Chicago has been the setting for many of Hollywood’s most memorable films. From crime dramas to romantic comedies, the Windy City has played host to a wide range of stories and characters over the years. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 10 of the most iconic movies filmed in Chicago and explore some of the interesting facts behind each one.
Each film is unique in its own way, showcasing different aspects of Chicago’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of these films or simply a lover of all things Chicago, this post is sure to leave you entertained and inspired!
1) The Dark Knight (2008)
| Year Filmed: | 2008 |
| Director: | Christopher Nolan |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart |
| Genre: | Action/Crime |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. PicturesBox Office Gross:$1.004 billionAwards:2 Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for Heath Ledger, Best Sound Editing), 4 BAFTA Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards, numerous other awards and nominations |
The Dark Knight is a superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader. The film was shot on location in Chicago and several other cities around the world, including Hong Kong and London. The Dark Knight was a critical and commercial success, earning over $1 billion at the box office and becoming the first comic book movie to reach that milestone. The late Heath Ledger won a posthumous Academy Award for his chilling performance as the Joker, solidifying his place as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
2) The Blues Brothers (1980)
| Year Filmed: | 1980 |
| Director: | John Landis |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cab Calloway |
| Genre: | Action/Comedy/Music |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Box Office Gross: | $115 million |
| Awards: | None |
The Blues Brothers is a musical comedy directed by John Landis and stars Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as Jake and Elwood Blues, two brothers on a mission from God. The film features a number of famous musicians in supporting roles, including James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles. The film’s memorable car chase scene was filmed on the streets of Chicago and involved over 100 police cars. The Blues Brothers was a commercial success and has become a cult classic, inspiring countless musicians and filmmakers in its wake.
3) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
| Year Filmed: | 1986 |
| Director: | John Hughes |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Box Office Gross: | $70 million |
| Awards: | None |
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a coming-of-age film written and directed by John Hughes and stars Matthew Broderick as Ferris, a high school student who decides to skip school for a day of adventure in Chicago. The film is considered one of the greatest coming-of-age films of all time and has become a cult classic. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off features a classic Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, which was driven by Matthew Broderick’s character Ferris, and has since become one of the most iconic cars in film history.
4) The Break-Up (2006)
| Year Filmed: | 2006 |
| Director: | Peyton Reed |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn |
| Genre: | Romance, Comedy |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Box Office Gross: | $205 million |
| Awards: | None |
The Break-Up is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Peyton Reed and stars Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn as a couple going through a breakup. The film was shot on location in Chicago, with several scenes filmed in famous landmarks such as Wrigley Field and the Chicago River. The Break-Up received positive reviews for its performances and has become a staple of romantic comedies in the years since its release.
5) Home Alone (1990)
| Year Filmed: | 1990 |
| Director: | Chris Columbus |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | Macaulay Culkin |
| Genre: | Comedy, Family |
| Studio: | 20th Century Fox |
| Box Office Gross: | $476 million |
| Awards: | None |
Home Alone is a family comedy written and produced by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus. The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. Home Alone was a massive box office success, becoming the highest-grossing live-action comedy film of all time and spawning several sequels. Home Alone has since become a holiday classic, regularly aired during the Christmas season.
6) Road to Perdition (2002)
| Year Filmed:2002Director:Sam MendesLead Actor/Actress:Tom Hanks, Paul NewmanGenre:Crime, DramaStudio:DreamWorks PicturesBox Office Gross:$181 millionAwards:Academy Award for Best Cinematography, BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography, Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score |
Road to Perdition is a crime drama set during the Great Depression and is based on the graphic novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, who both received critical acclaim for their performances. Road to Perdition was shot on location in Chicago, as well as other locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ireland. The film’s cinematography, particularly the use of light and shadows, received praise and contributed to the film’s moody and atmospheric tone. Road to Perdition was a commercial and critical success and solidified Tom Hanks and Paul Newman’s status as two of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
7) Risky Business (1983)
| Year Filmed: | 1983 |
| Director: | Paul Brickman |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay, Curtis Armstrong |
| Genre: | Comedy/Drama |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Box Office Gross: | $63 million |
| Awards: | None |
Risky Business is a coming-of-age comedy directed by Paul Brickman and stars Tom Cruise in his breakout role as Joel Goodsen. The film follows Joel as he navigates the ups and downs of teenage life in suburban Chicago. Risky Business was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish Tom Cruise as one of Hollywood’s leading men. The film’s famous scene featuring Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear has since become one of the most iconic movie scenes of all time.
8) The Fugitive (1993)
| Year Filmed: | 1993 |
| Director: | Andrew Davis |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward |
| Genre: | Action/Crime/Drama |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Box Office Gross: | $368 million |
| Awards: | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Tommy Lee Jones, BAFTA Award for Best Actor for Harrison Ford |
The Fugitive is a crime thriller directed by Andrew Davis and stars Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man who is wrongly accused of killing his wife and goes on the run to clear his name. The film was shot on location in Chicago and features several scenes filmed at famous landmarks such as the Chicago El and the Chicago River. The Fugitive was a critical and commercial success and received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
9) The Color of Money (1986)
| Year Filmed: | 1986 |
| Director: | Martin Scorsese |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio |
| Genre: | Drama/Sport |
| Studio: | Touchstone Pictures |
| Box Office Gross: | $52.3 million |
| Awards: | Academy Award for Best Actor for Paul Newman, BAFTA Award for Best Actor for Paul Newman, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Paul Newman. |
The Color of Money is a sports drama directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson, a legendary pool player who takes a young up-and-coming player (Tom Cruise) under his wing. The film was shot on location in Chicago, with several scenes filmed at local pool halls and bars. The Color of Money was a commercial success and received several Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor nomination for Paul Newman.
10) Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
| Year Filmed: | 2001 |
| Director: | Steven Soderbergh |
| Lead Actor/Actress: | George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts |
| Genre: | Crime/Thriller/Comedy |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Box Office Gross: | $450.7 million |
| Awards: | None |
Ocean’s Eleven is a heist film directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon as a team of criminals who plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos. The film was shot on location in Las Vegas and includes several scenes filmed in Chicago, including the iconic scene where the team visits the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). Ocean’s Eleven was a commercial and critical success and spawned two sequels, as well as several imitators and homages.
Other Movies Filmed in Chicago?
These are just 10 of the many iconic films that have been filmed in Chicago over the years. From classic comedies to thrilling dramas, the Windy City has provided the backdrop for some of Hollywood’s most memorable moments.
Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or just a movie lover, these films offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the city on the big screen.
