19 Famous Boston Locations from Movie Scenes

Boston has been the backdrop of many incredible films over the years. And although the city has changed, you can still stroll the streets and identify spots where famous actors like Robin Williams, Kiera Knightley, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and others have recited their lines.  Do you love a film that’s not on this list? Let me know! <a href="mailto:celina@thebostoncalendar.com">celina@thebostoncalendar.com</a> or comment below on the Joyraft app. MOVIES 1) The Boston Public Garden - Good Will Hunting <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728796/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.001_wnkfdj.jpg"> Where: Back Bay Info: ‘Good Will Hunting’ is basically a love letter to Boston, but you can recreate one of its most iconic scenes in the Boston Public Garden where they filmed Robin Williams’ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM-gZintWDc">famous monologue</a> to Matt Damon. You can sit on that exact bench near 13 Arlington Street. 2) Boston Common - Glory <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728796/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.002_x7awkw.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: This historical drama starring Denzel Washington tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first all African-American regiments in the Civil War. Scenes from the movie were filmed on the Boston Common and you can see the memorial by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens across from the State House. 3) Mount Auburn Cemetery - Gone Baby Gone <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728798/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.003_yhwylm.jpg"> Where: Harvard Square Info: ‘Gone Baby Gone’ was Boston native Ben Affleck’s directorial debut, and it was based on a book by Boston local Dennis Lehane. So, of course, it was filmed locally. Mount Auburn Cemetery is one of the locations featured as two private investigators hunt for an abducted child. [<a href="https://www.mountauburn.org/gone-baby-gone-filmed-at-mount-auburn/">Photo</a> by Mount Auburn Cemetery] 4) Harvard Yard - Love Story <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728799/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.004_zyvgvq.jpg"> Where: Harvard Square Info: You’ve probably heard the famous line from this film, ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry.’ In this film an old money Harvard student falls for a working-class Italian-American Radcliffe student and a heart-wrenching forbidden romance ensues. Early scenes are filmed in Harvard Yard.  5) The Tobin Bridge - Mystic River <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728797/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.006_px3ihn.jpg"> Where: Charlestown Info: Another film inspired by a Dennis Lehane book of the same title, ‘Mystic River’ follows a complex murder mystery involving three neighborhood friends from Charlestown. The film features scenes set all over Boston including poignant shots of the Tobin Bridge connecting Charlestown to the rest of the city. 6) Polish American Club - Black Mass <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728798/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.007_tumimo.jpg"> Where: Dorchester Info: Though Southie was Whitey Bulger’s primary territory, ‘Black Mass’ the film about the notorious gangster starring Johnny Depp, was mostly filmed in Dorchester. The Polish American Club there was styled to look like a number of different bars and meet points in the film.  7) Fenway Park - Fever Pitch <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728798/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.008_cqkxjn.jpg"> Where: Fenway Info: It’s hard to think of a more classic Boston love story than ‘Fever Pitch’ where love of the Red Sox is as important as the romantic entanglement depicted. Many scenes between protagonists Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore were filmed in Fenway Park.  8) City Hall Plaza - The Holdovers <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728798/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.009_xjkpm1.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: ‘The Holdovers,’ which was recently shouted out at the Oscars, was filmed in Worcester, Boston and Deerfield Massachusetts. In one particularly identifiable scene the two protagonists walk through City Hall Plaza and down towards Faneuil Hall while visiting Boston.  9) Suffolk University Law Library - The Departed <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711729204/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/odnv.001_fgv7wh.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: You may remember the beautiful views of the State House from Matt Damon’s apartment in ‘The Departed.’ Those scenes were actually shot in the Suffolk University Law Library.  10) Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology - Boston Strangler <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728801/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.010_jqdpnq.jpg"> Where: South End Info: The recent film about the Boston Strangler starring Kiera Knightley was filmed primarily in the South End. A lot of the police station scenes were filmed inside the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. [<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/keira-knightley-boston-strangler-filming-south-end/">Photo</a> by WBZ-TV] Fun fact: <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3058632/">my cousin</a> is a stunt double and he “strangled” Kiera Knightley in this film. What a day at work.  11) Peddocks Island - Shutter Island <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728799/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.011_jvlxgc.jpg"> Where: Boston Harbor Info: Dennis Lehane makes another appearance! ‘Shutter Island,’ the iconic film based on his book was filmed on Peddocks Island, one of the Boston Harbor Islands. You can take the ferry out there during the summer season and see the buildings that made up the mental institution in the film (they were actually historically military buildings).  12) South End Buttery - Spotlight <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728800/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.012_vhhad8.jpg"> Where: South End Info: In one memorable scene from the ‘Spotlight’ film, Rachel McAdams’ character Sacha Pfeiffer, a Boston Globe reporter, meets with a source at the South End Buttery. Fenway Park, The Boston Public Library, and the former Boston Globe offices also appear in the film.  13) Harvard University - Legally Blonde <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728800/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.013_o2q7fw.jpg"> Where: Harvard Square Info: ‘Legally Blonde’ was not actually filmed at Harvard or even in Massachusetts, but the classic movie still deserves a shoutout. I think we can speak for all Bostonians in saying we would be honored to have Elle Woods in our midst.  14) Thirsty Scholar Pub - The Social Network <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728800/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.014_an6f8i.jpg"> Where: Somerville Info: In ‘The Social Network,’ Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) gets dumped by his girlfriend in this local favorite pub just over the border between Cambridge and Somerville. Local legend is that Zuckerberg also made plans for the creation of Facebook in the pub.  15) Museum of Fine Arts - Don’t Look Up <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728801/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.015_m4g0gn.jpg"> Where: Fenway Info: Although this social and political satire doesn’t take place in Boston, several scenes were filmed here, including some in the Back Bay Fens and a rally scene shot at the Fenway entrance of the Museum of Fine Arts. [<a href="https://www.facebook.com/100064481482536/posts/10158232602422321/">Photo</a> by Museum of Fine Arts] 16) Monument Square - The Town <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711739084/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/bunker_hill.001_byshgq.jpg"> Where: Charlestown Info: The crime thriller, ‘The Town,’ follows a gang of local bank robbers led by Ben Affleck’s character Doug and much of the action takes place in Charlestown at Monument Square, home of the famous Bunker Hill Monument. TV SHOWS  17) Cheers Bar - Cheers <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728801/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.016_n3mdgb.jpg"> Where: Beacon Hill Info: The pub that used to stand here, Bull &amp; Finch Pub, was the joint that inspired the hit TV shot ‘Cheers.’ Now it’s become an homage to that long running series and the interior has been completely decked out to replicate the ‘Cheers’ set.  18) 500 Boylston Street - Boston Legal <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728802/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.017_wc0hsj.jpg"> Where: Back Bay Info: The iconic facade of 500 Boylston Street (which has since been altered, with the classic columns removed) was the opening shot of the ‘Boston Legal’ TV series. None of the rest of the show was filmed here.  19) Newbury Street - Sabrina the Teenage Witch  <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1711728802/famous%20movie%20locations%20in%20boston/famous_movie_locations_in_boston.018_i1todb.jpg"> Where: Back Bay Info: Although Sabrina the Teenage Witch wasn’t filmed in Boston, it’s set in a Boston suburb and in the later seasons Sabrina goes to college in Boston. Although her school is fictional, she dates someone from Emerson. In the later seasons opening credits she’s shown on Newbury Street and in front of Union Oyster House.  -- Photo by Steven Watson @thepieddogwalker: <a href="https://bit.ly/3x5fjv3?fbclid=IwAR38x3kYBmgBjiDUfEBJ5PTz3-guxT5tfCxKWIERF-_GO_fQiZRwJOumbm0_aem_AW4Dx9J1RIGr3FfYFYpFT-uZ4MuKEvg8sbLZ3qVIm2hBspP8-dqqd3ahP5aJHTUijOINkbkbiwqjJCoCoz_d4Qvh">bit.ly/3x5fjv3</a>

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

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Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

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S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

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S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

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19 Famous Boston Locations from Movie Scenes

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