8 famous movies you probably didn’t know were filmed in Toronto

Aug 22 2016, 10:10 pm

Last summer, Toronto went into a frenzy over the filming of the supervillain saga Suicide Squad.

You may have noticed a Batmobile cruising down Yonge Street or a crashed helicopter sprawled in the city’s centre. With the blockbuster hit now out in theatres, Torontonians are having a field day finding their local landmarks, from the Eaton Centre to Union Station, on the big screen.

And while Toronto has the ability to mimic many major world-class cities, the camouflage doesn’t always work.

So to help celebrate travelcuts’ upcoming Toronto based FilmFest, the Canadian online travel brand took a closer look at some of Hollywood’s biggest films with settings from Los Angeles to Chicago Auschwitz, and uncovered their real filming locale – The Six.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

famous movies filmed in toronto

Wikipedia/Humber Bay Arch Bridge

This hilarious romantic comedy starring Canadian actress Nia Vardalos, was set in Chicago, but it was Toronto’s Greek Town that was front and centre. While many spots along the Danforth were used in the film, perhaps the most recognizable Toronto landmark was the twinkling bridge at the Harbourfront, featured right at the beginning of the film.

Time Traveller’s Wife

famous movies filmed in toronto

Prayitno/Flickr

Maybe you were one of the lucky ones to cross paths with the hunky, Australian-born Eric Bana or Canadian beauty Rachel McAdams as they shot this romantic chick-flick back in 2007. The co-stars were spotted across the city including the University of Toronto, Queen Street East, and Dundas West.

X-Men

famous movies filmed in toronto

Pixabay.com

Some have pegged this Marvel classic as Hugh Jackman’s launching role. However, what many don’t realize is that Toronto played a key part in making that happen. Auschwitz, New York City and Gothic City were all designed and depicted in areas across Toronto, giving Wolverine the background he needed to shine.

Chicago

famous movies filmed in toronto

Wikimedia/Elgin Wintergarden

The windy city strikes again. This Broadway 1975 classic was re-imagined at some of Toronto’s key institutions including the Elgin Theatre, Osgoode Hall, and Union Station. Who knew Toronto could handle all that jazz?

Maps to the Stars

famous movies filmed in toronto

Allie_Caulfield/Flickr

Canadian director David Cronenberg is no stranger to Toronto. This flick starring Robert Pattinson is just one of the many films he’s shot in the city. With only six weeks to make it happen, he used private homes and hospitals to depict Los Angeles.

Cheaper By the Dozen: Part Two

famous movies filmed in toronto

Luxuryportfolio.com

Okay, so maybe this film wasn’t shot entirely in Toronto’s downtown core, but you might be surprised to learn that Peterborough, Guelph, and North York welcomed A-listers like Eugene Levy, Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff and Carmen Electra to complete this sequel.

Cinderella Man

famous movies filmed in toronto

Ian Muttoo/Flickr

Set in 1930s New York and New Jersey, this dramatic Ron Howard film found its backdrop in the T-Dot. The Distillery District, Maple Leaf Gardens, Royal York Hotel, Union Station and Toronto’s Hudson’s Bay all made guest appearances as Russell Crowe depicted heavyweight boxing champion, James J. Braddock.

Mean Girls

famous movies filmed in Toronto

Wikimedia/Sherway Gardens

The teen comedy that tried to make fetch happen, follows around Mean Girls Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams in what appears to be the suburbs of Chicago. However, it was Toronto’s suburban Etobicoke that served as one of the primary filming locations, specifically Sherway Gardens Mall and the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute.

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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