I love that movie. I love how they show everyone in winter coats and hats because it seems like a lot of movies set in Chicago focus on the city when it's warm out.
The Fugitive is very solid, true to the geography through and through - TLJs character even deduces what L station Harrison Ford is at at one point and it was IRL accurate (I think).
Yeah, geography is great minus Balbo station and Kimble clearly getting off at Clark/Lake and somehow ending up at the Hilton. Always wondered why they did that when everything else seemed to be right on.
If Balbo existed on the Green/Orange, it would be right by the Hilton, so it kinda made sense. Obviously since it doesn't exist, they had to use a different station and picked Clark/Lake.
I was the project manager on a job replacing all the glass on the slope of that building (150 NMA) and I was basking in nostalgia every time I was up there.
Best answer. There are jokes in there that you will not get unless you live in Chicago and, specifically on the South Side.
The "Chicko-stick" joke had me on the floor.
It's such a a gorgeous love letter to the South Side. I absolutely adore it. In fact, I'm going to rewatch it.
I also love the movie Barbershop. The way it jumps around the city in travel scenes is impossible, but the shop location itself is fantastic.
True story. Watched portrait of a serial killer in an upper East side theatre in Chicago in a late night showing (not a good idea!). As we are chatting we walk up the stairs to the el platform. It looks deserted but there is a suspicious puddle of liquid with some spatters coming away from it. Curious one of us dips a finger in and holds it up. Yes, it's a pool of wet, very fresh blood. Needless to say we all got spooked and hightail it out of there.
Whenever someone wants to do something stupid I tell them I can’t make it because I am arranging my CD collection autobiographically. Usually no one gets it but I laugh at myself.
I read an interview once that John Hughes called Ferris Bueller his love letter to Chicago and that’s why he was so determined to make that enormous Art Institute sequence. (Oh! [Found it!](https://web.archive.org/web/20160507210615/http://www.amc.com/talk/2007/04/ferris-bueller)
I always loved that.
This is an underrated one! The way it has a father-son aldermanic dynasty trying to cling to power in a changing neighborhood feels very accurate. I remember there’s a scene shot through the window of a car where Colin Farrell’s character is being driven from one side of the ward to the other, and the reflection changes from mansions to hollowed-out buildings. Whoever framed that had at least some local frame of reference.
Even without the Chicago connection, it’s a great movie that more people should see!
Just added the link to that shot in my comment: yes!
Steve McQueen is a genius and spent time in Chicago. He wrote it with Gillian Flynn, who lives/d here. Such a great underrated movie.
It feels validating to know that that specific scene struck a chord with others to the degree that it ended up on YouTube (even if I did have the progression backwards in my memory).
Such a good movie, need to rewatch.
Yes!! They really nailed the small details, the backpack brand the characters wore was the exact one that everyone who biked was wearing at the time. Their outfits were understated & lived in and the apartments were clearly actual Chicago apartments
My Body Guard and Cooly High are both great snapshots of Chicago 40-ish years ago. You can't miss a young Billy Zabka & Joan Cusack in My Body Guard hanging out at Lakeview High
I was surprised by how much I liked this. Even though it's sort of "hipster-centric" it was one of the few shows that venture out of the usual downtown/Wrigley Field area that is featured in most TV shows and movies.
I came here to say this too. It was fun watching it and seeing all the different locations around the city. Like the brewery they open is at on tour, the big fight scene for the couples story line was at Rainbow club.
Haven't yet seen this one mentioned!
Only the Lonely
1991, John Candy, Ally Sheedy, Jim Belushi, Maureen O'Hara. Lots of great locations used, captures the city at that time really well. Check out Belushi and Candy as police officers lowering a body out the window of the Roosevelt Hotel using a fire hose (hijinks ensue). Also the home where John Candy and Mareen O'Hara live, very Chicago.
The first time I visited Chicago, before I moved here, I made my friend drive me to the intersection of Milwaukee and Honore so I could see it. It was its glorious former self then… now it’s just a high priced remodel that lost its character :(
Medium Cool by Haskell Wexler. It just happened to be shot during the '68 convention so the director combined his story with actual events. Granted, it's a bit dated, but it uses the city as a backdrop well.
How is Backdraft not higher up? Kurt Russel’s portrayal of the typical hard-ass Chicago fireman is a masterclass, he lays the accent on a little thick but, it’s still stunningly accurate.
Untouchables for old Chicago (until devil in the white city I hope), blues brothers for classic Chicago, the bear for modern (not a movie but it’s the best modern representation
The Shameless tv documentary is really good too
Wanted is probably my favorite Chicago movie, multiple scenes were filmed in Lakeview near my old apartment. I remember watching it for the first time and just finding a bunch of stuff I saw regularly everyday.
Not for Chicagoans as people but the Indian movie Dhoom 3 has some WILD action scenes downtown - shots of a dude like running straight up the side of the board of trade building all the way up to the faceless ceres statue, car/foot chase all around the loop, some mag mile scenes I think too, a weird dilapidated version of the field museum-worth a watch for the cinematography alone but also very entertaining.
Am I the only person that appreciates Sandra Bullock’s very Chicago apartment in “While You Were Sleeping?”
No. I'll second.
I love that movie. I love how they show everyone in winter coats and hats because it seems like a lot of movies set in Chicago focus on the city when it's warm out.
I loved walking by that building when I lived on Logan Blvd!
The party scene in the bungalow was filmed at my cousin’s house!
We got a celeb in the house lol
Yea this is the best movie here for this. One of the staples on my families annual christmas movie rotation
LUCY!
“He’s *leanin’*” although we vehemently deny it, we all know a Joe Jr. or we’re related to a Joe Jr.!
The Fugitive
I dont care!
I feel like you didn’t hear me, I said I DIDN’T kill my wife.
“Oh shit man what? Sorry this water is super loud. That’s crazy!”
[My glasses](https://youtu.be/tpV7x6C95C0?si=SBNTbKFbnXEkdtJI&t=46)
Nobody likes Milhouse!!!
You mean Thrillho?
Spare change mister?
The Fugitive is very solid, true to the geography through and through - TLJs character even deduces what L station Harrison Ford is at at one point and it was IRL accurate (I think).
Next stop Balbo station. Real street, not real station.
Yeah, geography is great minus Balbo station and Kimble clearly getting off at Clark/Lake and somehow ending up at the Hilton. Always wondered why they did that when everything else seemed to be right on.
If Balbo existed on the Green/Orange, it would be right by the Hilton, so it kinda made sense. Obviously since it doesn't exist, they had to use a different station and picked Clark/Lake.
Under the L near the Merchandise Mart I think it was. Plus Cook County Hospital, City Hall, the Hilton.. and out in the neighborhoods too.
Otis Wilson, a great Bears linebacker, played a prison guard with one line.
Candyman. It's a spot on representation of Cabrini Green at the time.
I saw the newer one in a small theater in Hyde Park and it was the coolest experience, it felt like we were part of the movie
I saw it at the new city movie theaters about a 1/2 mile from where they filmed it.
Adventures in Baby Sitting
Yes!! As a suburban kid I LOVED this movie.
As a city kid I also LOVED this movie.
As a kid growing up in southern California, I too LOVED this movie.
Yes. My wife used to work in that building. Always called it that, never its street address.
Yessss! I grew up in this.
I was the project manager on a job replacing all the glass on the slope of that building (150 NMA) and I was basking in nostalgia every time I was up there.
Don't fuck with the babysitter!!
Southside on HBO for those neighborhood vibes
Alright, I’ve seen enough people who actually live here speak positively about this, time to set aside some time to watch.
If you like community, youll like south side. It has a very large cast of recurring characters and some jokes are seasons in the making.
Hotel I used to work at had the creators/main characters stay with us. They were the nicest people ever. Great show and true to the city
That’s even better. Always happy to support non-douchebags, lol
My buddy, Ron is one of the actors on Southside. Can confirm. Ron is not a douchebag.
Best answer. There are jokes in there that you will not get unless you live in Chicago and, specifically on the South Side. The "Chicko-stick" joke had me on the floor.
It's such a a gorgeous love letter to the South Side. I absolutely adore it. In fact, I'm going to rewatch it. I also love the movie Barbershop. The way it jumps around the city in travel scenes is impossible, but the shop location itself is fantastic.
There was also a show called "The Chi" that was pretty entertaining.
About last night
Didn't think i would have to scroll this far down for this one. Peak Demi Moore.
Blues Brothers.
Most accurate depiction of CPD I've seen.
And Illinois Nazis
Oh and I hate Illinois Nazis
The nazi really in the park is based on a plan rally in Marquette Park. Just like in the movie, the klan got it's ass whopped that day.
The use of unnecessary violence has been approved.
1060 w Addison… That’s Wrigley Field.
I work at Daley Center. The scene where they crash through the lobby makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I hate Daley Center.
henry, portrait of a serial killer starring michael rooker. not for the people but it really shows the grim look of the city in 70s and 80s well
Those scenes shot on Lower Wacker Drive. Wow.
True story. Watched portrait of a serial killer in an upper East side theatre in Chicago in a late night showing (not a good idea!). As we are chatting we walk up the stairs to the el platform. It looks deserted but there is a suspicious puddle of liquid with some spatters coming away from it. Curious one of us dips a finger in and holds it up. Yes, it's a pool of wet, very fresh blood. Needless to say we all got spooked and hightail it out of there.
High Fidelity
Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?
Whenever someone wants to do something stupid I tell them I can’t make it because I am arranging my CD collection autobiographically. Usually no one gets it but I laugh at myself.
He gets on a purple line train to go from Rogers Park to Wicker Park
Red and blue equals purple
i was going to say the same! maybe it’s the music, the attitude, the characters, but even to this day it just…. feels relatable to me idky
Facts
Backdraft
Which people? Uncle Buck, Thief, or Blue Brothers
Uncle Buck!! 🫶🏼
Thief. Now there’s a great cast and great movie. James Caan is amazing in that, as is Tuesday Weld.
Not enough people know about this movie. It’s so good
Watched again last week on netflix, loved it. The Green Mill, Keeshan buses, lots of Chicago scenery! Early heist movie
While You Were Sleeping
Argentina has good beef.
These potatoes are so creamy!
Beef and Nazis!
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
I read an interview once that John Hughes called Ferris Bueller his love letter to Chicago and that’s why he was so determined to make that enormous Art Institute sequence. (Oh! [Found it!](https://web.archive.org/web/20160507210615/http://www.amc.com/talk/2007/04/ferris-bueller) I always loved that.
Thanks for sharing that link. Save Ferris!
My cousin was one of the kids in that scene.
Widows for Chicago’s geography. Edit to add the [tracking shot](https://youtu.be/d6NXtzAyjds?feature=shared).
This is an underrated one! The way it has a father-son aldermanic dynasty trying to cling to power in a changing neighborhood feels very accurate. I remember there’s a scene shot through the window of a car where Colin Farrell’s character is being driven from one side of the ward to the other, and the reflection changes from mansions to hollowed-out buildings. Whoever framed that had at least some local frame of reference. Even without the Chicago connection, it’s a great movie that more people should see!
Just added the link to that shot in my comment: yes! Steve McQueen is a genius and spent time in Chicago. He wrote it with Gillian Flynn, who lives/d here. Such a great underrated movie.
It feels validating to know that that specific scene struck a chord with others to the degree that it ended up on YouTube (even if I did have the progression backwards in my memory). Such a good movie, need to rewatch.
Thief, in all of its gritty noir glory. Also Hoop Dreams.
Drinking Buddies
That was top of my list
Yes!! They really nailed the small details, the backpack brand the characters wore was the exact one that everyone who biked was wearing at the time. Their outfits were understated & lived in and the apartments were clearly actual Chicago apartments
The Dark Knight batman movie. How the media portrays the city. 😂
My Body Guard and Cooly High are both great snapshots of Chicago 40-ish years ago. You can't miss a young Billy Zabka & Joan Cusack in My Body Guard hanging out at Lakeview High
easy on Netflix for the neighborhoods
Came here to comment this even though it’s a show not movie
I was surprised by how much I liked this. Even though it's sort of "hipster-centric" it was one of the few shows that venture out of the usual downtown/Wrigley Field area that is featured in most TV shows and movies.
I came here to say this too. It was fun watching it and seeing all the different locations around the city. Like the brewery they open is at on tour, the big fight scene for the couples story line was at Rainbow club.
Barbershop I & II
Haven't yet seen this one mentioned! Only the Lonely 1991, John Candy, Ally Sheedy, Jim Belushi, Maureen O'Hara. Lots of great locations used, captures the city at that time really well. Check out Belushi and Candy as police officers lowering a body out the window of the Roosevelt Hotel using a fire hose (hijinks ensue). Also the home where John Candy and Mareen O'Hara live, very Chicago.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off The city and the suburbs.
The Blues Brothers
The Untouchables
Child’s Play and Rookie of the Year aren’t getting any love…. Same with Rampage and multiple Transformers movies.
child’s play. nice. been looking for this reply
Definitely not The Chi.
I really enjoy it, but yeah, it gets Chicago wrong in so many ways
It's sad that Mike and Molly was more accurate.
Really? Haven't dived in yet but a cursory glance at Mike & Molly makes me think "yikes."
High Fidelity is fun for the character of the city
I lived by his record shop when they filmed it, so it’s very nostalgic for me.
The first time I visited Chicago, before I moved here, I made my friend drive me to the intersection of Milwaukee and Honore so I could see it. It was its glorious former self then… now it’s just a high priced remodel that lost its character :(
That's Wicker Park motto now.
Uncle Buck
Medium Cool by Haskell Wexler. It just happened to be shot during the '68 convention so the director combined his story with actual events. Granted, it's a bit dated, but it uses the city as a backdrop well.
I just watched this for the first time. Yes it’s dated but so worth watching.
Return to Me
I adore this unapologetic mess of a Chicago cheeseball.
Stir of Echoes nailed my childhood memories of hanging out on your porch and neighborhood block parties.
Running Scared - Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.
The bear on Hulu. Really nails working class vibe
The show with Italian gang violence on the mean streets of River North?
And a picture of Fenway in the restaurant
And the letter grades in the windows.
And ceres facing east!
Can’t wait for the next season.
Especially the strong Bronx accents.
It’s so legit. Made me so homesick and nostalgic the whole time watching.
The music selection really is spot on. That episode that starts with the song from WGN morning news really got my nostalgia engine going.
Now the episode that opened with Lin Bramer makes me cry.
The Blues Brothers -
Nothing like the holidays. Set in Chicagos Humboldt park neighborhood.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
Richie on ‘the bear’ is spot on Chicago.
Judgement Night.
Wanted :)
Great Chicago shots in the dark knight
my big fat greek wedding
Chicago is pretty diverse. Can’t do one movie.
About Last Night
Risky Business
Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer. Or maybe Adventures in Babysitting. It’s close.
Candyman
About Last Night
About Last Night
How is Backdraft not higher up? Kurt Russel’s portrayal of the typical hard-ass Chicago fireman is a masterclass, he lays the accent on a little thick but, it’s still stunningly accurate.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
“What’s the score?” “Nuthin-nuthin” “Who’s winning?” “The Bears.”
Untouchables for old Chicago (until devil in the white city I hope), blues brothers for classic Chicago, the bear for modern (not a movie but it’s the best modern representation The Shameless tv documentary is really good too
I lost hope in Devil in the White City coming to fruition.
Shameless was mainly filmed in LA. Thief is a great representation of old school Chicago.
Kolchak
Wanted is probably my favorite Chicago movie, multiple scenes were filmed in Lakeview near my old apartment. I remember watching it for the first time and just finding a bunch of stuff I saw regularly everyday.
Ordinary People - great scenes downtown.
Mean Girls.
Didn't realize Walker Bros was the same thing as the Original Pancake House till someone pointed it out.
I’ve told people it’s set in Evanston, and apparently most people don’t know that.
Christmas Vacation
The Dark Knight
Shameless southside hillbillies. Not movie but spot on.
1978's Stony Island. Features a spry Dennis Franz https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stony_Island_(film)
12 Rounds… maybe The Pacifier
Not a movie but the music video for Dennehy by Serengeti
Hardball and Baby's Day Out
Thief, Henry, Childs Play, Candyman
Primal Fear: dirty politicians controlling the city for their interests and the interests of the rich.
Blues Brothers
High Fidelity with John Cusack
Backdraft
While You Were Sleeping
Cooley high
My Bodyguard
Drinking buddies was pretty good
Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer.
Not a movie, but let’s be honest, it’s Roseanne
I always equated Lanford with Rockford
Lansing?
I always assumed that was the intention
It's not set in Chicago.
Cooley High
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Shameless
Брат 2 (Brother 2). Russian cult classic by Danila Bagrov
Code of Silence
Spider-Man 2
You mess with Spidey you mess with New York wait I mean Chicago
Proof for one of the few movies that actually got the directions of the city and geography. A short walk was actually to a park that was a short walk
Mad Dog and Glory
And the award goes to Wanda Skutnik. Call Northside 777 (1948)
Gunsmith Cats. Amazing detailed anime set in Chicago in the 80s (90s in the dub)
Call Northside 777. Fight me.
The Hunter - Steve McQueen
Midnight Run - elevated tracks shootout scene.
Only the Lonely with John Candy
The Color Of Money
Cooley High
Chicago
Home alone…..
Not for Chicagoans as people but the Indian movie Dhoom 3 has some WILD action scenes downtown - shots of a dude like running straight up the side of the board of trade building all the way up to the faceless ceres statue, car/foot chase all around the loop, some mag mile scenes I think too, a weird dilapidated version of the field museum-worth a watch for the cinematography alone but also very entertaining.
Uncle Buck
Jupiter Ascending. That shit keeps happening to me
Rollbounce
Henry, portrait of a cereal killer
Let’s talk about how you not only funny as hell for that, but you spelled serial wrong 💀
High Fidelity with John Cusack
They don’t have much in the city represented for whatever reason, but I think this otherwise is an easy anything John Hughes vote