Philadelphia is the setting for ample award-winning and cult classic films and television shows. From comedy and romance to drama and horror, all genres of motion picture projects take place in Philly. From before the 80s leading up to the present day, the city of brotherly love has had quite the filming traffic. Check out the following television shows and films to catch scenes set in Philadelphia.
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Released in 2022, Hustle stars Adam Sandler as a basketball scout who takes a chance on a Spanish basketball player that higher-ups have no faith in. Sandler's character trains his prodigy player, hoping to secure an NBA contract for him as an independent scout. The movie takes place in Philadelphia, with a few scenes captured in Spain. Netflix
This 2008 film follows Tina Fey's character, Kate Holbrook, through her journey of sacrificing everything for her career to find herself pining for a baby as a late thirty-something-year-old. After learning that she is unable to conceive, she enlists the service of a surrogate, portrayed by comedian and actor Amy Poehler. Familiar Philadelphia spots showcased in the movie include University of Pennsylvania Hospital and Love Park. Peacock TV
Nicholas Cage portrays Benjamin Franklin Gates, who learns of hidden treasure belonging to his family. He follows scattered clues throughout the U.S. and pursues risky challenges that lead him to the next clue. Scenes of National Treasure take place at Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Washington Square and The Franklin Institute. Disney+
The cult classic Rocky took the film industry by storm in 1976. Sylvester Stallone portrays Rocky Balboa, a passionate boxer who collects debts to keep afloat. The struggling fighter goes against bigshot boxer Apollo Creed to climb the ranks in the ring. Recognizable spots in Philadelphia, such as Independence Hall, Pat’s King of Steaks and Philadelphia Museum of Art, appear in the film. Netflix
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One of the many sequels, Creed, also highlights Philadelphia locations including, Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, Huntingdon Valley and Max’s Steaks. Creed follows Rocky Balboa as he mentors the son of his former nemesis, Apollo Creed. Michael B. Jordan and Stallone co-star alongside each other for the thrilling striving for success story. Amazon Prime
Philadelphia native and heartthrob Bradley Cooper plays lead Pat Solintano, who moves back in with his mother and father while attempting to win back his ex-wife. He unexpectedly meets Tiffany, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, and the two connect on their mutual aspirations to overcome their respective mental health challenges. Several Philadelphia locations set the scene for the moving story, including Ridley Park, Upper Darby and Norristown in the Metropolitan area of Philadelphia. Roku
M. Night Shyamalan grew up in Penn Valley and filmed his mind-bending trilogy, which consists of Unbreakable, Split and Glass, in Philadelphia. The series of thrillers stars A-list talent Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis and James McAvoy and features scenes set at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Convention Hall and Civic Center, Silk City Philly, 30th Street Station and more. Amazon Prime
Season five of the reality television show Queer Eye follows the fab five, a team of queer personalities who travel to different cities to pull featured subjects out of ruts with entire-life makeovers. Jonathan Van Ness tackles hair and beauty, Tan France revamps clothing and style, Antoni Porowski improves nutrition and health, Karamo Brown uplifts culture and self-identity and Bobby Berk reconstructs interior designing. The self-improvement team visits Philadelphia residents to deliver much-needed life boosts in West Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Fishtown, Delaware County and Germantown. Netflix
As the name suggests, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia takes place in Philly. A group of friends comically struggle to operate a pub in this sitcom television show. The show incorporates locations like Geno’s Steaks, Pat’s King of Steaks and Philadelphia Java Company. Hulu
Viola Davis takes on the role of a professor with a concentration on criminal defense who incorporates her law students to solve perplexing murder cases. Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia County Correctional Facility, Philadelphia Courthouse and City Hall are some of the many settings involved in the making of How to Get Away with Murder. Netflix
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