Movies Shot in Cleveland: Our Top 10 Picks

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A Look at Cleveland on Screen

Cleveland, Ohio, has been the backdrop for many movies over the years, showcasing its diverse neighborhoods, picturesque landscapes, and iconic landmarks. Here are some actual movies that were filmed in Cleveland and why they are worth watching:

Our Top 10 Picks (Plus Bonus Pick)

1 – “The Avengers” (2012) – This superhero blockbuster was partially filmed in Cleveland, with scenes featuring the city’s Public Square and Terminal Tower. It’s worth watching for the thrilling action sequences and the iconic team-up of Marvel’s mightiest heroes.

2 – “A Christmas Story” (1983) – This holiday classic is set in Cleveland and was filmed in various locations around the city, including the famous “A Christmas Story House” in the Tremont neighborhood. It’s worth watching for its nostalgic charm and heartwarming message about the joys and challenges of family life.

3 – “Draft Day” (2014) – This sports drama follows the fictional Cleveland Browns football team on draft day and was filmed on location at the team’s real-life headquarters in Berea, Ohio. It’s worth watching for an inside look at the high-stakes world of professional football and the heartfelt performances by Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner.

4 – “Kill the Irishman” (2011) – This crime drama is based on the true story of Irish-American gangster Danny Greene and was filmed on location in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood. It’s worth watching for the intense performances by Ray Stevenson and Christopher Walken and the exploration of Cleveland’s rich ethnic history.

5 – “War on the Diamond” (2022) – This documentary, told by Emmy award-winning director Andy Billman follows the tragic story of Ray Chapman, Indians star shortstop, who died after he was hit by a pitch thrown by Yankees star pitcher Carl Mays. It was filmed at many locations in Cleveland, such as League Park.

6 – “American Splendor” (2003) – This biographical comedy-drama is based on the life of Harvey Pekar, a Cleveland-based writer and comic book creator. It was filmed entirely in Lakewood and features an impressive cast of actors, including Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis.

7 – “The Deer Hunter” (1978) – This epic war drama follows a group of friends from a small town in Pennsylvania who are sent to fight in Vietnam. It was partially filmed in Cleveland’s steel mills and features a powerful performance by Christopher Walken.

8 – “White Boy Rick” (2018) – This crime drama is based on the true story of Richard Wershe Jr., a teenage FBI informant and drug dealer in 1980s Detroit, but was filmed in various locations around Cleveland. It’s worth watching for the compelling performances by Matthew McConaughey.

9 – “Jenny’s Wedding” (2015) – This romantic comedy-drama was filmed entirely in Cleveland, showcasing some of the city’s most beautiful locations, such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and the West Side Market. It’s worth watching for the compelling performances by Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel and the exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and acceptance.

10 – “Welcome to Collinwood” (2002) – This crime comedy was filmed entirely in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood and features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including William H. Macy, Sam Rockwell, and George Clooney. It’s worth watching for its quirky humor and unique perspective on the struggles of working-class life.

Bonus, No Duh – “Major League” (2002) – Do we really need to tell you why or where it was filmed?