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Jessica Lee

Iconic Filming Locations

Most feature films continue to be enjoyed for a variety of reasons, the suspenseful plot, the action, and the charismatic actresses and actors. However, one of the hallmarks of all great movies lies in their setting, a rolling English countryside, a mystical forest, or New York City at night. That continues to be why fans traverse many cities and countries to visit iconic sets.


Locations like Times Square can be great destinations for movie fans. Photo by Jessica Lee.

Harry Potter

Arguably one of the most recognizable franchises in cinematic history, the magical and mystical world of Harry Potter takes place in the United Kingdom, specifically Great Britain. Fans of the story will remember many events taking place in the rambling, historical edifices of Hogwarts and seeing the characters go to King’s Cross every year to board the Hogwarts Express. Luckily for them, those places do actually exist in London.

Oxford University in London served as the set of many scenes in Harry Potter, from staircases to most famously, the Great Hall, inspired by Oxford’s Christ Church College, where characters would get sorted into houses, dine, and dance. Another famous location where Potterheads can go to take photos would be King’s Cross Station in London. The busy train station housed a secret entrance to the magical platform of 9 and ¾ in the movies, and today, many fans go to the station to take pictures and partake in Harry Potter themed souvenir shops and treats.


The Hunger Games

North Carolina residents may not know this, but the entirety of the Hunger Games took place in western North Carolina, in areas like Ashevillle and Charlotte. One such location would be Charlotte’s Convention Center, where tributes first saw the glittering Capitol, riding in on ornate chariots. Fans of the dystopian adventure films who want to get a close look at areas of the Arena and appreciate nature should head to Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, to see exactly where Katniss saves Peeta in the rocky lake, an area called Triple Falls.


Full House

Fans of the series remember the feeling of nostalgia brought whenever the opening scene of Full House played, displaying a bright, colorful row of intricately designed, Victorian houses before zooming in on the Tanner family and their relations. Those houses exist in real life in San Francisco’s Alamo Square, known to visitors as the Painted Ladies. The scenic row of seven homes, while not being the actual home of the Tanner Family, remains a favorite of fans, and can be visited.


Today, as the world becomes more and more digital, going to visit sentimental landmarks of favorite films or TV shows may bring happiness. While these locations can be great starts to a cinematic journey, fans continue to be more than welcome to track down locations of their favorite shows.


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