10 Movies and TV Shows To Help You Get Familiar With Philadelphia

Moving to a new city can be nerve-racking but knowing a bit more about what the city offers can help you get through this transition. If you’ve decided to make Philadelphia your new home, a lot awaits you. If you come from a big city such as New York City, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the more affordable cost of living in Philly. A probably less glamorous but useful aspect you should get acquainted with is the local self storage scene. Why? Because this service is invaluable when moving and even after you’re settled down into your new home. To give you an idea of what the City of Brotherly Love offers in this department, know that there are about 70 self storage facilities in Philadelphia.

Beyond the cost of living, housing and job opportunities, a city is also defined by its culture. And what better way to get familiar with it if not by watching movies filmed locally? Philadelphia might be almost a world away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood, but many famous movies were filmed here.

Here’s a list of 10 movies and TV shows to help you get to know Philadelphia:

1. Rocky (1976) and its sequels

The quintessential film that spells Philadelphia, ”Rocky” centers around the story of a working-class man – Rocky – as he finds his path as a boxer. The movie follows his quest for success as he challenges the long-standing champion Apollo Creed. The internal turmoil that results turns into a story of perseverance that came to define Philly culture. Filming locations for ”Rocky” include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Kensington (especially 1818 East Tusculum St.), Philadelphia City Hall and the Italian Market.

Art Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

After the third installment of the ”Rocky” series, a statue of the main character was erected on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. The sequels span six ”Rocky” films and two “Creed” Creed films following the son of Apollo Creed, plus a third “Creed” movie recently announced.

2. Trading Places (1983)

Trading Places is a fun watch not only because it’s a comedy but because it portrays an intriguing storyline. It’s a modern take on the classic Prince and the Pauper, where a homeless man played by Eddie Murphy takes the place of a Wall Street broker played by Dan Akroyd. Various film scenes parade through many Philly locations such as the Union League, the Curtis Institute and Rittenhouse.

3. Mannequin (1987)

With a stellar cast featuring Andrew McCarthy, Kim Cattrall and Estelle Getty, this movie is great if you want to watch a rom-com set in Philadelphia. It’s about a 1980s window display designer concerned with his work until he realizes his displays become alive. He falls in love with the mannequin that the world sees as ordinary. As expected, complications ensue. Even though the movie catches many Philly locations, the most notable ones are John Wanamaker’s department store (Macy’s in Center City today) and the Gallery at the corner of 11th and Market.

4. Sixth Sense (1999) and the other M. Night Shyamalan films

Made by Philly native and prolific filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense is his breakthrough thriller. It starred Bruce Willis, the psychiatrist who meets the troubled boy played by Haley Joel Osment. This first meeting takes place inside St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church in Old City.

The other movies by M. Night Shyamalan also pay homage to Philly as they were filmed here. For instance, ”Unbreakable” features scenes filmed at the University of Pennsylvania stadium, Immaculate Conception Church, the Curtis Center and more. ”Split” was filmed at the Philadelphia Zoo, the Silk City Diner and the Fisherman Restaurant, among others.

People watching animals at the Philadelphia Zoo

5. Invincible (2006)

The 2006 film depicts the real-life story of Vince Papale, a Philly native who goes from being a bartender to a Philadelphia Eagles player. He actually played for the team from 1976 to 1978. Be prepared for a touching story that goes well beyond the sports world. It shows grit, compassion, hope and aspiration – all values that are part of the Philly ethos.

The movie was shot throughout various Philly locations, with Franklin Field being an iconic one. It’s where Papale scores a touchdown in the final scene. Pat’s King of Steaks and 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue are other locations featured in the film.

6. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

“Law Abiding Citizen” is a crime drama starring Jamie and Gerard Butler. It centers around a man’s quest for justice for the murder of his family. Holmesburg Prison in Northeast Philadelphia served as the setting for the prison scenes in the movie as well as the City Hall. Interestingly enough, Michael Nutter – who was mayor at the time – has a quick cameo in the film. Moreover, 8215 Torresdale Avenue is another Philly location featured in the same production.

Swann Memorial fountain with City Hall in the background in Philadelphia

7. Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

If you haven’t seen “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen”, you’re in for a treat: the sci-fi blockbuster received high praise for its visual effects and action scenes. It focuses on a college student who tries to save the world, aided by a group of alien robots that can turn into cars. It was filmed in various Philadelphia locations, including the University of Pennsylvania campus, Laurel Hill Cemetery and Delaware Power Plant.

8. Silver Linings Playbook

A movie adaptation of the novel by Matthew Quick and highlights the struggles of a man trying to build his life after leaving a mental institution. He ends up living with his parents and gets the help of Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) for something important. Bradley Cooper, who brought this character to life, was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in this movie. Philly’s Llanerch Diner is featured in the movie alongside the Wells Fargo Center parking lot and the Ballroom at the Ben where the dance competition was filmed.

9. Thirtysomething

For an 80s and early 90s throwback, kick back and relax while you watch ”Thirthysomething”, a TV show about characters – you guessed! – in their 30s trying to find their way in life. The show enjoyed excellent reception and racked up 13 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards over the span of its four seasons. Lower Merion School, 301 E. Montgomery Avenue and Ardmore are Philly locations that get screentime on the show.

10. How to Get Away With Murder

Set in Philadelphia, the show follows lawyer and law professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), who teaches at the fictional Middletown University in Philadelphia. Besides the City Hall, other Philly locations are featured in some scenes, such as the Philadelphia County Correctional Facility, Philadelphia Police Department and more.

Which Philly movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.