We all know Chicago is home to some of the world’s most fascinating architectures, delicious food, and trendy shopping locales, but did you know Chicago has also been a host to a laundry list of films. From the classic films of the 80’s and 90’s, to modern, action packed films of the 21st Century; Chicago isn’t shy to the limelight! Even better, these filming locations are intertwined with the many apartment rentals in the city, meaning you may be able to live next to the scenes of some of your favorite movies! Check out these Chicago neighborhoods and locations you may not have recognized on the big screen.
While discussing the sets of films that have been shot in Chicago, it seems only fitting that we begin our exploration in Uptown, the former entertainment district and gangster hangout in the early 20th century. With a host of jazz clubs and theaters embedded in this neighborhood, it seems only fitting that Uptown has spent a great deal of time in the spotlight. In The Break-Up (2006), Gary and Brooke (Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston) end their relationship and begin a desperate bid to take over their condo from their significant other. In a key scene from the film, Brooke extends waves her white flag and invites Gary out to a concert with her. The venue was none other than Uptown’s very own Riviera Theatre, situated at 4750 N. Broadway St! Just down the road, you will find another location where Rob (John Cusack) recounts his top five break ups in High Fidelity (2000). This film utilized a CTA El platform in the Uptown neighborhood. You might recognize this platform as the Wilson Red Line stop, situated at 4620 N. Broadway St!
Moving South on our tour, a multitude of films have employed Lakeview, Wrigleyville, and Lincoln Park in their shooting locales. Known for its vibrant nightlife and named for the famous baseball stadium in its center, Wrigleyville has seen it’s fair share of time on the big screen. In The Break-Up, Gary and Brooke meet during a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, kindling the relationship that ultimately fails and leads to a hilarious timeline of events in the film. You might also recognize this stadium in the 80’s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). In this film, Ferris (Matthew Broderick) skips school, with two friends, and explores the sights of Chicago, including catching a foul ball at Wrigley Field, while also keeping on the run from their strict principal, Mr. Rooney. In case you weren’t aware, this stadium is located at 1060 W. Addison St!
A host of A list actors have “lived” in Chicago, or at least their characters have in their respective films. In About Last Night… (1986), Danny (Rob Lowe) meets Debbie (Demi Moore) and the two begin a passionate affair despite the disapproval from their friends. Situated in Lincoln Park, named for the thousand-acre park on its Eastern edges, Danny’s apartment can be found at 2244 N. Fremont St! In Public Enemies (2009), we are transported to a crime spree brewing in the 1930’s and the attempt of the feds to take down two notorious gangsters (. In a one scene in the film, we see Billie’s (Marion Cotillard) apartment, situated at 949 W. Newport Ave in Lakeview. Also set in Lakeview, a neighborhood known for idyllic scene of majestic Lake Michigan, you can find Gary and Brooke’s shared condo in The Break-Up at 430 W. Melrose Ave!
When not at their homes, these characters have been seen on the streets or at popular hangouts in Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Just South of Billie’s apartment inPublic Enemies, you can spot the cigar shop the two gangsters visit at 934 W. Roscoe St. In the re-imagining of the 80’s classic, A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) follows the similar plot line with Freddy Krueger stalking a host of teenagers while they’re dreaming. Some might be surprised to learn that some scenes were filmed inside Powel’s Bookstore at 2850 N. Lincoln Ave. In High Fidelity, Rob is seen at two separate theaters in the Lakeview area. Both the Music Box Theatre and the Biograph Theater, located at 3733 N. Southport Ave and 2433 N. Lincoln Ave respectively.
Continuing on with character hang out spots in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods, Wanted (2008) utilized an ATM on a busy, pedestrian street in Lakeview. In the film, Wesley (James McAvoy) finds out his father was an assassin and his hired into his father’s old organization. Some might recognize the ATM Wesley uses while walking by 3457 N. Clark St! In While You Were Sleeping (1995), Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is mistaken as the fiancé of an unconscious man, while falling in love with the man’s brother. Did you know that the scenes within the Lady of Mount Carmel Church took place in Lakeview? The church can be spotted at 708 W. Belmont Ave! A final meeting location takes place in Lincoln Park at 843 W. Armitage Ave. This spot on the