Pasadena is popular for filming movies and shows due to its diverse locations and beautiful scenery. Pasadena is home to various architectural styles, including Victorian, Craftsman, and Art Deco, which provide unique backdrops for filming.
Pasadena is also located near several other popular filming locations in Los Angeles, making it convenient for production companies to hold their basecamp.
Movies Filmed in Pasadena
Pasadena’s beautiful neighborhoods and stunning landmarks have been featured in numerous movies. Some notable films shot in the area include:
- Oppenheimer (2023) – Oppenheimer used the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Gold Room for a scene where he sat at a desk and answered questions while surrounded by reporters.
- Back to the Future (1985) – Back to the Future used the Gamble House as the exterior of Doc Brown’s mansion.
- Father of the Bride (1991) – The Banks family home is a private residence on El Molino Avenue.
- La La Land (2016) – Several scenes were filmed on and near the Colorado Street Bridge.
- Changeling (2008) – Several scenes were filmed at All Saints Episcopal Church and Pasadena City Hall.
- Daddy Day Care (2003) – Charlie’s home
- Pulp Fiction – (1994, Kendall Alley in Downtown Pasadena)
- Yes Man (2008) – Rose Bowl
- Seabiscuit (2003)
- Rumor Has It… (2005)
- The Kid (1921)
- Ask Me Anything (2014)
- Columbo
- Goodbye Lover (1998)
- Hole (II) (2010)
- Arsène Lupin (1932)
- Framed (1990)
- Paper Moon – (1973 – Kendall Alley in Downtown Pasadena)
- The Sting – (1973 – Kendall Alley in Downtown Pasadena)
- Live Free or Die Hard – (2007 – Kendall Alley in Downtown Pasadena)
- The Bells of Hell (2018)
- Cops – (1922 – The formal gate in the opening and closing scenes was filmed at the Jewett Estate)
- Duck Soup (1933 – Lily pond south of the home and the driveway turnaround beside the home entrance at the Jewett Estate)
Television Shows Filmed in Pasadena
Several television shows have featured Pasadena homes, universities, and public spaces. Some popular shows filmed in Pasadena are:
- The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) – Pasadena is not only the setting for the show; several exterior shots were filmed around the city.
- Parks and Recreation (2009-2015) – The popular comedy series often showcased Pasadena’s City Hall as a stand-in for the fictional city of Pawnee, Indiana.
- Mad Men (2007-2015) – Don Draper’s childhood home in the critically acclaimed drama is a Pasadena residence.
- Station 21 (2022) – Wedding scenes and chase scene All Saints Church
- Alias (2003), episode: Countdown
- Bronk (1975), episode: Betrayal
- Full House (1995), episode: Leap of Faith
- Homefront (1991), episode: S.N.A.F.U.
- Mission: Impossible (1971), episode: The Visitors
- Remington Steele (1983), episode: Steele in Circulation – The Langham Hotel
- The Waltons (1980), episode: The Pledge
- The Mentalist (2009), episode: The Scarlet Letter
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2010), episode: Hunted
- The Amazing Race (2012), episode: Double Your Money
- Dynasty, Lilly pond fight scene between Krystal and Alexis
Commercials Filmed in Pasadena
Pasadena’s streets and stunning architecture also attract commercial shoots. Recently, major brands such as Toyota, Nissan, and Coca-Cola filmed commercials in Pasadena.
Music Videos Filmed in Pasadena
Pasadena offers a variety of filming locations that lend themselves to music videos. The Colorado Street Bridge is a popular filming location.
- Lana Del Rey’s 2012 song “Summertime Sadness.”
Movies and shows filmed at the Langham, Huntington Pasadena
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles, has been a popular filming location for numerous movies and television shows. Its historic architecture, gilded ballrooms, private cottages, and beautiful gardens have made it an attractive backdrop for filming.
- The Parent Trap (1998)
- Lovelace (2013)
- Seabiscuit (2003)
- Swing Shift (1984)
- War and Remembrance (1988–1989)
- Murder, She Wrote: A Story to Die For (2000 TV Movie)
- Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! (2012 Video)
- The 76th Annual Academy Awards (2004 TV Special)
- Broadminded (1931)
- Natale a Beverly Hills (2009)
- The 77th Annual Academy Awards (2005 TV Special)
- The Yankee Girl (1915)
- The Sleep Walker (1922)
- The Real World: Tenth Anniversary Special (2000 TV Movie)
- The Bachelorette: Ashley and JP’s Wedding (2012 TV Movie)
- Living Better with Carrie Wiatt (1998– )
- The Say U.N.C.L.E. Affair (1986)
- Hard Rock Roller Coaster (1973)
- The Mexican Connection (1976)
- Hotel of Dreams (1984)
- Phoenix Rising (1986)
- Cold Turkey (1993)
- Murder in Milan (1992)
- The Club Murder Vacation (1983)
- Psych-Out (1983)
- Doc’s Big Idea (1977)
- Virtù e Fortuna (2018)
- Vanishing Point (2018)
Movies and shows filmed at Caltech in Pasadena
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a popular location for filming movies and television shows.
Caltech was featured in an episode titled “Do Not Push” from the sixth season of the comedy series “Modern Family,” which aired on ABC. In the show, Alex Dunphy, portrayed by Ariel Winter, is a student at Caltech.
Big Bang Theory was filmed at Caltech’s Athenaeum and residences owned by Caltech. Caltech physicists who are friends and roommates is a central theme of “The Big Bang Theory,” a hit comedy series that received several Emmy Awards.
“Numb3rs,” aired on CBS, focused on a math genius from a university based on Caltech who helps his FBI agent brother solve crimes in each episode. Caltech’s campus was often used for filming the show, and Gary Lorden, a retired mathematics professor, provided consultancy for the series.
“Interstellar,” which won an Academy Award, had a direct connection to Caltech through Kip Thorne, a retired professor of theoretical physics, who was an executive producer and continues collaborating with Christopher Nolan, the movie’s director.
The “Real Genius” from 1985, starring Val Kilmer, tells the story of a brilliant young scientist based on a Caltech undergraduate. It is set at a fictional university resembling Caltech.
Other television shows that used the Caltech campus or facilities include “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,” and “Jay Leno’s Garage,”. Caltech was also the location for movies “Man of Steel,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “The X-Files,” “The West Wing,” “Legally Blonde,” “Entourage,” “Greek,” and “Mission: Impossible.”
Pasadena Landmarks in Films
Pasadena is a city rich in history, architecture, and natural beauty. It has been a popular filming location for many films, television shows, commercials, and music videos. This article will focus on two major aspects that make Pasadena a go-to choice for filmmakers – historic architecture and public parks & spaces.
Historic Architecture
Pasadena has long been known for its unique, classic architecture, which makes it a popular filming location. Of these architectural gems, the Gamble House and Blacker House stand out. Designed by architects Greene & Greene, these Craftsman-style homes have been featured in several films, such as “Back to the Future” and “Blade Runner 2049.”
Another notable building is Pasadena City Hall, with its exquisite domed structure and beautiful courtyard. This iconic building has appeared in various films and television shows, including “The Big Bang Theory,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Charlie’s Angels.”
The historic Colorado Street Bridge is another well-known Pasadena landmark that has made its way into movies like “La La Land” and “Gone with the Wind.” Its unique Beaux-Arts style and impressive length have made it a recognizable city symbol.
Pasadena Public Parks and Spaces
Pasadena’s public parks and spaces have provided many memorable backdrops for various film productions. One such location is Huntington Library, a sprawling estate with a library, art collections, and botanical gardens. Its elegant architecture and gardens have made it a popular location for films such as “The Wedding Planner” and “Memoirs of a Geisha.”
Another notable public space is Old Pasadena. This historic district, known for its beautiful brick buildings, outdoor cafes, and trendy shops, has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including “Seinfeld,” “The Holiday,” and “No Strings Attached.”
Movies and shows filmed in Pasadena.
Pasadena is a popular place for filming movies and shows due to its diverse range of locations, beautiful scenery, and film-friendly community. Pasadena’s unique architectural styles provide a variety of backdrops for filming, and its proximity to other popular filming locations in Los Angeles makes it a convenient place for production companies to base their operations.
