Here is a look at the top movies that have made Philadelphia a star, from undisputed classics to modern favorites.
The Undisputed Champion: Rocky (1976) & The Creed Franchise
No list of Philadelphia movies can start without the Italian Stallone. Sylvester Stallone's Rocky is more than a film; it's a part of the city's DNA.
- Iconic Moment: The training montage culminating in Rocky's triumphant run up the 72 stone steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Today, running "the Rocky Steps" and visiting the bronze statue at the bottom is a rite of passage for visitors.
- Local flavor: The film takes you through the Italian Market in South Philly, past Kensington's elevated train tracks, and into the heart of working-class Philadelphia. The recent Creed films have continued this legacy, showcasing a modern Philly while paying homage to its boxing roots.
The Psychological Thrillers of M. Night Shyamalan
Filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, who grew up in the area, has made Philadelphia a central character in his universe of suspense.
- The Sixth Sense (1999): This iconic ghost story features several local landmarks, including the historic St. Augustine Catholic Church in Old City.
- Unbreakable (2000), Split (2016), & Glass (2019): This superhero trilogy uses the city as a grounded setting for extraordinary events. Key scenes were filmed at Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania and 30th Street Station.
- A Local Touch: Shyamalan's production company is based outside the city, and he consistently chooses to film in the region, making him one of Philadelphia's most prominent cinematic ambassadors.
A Comedy Classic: Trading Places (1983)
This beloved comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd is a hilarious look at class differences, set against the backdrop of Philadelphia's financial district and affluent neighborhoods.
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Key Locations: The film showcases Rittenhouse Square, the historic Union League, and a grand townhouse on Delancey Place. It's a perfect time capsule of 1980s Philadelphia.
The Powerful Drama: Philadelphia (1993)
Director Jonathan Demme's Oscar-winning film tackled the AIDS crisis with grace and power, using the city as a stage for a legal and moral battle.
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Real Locations: The film famously shot many scenes on location, including inside City Hall, at a law office in the Mellon Bank Center, and at the Famous 4th Street Delicatessen.
A Modern Love Story: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
This romantic comedy-drama starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence captured the unique energy of the Philadelphia suburbs and the obsessive passion of Eagles fans.
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Delco Pride: Filmed largely in Delaware County ("Delco"), just outside the city, the movie features local landmarks like the Llanerch Diner in Upper Darby, which has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the film.
Filming Now: What's Next for Philly?
The cameras haven't stopped rolling. The Philadelphia region continues to attract major productions.
- Sylvester Stallone was set to return in the summer of 2024 to film a new movie, The Epiphany.
- A new film titled Cheesesteak starring Mark Wahlberg was recently looking for extras in the area.
- The locally set and shot teen comedy Delco: The Movie is slated for a release in late 2024 or 2025, promising a "love letter" to the unique culture of Delaware County.
From the Liberty Bell in National Treasure to the dystopian streets of 12 Monkeys, Philadelphia's diverse architecture and neighborhoods continue to inspire filmmakers. The next time you watch a movie, keep an eye out—you might just recognize a corner of your own city.