The unique and iconic culture of Philadelphia makes the City of Brotherly Love a perfect place for a film setting. It’s no surprise that some of Hollywood’s most classic films use Philadelphia as its backdrop. As fall enters full swing, there’s no better time for a cozy movie night, so settle in for five great films set in Philadelphia.
“Silver Linings Playbook” (2012)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Apple TV
Duration: 122 min
Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, this rollercoaster of a film has quickly become a Philadelphia classic. The film follows Cooper’s character, Pat, as he struggles with depression, bipolar disorder and manic episodes after spending eight months in a psychiatric hospital.
Obsessed with getting his ex-wife back, Pat goes through a long journey of recovery and change, during which he meets Tiffany (Lawrence), who also struggles with bipolar disorder. In the first half of the film, the two decide to go on “not a date” to the Llanerch Diner, a real diner on City Avenue/Township Line Road about 15 minutes south of campus in Upper Darby. In one clip, you can actually see a St. Joe’s billboard behind them outside the diner. Even today, fans ask to sit in the booth the iconic scene was filmed in, which now has a small plaque above it that reads: “This booth was used in filming ‘SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK.’”
This motion picture is a must-see for everyone, not only Philadelphia natives. It is best known for its Academy-Award-winning acting and incredible depiction of the ups and downs of bipolar disorder.
“Rocky” (1976)
Where to Watch: MGM+, Amazon Prime Video
Duration: 119 minutes
This film is undoubtedly one of the most famous Philadelphia-based movies, and rightfully so. The scene in which Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) runs up the Philadelphia Art Museum stairs is so iconic that the museum stairs and the Rocky statue, erected in 1982, have become two of the most popular Philadelphia tourist attractions. The film follows the story of the fictional Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed.
Balboa’s determination and grit, despite the odds, make for an entertaining story and an inspiring character. The film does a great job of giving a twist to the typical underdog story, and the film really stands the test of time despite being almost half a century old.
Ben Vanelli ’25, president of St. Joe’s Film Club, said the character of Rocky is so iconic because he “really reflects the spirit of the city” and the country.
“He’s not worried about winning, he’s worried about going the distance and making it all the way and pushing himself. I feel like it’s just so American,” Vanelli said.
“Rocky” became such a success that it exploded into a full-fledged franchise with four sequels following the original Rocky movie, a separate “Rocky Balboa” movie and three movies in the “Creed” series starring Michael B. Jordan, who plays Apollo Creed’s son.
“The Sixth Sense” (1999)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+
Duration: 107 minutes
Although the setting of Philadelphia is not too frequently mentioned by the characters in “The Sixth Sense,” it’s still a classic. It was directed by M. Night Shyamalan, a critically acclaimed director who films most of his movies in his hometown of Philadelphia.
This film stars Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist assigned to the young and troubled Cole Sear (Haley Jole Osment). Sear struggles to make friends and interact with people his own age and is clearly disturbed by a dark secret. While Crowe attempts to get to the root of Sear’s problem, the two walk through the streets of Old City and Center City.
Gabrielle Miller, assistant professor of practice in the department of music, theatre and film, had the opportunity to meet and work with Shyamalan as a featured background character in some of his later films, such as “Split.”
“I really got to see his reverence for Philadelphia, and I think that really comes through in his films,” Miller said.
While most Hollywood directors film large portions of their movies on sets, Shyamalan chose to film “The Sixth Sense” inside a real brownstone in Philadelphia. The townhouse used as Crowe’s home is actually on Delancey Street, in the Society Hill district.
“Philadelphia” (1993)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Duration: 126 minutes
Considering Philadelphia’s rich legal history, it would be a crime not to include a courtroom drama in this list. “Philadelphia” tells the story of Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) and Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) after Beckett was wrongfully fired from his big-time law firm for having HIV. When Miller is the only lawyer who will fight for Beckett’s case, the film follows the journey of a close-minded man who changes significantly throughout the film as he learns more about the struggles of his client and fights for an unlikely cause.
Vanelli said the film raises questions about American values and how people uphold them.
“This is the city where you really have the right to life, liberty and independence, and all men are created equal,” Vanelli said. “I think it’s asking us, ‘How true is that if we have to fight for the healthcare rights of people that we have marginalized?’”
Diving into the issues of discrimination in the workplace, homophobia and the AIDS epidemic, “Philadelphia” is an incredible display of deep-rooted character development that brings still-relevant issues to light.
“Invincible” (2006)
Where to Watch: Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Duration: 105 minutes
This underdog story stars Mark Wahlberg, who plays Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender living in South Philadelphia who dreams of playing football. Based on the true story of St. Joe’s graduate Vince Papale ’68, the film emphasizes Papale’s determination despite his age and other factors, such as the fact that he never even played college football.
“Watching a film about someone that walked through the same halls and had the same courses as you is really exciting, and film is all about making those connections,” Miller said.
The final scene of the movie was filmed at Franklin Field, which is home to the University of Pennsylvania’s football team in Center City. The excitement and authenticity of this film really give it that classic, inspiring feel that Philadelphia sports fans can easily connect with. It builds off the undeniable spirit of Philly’s sports culture to bring real-life characters’ stories to the big screen, leaving viewers with an unwavering sense of Philadelphia pride.
