What’s up, movie and TV fans!
When people think about Chicago in movies and shows, a few scenes usually come to mind right away. But you’d be surprised at how often Chicago inspires many scenes we see on the screen.
We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and after spending years helping people buy and sell homes across Chicago, you start to notice how often the same streets, stations, and buildings pop up in the background of things you have watched for years. For us, as soon as we see something that looks like Chicago, it jumps right out. Sometimes the scripts are written to be set in our city, while other times they pretend to be a different city altogether (even though we know it’s really Chicago).
We pulled together a short list of the best examples and grouped them into simple categories so you can spot them faster the next time you are watching. This isn’t the full list, because there are a lot of references to Chicago in film and television, but these are the most notable.
Chicago As Itself
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Let’s start off with a classic. This was filmed almost entirely on location in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The movie moves through the city during a regular weekday, passing from the Art Institute of Chicago to Wrigley Field to downtown streets. Remember the scene where Ferris leads a rousing “Twist and Shout” performance? That was filmed during an actual parade on Dearborn Street, with real spectators lining the sidewalks.
The Fugitive
Many scenes in the movie were shot in active public spaces in Chicago. Harrison Ford’s character runs through a St. Patrick’s Day parade filmed downtown and passes the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza. He also makes a call under the Wells Street Bridge and evades U.S. Marshals at the Chicago Hilton. Union Station appears during the film’s climax, using the real staircases and concourse rather than a recreated set.
The Untouchables
Key scenes in this film were shot in Chicago to capture the 1930’s vibe of Prohibition. The Union Station staircase sequence was shot inside the real station. Additional scenes feature the Chicago Board of Trade building and the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Even Capone’s “teamwork” monologue was shot in the historic Blackstone Hotel.
While You Were Sleeping
This one was filmed throughout Chicago with the CTA (and Sandra Bullock as a token collector) woven directly into the story. Scenes were shot on L platforms and trains, and Daley Plaza appears during winter sequences, including the ice rink. And you’ll see neighborhood footage filmed in areas like Logan Square.
My Best Friend’s Wedding
This movie, featuring Julia Roberts, used Chicago as an active setting across the entire story. There was a memorable scene on a your boat in the Chicago River, a karaoke bar in Chinatown, and the big wedding inside Union Station’s Great Hall. There are even appearances by the Fourth Presbyterian Church and Wrigley Field.
High Fidelity
Much of this story was about an indie record store in Wicker Park. The store exterior was filmed on Milwaukee Avenue & Honore St. Scenes include the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview and the Green Mill jazz club in Uptown.
Candyman
A horror film rooted in Chicago’s urban legends. Candyman’s story is tied to the Cabrini-Green public housing project, and director Bernard Rose actually shot for three days inside Cabrini-Green to make it authentic. (The rest was on soundstages.) The plot centers on a grad student researching the supernatural in this notorious Near North Side neighborhood, highlighting real issues of segregation and housing.
Backdraft
A firefighter action-drama that follows two Chicago Fire Department brothers. You’ll see scenes at a real Chicago firehouse and dramatic fire sequences across the city. Memorable moments include an engine roaring across the Michigan Avenue Bridge and a climax set in a chemical factory. The film captures Chicago’s proud firefighting tradition.
The Blues Brothers
Another classic movie that famously showcases Chicago landmarks. Jake and Elwood race through downtown in a climactic car chase, including Lower Wacker Drive and a final dash to the Richard J. Daley Center with dozens of police in pursuit. Dan Aykroyd called Chicago “one of the stars of the movie” and a tribute to the city. Notable scenes include a shopping mall car chase (filmed at the now-closed Dixie Square Mall in Harvey, IL) and a cameo of Wrigley Field’s marquee.
The Break-Up
Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston play a couple fighting over their condo. Shot entirely in Chicago, featuring Wrigley Field (Vaughn’s character works as a tour guide at Wrigley), the Art Institute (date scene), and upscale Old Town, where their apartment is located.
The Color Of Money
If you’ve ever had a passion for pool, you’ll remember this classic film with Tom Cruise and Paul Newman. In the movie, they hustled other players in Chicago pool halls. Lincoln Park’s Chris’s Billiards was the location for pool matches. The ending, a big 9-ball tournament, is set in Atlantic City but was actually filmed in Navy Pier’s ballroom.
Chicago In Disguise
The Dark Knight
As most people know, this movie was filmed extensively in Chicago, even though the story is set in Gotham City. Major sequences were shot along Lower Wacker Drive, at the Old Chicago Post Office, and throughout the Loop. We see Batman atop the Willis Tower overlooking the skyline. And Wayne Enterprises in the film is actually 330 N. Wabash (IBM Building).
Batman Begins
This film also used Chicago for several Gotham scenes. Lower Wacker Drive appears again during night chase sequences, and elevated train tracks in the Loop were used to stand in for Gotham’s transit system. Chicago’s downtown alleys and architecture set the tone for Batman’s urban playground.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
The third Transformers film’s climax is a massive battle that wrecks downtown Chicago. Filmed on location, it shows giant robots fighting amid Chicago’s skyline. The Autobots make a stand on Michigan Avenue as the Chicago River and landmarks like the Jewelers Building are devastated. This film truly put Chicago center stage in a blockbuster action sequence.
Chicago-Based Television Shows
There are a lot of TV shows that were either set in Chicago, or set and filmed in Chicago.
ER – Set in Chicago, with occasional location filming
This long-running medical drama is set at the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago. Though filmed mostly on L.A. soundstages, ER used Chicago for establishing shots, like the real Cook County Hospital exterior and the downtown skyline.
Chicago Hope – Set in Chicago, filmed in LA
This hospital drama was set at a high-end Chicago hospital. It wasn’t filmed on location, but characters referenced working in Chicago’s Loop and the rivalry with “County.”
Good Times – Set in Chicago
While filmed on a soundstage, the opening credits famously show Cabrini-Green’s high-rises. The Evans family’s struggles and triumphs were among the first depictions of life in a Chicago public housing community on TV.
Family Matters – Set in Chicago
Set in the city’s west side, it frequently mentions Chicago places. Exterior shots include the Winslows’ Victorian house (filmed at an actual Chicago house in Lincoln Park). And of course, Steve Urkel’s and the family’s life make many Chicago references.
Perfect Strangers – Set in Chicago
It highlighted Chicago’s landmarks in credits. The characters worked at the fictional Chicago Chronicle newspaper. While taped in L.A., it firmly established its setting with stock footage of the Chicago River, Loop, and references to Chicago life.
Married With Children – Set in Chicago
The Bundy family lives in the fictitious Chicago suburb of New Market, Illinois. The show makes many Chicago references. Al Bundy often wears a Chicago Bears jersey. It wasn’t filmed locally, but occasionally showed establishing shots of the city and Soldier Field.
The Bob Newhart Show – Set in Chicago
Set in a high-rise apartment and an office near Michigan Avenue, it used Chicago establishing shots (the John Hancock Center appears as his apartment building). Episodes reference the Chicago Cubs, commuting on the L, and Chicago’s everyday quirks.
Hill Street Blues – Filmed in Chicago
This drama never outright names its city, but it’s heavily implied to be Chicago-like. The precinct exteriors were filmed at an old Chicago police station on Maxwell Street, and squad cars had Chicago-style markings. Many establishing shots (L tracks, gritty streets) were Chicago, though production was also in L.A.
Here are some other shows with connections to Chicago that you can look up on your own to find some fun facts. We simply couldn’t fit them all in this article!
- According To Jim
- Early Edition
- Crime Story
- Shameless
- Empire
- The Good Wife
- Power Book IV: Force
- Chicago Fire
- Chicago P.D.
- Chicago Med
- Chicago Justice
- The Chi
- The Bear
- Sense8
- Parks And Recreation (The Finale)
- Orange Is The New Black (Season 2 Premiere)
- South Side
- Work In Progress
- Station 11
- Lovecraft Country
- Columbo: “Fade To Murder”
Final Thoughts
We find it pretty cool that Chicago has appeared on screen for decades, whether as itself or as a fictional city. Our city has a tremendous history that really shines through in shows and blockbuster movies.
Are you thinking about calling Chicago home, or planning on making a move between neighborhoods? We would love to be your Chicago real estate connection!
Reach out to the Ben Lalez Team, and we’ll be happy to help!
