Yo, Rocky! And Other Blockbusters Born in Philly
Philly: cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, and...Hollywood? Yep, the City of Brotherly Love has been a filming location for a surprising number of flicks. We're talking gritty indies, A-list rom-coms, and everything in between. So, grab some Tastykakes (local favorite, you gotta try it) and settle in for a cinematic adventure through Philly's streets.
Rocky Balboa: The Undisputed King of Philly Films
Let's start with the champ. Rocky put Philadelphia on the map (and up those museum steps) in 1976. Sylvester Stallone's underdog boxer became an instant icon, and the city became his training ground. Fun Fact: Did you know the "yo Adrian" scene on the steps wasn't even scripted? Improv FTW!
Beyond the Boxing Ring: A Philly Filmography Extravaganza
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Sure, Rocky gets the glory, but Philly's got a filmography as diverse as a cheesesteak with whiz wit and provolone. We've got chilling thrillers like M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable (dude loves Philly!), hilarious rom-coms like Trading Places (Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd trade lives, what could go wrong?), and even a dash of the supernatural with The Sixth Sense (seeing dead people? Not ideal for a cheesesteak date).
Lights, Camera, Action! Philly's Big Screen Moments
Here's a quick sampler platter of some other notable films shot in the city:
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
- Silver Linings Playbook: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence get their crazy on (and fall in love) in South Philly.
- National Treasure: Nicolas Cage hunts for hidden treasure...which might be in Philly (Liberty Bell = secret code? Maybe!).
- 12 Monkeys: Bruce Willis goes ape (literally) in a trippy time-travel adventure.
What Movies Were Filmed In Philadelphia |
Not All Filmed Here, But Set Here:
Some movies might not have been filmed in Philly, but they definitely captured the city's vibe. You gotta see Trading Places for its hilarious portrayal of the contrasting social classes, and The Philadelphia Story (Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, what a cast!) perfectly captures the vibe of Philly's high society.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
How to Philly Film Festival for One?
Ready to turn your living room into a Philly film fest? Here's how:
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
FAQ: Philly Film Festival Fun
- How to find movies filmed in Philadelphia? Search online for "movies filmed in Philadelphia" or check out the Philadelphia Film Office website.
- How to create a Philly movie marathon? Pick a theme (Rocky universe, anyone?) or a genre and stream away!
- How to make Philly-themed snacks? Soft pretzels, cheesesteaks (check out online recipes for a home version!), Tastykakes (trust us on this one).
- How to get that Rocky feeling? Find some stairs and run up them (just don't forget to raise your fists in triumph at the top).
- How to appreciate Philly from your couch? Once you've seen these movies, you'll have a whole new appreciation for the City of Brotherly Love.