The Film Lover’s Guide to Movies Shot in Philadelphia

When it comes to the (very Jeopardy-sounding) topic of “movies made in and/or about Philadelphia,” there’s usually just one word on everyone’s lips: ROCKY! It’s a fact known by just about everyone that the multi-film saga of the scrappy pugilist is a Philly institution. Lest you forget, you only need to stroll by the steps of the Art Museum to see at least one ambitious soul scaling the steps while “The Eye of the Tiger” plays on their phone. Then there’s the Rocky statue, which is a primo stop on the Selfies of Philly walking tour. Rocky = Philadelphia. It is known. Sly Stallone even mentioned recently on his Instagram that he was planning to shoot the latest installment of the series, a “Creed” sequel, soon.

The camera loves Philadelphia, as a spate of films created in and around the City of Brotherly Love will attest.

But Philadelphia cinema is about more than just the seminal 1980s boxing movie. At the Llanerch Diner, where a scene from “The Silver Linings Playbook” was shot, servers are still wearing t-shirts with Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper’s faces emblazoned on them. The Oscar-winning romantic comedy was shot in and around Philadelphia.

Then there’s every M. Night Shyamalan film ever, most prominently “The Sixth Sense.” The director loves him some Philadelphia, and prominent city filming locations can be discerned by watching the movies.

“The Age of Innocence” took place largely in New York, but its filmmakers hit Philadelphia for one key scene where the movie’s star, Daniel Day Lewis, begins a love affair with the character played by Michelle Pfeifer. For the backdrop to an opera scene, Philadelphia’s Academy of Music was chosen. In the end product, it flowed seamlessly with scenes shot in New York and Paris.

We can’t forget about 2005’s “In Her Shoes,” in which Toni Collette and Cameron Diaz played sisters. Collette’s character had a love of shoes and a condo overlooking Rittenhouse Square. Several Philadelphia locations were used in the movie, including the Jamaican Jerk Hut on South Street.

And that’s just a few of the many movies that Philadelphia has to her name. What’s your favorite Philly film?