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Dawn of the Dead- 1978

  Featuring a Philadelphia SWAT Team and all the blood and guts that go along with a zombie movie, Dawn of the Dead was an instant classic that spawned the gorey, cult films that have become so popular with teenage kids who live in their parents basements and play D&D (i.e. me). 



Blowout- 1981

  John Travolta plays a soundman who hears evidence that a car accident was really murder. Wow, 1981 was really scraping the bottom of the plot barrel. We're not going to lie, we never saw this one and probably never will. Though, it's only saving grace is that it took place in Philly. 


Trading Places- 1983

  Trading Places is perhaps the most well-known comedy to have been shot in Philly. Featuring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd before they became mere husks of comedian, the film has a few exterior shots of our beautiful city though it's the 80's so everything looks slanted and weird.  


Witness- 1985

  Where else would you shoot a movie featuring a young Amish boy who witnesses a murder at 30th Street Station? The film also shot in Lancaster, Strasburg and, our favorite, Intercourse PA!


Philadelphia- 1993

  Perhaps the most memorable film to have been shot in Philly (besides Rocky) is Tom Hanks' unforgettable film, Philadelphia (ok, this one is sort of no brainer.) We must admit, this one is a little too depressing for a second look.


Se7en- 1995

  Most people are probably thinking this film took place in a West coast city and they would be right. But if someone, like myself, were to have the DVD and bonus features, they would know there is an alternate ending in which Tracy Mills (Gwyneth Paltrow) goes back to Philly. Nevertheless, fans agree Kevin Spacey is definitely the best serial killer out there.


12 Monkeys- 1995

  Another crazy film featuring Brad Pitt, 12 Monkeys is another one of Terry Gilliam's epic productions. Shot in Philly and Baltimore, the production was plagued by Philly's harsh, winter weather. Bonus: To study for his role as a mental patient, Brad Pitt even spent a few weeks at Temple Hospital. Oh, this is doing wonders for our reputation. 


Fallen- 1998

  Denzel plays a Philadelphia detective who somehow stumbles upon an evil force that can jump from whatever human host it inhabits (not the PPA). Check out the DVD for a number of exterior shots in Philly and pretty forgettable film too!


The Sixth Sense- 1999

  For better or worse, M. Night Shyamalan loves his twists. He also loves shooting his movies in Philly (I be he loves Philly pretzel twists!). Though we have to admit, it was really awesome when he did Unbreakable the Sixth Sense back to back. But it all went downhill from there (The Happening, Lady in the Water, etc.).


National Treasure- 2004

  National Treasure was a decent movie (despite what your hipster friends say), but it definitely started Nicholas Cage’s slide from the top from the top of the acting world. Oh well, he finds so much hidden stuff in Philadelphia that it makes me want to go to Old City right now and start pulling up cobble stones.


The Woodsman- 2004

  While you may not see any distinguishing Philly facades, The Woodsman was shot in Kevin Bacon's hometown, Philadelphia. To be truer to his character, Kevin Bacon made sure to thicken up his now non-existent Philly accent that was killed by fame and focus groups many years ago.




Shadowboxer- 2005

  There's not really much to say other than this film takes place in Philly. Shadowboxer is just another one of Cuba Gooding Jr's horrible films since Jerry Maguire. Man, talk about fallin' off.




10th and Wolf- 2006

  10th and Wolf is the quintessential Philly film that you've never seen. Taking place in South Philly, the film portrays the life and times a true South Philly boy who winds up getting in with the mafia. Violence and great drama then ensue. Be sure to check this one out if you haven't seen it yet as it is not only a great film but a Philly Philm.




Invincible- 2006

  Another film starring Marky Marky, I mean Mark Wahlberg, Invincible examines the real life story of when the Eagles drafted Vince Papale. Your parents probably remember when this happened so be sure to watch it them and make them feel really old.




Shooter- 2007

  Featuring one really memorable Philly cop and a great chase down Girard, Shooter is one of the best films to have been shot in Philly. Though they're actually not in our city for that long, the action and shots of recognizable Girard storefronts flying by Marky Mark's head are exciting to see. I mean Mark Wahlberg.




The Wrestler- 2008

  Local wrestling fans probably already know that The Wrestler had certain, well, wrestling scene shot at The Arena in Philadelphia. We've never been there because we hear wrestling is fake.




The Happening- 2008

  We get it: The film sucked. But hey, that doesn't take away from the fact that it was shot in Rittenhouse Park! Ok, maybe it does!




Law Abiding Citizen- 2009

  I'm sorry, but this movie was seriously messed up. There are shots in Philly but only between the crazy, mad-scientist like murders Gerard Butler somehow pulls off from a prison cell.




Lovely Bones- 2009

  This book was really good and it did take place in Norristown, PA, but I’ll include it in this list. But Peter Jackson's disturbing movie adapation. couldn’t do this awesome book justice.



 
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