Santa Monica is a major tourist destination in California and home to a variety of movie studios. Many feature films, television shows, and music videos have been filmed in the city over the years. Whether you’re a movie buff or just a fan of the area, here are some of the biggest movies filmed in Santa Monica.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan is one of the most iconic war movies of all time. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this World War II epic won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Several scenes were shot at Santa Monica beach, depicting the Normandy invasion. The famous beach landing scene was filmed at Santa Monica beach and the Santa Monica Pier.
Grease (1978)
Grease is one of the most iconic movie musicals of all time. The classic teen romance, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, features several scenes filmed in Santa Monica. The opening sequence featuring the song “Grease” was filmed at Santa Monica High School. Other scenes were filmed at the Santa Monica Pier, the Santa Monica Civic auditorium, and the Santa Monica beach.
The Graduate (1967)
The Graduate is a classic American romantic comedy starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. Several scenes were filmed in Santa Monica, including the iconic scene in which Hoffman attempts to seduce Bancroft on the beach. The scene in which Hoffman stands in the middle of a field of poppies was also filmed at the Santa Monica beach.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is the sequel to the sci-fi classic The Terminator. The movie was directed by James Cameron and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton. Several scenes were filmed in Santa Monica, including the scene in which the T-1000 infiltrates a shopping mall. The mall used in the movie was the Santa Monica Place Mall.
Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man is a superhero movie based on the Marvel comics character of the same name. The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow and was directed by Jon Favreau. Several scenes were filmed in Santa Monica, including the scene in which Tony Stark returns home from Afghanistan. The scene was filmed at the Santa Monica Airport.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is the third installment in the Twilight franchise. The movie stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and was directed by David Slade. Several scenes were filmed in Santa Monica, including the scene in which Bella and Edward have a picnic on the beach. The scene was filmed at Santa Monica beach.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Big Lebowski is a cult classic comedy directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi. Several scenes were filmed in Santa Monica, including the scene in which “The Dude” meets with a private detective. The scene was filmed at the Santa Monica Pier.
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
The Fast and the Furious is the first installment in the popular action franchise. Directed by Rob Cohen, the movie stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Michelle Rodriguez. Several scenes were filmed in Santa Monica, including the scene in which Vin Diesel and Paul Walker race against each other. The scene was filmed at the Santa Monica Pier.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is a classic American drama starring Tom Hanks and directed by Robert Zemeckis. The movie won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was nominated for several more. Several scenes were filmed in Santa Monica, including the scene in which Forrest runs across the country and ends up in Santa Monica. The scene was filmed at the Santa Monica beach.
Conclusion
Santa Monica is a popular movie filming location for filmmakers from around the world. Many iconic movies have been filmed in the city over the years, including Saving Private Ryan, Grease, The Graduate, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Iron Man, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, The Big Lebowski, The Fast and the Furious, and Forrest Gump. Whether you’re a movie buff or just a fan of the area, these are some of the most iconic movies filmed in Santa Monica.