Find out which films have been shot in San Francisco

San Francisco: A Silver Screen Icon of American Cinema

San Francisco's dramatic hillsides, iconic bridges, and Victorian architecture have captivated filmmakers for over a century, making it one of the most filmed cities in the world. The city's unique topography and distinctive landmarks have provided an unmistakable backdrop for countless Hollywood classics and contemporary blockbusters.

A Cinematic History

The city's relationship with cinema dates back to the early 1900s, when pioneering filmmakers captured the devastating 1906 earthquake aftermath on film. By the 1940s, San Francisco had established itself as a prime filming location, with film noir classics utilizing its foggy streets and steep hills to create atmosphere and tension.

The 1950s and 1960s saw Alfred Hitchcock immortalize San Francisco in "Vertigo" (1958), featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point in pivotal scenes. This period marked the beginning of the city's golden age as a filming destination.

Iconic Productions

"Bullitt" (1968) showcased San Francisco's streets in what became one of cinema's most famous car chases, with Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang racing through Russian Hill and Potrero Hill. The film established a template for how to utilize the city's unique geography in action sequences.

More recently, "The Matrix Resurrections" (2021) transformed downtown San Francisco into a dystopian battleground, with scenes filmed at iconic locations like the Financial District and Montgomery Street. "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) made the Victorian house at 2640 Steiner Street one of the city's most recognizable film locations.

Famous Filming Spots

City Hall's magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture has appeared in numerous productions, including "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Milk." The building's grand staircase and dome have become particularly popular with filmmakers seeking governmental gravitas.

The Golden Gate Bridge remains the city's most filmed landmark, appearing in everything from "The Rock" (1996) to "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011). Alcatraz Island has also proven irresistible to filmmakers, most notably in "Birdman of Alcatraz" (1962) and "Escape from Alcatraz" (1979).

Film Tourism Today

The San Francisco Film Commission actively promotes the city as a filming destination, offering permits and location assistance to productions. Many local tour companies now offer specialized film location tours, taking visitors to famous spots like the "Mrs. Doubtfire" house and the steep streets featured in "Bullitt."

The city continues to attract major productions, with its diverse neighborhoods and architectural styles providing versatile backdrops for everything from romantic comedies to science fiction epics. The Film Commission reports an average of 100-150 productions filming in San Francisco annually, contributing significantly to the local economy.