Many movies and TV shows have used Cleveland — and the generous tax breaks it offers productions — as a place to film, especially in recent years. But many of those productions dress up Cleveland to make it look like New York City or other places. We covered all of the films that were shot here in a previous slideshow.
These films and shows, however, actually use Cleveland as their setting. It's a surprising number that goes far beyond Major League and Hot in Cleveland.
Our list details not only what to watch, but where to find it today. If a free streaming option isn't listed, that means the titles are available to rent or buy on iTunes, Amazon Prime and elsewhere.
All the Movies and Films That Take Place in Cleveland
By Scene Staff on Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 2:30 pm
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The Kid From Cleveland (1949)
While this film is about as obscure as it gets, the plot revolves around the 1948 Indians and their run to the World Series. A young fan with a troubled home life ends up befriending team members and broadcaster Mike Jackson. Apparently, he also picks up 30 godfathers.
The Fortune Cookie (1966)
Not many classic films were filmed in Cleveland, but this Jack Lemmon-led rom-com used three main locations downtown, including Municipal Stadium (now serving as a man-made barrier reef in Lake Erie). The film is currently streaming on Tubi and Kanopy.
Ghetto Freaks (Sign of Aquarius) (1970)
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 and are arrested during a protest. Definitely looks like a shocker.
Raging Bull (1980)
This 1980 film from Martin Scorsese is considered a classic in American cinema. Following boxer Jake Lamotta, played by Robert De Niro, the climactic fight in the film takes place in the old Cleveland Arena, which had been demolished in 1977. The film is currently streaming on Max, Amazon Prime and Hulu.
One Trick Pony (1980)
Singer/songwriter Paul Simon made a film in 1980 based on the studio album of the same name. It’s about an aging one-hit wonder played by Simon whose marriage is falling apart while also navigating putting together a new album. Simon leaves his wife back home in New York and plays smaller and smaller clubs ... in cities that include, yes, Cleveland. The film tanked, but song "Late in the Evening" made it to No. 6 on the Billboard charts.
A Christmas Story (1983)
This 1983 Christmas classic split its filming time between Cleveland and Canada and is actually said to take place in Indiana, but it's become synonymous with its familiar Cleveland settings — particularly the Parker family home, which you can visit in Tremont year-round, seven days a week.
Stranger Than Paradise (1984)
This cult film put director and Akron native Jim Jarmusch on the map and 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. The film includes many shots of Cleveland, including the East Ninth Street pier, the Cleveland Greyhound station, Captain Frank’s restaurant and more. The film is currently streaming on Max and Amazon Prime.
Howard the Duck (1986)
Yes, there’s a Marvel superhero movie about an alien duck-man who fights evil. Where is that alien duck-man sent? Cleveland, of course. The film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
Light Of Day (1987)
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. It's about a pair of siblings who 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.
Major League (1989)
While this film was mostly made in Milwaukee and Arizona, it is clearly set in Cleveland. With the incompetence of the Indians organization as a backdrop, it's considered one of the best sports films of all time. The film is currently streaming on Paramount Plus, Hulu, and Showtime.
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