53 Movies You Might Not Know Were Filmed in Cleveland

American Splendor (2003)

Local filming locations: Cleveland, Lakewood
This unconventional comic book-meets-reality narrative was based on works of the same name by Harvey Pekar; his comics focus on life in Cleveland. Since his character in the film also resides in the city, that makes American Splendor one of the few flicks to not only be filmed here, but acknowledge its real setting.

Photo via Youtube

My Friend Dahmer (2017)

Local filming locations: Cleveland, Chagrin Falls, Solon, Vermillion and Lakewood
Based on the graphic novel/memoir from Northeast Ohioan John Backderf aka Derf, this film looks at serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s teenage years growing up in Bath and attending Revere High School outside of Akron. The film was shot at Euclid Square Mall, Bob’s Hamburg in Akron and other locations around town.

Photo via Film Screenshot

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Local filming locations: Cleveland, Rocky River
This sequel to 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger essentially serves as a tour of downtown Cleveland, if you know what to look for. The film shot at Tower City, Lake View Cemetery, Euclid Avenue and other spots around town, not to mention the fact that the Cleveland Museum of Art represents SHIELD headquarters.

Photo via BagoGames/Flickr

The Bye Bye Man (2017)

Local filming locations: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Richmond Heights
The Bye Bye Man marked another 2017 horror flick that made use of Cleveland and its surrounding areas, though this was released back in January (and notably less well-received than Wish Upon ). Director Stacy Title told The Plain Dealer that the experience, which included shooting in the Cleveland Public Library and Cleveland Heights area, was "fantastic" and "beautiful." We'll take it.

Photo via The Paw Print

The Avengers (2012)

Local filming locations: Cleveland, North Olmsted
Perhaps the most well-known of all superhero movies filmed downtown, The Avengers shut down parts of the city in 2011 while filming its penultimate fight scene, meaning Cleveland played an important part in kicking off the Marvel extended universe.

Photo via Marvel Database

Antwone Fisher (2002)

Local filming locations: Cleveland
The tale of a local kid made good, Antwone Fisher reminded audiences that Halle Berry isn't Cleveland's only connection to Hollywood. The movie tells the real-life story of Fisher, who survived a youth riddled with abuse, violence, and crime to become a heralded memoirist and, with this script, an equally heralded screenwriter. Thanks to newcomer Derek Luke's turn as Fisher, first-time director Denzel Washington -- who also plays the psychiatrist who helps Fisher mend -- delivers a film that we guarantee will stand the test of time better than anything Halle's done, or will do.

Photo via Film Screenshot

A Christmas Story (1983)

Local filming location: Cleveland
This 1983 Christmas classic split its filming time between Cleveland and Canada, but is most synonymous with its familiar local settings — particularly the Parker family home, which you can visit in Tremont year-round, seven days a week.

Photo via s_herman/Flickr

Air Force One (1997)

Local filming location: Cleveland
Cleveland building exteriors may not scream "Eastern royalty" or "Moscow" to you, but those behind Air Force One thought differently. This iconic 1990s action movie's palace in Kazakhstan is actually Case Western Reserve University, and Severance Hall and Cleveland City Hall are also featured in its opening sequence.

Photo via Roger Ebert

Against the Ropes (2004)

Local filming locations: Cleveland
While this film may be forgettable, the cast is certainly eye-opening. Kerry Washington, Tim Daly, Tony Shalhoub, Charles S. Dutton, Meg Ryan and Omar Epps all starred in this 2004 boxing film that was shot in town.

Photo via Film Screenshot