Movies old and new, funny and dramatic, all have their own effect on our lives. Some films stick with us for life and remind us of the importance of laughter, love, and family—teaching us invaluable lessons. Watching a movie over and over is one way to keep the magic of a film alive, but going to the location where the cameras rolled and the story came alive is another thing entirely. These movie locations are something special, and take us back to when we experienced the film for the first time.

• Rocky | Philadelphia, PA

  visitphilly.com

  Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

  For fans of boxing, perseverance, the city of Philadelphia, or a true underdog tale, visiting the Rocky steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must-do if you find yourself in the city. The movie was filmed throughout the City of Brotherly Love, but this locale is by far the most recognizable to fans of the movie—even to people who haven’t seen the film. Located near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, both the steps and the Rocky statue are just a short distance from Center City.

  As you run, walk, or jump at the top of the steps of the art museum, be sure to remember when Sylvester Stallone did the same in the early morning hours. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Rocky himself—in the form of a statue, of course. Though it is frequently moved, it remains near the bottom of these iconic steps.

• A Christmas Story | Cleveland, OH

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  A holiday movie classic, A Christmas Story has its own twenty-four-hour marathon on television for a reason. While it is famously based in Indiana, the filming took place at 3159 West 11th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. Open all year round (with overnight stays available for diehard fans), this house has been restored to its original appearance from the film.

  You can tour the property for an immersive experience or visit the museum right across the street. Don’t forget to pick up some memorabilia along the way, such as a leg lamp, bunny pajamas, or a decoder pin.

• Groundhog Day | Woodstock, IL

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  Image of Woodstock, Illinois, via Google

  Twenty-five years later, this out-of-the-box comedy is still a fan favorite. The filming took place in Woodstock, Illinois, although the story centered around Punxsutawney Phil’s stomping grounds in rural Pennsylvania. Finding the perfect location for Groundhog Day was another thing entirely. It ended up taking the location manager countless trips to find the ideal, timeless backdrop for this film.

  After looking at sixty other locations, Woodstock was chosen as the best filming spot. You can relive the movie’s iconic moments through a walking tour of the town—including the Woodstock Square Historic District, home to the Opera House (or the Alpine Theater, as it’s known in the movie). With the movie being filmed in the dead of winter, residents assisted in keeping the cast and crew warm with heaters from their homes, and the people of Woodstock continue to commemorate this special day in a celebration all their own.

• Dirty Dancing | Pembroke, VA, and Rutherford County, NC

  mtnlakelodge.com

  We all know and love the Kellerman Resort—the setting for one of the best dance stories ever told, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. But you won’t find Kellerman in the Catskills of New York. It actually resides in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia at a resort known as the Mountain Lake Lodge. This popular vacation spot has themed weekends throughout the year, many of which are inspired by the ‘80s film. They also have various outdoor activities, as well as knowledgeable staff who enjoy quizzing visitors on their Dirty Dancing trivia.

  Continue to Rutherford County in North Carolina for another Dirty Dancing signature shooting location—Lake Lure. Much like the Mountain Lake Lodge, tours are available with the lake’s boating company to fully experience certain filming spots.

• Serendipity | New York, NY

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  This romantic comedy starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack was filmed throughout many notable New York City locations, but Serendipity 3 is a particular standout for fans of this early 2000s rom-com. The Upper East Side hot spot is famed for its frozen hot chocolate and other extravagantly indulgent desserts (including a $1,000 sundae laden with edible gold). Travel to East 60th Street for a little something sweet, but be prepared to stand in a line—it’s well worth the wait.

  Central Park was also a prime spot for this film—with the skating rink as an integral part of this love story for the ages. Venture to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel next to take in more of this romantic comedy gold, and don’t forget to take a stroll in Bloomingdale’s afterwards (maybe the glove department in particular) to experience the full magic of Serendipity.

Films both old and new make their marks on the locations in which they take place. It’s something special to be able to go to where these magical movies were filmed and to experience the sentiment of these spots for yourself.

Share the movie joy with this guide to filming location magic!

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