Cleveland has provided set locations for horror flicks, superhero blockbusters and a certain well-known 1983 Christmas movie. You know the names of a few, but probably not most of them.
American Splendor (2003)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Lakewood
This unconventional comic book-meets-reality narrative was based on works of the same name by Harvey Pekar; his comics focus on life in Cleveland. Since his character in the film also resides in the city, that makes American Splendor one of the few flicks to not only be filmed here, but acknowledge its real setting.
Photo via YoutubeMy Friend Dahmer (2017)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Chagrin Falls, Solon, Vermillion and Lakewood
Based on the graphic novel/memoir from Northeast Ohioan John Backderf aka Derf, this film looks at serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s teenage years growing up in Bath and attending Revere High School outside of Akron. The film was shot at Euclid Square Mall, Bob’s Hamburg in Akron and other locations around town.
Photo via Film ScreenshotCaptain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Rocky River
This sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger essentially serves as a tour of downtown Cleveland, if you know what to look for. The film shot at Tower City, Lake View Cemetery, Euclid Avenue and other spots around town, not to mention the fact that the Cleveland Museum of Art represents SHIELD headquarters.
Photo via BagoGames/FlickrThe Bye Bye Man (2017)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Richmond Heights
The Bye Bye Man marked another 2017 horror flick that made use of Cleveland and its surrounding areas, though this was released back in January (and notably less well-received than Wish Upon ). Director Stacy Title told The Plain Dealer that the experience, which included shooting in the Cleveland Public Library and Cleveland Heights area, was “fantastic” and “beautiful.” We’ll take it.
Photo via The Paw PrintThe Avengers (2012)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, North Olmsted
Perhaps the most well-known of all superhero movies filmed downtown, The Avengers shut down parts of the city in 2011 while filming its penultimate fight scene, meaning Cleveland played an important part in kicking off the Marvel extended universe.
Photo via Marvel DatabaseAntwone Fisher (2002)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
The tale of a local kid made good, Antwone Fisher reminded audiences that Halle Berry isn’t Cleveland’s only connection to Hollywood. The movie tells the real-life story of Fisher, who survived a youth riddled with abuse, violence, and crime to become a heralded memoirist and, with this script, an equally heralded screenwriter. Thanks to newcomer Derek Luke’s turn as Fisher, first-time director Denzel Washington — who also plays the psychiatrist who helps Fisher mend — delivers a film that we guarantee will stand the test of time better than anything Halle’s done, or will do.
Photo via Film ScreenshotA Christmas Story (1983)
Local filming location: Cleveland
This 1983 Christmas classic split its filming time between Cleveland and Canada, but is most synonymous with its familiar local settings — particularly the Parker family home, which you can visit in Tremont year-round, seven days a week.
Photo via s_herman/FlickrAir Force One (1997)
Local filming location: Cleveland
Cleveland building exteriors may not scream “Eastern royalty” or “Moscow” to you, but those behind Air Force One thought differently. This iconic 1990s action movie’s palace in Kazakhstan is actually Case Western Reserve University, and Severance Hall and Cleveland City Hall are also featured in its opening sequence.
Photo via Roger EbertAgainst the Ropes (2004)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
While this film may be forgettable, the cast is certainly eye-opening. Kerry Washington, Tim Daly, Tony Shalhoub, Charles S. Dutton, Meg Ryan and Omar Epps all starred in this 2004 boxing film that was shot in town.
Photo via Film ScreenshotThe Land (2016)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
This 2016 drama is definitely one of the more Cleveland films in existence. The film takes place around Cleveland, the city is basically a character in the film, the director, Steven Caple Jr., is a Clevelander, Machine Gun Kelly is in it, the soundtrack features MGK and local rapper Ezzy (who also stars in the film). What more do you want?
Photo via Film ScreenshotLittle Evil (2017)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
Adam Scott, Evangeline Lilly and Owen Atlas starred in this 2017 black comedy/horror film. It was Scott’s second trip to film in Cleveland in two years ( My Blind Brother ).This film was the first Netflix-original project to film in Cleveland..
Photo via Wikimedia CommonsFun Size (2012)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Lakewood, Cleveland Heights
Victoria Justice sparked quite a social media storm among her young fanbase when she starred in this Adventures in Babysitting -esque Halloween flick, which filmed primarily in Cleveland Heights — more specifically, at the Cain Park Apartments on Lee Road, Boulevard Elementary School and Coventry Food Mart.
Photo via YoutubeJenny’s Wedding (2015)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, University Heights, Euclid
This 2015 film starring Katherine Heigl and Tom Wilkinson really shot all over town. Zagara’s Market in Cleveland Heights, the 5th Street Arcade, the Westside Market, Trinity Episcopal Church, the Birdgeview Lofts, the East Bank of the Flats, Edgewater Park and the University Heights City Hall were just a few of the locales used in this dramedy.
Photo via Film ScreenshotThe Fortune Cookie (1966)
Local filming location: Cleveland
Not many classics were filmed in Cleveland, but this Jack Lemmon-led rom-com used three main locations downtown, including the Municipal Stadium (now serving as a man-made barrier reef in Lake Erie).
Photo via Play it Again, Dan/WordPressAll the Bright Places (2020)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Elyria
This original Netflix film shot in town is a teen romantic drama based on a popular young adult novel of the same name starring Elle Fanning. The popular film, which was released in 2020, was mostly shot in Elyria.
Photo via Film ScreenshotI See You (2019)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Chagrin Falls, Solon, Vermillion and Lakewood
Another horror film that shot in Cleveland was the 2019 film I See You , starring Helen Hunt and Jon Tenney. The film was produced by Matt Waldeck and his film company Zodiac Features, which is based in Cleveland. Much of the film was shot in Lakewood but the other Cleveland locations were Quarry Rock (formerly Squaw Rock) in Solon, Linwood Park in Vermillion and Sirna’s Farm in Auburn.
Photo via Film ScreenshotDraft Day (2014)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Aurora, Highland Hills
Fans of this Kevin Costner flick can thank Cleveland’s low production costs, which is why the Browns are the team featured rather than the Buffalo Bills. And while Draft Day isn’t based on a true story, it does include footage of real, local Browns fans.
Photo via Le RepêchageJackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Amherst, Chagrin Falls
Johnny Knoxville and the gang brought their hilarious antics to Cleveland with the 2013 film Bad Grandpa. In town, they filmed in front of the Terminal Tower, used a local choir to perform at a fake funeral in Chagrin Falls and did their usual trickery and, well, Jackassery.
Photo via Film ScreenshotThe Deer Hunter (1978)
Local filming location: Cleveland
The Deer Hunter, which took home the Best Picture Academy Award in 1979, shot all over the U.S. and Thailand. But among its many filming locations are several in Cleveland itself, like a supermarket on Starkweather Avenue and U.S. Steel Central Blast Furnace, featured in the opening sequence.
Photo via Caspy2003/FlickrMajor League (1989)
Local filming location: Cleveland
While this film was mostly made in Milwaukee and Arizona, it is clearly set in Cleveland. Exterior shots of downtown can be seen throughout this sports classic, and that’s enough for us.
Film Screenshot PhotoMiss Meadows (2014)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
A Cleveland-based film starring Katie Holmes? Yep, it happened. The Toledo native starred in this black comedy from director Karen Leigh Hopkins, who shot the film mostly around University Circle but also ventured out to Edgewater Park for some beautiful shots of Lake Erie.
Photo via Film ScreenshotThe Kings of Summer (2013)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Chagrin Falls, Warrensville Heights, Lyndhurst, Bainbridge
This quaint coming-of-age dramedy, starring breakout teen Nick Robinson and Nick Offerman as his gruff, Ron Swanson-esque father, truly made the most of Cleveland-area filming locations. Look out for familiar parks, Chagrin Falls landmarks and Plain Dealer mailboxes.
Photo via Geeks of DoomThe Fate of the Furious (2017)
Local filming location: Cleveland
While this global thriller and eighth addition to the franchise didn’t spend a lot of time downtown, the film did shoot outside a parking garage on Prospect Avenue, Perk Plaza and other spots. Plus, it lets the city masquerade as Manhattan. But don’t let the digitized storefronts and added-in real footage of New York fool you; it’s Cleveland.
Photo via Universal PicturesMy Blind Brother (2016)
Local filming locations: Sheffield Lake, Lorain and Lakewood
Sheffield Lake, Lorain and Lakewood were the locations for this comedy starring Nick Kroll, Adam Scott and Jenny Slate. Chagrin Falls’ resident Tyler Davidson’s Low Spark Films produced the film to give it even more of a Cleveland connection. Davidson was also the producer behind popular Cleveland-based films Take Shelter and The Kings of Summer.
Photo via Wikimedia CommonsNative Son (2019)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
The 2019 HBO film based on the classic Richard Wright novel may have taken place in Chicago, but it was filmed in Cleveland. This film, which was an updated version of Wright’s novel, created over 80 local jobs during filming and premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
Photo via Film ScreenshotThe Oh in Ohio (2006)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights
Paul Rudd, Parker Posey, Mischa Barton, Danny DeVito and Heather Graham were just a few of the stars in this 2006 film. Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights and Case Western Reserve University were a couple of the Cleveland locales used in this dark comedy directed by Billy Kent.
Photo via Film ScreenshotSpider-Man 3 (2007)
Local filming location: Cleveland
The third installment in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy was filmed all over New York City, Los Angeles and, briefly, Cleveland, when Euclid Avenue served as the backdrop for one of the 2007 film’s Manhattan scenes.
Photo via YouTubeTake Shelter (2011)
Local filming locations: Elyria, Lorain, Chardon
Most movies boasting Cleveland filming locations utilize downtown, but this 2011 indie flick about a young father with apocalyptic visions opted for the area’s suburban countryside instead. The film was written and directed by Arkansas native Jeff Nichols, but producer Tyler Davidson hails from Cleveland.
Photo via AMC NetworksThe Rocker (2008)
Local filming location: Cleveland
“The Rocker” was largely panned by critics and movie lovers alike, but despite the hate, there were at least a couple laughs to be had throughout the film. Only exterior shots were done in Cleveland for this one, but hey, we’re always a sucker for an underdog.
Film screenshot photoThe Soloist (2009)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Richmond Heights
Sometimes, Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx can star in a film that was shot in Cleveland and we’ve never heard of it. That’s the case with this 2009 drama directed by Joe Wright.
Photo via Film ScreenshotActs of Violence (2018)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Chagrin Falls, Solon, Vermillion and Lakewood
This 2018 action thriller starred Bruce Willis and Mike Epps and has the unwanted distinction of holding a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. They shot at the old Cleveland Central Police Station on East 21st and Payne and a bunch of warehouses around town.
Photo via Film ScreenshotWhite Boy Rick (2018)
Local filming location: Cleveland
No, this is not a still from Matthew McConaughey’s upcoming crime drama, but evidence that he did assimilate to Cleveland culture for a period of time while filming in 2017. The film came out that next year.
Photo via Slider/TwitterWish Upon (2017)
Local filming location: Cleveland (aerial shots)
This horror flick, released last month, was filmed in Toronto. But it does feature multiple aerial shots of the Cleveland skyline, and implies that its gruesome action takes place in or near Shaker Heights.
Photo via Film ScreenshotAlex Cross (2012)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, Akron
Matthew Fox and Tyler Perry starred in this 2012 film based on the bestselling crime novel from the Alex Cross series by writer James Patterson. XO Prime Steakhouse, Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens, the Lakewood Courthouse, a Bratenahl mansion and the Flats are just a few of the locations that were used around town.
Photo via Film ScreenshotWelcome To Collinwood (2002)
Local filming locations: Downtown Cleveland, Collinwood, Slavic Village
This star-studded cast from Cleveland natives Joe and Anthony Russo features George Clooney, Sam Rockwell, William H. Macy, Isaiah Washington, Luis Guzman and Patricial Clarkson. The film is a black comedy heist film that features shots of, obviously, Collinwood, along with Slavic Village and downtown Cleveland. It’s a well done, entertaining film if you’re looking for something on this list to watch.
Photo via Film ScreenshotDouble Dragon (1994)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
Based off of the popular martial arts video game, Double Dragon is a 1994 film that mostly flopped when it came out and sits with a dismal 3.8 rating on IMDB. The film stars Scott Wolf and Alyssa Milano and despite having these popular 90s’ stars, the film still bombed. The dancing water fountains at Tower City can be seen in the film.
Photo via Film ScreenshotStranger Than Paradise (1984)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
This cult film that put director and Akron native Jim Jarmusch on the map eventually became one of the most beloved and influential independent films of all time. Jarmusch, who’s also known for Broken Flowers, Paterson and Coffee and Cigarettes is considered a pioneer of the independent film world. There are many shots of Cleveland including the East Ninth Street pier, the Cleveland Greyhound Station, Captain Frank’s restaurant and more.
Photo via Film ScreenshotLight Of Day (1987)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, University Circle
This 1987 film stars Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett and they actually use Cleveland as the location in the film as opposed to dressing up Cleveland to look like somewhere else. The film, which also stars Cherry Jones and Michael McKean is about a pair of siblings that are deciding whether to tour the country with their rock band or stay home in Cleveland to support their family. Fox and Jett can be seen playing a gig at the old Euclid Tavern (Pictured).
Photo via Film ScreenshotCherry (2021)
Local filming locations: Downtown, Shaker Square, Cleveland Heights and many other parts of Cleveland
Based off the highly successful novel of the same name, Cherry , starring Tom Holland and directed by Cleveland natives, the Russo Brothers is based on writer Nico Walker’s life growing up in Cleveland. Walker grew up in the Cleveland area and the story revolves around him becoming a medic in the U.S. Army and then coming home and devolving into a life of crime and drug addiction. In the film you can see shots of many parts of Cleveland including Key Tower, Lakeview Cemetery, Little Italy, Shaker Square, Case Western Reserve campus and many other parts of the city.
Photo via Film ScreenshotTelling Lies In America (1997)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Ohio City, West Side Market
A coming age film starring the late Brad Renfro, Kevin Bacon and Calista Flockhart with Luke Wilson just screams 90s movie. The film was written by Clevelander Joe Eszterhas and takes place around Cleveland including the West Side Market.
Photo via Film ScreenshotMade in Cleveland (2013)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Parma, Lakewood, Strongsville
This 2013 anthology film consists on nine short stories turned into vignettes that take place in five locations around the city. The film, which stars Busy Phillips and Gillian Jacobs, features cameos from local celebrities like WKYC news anchor Robin Swoboda and WEWS anchor Leon Bibb. The film was shot at Slyman’s, the Grog Shop, Trivs Restaurant, a Marathon station in Parman and the now closed Jammy Buggars in Lakewood. Each segment is directed by a different Clevveland.
Photo via Film ScreenshotThe Escape Artist (1982)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights
This 1982 film was the directorial debut of Caleb Deshanel, the father of Zooey and Emily. It stars Griffin O’Neal and Raul Julia and was the final film of Joan Hackett and Desi Arnaz and is the son of a late, famous magician who is “the greatest escape artist except for Houdini.” It’s a combination of a mystery film and a coming of age story. Shots include downtown Cleveland, City Hall and more. The film was made by Francis Ford Coppola’s production company.
Photo via Film ScreenshotHappy Gilmore (1996)
Local filming locations: Cleveland and the Suburbs
Even though this Adam Sandler film was and still is wildly popular, it isn’t well known that it was partially shot in Cleveland, possibly because the majority of the film was filmed in British Columbia, Canada, but multiple scenes were also filmed here. Sandler plays a hockey player who turns into a professional golfer that doesn’t exactly fit into the style and etiquette of golf but needs to stick around so he can win money to save his grandma’s house.
Photo via Film ScreenshotMiracle Dogs (2003)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Parma, Lakewood, Strongsville
If you haven’t heard of this 2003 made for TV movie, well, you’re not alone, as it’s been reviewed less than 500 times on IMDB. It’s a feel good story about a three-legged dog that beats cancer and is befriended by a young boy and stars Ted Shackelford, Kate Jackson and Rue McLanahan of Golden Girls fame.
Photo via Film ScreenshotTomorrow You’re Gone (2012)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
Tomorrow You’re Gone is a revenge and action film starring Willem Dafoe, Michelle Monaghan and Stephen Dorff as the trio embark on a road trip after Dorff’s character is released from prison. The film is rated just 3.7 on IMDB.
Photo via Film ScreenshotOne Trick Pony (2019)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
Singer/songwriter Paul Simon made a film in 1980 based on the studio album of the same name. He came to Cleveland to shoot it because of Cleveland’s status as the Rock n’ Roll Capital of the World. It’s about an aging rock star played by Simon whose marriage is falling apart while also navigating putting together a new album with many forces working against him.
Photo via Film ScreenshotJudas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Local filming locations: Slavic Village, North Broadway, North Royalton, Mansfield
Directed by Shaka King, this 2021 hit film starred Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons and Dominique Fishback and was shot all over the North Broadway and Slavic Village neighborhoods even though the film is set in Chicago. The film is about Black Panther Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) becoming the Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Panthers and the FBI and Chicago Police Department reacting to that.
Photo via Film ScreenshotDog Eat Dog (2016)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Sheffield Lake
Nicolas Cage has made many less than stellar films and this 2016 film, with a pitiful 4.7 rating with almost 10,000 reviews, definitely falls in that category. Cage stars with WIllem Defoe in this Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, First Reformed ) directed film where a crew of ex-cons are hired by a Cleveland mafia leader to kidnap a rival mobster’s baby. Some places you can see in the film include Whiskey Island and the Jack Casino.
Photo via Film ScreenshotGhetto Freaks (Sign of Aquarius) (1970)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
Yes, there was a film from 1970 called Ghetto Freaks and it was shot in Cleveland. It’s about a group of hippies who live in a communal apartment who are arrested during a demonstration and the aftermath of that arrest.
Photo via Film ScreenshotCriminal Activities (2015)
Local filming locations: Cleveland, Columbus
Starring John Travolta, Micahel Pitt and Christopher Abbott, this 2015 film is a crime thriller that’s mostly formulaic and doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary. The film uses many Cleveland locales including homes, converted warehouses, the Flats, the Renaissance, Public Square and much more.
Photo via Film ScreenshotI Am Wrath (2016)
Local filming locations: Columbus, Cleveland
Just like the 2016 film Criminal Activities , this revenge film also stars John Travolta along with Christopher Meloniand Sam Trammel. While the film takes place mostly around downtown Columbus and government locales like the Ohio State House, there are also a few street scenes that were shot in Cleveland.
Photo via Film ScreenshotThe Rainmaker (1997)
Local filming locations: Cleveland
While a lot of films that were shot in Cleveland are lesser known, that’s not the case with the 1997 film The Rainmaker. The names attached to this film are about as big as it gets with Francis Ford Coppola directing this thriller that was based on a James Patterson novel. The star-studded film features Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Mickey Rourke, Virginia Madsen and was shot partially in Cleveland along with Memphis, Tennessee.
Photo via Film Screenshot
