A collection of iconic films that showcase Chicago’s unique backdrop, bringing the city’s streets, skyline, and character to life on screen. These are the movies I love watching for their unforgettable scenes set in the Windy City.
This is a great movie! It features many Chicago landmarks, with the city standing in for Gotham. Notable scenes include Lower Wacker Drive and Navy Pier.
The Dark Knight
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You'll find great scenes including the Art Institute, Wrigley Field, and the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower).
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
One of the best films every! You'll see iconic Chicago locations like the Richard J. Daley Center and Maxwell Street.
The Blues Brothers
The film is primarily set in the suburbs, but it's a holiday classic that includes scenes from O'Hare International Airport.
Home Alone
Check this out for great large-scale action sequences set in Chicago, with famous sites like Trump Tower and Michigan Avenue.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
This is one of my favorite romantic comedies - it shows the Chicago River, the Fourth Presbyterian Church, the Drake Hotel, and other spots.
My Best Friend's Wedding
This classic film gives insight to Chicago history and about Eliot Ness and Al Capone with epic scenes at Union Station and the Chicago Board of Trade, giving a sense of 1930s Chicago.
The Untouchables
Who doesn't love Tom Cruise? Scenes at Northwestern University and along the North Shore show a bit of Chicago’s suburban landscape.
Risky Business
Great guy flick with drama that brings viewers into the world of Chicago’s Fire Department, featuring locations like Station 18 and the Chicago River.
Backdraft
Harrison Ford stars in this thriller, with scenes in the Chicago Hilton, the old Cook County Hospital, and a memorable St. Patrick’s Day Parade chase.
The Fugitive
This romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock includes many Chicago locations, such as the Daley Center and Wabash Avenue Bridge, highlighting the city’s winter charm.
While You Were Sleeping
I loved this dystopian thriller series. It features a futuristic take on Chicago landmarks, including the Willis Tower and Navy Pier, that reimagines the city’s skyline.
The Divergent Series
This comedy about a babysitting adventure gone wrong features Chicago’s skyline and various city locations, including the “L” train, for a fun portrayal of the city at night.
Adventures in Babysitting
What I love most about this film is that it brings viewers into Chicago’s indie music scene, with locations like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Lakeview.
High Fidelity
Though set in a futuristic version of Chicago, this sci-fi film starring Will Smith features landmarks like the city's skyline and the futuristic, iconic architecture of Millennium Park.
I, Robot
Swoon! This romantic drama starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock is set in Chicago, with scenes at the beautiful Maple Lake in the nearby suburbs.
The Lake House
See Chicago’s elevated train system (the "L") played a memorable role in this film!
