV)

Founded in 2005, the bookstore has moved from its original location to a former bank in Downtown LA. This gives the store extra character with the vault still in place. Their interesting displays are constantly posted on Instagram, attracting countless tourists. The bookstore has been featured in David Fincher’s Gone Girl.

40. The Train Station from Collateral

Filming Permits: 24
Appears in: Collateral

A scene in Collateral takes a hit-man played by Tom Cruise chasing Jamie Foxx’s and Jada Smith’s characters through multiple metro stations and lines along the winding Los Angeles Metro Station. They first appear to run down into the underground component at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station, jumping onto a departing train to escape, unsuccessfully. The chase takes them through the underground subway component of the Blue Line, all the way to the Green Line’s Harbor Freeway Station where they run out of room to run. This train station is located at the interchange of the Harbor and Century freeways, overlooking a knot of concrete ramps and overpasses, and was used in an eerie foreshadowing scene at the beginning of the movie, while Foxx’s and Smith’s characters were still developing their relationship.

39. Cunningham House from Happy Days

Film Permits: 7
Appears in: Happy Days

If you were to search out the house from Happy Days at its official address: 565 North Clinton Drive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you would be severely disappointed. The actual house is located in Hancock Park near Paramount Pictures which was used for all the establishing shots in the show. While the show ended over 30 years ago, the house has remained the same with its white pillars and brick-lined lawn.

39. The Pool from Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Film Permits: 3
Appears in: Fast Times at Ridgemont High

This Los Angeles private residence was used in the filming of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The property is known as the Hamilton house as it fictionally belonged to the characters from the film, Stacy and Brad Hamilton. The most memorable part of the film shot at this residence was Phoebe Cates’s topless scene in the pool.

38. Lovell House

Film Permits: 2
Appears in: LA Confidential

The famed hillside abode designed by Richard Neutra doubled as Pierce Patchett's (David Strathairn) luxurious home, whose modernist design represented a distinct change from Ellroy's novel. “Curtis had been thinking that unlike what seemed to have been written in the Ellroy book, that the Strathairn character would have modern taste and live in a modern building,” she says. “And that place came to mind because all architectural historians, amateur and professional ... know about it.”

37. Herald Examiner Building

Film Permits: 21
Appears in: Hundreds of Photoshoots

Built in a Spanish Colonial Revival style in 1914, this building is located in Downtown Los Angeles and houses the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. In 2015, renovation plans began to open restaurants and shops on the bottom floor. It has become an architectural icon with its arched windows and figures carved into the walls. The intricate detailing in its design has made it a popular backdrop for hundreds of photoshoots.

36. The Jungle from Training Day

Film Permits: 3
Appears in: Training Day

Formally known as Baldwin Village, this neighborhood was developed in the early 40s and 50s in South LA. While the tropical trees scattered around are what led to locals nicknaming it “The Jungle,” this somewhat negative connotation forced the city to change the name to its current one. Magic Johnson, former NBA hall of famer, has attempted to revitalize the area which has begun to improve the area. The neighborhood is most recognizable for appearance in the 2001 film Training Day.

IV. Standout Locations (35-26)

35. Schaffer Residence from A Single Man

Film Permits:  12
Appears in: A Single Man

This mid-century modern house located in Glendale, California was built in 1949 and has made it onto the National Register of Historic Places. The property feels at home in the landscape as the large windows almost give an illusion of being outside among the oak trees which the house was built around. The residence was also used in the Tom Ford film, A Single Man where Colin Firth’s character lived.

34. Theater from Donnie Darko (Aero)

Film Permits: 3
Appears in: Training Day, Get Shorty, Donnie Darko

Built in 1939 by Donald W. Douglas, this theater’s main purpose was to serve as a 24 hour movie-house for Douglas’s employees. It eventually became popular in the neighborhood where it is located in Santa Monica. While the theater almost closed after a lack of funds, it was saved by the nonprofit organization, American Cinematheque. You can catch a glimpse of Aero Theater in the films, Get Shorty and Donnie Darko.

33. The Rosslyn Hotel

Film Permits: 74
Appears in: Se7en  

Built in 1914, with its annex built across the street in 1923, these historic buildings once constituted the largest hotel on the west coast. Its enormous dining room and marble lobby with a five panel mural gave off a luxurious feel. The hotel was built for one million dollars next to an older hotel which inspired the movie it was featured in, The Million Dollar Hotel. The hotel has also appeared in films like Se7en and The Rock.

32. Mulholland Drive

Film Permits: n/a
Appears in:  Twin Peaks (TV), Planet of the Apes (TV)

This 21 mile stretch of road in Santa Monica Mountains connects the east and west end of U.S. Route 101 and is one of the most traveled roads in the U.S. Some of the most expensive homes can be found along this road which gifts homeowners with a stunning view of the Hollywood Sign, the L.A. Basin, and the San Fernando Valley. The street even has a David Lynch film named after it which he has said evokes a feeling of “the history of Hollywood.”

31. Pulp Fiction Pawn Shop

Film Permits: 4
Appears in: Pulp Fiction

Located in Canoga Park, this seemingly ordinary pawn shop was actually the location for a famous scene from Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. In the Crown Pawn Shop, the two main characters from the film end up being captured by the store owner and are forced to fight their way out with dire consequences. When not being used as a filming location, you can stop by their establishment to sell your gold, jewelry, and watches for cash-but maybe stay away from the basement.

30. Jackson Maine's House

Film Permits: 4
Appears in: A Star is Born

The real house that served as Bradley Cooper‘s troubled character’s home in A Star is Born is actually lovely and light-filled. The 2,986-square-foot home where the fictional singer Jackson Maine lived in the movie — and which played host to its dramatic final scene (no spoilers here) — is a single-story midcentury property in Calabasas, California. Originally built in 1973 by Douglas Rucker.

29. Pacific Electric Building

Film Permits: 86
Appears in: Se7en, LA Confidential, Face/Off

Opened in 1905, this historic building was used as a terminal for the Pacific Electric Red Car Lines. Being over a century old, the building has made it onto the National Register of Historic Places and was once the largest building west of Chicago. After the closure of the terminal, the vacant space was a popular spot for film shoots like Se7en and L.A. Confidential. The building has since been converted into a residential space but artifacts from its past remain in the lobby.

28. Starship Trooper

Filming Permits: 47
Appears in: Face-Off, Britney Spear, Chris Brown music videos

Though the architecture, by Ed Niles, is distinctive, the 7,000-square-foot home's most notable feature may be its Hollywood history. It has appeared in more than 20 pieces of entertainment, serving as the backdrop for Chris Brown's "Fortune" album cover, Britney Spears'"Work B**ch" music video, and movies from "Face Off" starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta to "Benchwarmers" starring David Spade, Adam Sandler, John Lovitz, and Rob Schneider. · Gone in 60 seconds – Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Rocky 6 – Sylvester Stallone, Fun with Dick and Jane – Jim Carrey, Tea Leoni, Alec Baldwin, Starship Troopers - Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards.

27. Union Station

Film Permits: 316
Appears in: The Dark Knight Rises, Blade Runner,  Catch Me If You Can

Opened in 1939, Union Station is the main railway station in Los Angeles and is close by to Chinatown and the Civic Center. The station is often visited by tourists for photos due to its attractive design of marble running along the floor and walls and the enclosed garden patios. The station has been a backdrop for iconic films such as Blade Runner, Catch Me if You Can, and The Dark Knight Rises.

26. Velazut Ranch

Film Permits: 250
Appears in: Westworld (TV)

The possibilities are endless at Velazut Motion Picture Ranch which in a 30 mile radius includes sets such as ranches, a Western town, a Mexican city and many more. Not to mention, their 750 acres of natural landscape which can be used to film any scene out in a rural country. The ranch was used to film the hit show, Westworld in which they used the set of a small Mexican-border town.

II. Unforgettable Locations (25-11)

25. Bradbury Building

Film Permits: 2
Appears in: Blade Runner, Bosch, 500 Days of Summer, Chinatown

This architectural landmark is a remarkable sight due to the atrium which fills the building with light. The building’s five open floors showcase the geometric staircases which have stood the test of time since being built in 1893. The Bradbury Building has made countless appearances in pop culture from films to television to music videos and literature. It has most notably been featured in Blade Runner as well as The Artist and 500 Days of Summer.

24. The Graduate Church

Film Permits:
Appears in: The Graduate

This mid-century church built in 1961, displays impressive windows and floor to ceiling glass behind the altar. The church has become famous after filming for The Graduate took place there in 1967. The raunchy content of the film spurred disagreement among the congregation following its release but has remained a popular spot as parishioners still see passerbys taking photos during the day.

23. The Mall from Terminator and Ridgemont High

Film Permits: 25
Appears in: Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Commando, Terminator 2

This three level shopping mall opened in 1980 and soon became famous for the teen mall culture which erupted from the many teens who frequented their department stores. It currently has been reopened as an open-air center with only one part of the original mall court remaining. Before its renovation, the location was featured in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and Back to the Future Part II.

22. Club Ed

Permit Count: 228
Appears in: Hundreds of commercial shoots

Club Ed is a movie set in the high desert that was built in 1990 for the Dennis Hopper film "Eye of the Storm." After the movie's shooting was complete, the crew felt that the classic Route 66 set was too good to tear down and so Club Ed was born and named after Ed who was the caretaker. I didn't walk the property, as I was not sure if it was allowed and there was filming was going on. Make sure you get permission from the caretaker before you enter the property.

21. The Stahl House

Film Permits: 152
Appears in: Countless photoshoots and films

With floor to ceiling glass walls and a pool overlooking the expanse of Los Angeles, this 1960 house is a dream come to fruition. Not only is it listed as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument, but it is on the National Register of Historic Places as well as in the top 150 properties for America’s Favorite Architecture list. The house has been used for fashion shoots, ads, films, and music videos. Before you get out your checkbook to make an offer on this magnificent house, it is unfortunately only available for tours or commercial use.

20. Elysian Park

Film Permits: 1108
Appears in: Terminator 2

Elysian Park is known as an escape from the hustle and bustle of LA because of its beauty and tranquility.  Try to locate the hidden swing with stunning views of DTLA as a fun bonus! If you are looking to shoot at a serene location that still captures LA’s beauty and essence, Elysian Park is right for you.

19. Bronson Canyon

Film Permits: 12
Appears in: Batman (TV)

Nestled in the foothills above Hollywood Boulevard and at the northern end of Canyon Drive, Bronson's iconic quarry has been seen in everything from classic Westerns (The Searchers, Ride the High Country) to beloved sci-fi (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Robot Monster). The cave is most famously identifiable as "the Batcave" on the 1960s Batman TV series.

18. UCLA Campus

Film Permits: 1
Appears in: Legally Blonde, The Godfather, Gilmore Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The House Bunny, Forrest Gump

With 419 acres of campus ground, the well known university contains countless areas to film in. The charming tree-filled campus with lush grassy areas is a refreshing break from the surrounding urban area. Located near Beverly Hills, the university opened its campus to students in 1929. Since then, it has been the backdrop for films like Legally Blonde, The Godfather, and tv shows like Gilmore Girls and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

17. USC Campus

Film Permits: 23
Appears in: The Graduate, Ghostbusters, Blue Chips, Forrest Gump, Road Trip, Legally Blonde, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, The House Bunny

USC’s campus is in a prime location being a couple miles from Downtown LA and right next to the Shrine Auditorium as well as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The stunning red brick campus includes many fountains and an impressive courtyard at the School of Cinematic Arts. The campus has been featured in at least 180 films and tv shows including Forrest Gump, Legally Blonde, Ghostbusters, The Graduate, and more.

16. The Office from The Office

Film Permits: 37
Appears in: The Office

Situated in Van Nuys, this building might be mistaken as being located in Scranton, PA. What might seem like a simple, gray office building and parking lot was the stand in for Dunder Mifflin in The Office. On a regular day, this building is the home of Chandler Valley Center Studios.

15. Linda Vista Hospital

Film Permits: 531
Appears in: Terminator 2: Judgement Day

The psychiatric institution Sarah Connor escapes from sounds quite a bit like Atascadero State Hospital in San Luis Obispo County, which some have claimed as the real-life inspiration behind the cinematic sanatorium. The scenes at the hospital seen in the film were actually shot much closer to home, at the then-abandoned Lake View Terrace Hospital. A drug and alcohol rehab facility now stands at the site.

14. Kill Bill Church

Film Permits: 13
Appears in: Kill Bill, True Confessions, Inferno

This location is most familiarly the backdrop for the famous, bloodied scenes of Uma Thurman in a wedding dress from Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Kill Bill: Volume 2. The church more formally known as the Sanctuary Adventist Church is built in a Spanish style and is surrounded by farms and ranches. The paint chipped church with a lone Joshua tree has the perfect aesthetic for any project with an ominous mood. The building has also been featured in Inferno, Crossroads, and True Confessions.

13. Angel's Flight

Film Permits: 6
Appears in:  La La Land, Bosch (TV)

This historic landmark built in 1901, has been a popular stop for tourists which stands out with its bright orange and black theme among the other buildings on Hill Street. The location was featured in countless films including a 1965 film noir titled, Angel’s Flight. However, it is most recognized from La La Land in which you can watch Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling taking a ride to the top.

12. Point Fermin in San Pedro

Film Permits: 36
Appears in: Chinatown, Pearl Harbor, The Usual Suspects, Crash

This seaside urban green space, complete with a 1874 Victorian lighthouse, historic Band Shell, and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, is located near the southern terminus of L.A.’s Harbor Freeway. It's here that detective Jack Nicholson discovers what happened to the missing reservoir water in Chinatown. Surrounding highlights include Walker's Cafe (Gods and Monsters), Fort MacArthur Military Museum (Pearl Harbor), the 1932 Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse (Face/Off), and the Korean Friendship Bell (The Usual Suspects) at Angels Gate Park. The entrance to Angels Gate was the setting of a pivotal scene in Crash, when Matt Dillon rescues Thandie Newton.

11. Terminator 2 Chase Scene Location

Filming Permits: 12
Appears in: Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Dedicated filming location enthusiasts have identified this as the spot where the T-1000 crashes his 18-wheeler into the Bull Creek spillway in pursuit of John Connor. The flood control channel's extensive use in the breakneck sequence makes it arguably the most famous culvert in Los Angeles County.

I. Legendary Locations (10-1)

10. LA Times Building

Film Permits: 504
Appears in: Drive

Opened in 1935, this building won a gold medal only two years later at the 1937 Paris Exposition. These Art Deco headquarters will no longer be home to the Los Angeles Times but is still used as a prime filming location. The building can be seen in films such as Argo, Moneyball, and Dreamgirls and tv shows like Scandal and Bones.

9. Leo Carillo Beach

Film Permits: 150
Appears in: Grease

Established in 1953, this state park was named after Leo Carrillo who worked on the State Parks Commission. The park is situated along the Malibu coast and contains many cool spots such as their tide pools, sea caves and reefs. Its 1.5 miles of beach have been used for films like Grease, The Karate Kid, Usual Suspects, Cast Away, and more.

8. Pink Motel

Film Permits: 371
Appears in: Drive

Located on historic U.S. Route 99, Cadillac Jacks Cafe and Pink Motel is a perfect retro movie set with a bright pink motel and a diner decorated with neon lights. Also available for use is between 28 to 30 fully restored classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s. This set has been featured in Netflix Original’s GLOW and the 2011 film, Drive.

7. Black Dahlia

Film Permits: 51
Appears in: Drive

The John Sowden house has been recognized as one of Lloyd Wright’s most important works. Its most notable features are the unique structure which resembles either a temple or a shark mouth and the concrete textile blocks used to build the house. This Mayan revival style residence was originally not received well by critics but has since been praised for its uncommon appearance. You can see this house in Martin Scorsese’s film, The Aviator.

6. Park Plaza Hotel

Film Permits: 368
Appears in: Drive

Created by the architect, Claud Beelman, the Gothic Revival style hotel was built in the 1920s complete with a massive brass clock above the entryway. Its elaborate interior has been a backdrop for music videos like Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE” and Maroon 5’s “Sugar.” It was announced in 2016 that it would be restored to its original grandeur and has been renamed The MacArthur.

5. Lower Grand Avenue

Permit Count: 421
Appears in: Terminator, Dark Knight

Hidden under South Grand Ave is this downtown underpass which is lit with stripes of light running vertically along the bottom of the overpass. This gloomy location was the backdrop for the 2009 film, The Soloist. In the film, Lower Grand Ave was shown as a busy main street although it is regularly a vacant area.

4. The Sheats-Goldstein Residence

Permit Count: 205
Appears in: The Big Lebowski

As one of Los Angeles’s most iconic homes, the Sheats-Goldstein residence stands apart with its concrete roof that almost resembles a cave. It has been featured in movies such as The Big Lebowski and Charlie’s Angels. With its full glass walls and stunning view of LA, it’s no surprise it has also been used for music videos and parties by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Lana Del Ray and more.

3. Point Dume

Permit Count: 1200
Appears in: Planet of the Apes, Big Lebowski

With its close proximity to the film and television industry location, Point Dume's Westward Beach continues to be a popular filming location for films, television, advertisements, and videos, appearing frequently whenever a beach scene is needed.Jackie Treehorn’s beach party in The Big Lebowski was filmed near the cliff face as well as important scenes in the Planet of the Apes series.

2. Venice Beach

Permit Count: 2720
Appears in: American History X, Californication (TV)

Venice Beach is not only the most popular beach location for filming in LA County, it’s also the second most permitted filming location overall (second only to Griffith Park). In many ways, it’s ultimate California backdrop providing a diverse mix of people, places, and scenery. If you’re looking to film crowds, Venice has you covered with approximately 28,000 to 30,000 people visiting the Venice Beach on a daily basis. The Venice Boardwalk stretches over two miles and hosts hundreds of vendors, performers, and homeless vagrants. The beach also offers various filming landmarks including the basketball and handball courts, the fishing pier, the skatepark and graffiti wall, and of course, the bodybuilding mecca at Muscle Beach.

1. The Griffith Observatory

Permit Count: 4740
Appears in: La La Land, Rebel Without a Cause

Our list topper, Griffith Observatory, is easily one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Los Angeles County. Griffith Observatory is a public observatory that is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. The views from the observatory, especially of the famous Hollywood Sign, are spectacular and breathtaking. Inside of the beautifully constructed main building, there is an educational museum where you can learn about the solar system while looking out at the night sky.

Summary

So there you go, our list of the best residential filming options in LA. Hopefully, it will help inform your choosing a location, and giving you a reference point on market rates in the city. If none of these options feel like a good fit, you can always explore more locations on Giggster.com.

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