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.
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.The Drew Carey Show (1995-2004)
Arguably no show or film is more associated with Cleveland than The Drew Carey Show. Carey, a Parma native, created this sitcom based on the idea of what his life would be like if he never went to Hollywood. Filmed at the Warner Bros. studio in California, show nevertheless brought a slice of Cleveland to life.3rd Rock From The Sun (1996-2001)
Starring John Lithgow and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this comedic television series depicts a family of aliens who come to earth disguised as a human family. It’s set in fictional Rutherford, Ohio, which is basically a suburb of Cleveland in the show — Cleveland is referenced numerous times.Telling Lies In America (1997)
A coming-of-age film starring the late Brad Renfro, Kevin Bacon and Calista Flockhart with Luke Wilson just screams ’90s movie. This one was written by Cleveland native Joe Eszterhas and takes place around Cleveland, including the West Side Market. The film is currently streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV.Detroit Rock City (1999)
The film may have our neighbor to the northwest in the title, but most of it actually takes place in Cleveland. The story is about four high school kids who are desperately trying to leave Cleveland to go see the band Kiss perform in Detroit.Almost Famous (2000)
One of the more well-known films on this list, this 2000 coming-of-age film from director Cameron Crowe is about his life as a young music journalist. While the film takes place in locations across the U.S., Cleveland is prominently featured when the rockers party at Swingo’s, a hotel widely known for the debauchery and partying that took place there in the 1970s when rock groups were in town. The film is currently streaming on Amazon Plus.ProXimity (2001)
ProXimity is a 2002 action film that stars Rob Lowe. After breaking out of a Cleveland jail, Lowe chased around town by the Cleveland Police. You can see Public Square, Tower City and the RTA.Welcome to Collinwood (2002)
This star-studded flick from Cleveland natives Joe and Anthony Russo features George Clooney, Sam Rockwell, William H. Macy, Isaiah Washington, Luis Guzman and Patricia Clarkson. The film is a black comedy/heist film that features shots of (unsurprisingly) Collinwood, along with Slavic Village and downtown Cleveland. It’s an entertaining film if you’re looking for something on this list to watch, and it’s currently streaming on Tubi.Antwone Fisher (2002)
The tale of a local kid made good, Antwone Fisher reminded audiences that Halle Berry isn’t Cleveland’s only connection to Hollywood. Directed by Denzel Washington, 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. The film is currently streaming on Disney Plus.Hope and Faith (2003-2006)
Hope and Faith was a short-lived sitcom starring Kelly Ripa and Faith Ford as adult sisters living together. The show took place in Glen Falls, a fictional suburb of Cleveland, and Cleveland was mentioned many times.Miracle Dogs (2003)
If you haven’t heard of this 2003 made-for-TV movie, well, you’re not alone, as it’s been reviewed fewer 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. It stars Ted Shackelford, Kate Jackson and Rue McClanahan of Golden Girls fame. The film is currently streaming on Tubi.American Splendor (2003)
This unconventional comic book-meets-reality narrative was based on autobiographical comic book series of the same name by Harvey Pekar, focused on his life in Cleveland. The film is currently streaming on Max.EuroTrip (2004)
This cult classic comedy that follows a group of friends during a European road trip starts out in Hudson. One of the three friends even goes to Oberlin College. The film is currently streaming on Paramount Plus.Against the Ropes (2004)
Starring Meg Ryan, Against the Ropes is a film about an assistant to a boxing promoter, played by Charles Hutton, who also directed. The film takes place in Cleveland and also stars Omar Epps.Accepted (2006)
In this 2006 comedy, a fake college is created by a group of teens that didn’t get in elsewhere. The film takes place in the Cleveland suburb of Wickliffe.The Oh in Ohio (2006)
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 are both locales used in this dark comedy directed by Billy Kent. The film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi.The Rocker (2008)
“The Rocker” was largely disliked by both critics and movie lovers, but despite the hate, there were at least a couple laughs to be had throughout the film, about a rocker who gets kicked out of a band in Cleveland. The band goes on to be very successful while the titular character, played by Rainn Wilson, creates his own band in Cleveland with a bunch of kids in it. The film is currently streaming on Disney Plus.The Express (2008)
This film is about former Cleveland Browns running back Ernie Davis, the first Black man to win the Heisman Trophy. Part of the film takes place in Cleveland during Davis’ time starring for the Browns. The film is currently streaming on Tubi.Hot In Cleveland (2010-2015)
While this sitcom wasn’t actually filmed here, it takes place almost exclusively in Cleveland. Starring Valerie Bertinelli and Betty White, the show is about three friends who are flying from Los Angeles to Paris for a vacation and have to make an emergency landing in Cleveland. They end up staying in Cleveland where they are valued more than they are in Los Angeles. The show is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu.Kill The Irishman (2011)
Danny Greene was a well-known mobster in Cleveland, killed in a 1977 car bomb. He gained more into national prominence with a 2011 film about his life as a mobster, Kill the Irishman. The film is currently streaming on Hulu, Max and Amazon Prime.How I Met Your Mother, Season 7, Episode 1 (2011)
In the premiere of the seventh season of beloved sitcom How I Met Your Mother, all of the main characters go to Cleveland for a wedding. The theme of the wedding is the Browns, with brown and orange as the main colors for decor. The show is currently streaming on Hulu.Take Shelter (2011)
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.The Kings of Summer (2013)
This quaint coming-of-age dramedy, starring breakout teen Nick Robinson and Nick Offerman as his gruff, Ron Swanson-esque father, was also filmed here and made the most of its Cleveland-area filming locations. Look out for familiar parks, Chagrin Falls landmarks and Plain Dealer mailboxes.Criminal Activities (2015)
John Travolta starred in this film, playing a mobster who threatens four men who owe him money. The film marks Jackie Earle Haley’s directorial debut and was also filmed here.Jenny’s Wedding (2015)
Katherine Heigl stars as the titular character of Jenny, who is engaged to a woman and comes out to her family and then spends time planning her Cleveland-based wedding. The film is currently streaming on Tubi.The Land (2016)
This 2016 drama is definitely one of the more Cleveland-focused 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 and the soundtrack features MGK and local rapper Ezzy (who also stars in the film). What more do you want?The Good Place, Season 2, Episode 4 (2017)
The Good Place is a comedy where characters are in the afterlife, created by Michael Schur of The Office fame. In a season 2 episode titled ‘Team Cockroach’ one of the characters find out they died in Cleveland when visiting the Rock Hall. The show is currently streaming on Netflix.My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Based on the graphic novel/memoir from Northeast Ohioan John Backderf, aka Derf, this film looks at serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s teenage years in Bath and at Revere High School outside of Akron. The film was shot at Euclid Square Mall, Bob’s Hamburg in Akron and other locations around town. The film is currently streaming on YouTube and Amazon Prime for free.Fahrenheit 451 (2017)
For reasons that are still unclear, the 2017 remake of Ray Bradbury’s dystopic novel was set in Cleveland. HBO made Cleveland look very futuristic. But the movie, starring Michael B. Jordan, was awful. Maybe don’t watch this one. The film is currently streaming on Max.Barry (2018-2023)
This critically acclaimed HBO series starring and created by Bill Hader follows a hitman from Cleveland trying to escape his life as a dangerous assassin and enter the world of acting. Hader’s character wears a WMMS shirt at times throughout the show and there are various other Cleveland references. The show is currently streaming on Max.Cherry (2021)
Based on the novel of the same name by Clevelander Nico Walker, Cherry follows the story of a man who recently came home to Cleveland from a stint in Iraq only to fall into drug addiction. The title character, played by Tom Holland, then becomes a bank robber in order to pay for his addiction. The film is also directed by Clevelanders the Russo Brothers. The film is currently streaming on Apple+.Draft Day (2014)
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. The film is currently streaming on Max. Credit: IMDB ScreenshotThe Battle of Shaker Heights (2003)
After winning the script for the second season of HBO’s Project Greenlight, The Battle of Shaker Heights, about two high school boys with a penchant for war reenactment, get revenge on their bully by going to battle. The film starred Shia LaBeouf, Amy Smart and Elden Henson. Credit: IMDB ScreenshotRunning With Scissors (2006)
Based on the popular memoir from writer Augusten Burroughs, acclaimed director Ryan Murphy changed the original location of the mostly true story from Pittsburgh to Cleveland for some reason. It’s a coming of age film that takes place in the 1970s, where a young Burroughs, played by Joseph Cross, leaves his eccentric mother to live with a psychiatrist. The film has a very strong cast, with Annette Benning, Brian Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Evan Rachel Wood, Alec Baldwin, Gabrielle Union, Patrick Wilson and other stars. Credit: IMDB Screenshot
