As the fourth most populated city in California, of course there are going to be some amazing movies filmed in San Francisco. The city is known as the Golden City thanks to the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. It has a rich history with its architect, especially for the Painted Ladies, which have steep roofs, elevated porches, and patterned surfaces.
It has beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and also amazing food of different cuisines, from their iconic tacos to the Moroccan restaurants. So with so much beauty in the city, it’s safe to say that there have been several movies filmed in San Francisco that should be acknowledged, like these top six examples.
6. Dirty Harry, Max (1971)
The 1971 neo-noir action thriller movie, Dirty Harry, is first on the list of best movies filmed in San Francisco. It’s also the first film in the series starring Clint Eastwood in the title role. He plays a San Francisco Police Department Inspector named “Dirty” Harry Callahan.
The film drew upon the real-life case of the Zodiac Killer as the Callahan character seeks out a similar vicious psychopath, calling himself the “Scorpio Killer”. Principal photography was done in San Francisco aerially. The Kezar Stadium was also used to shoot the scene where Callahan encounters Scorpion.
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5. The Pursuit of Happyness, Prime Video (2006)
A more recent example of some of the best movies filmed in San Francisco is The Pursuit of Happyness, a 2006 biographical drama film starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. Smith’s son, Jaden Smith, co-stars, making his film debut as Gardern’s son.
The movie is based on the best-selling 2006 memoir of the same name written by Gardner with Quincy Troupe, based on Gardner’s nearly one-year struggle being homeless. The movie is set in San Francisco in 1981 and was also filmed there, such as when Chris went to a 49ers game.
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4. Always Be My Maybe, Netflix (2019)
Another recent movie filmed in San Francisco is this 2019 romantic comedy, Always Be My Maybe, starring Ali Wong and Randall Park. The two play childhood friends, Marcus and Sasha, who have not been in touch since a brief teenage fling ended badly.
When Sasha returns to San Francisco to open a restaurant and romantic chemistry from their teenage years remains, Macus’ fears and Sasha’s fame and demanding career challenge their potential new relationship. Filming took place in several locations, like San Francisco and Vancouver.
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3. The Maltese Falcon, Prime Vidoe (1941)
Turning back to more classic movie examples, The Maltese Falcon is one of the best movies filmed in San Francisco. The 1941 noir film follows a private detective who deals with three unscrupulous adventurers, all seeking a jewel-encrusted falcon statuette.
The film is based on the 1930 novel sharing the same name by Dashiell Hammett and is also a remake of a movie that aired in 1931. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Glady’s George, and more. The movie is not only set in San Francisco but filming also was done there, specifically at the Pinkerton Detective Agency.
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2. Mrs. Doubtfire, Hulu (1993)
Mrs. Doubtfire is a classic comedy film starring Robin Williams. The 1993 film is based on the 1987 book, Madame Doubtfire, by Anne Fine.
The film follows a recently divorced actor who disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper to be able to interact with his children when his ex-wife takes custody of them. Principal photography took place in San Francisco, as well as footage at the television station KTVU in Oakland. The Painted Ladies were also featured in the film.
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1. Vertigo, Prime Video (1958)
But while all the films are wonderful in their own right, the best movie filmed in San Francisco is Vertigo. The 1958 psychological thriller is one of the best movies of all time and one that everyone should watch at least once.
The story is based on the 1954 novel D’entre less Morts by Boileau-Narcejac, and stars James Stewart as a former police detective. After an incident in the line of duty, causing him to have an extreme fear of heights, he retired. When he’s hired as a private investigator to report on the strange behavior of an acquaintance’s wife, he not only has to juggle his demons but avoid becoming obsessed.
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