DISCOVER THESE HOLLYWOOD LANDMARKS!

FILM LOCATIONS - Where Magic happens!

Image: Jakob Owens

Let's face it. Not all of us have the talent of Meryl Streep, the chin of Kirk Douglas, or that Magnum gaze of Derek Zoolander. We may never get to star in a movie or even be in one. But we can explore the actual locations where some of the most famous films were shot.

With a little luck, we'll find some close to home. And for a moment, we can feel surrounded by the magic of cinema too.

Image: Aman

Whether you're short on time, budget, or both, there's only one place you should choose: Hollywood Boulevard. With over 130 movies and TV shows, including 'Chinatown' and 'Lethal Weapon', this iconic street in the already heavily photographed Los Angeles is the most filmed location in America.

No matter when you visit, the chances of stumbling upon a film shoot are enormous. And who knows, if you cross the street at the right time, you might just become part of the next movie classic!

Image: Venti Views

Are you a lover of the classics? Or perhaps you prefer science fiction. Maybe you're more of a musical person?

Whatever your answer, your destination remains the same. Nowhere else will you feel as close to the stars as the Observatory, situated atop Griffith Park, with its astonishing views across the valley.

From 'Rebel Without a Cause', the classic icon featuring James Dean, to the menacing presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the 'Terminator', or the celebration of the love between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in 'La La Land', hundreds of stars and films had the Griffith Observatory as the perfect location.

A unique setting from which you can enjoy all the magnificence of Hollywood.

Image: Matt The Artist

Yes, it exists. The famous Nakatomi Plaza is not (just) a model. You can discover it in Century City, Los Angeles.

While you might not hear Bruce Willis's memorable one-liners while crawling through the ventilation ducts, you can at least enjoy the Fox Plaza skyscraper facade, which served as the main setting in 'Die Hard' (1988).

By the way, unlike its fictional counterpart, the original building has not suffered any damage during the production of this film.

Image: Phillip Ritz from New York, NY, USA

If you're in Manhattan and need help, who ya gonna call? Of course, the city's most beloved "Superstars of the Supernatural."

And if they don't return your call, perhaps you can head over to the Tribeca neighborhood at 14 North Moore Street, where Hook & Ladder Company 8 operates. It's a former fire station converted into the "Ghostbusters" headquarters for the 1984 fantasy comedy.

Image: Harry Knight

With so many incredible locations to discover in New York, you may want to recharge your batteries at a traditional venue. And what better way to do it than at this century-old deli on East Houston Street in Manhattan, where you can taste their delicious pastrami on rye?

Although since Meg Ryan showed her extraordinary expressive skills to Billy Crystal in the film "When Harry Met Sally" (1989), thousands of enthusiastic diners have sat at the same table where the famous, and noisy, scene was filmed, often ordering "I'll have what she's having."

Image: Logan Hughes

This is an easy one. While there are numerous bench scenes in movies, this particular bench in Boston Public Garden hosts one of the most emotional conversations in film history between Matt Damon and Robin Williams, in the movie 'Good Will Hunting' (1997).

Identifying this site is quite simple; it's usually adorned with flowers and memories since the passing of Robin Williams in 2014.

Image: Mick Haupt

This volcanic monolith, located in the Black Hills of Crook County in northeastern Wyoming, has been a sacred site for indigenous communities and holds the honor of being designated America's first national monument in 1906. It is certainly worth a visit.

No doubt, that was what some friendly little gray aliens thought when they decided to use it as a parking lot in the world-famous Steven Spielberg film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977). Since then, they say, its fame has only spread throughout the galaxy.


If you decide to explore this location amidst the stunning landscapes of Winterset, Iowa, there are two things you cannot forget to bring with you: a good camera and an adequate amount of tissues.

One of the most emotional and bittersweet masterpieces of cinema came to us from the skilled hands of Clint Eastwood and the unforgettable gaze of Meryl Streep.

The unique Madison bridges, originally numbering 19 and with six still standing, await all those who dare to relive a true love story.


Long before Joaquin Phoenix's Joker revealed Shakespeare's steps to the world with his iconic dance, turning it into an instant meme to the delight of thousands of Instagrammers who test his movements, and the patience of Bronx neighbors, there was another famous staircase.

A much scarier one.

This is the staircase where the shocking climax of what conceivably is the most terrifying film in history takes place: 'The Exorcist' (1973). Filmed in numerous locations in Georgetown, the 75 steps of 3600 Prospect Street, renowned as a Historic Landmark in 2019, are the most iconic.

Would you dare to go down them?

Image: luke flynt

If in the 80s you were one of those children who dreamed of discovering an old map that would lead you to a pirate treasure and the adventure of a lifetime with your best friends, the beautiful settings of Astoria, Oregon, are your next destination.

There, you can tour not only the spectacular locations of The Goonies (1985), including the Jail (now the Oregon Film Museum), the house of the Goonies, Ecola State Park (lair of the infamous and hilarious Fratelli), and the dazzling views of Cannon Beach.

Moreover, you will also find an entire town that celebrates its most famous movie and even has its day: every June 7, Astoria celebrates The Goonies Day.

So prepare your backpack, your camera, and your sense of adventure. The magic of cinema is waiting for you!

Yee-haw!

Travel to the Wild West with these 10 fictional cowboys!

Image: Lee Pigott

Chances are, you once played cowboy when you were a kid. Did you, like us, ride around your house on your trusty stallion—a broomstick or a horse-shaped stick? Did you don any hat you could find and pretend you were the toughest, bravest sheriff around? Cowboys have been an integral part of many of our childhoods, providing countless hours of joy and laughter. That said, cowboys are also fascinating characters in their own right, and they’ve been splendidly portrayed in many films and shows aimed at more mature audiences. In any case, we've decided to pay tribute to 10 of the most iconic cowboys, gunslingers, and outlaws with this article. All that’s left to say is: we hope you enjoy it, partner!

Image: Taylor Brandon

Let’s start with one of the oldest fictional cowboys in history. In 1933, listeners of Detroit’s WXYZ radio station were treated to the first appearance of the Lone Ranger—a charismatic and brave cowboy who fights for justice in the American Wild West. Originally known as John Reid, the Ranger was saved from the brink of death by his trusted companion Tonto, who aids him in his quest to find the criminal responsible for his brother’s death.

Over 90 years have passed since that first radio episode, and the Lone Ranger has appeared in countless shows, films, and comic books. Although his story has evolved over the years, every version of the Ranger portrays him as an expert marksman, fighter, and rider.

Image: William Warby

Like we mentioned before, cowboys can be a kid’s best friend. In that sense, the 1995 animated classic Toy Story introduced the world to one of the friendliest and most lovable cowboys in history: Woody, the toy sheriff, wonderfully voiced by Tom Hanks.

Toy Story tells the story of Woody, the favorite toy of a boy named Andy, who suddenly finds himself displaced by a new toy: a plastic astronaut named Buzz Lightyear. Throughout the film, Woody not only showcases a cowboy’s bravery when he ventures into the outside world to rescue his rival, but he also proves himself to be a loyal and caring friend to both Andy and Buzz.

Image: Luis Domenech

Cowboys have an air of mystery that follows them wherever they go. It’s not unusual to see a film cowboy wandering the Wild West, drifting from town to town and helping those in need. In that regard, Clint Eastwood’s performance as the mysterious "Man with No Name" is one of the most outstanding examples of this trope.

While the character first appeared in Sergio Leone’s 1964 film A Fistful of Dollars, critics and fans alike believe that his best portrayal comes from the 1966 classic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Here, Eastwood’s iconic cowboy not only demonstrates his skill and composure but also reveals a personal sense of morality and justice.

Image: Tobias Keller

It should come as no surprise that Hollywood legend John Wayne appears on this list more than once. After all, his extensive filmography helped build the Western genre into the beloved American staple it is today. In that sense, many believe that Wayne’s finest performance (and that’s saying something) comes from the 1956 classic The Searchers, still considered one of the greatest films in cinematic history.

In this film, "The Duke" plays Ethan Edwards, a former Civil War soldier who embarks on a years-long quest to rescue his kidnapped niece. This role definitively cemented Wayne as the go-to actor for Westerns. Ethan is portrayed as a strong, determined character, flawed but unwavering in his mission.

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

The Western genre is known for tales of revenge, but True Grit proves that justice isn’t reserved only for strong, stoic gunslingers. This legendary 1969 film tells the story of Mattie Ross, a determined young girl whose father is murdered by the outlaw Tom Chaney. Driven by her desire for justice, Mattie hires U.S. Marshal "Rooster" Cogburn, played by none other than John Wayne himself.

What’s perhaps most compelling about this film is how it subverts the traditional roles found in classic Westerns: Mattie is no damsel in distress, and even outlaw Lucky Ned Pepper, portrayed by Robert Duvall, is intelligent and articulate. Wayne’s Oscar-winning portrayal of the aging, hard-drinking Cogburn proves that heroes can come in all shapes and forms.

Image: Markus Spiske

Lucky Luke is the only comic book cowboy on this list, but that doesn’t make him any less brave than his film and TV counterparts. This laid-back and easygoing cowboy might seem like an easy target, but evildoers beware: he’s as dangerous as he is good-hearted.

Created by Belgian artist Morris, Luke’s adventures are both a love letter to and a parody of the Western genre. From his astounding shooting skills—so fast he can outdraw his own shadow—to his cast of colorful villains, Lucky Luke’s comics are guaranteed to make you laugh.

Image: Taylor Brandon

Sam Raimi’s 1995 film The Quick and the Dead proves that gunslingers aren’t always men. Portrayed by Sharon Stone, "The Lady" is the unnamed and deadly protagonist of this Western. Her backstory might sound familiar: she’s a gunslinger hellbent on avenging the death of her father at the hands of a powerful and notorious outlaw.

What’s interesting about this film is that it introduces a competitive twist to the genre. In order to confront and kill John Herod (played by Gene Hackman), "The Lady" must enter a high-stakes shooting tournament, where she faces several dangerous and skilled marksmen.

Image: Sekinei　Sekineiが撮影, CC BY 3.0

Here comes one of Bugs Bunny’s most dangerous—and funniest—nemeses. Like Lucky Luke, Yosemite Sam is definitely a parody of cowboy culture: from his humongous hat, baffling facial hair, and gunslinging ways, this cartoon character has given us countless priceless moments in front of the TV screen.

Yosemite Sam’s name comes straight from one of America’s most treasured natural wonders: Yosemite National Park, located in California. In all of his Looney Tunes appearances, he is portrayed as greedy, short-tempered, and full of hatred for a certain wisecracking rabbit.

Image: Blind Rhino Media

We’ve already seen that cowboys don’t always need a name—case in point: this iconic gunslinger is known simply by his favorite musical instrument. The 1968 Spaghetti Western Once Upon a Time in the West introduced the world to Charles Bronson’s "Harmonica," a stoic gunslinger determined to avenge the death of his older brother at the hands of a ruthless outlaw portrayed by Henry Fonda.

We won’t spoil the reason behind Harmonica’s nickname—after all, a cowboy’s name isn’t what truly matters. This fast-paced and unforgettable Western should definitely be on your must-watch list.

Image: Gerhard Lipold

We’ll end this article with the only entry that refers to two entirely different characters, but we couldn’t mention one without including the other. The gunslinger known as Django is truly a Wild West legend. First portrayed by Franco Nero in the 1966 film Django, this tough and brave cowboy travels through various frontier towns, dispensing his own brand of justice.

In 2012, 46 years after the original, Quentin Tarantino directed his own take on the iconic character in Django Unchained. This time, Django—portrayed by Jamie Foxx—is a former slave determined to rescue the woman he loves. Tarantino’s admiration for the Django legacy shines through in the film; in one memorable scene, both Nero’s and Foxx’s versions of Django appear together in a symbolic greeting.