Ian CheesemanToronto is not a stranger to film sets and productions. In fact, it has been the backdrop of amazing TV shows like Suits, The Umbrella Academy, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
But there’s something about seeing familiar Toronto landmarks on the big screen that’s just oh-so-satisfying. From superhero face-offs at City Hall to cinematic shots of Casa Loma, the 6ix has actually been in a lot of your fave movies.
So, grab a bucket of buttery popcorn and let’s take a virtual walkthrough of the most iconic films secretly (or proudly) shot here in the 6ix.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Media credit: scottpilgrimthemovie
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446029/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottpilgrimthemovie/
Toronto Film Locations: Casa Loma, Lee’s Palace, Sonic Boom, Pizza Pizza
Cast: Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Ramona Flowers)
Film Release: 2010
If there’s one movie that doesn’t just film in Toronto but actually celebrates it, it’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. This cult favorite comic book turned action rom-com follows Scott, who must defeat his new girlfriend Ramona’s seven evil exes in order to date her.
Unlike other shows and films that try to disguise Toronto as New York or Chicago, Director Edgar Wright stayed loyal to the graphic novels. Even Honest Ed’s and Pizza Pizza make cameos!
You’ll recognize Casa Loma, where Scott takes on action-hero Lucas Lee. Plus, the epic Battle of the Bands takes place at Lee’s Palace, a legendary live music venue.
Scott and his pals also hang around Sonic Boom (keep an eye out for that Radiohead poster), and St.Michael’s College School is where his band rehearses. And that dreamy nighttime park scene was shot at Hillcrest Park.
Pro Tip:
Want to relive Scott’s journey IRL? Do your own Scott Pilgrim walking tour! Grab a slice at Pizza Pizza, browse vinyl at Sonic Boom, and snap a pic at Casa Loma (but maybe skip the evil ex battles?).
The Shape of Water
Media credit: shapeofwatermovie
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5580390/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapeofwatermovie/
Toronto Film Locations: Massey Hall, Elgin Theatre, Lakeview Restaurant, University of Toronto Scarborough, Fran’s Diner
Cast: Sally Hawkins (Elisa Esposito), Doug Jones (Amphibian Man)
Film Release: 2017
The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro is a dreamy, Cold War-era love story between a mute janitor and an amphibious creature (yep, you read that right). It’s set in 1960s America but mostly filmed right here in good ol’ Toronto.
One of the most magical scenes in the movie is Elisa’s musical dream sequence inside a stunning theatre, which was filmed inside the Elgin Theatre on Yonge. Elisa’s apartment above the theatre was a set built at Cinespace, but the illusion is flawless.
Another Toronto star in the film is Massey Hall, which is used to portray the facade of the Orpheum Theatre. Right across the street, you’ll even spot Fran’s Diner.
Meanwhile, Elisa’s top-secret workplace, the OCCAM, is really the John Andrews Building at the University of Toronto Scarborough. And the diner where Giles awkwardly crushes on a server—yep, that’s the Lakeview Restaurant on Dundas West.
Pro Tip:
If you want to pay homage to The Shape of Water’s featured diners, why don’t you plan a foodie trip? Hit Fran’s Diner first for an amazing breakfast and then Lakeview Restaurant for a lovely lunch with a side of water views.
Mean Girls
Media credit: posielanemag
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377092/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meangirls/
Toronto Film Locations: Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall, Malvern Collegiate Institute, Sherway Gardens Mall
Cast: Lindsay Lohan (Cady Heron), Rachel McAdams (Regina George)
Film Release: 2004
Mean Girls follows Cady Heron, a previously homeschooled teen who enters the unfamiliar world of public high school in the US after growing up in Africa. She finds herself caught between the “cool” clique and a pair of artsy outsiders.
Impressively, almost all of it was filmed in and around TO, even though the movie is set in Evanston, Illinois. The city stood in so convincingly for the Chicago suburbs that most viewers never knew they were looking at landmarks from the Great White North.
For instance, Etobicoke Collegiate Institute was the main location used for North Shore High School, where most of the movie takes place. The grand front entrance and classic brick exterior make it a picture-perfect stand-in for an American High School.
Cady Heron’s house was filmed in a cozy Beaches-area home, while Regina’s house was a mansion located in North York. And the Mathletes showdown? It was shot in the gorgeous Convocation Hall at U of T.
Pro Tip:
Many of the Mean Girls’ house film locations are private property, so if you’re snapping pics, do it in a low-key way (and respectfully). Plus, go on a Wednesday and make sure to wear pink!
Good Will Hunting
Media credit: movielocate
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119217/
Toronto Film Locations: University of Toronto, Central Technical School, Upfront Bar & Grill, Ontario Specialty Co., Crown Life Building
Cast: Matt Damon (Will Hunting), Ben Affleck (Chuckie Sullivan), Robin Williams (Sean Maguire)
Film Release: 1997
Good Will Hunting may be dripping with Boston accents and Harvard references, but most of the film was not shot in Beantown but in Toronto. Notably, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, while Williams took home Best Supporting Actor.
This award-winning film tells the story of Will, a janitor at MIT who secretly happens to be a self-taught math genius. Remember those famous MIT lecture scenes where Will solves math problems? Those were filmed at the University of Toronto.
The Central Technical School’s facade was used several times due to its imposing architecture. And when Will impresses Skylar with a magic trick in a toy store, it was filmed at Ontario Specialty Co., a quirky, real-life toy shop.
Of course, who could forget that famous “How do you like them apples” scene? It was shot at Upfront Bar & Grill.
Pro Tip:
Although Upfront Bar & Grill is no longer around, the building at 106 Front Street East still exists. Feel free to head there with a friend and quote the scene if you want.
Suicide Squad
Media credit: movie.locations.worldwide
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386697/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesuicidesquad2021/
Toronto Film Locations: Bay Street, Lower Bay Station, Eaton Centre
Cast: Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Jared Leto (Joker), Will Smith (Deadshot)
Film Release: 2016
Suicide Squad (a supervillain team-up movie) might be set in the fictional Midway City, but most of the movie’s explosive action was filmed in my very nonfictional metropolis.
Key battles were shot on Bay Street, with helicopter crashes and gunfire lighting up the Financial District. Plus, Union Station and the rarely used Lower Bay Station doubled as the Enchantress’ underground lair and final battleground.
In flashbacks, Front Street West shows off Deadshot’s deadly skills, while Yonge & Gerrard sets the stage for Joker and Harley’s chaotic car chase. You’ll even spot familiar spots like Zanzibar and Elephant & Castle in the background.
And Harley Quinn’s mid-mission shopping spree? That happens outside Eaton Centre, where she smashes a store window and shrugs, “We’re bad guys—it’s what we do.”
Pro Tip:
If you want to relive Suicide Squad, simply take a walk from Union Station up Yonge Street—you’ll pass several of the movie’s filming locations. Then, reward yourself with a pint at Elephant & Castle later!
Chicago
Media credit: chicagothemovie
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299658/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagothemovie/
Toronto Film Locations: Distillery District, Casa Loma, Elgin Theatre
Cast: Renée Zellweger (Roxie Hart), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Velma Kelly), Richard Gere (Billy Flynn)
Film Release: 2002
Chicago is a glitzy musical about fame, crime, and media spin, following two rival performers who land in jail and fight for the spotlight. Despite the name, who knew that the film wasn’t even shot in the Windy City?
The gritty prison scenes—including “Cell Block Tango”—were filmed inside the historic Distillery District. Entire sets like the courtroom and theatre interiors were custom-built.
Casa Loma stood in for Billy Flynn’s upscale law office. And the Ontario Legislature building at Queen’s Park doubled as the courthouse entrance where Roxie makes her grand media debut.
Elgin Theatre was where the glamorous theatre performances were filmed. Other filming locations included Osgoode Hall, Danforth Music Hall, and even the Canada Life Building, which is pretty cool.
Pro Tip:
The Distillery District is open to the public, so swing by for photos where the prison and courtroom scenes were shot. Plus, there’s amazing coffee and chocolate nearby!
X-Men
Media credit: casalomatoronto
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmenofficial/
Toronto Film Locations: Casa Loma, Roy Thomson Hall, Parkwood Estate, Gooderham & Worts Distillery
Cast: Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto)
Film Release: 2000
X-Men follows a group of mutants battling prejudice and powerful enemies in a world that fears their abilities. The story may span the globe, but don’t let that fool you!
For instance, that scene in 1940s Poland where Magneto first discovered his powers was filmed in the Distillery District. Its old brick warehouses and cobblestone streets were a perfect backdrop for a haunting wartime scene.
Casa Loma doubled as Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, with interior shots capturing the mansion’s grand halls. Meanwhile, Parkwood Estate in Oshawa played the role of the school’s elegant exterior.
Other Easter eggs in the movie: The intense Senate debate about mutant rights was filmed inside Metro Hall. But when Xavier and Magneto meet outside, they’re actually standing in the glass corridor of Roy Thomson Hall.
Pro Tip:
Want to hit 3 films with one stroll? Take a half-day tour of Casa Loma and the Distillery District—these X-Men locations also appear in Chicago and Scott Pilgrim, too!
The Incredible Hulk
Media credit: movielocate
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800080/
Toronto Film Locations: University of Toronto, Yonge Street
Cast: Edward Norton (Hulk), Liv Tyler (Dr. Betty Ross)
Film Release: 2008
The Incredible Hulk is about Bruce Banner’s search for a cure to his condition while dodging the military (and trying not to hulk out). In addition to filming here, it’s also set in New York and Rio.
The University of Toronto got a lot of screen time here, standing in for “Culver University” where Betty Ross works. You’ll also spot Convocation Hall, Knox College, and King’s College Circle, all cleverly disguised as a Virginia Campus.
The touching reunion between Banner and Betty takes place on the Cherry Street Bridge. A later scene traps them in traffic under the Gardiner Expressway—not exactly your typical Toronto commute, right?
Lastly, the big final battle between Hulk and the Abomination tears through downtown, starting on Yonge Street, right outside Zanzibar Tavern.
Pro Tip:
Visit University of Toronto’s Knox College and King’s College Circle just before sunset. It’s when the gothic architecture really shines, making you feel like you’re inside the Hulk universe.
Pacific Rim
Media credit: netflixca
Website: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663662/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacificrimmovie/
Toronto Film Locations: Pinewood Toronto Studios, Scarborough Bluffs, Hearn Generating Station, Elizabeth Street
Cast: Charlie Day (Dr. Newton Geiszler), Charlie Hunnam (Raleigh Becket), Rinko Kikuchi (Mako Mori)
Film Release: 2013
Pacific Rim is a wild sci-fi ride about massive robots (Jaegers) battling sea monsters (Kaiju) to save humanity from annihilation. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film mixes gritty action with heartfelt character moments.
Sure, it’s packed with CGI battles, but several key scenes were shot locally: The Hearn Generating Station played an Alaskan construction site. And Scarborough’s Bluffer’s Park doubled as the coast where the damaged Jaeger washes ashore.
Of course, who could forget the film’s Tokyo flashback? That’s actually a little stretch of Elizabeth Street near Toronto’s City Hall. Mako’s memory of hiding in an alley from a Kaiju was filmed just south of Dundas (blink and you’ll miss it!).
Most of the interior scenes, like the Jaeger pilot training and HQ moments, were filmed at Pinewood Toronto Studios.
Pro Tip:
Want to stand where Gipsy Danger did? Visit Bluffer’s Park in Scarborough for stunning lake views and a fun bit of movie magic—without Kaijus (fingers crossed).
