Dylan YoungEver heard Toronto (things to do Toronto) being called “Hollywood North”? Yep, the city’s lively film scene earned that title, pulling in filmmakers globally with cool spots, awesome crews, and sweet tax perks.
So if you’re wondering about the best blockbuster movies shot here, stick around for the deets!
- What popular shows and movies were filmed in Toronto?
- Mean Girls at Sherway Gardens
- The Incredible Hulk at Yonge Street
- American Psycho at Downtown Toronto
- The Time Traveller’s Wife at the University Of Toronto
- Orphan at Backwoods Of Toronto
- Hairspray at Dundas West and Roncesvalles Avenue
- IT: Chapter One at 450 Pape Ave
- RoboCop along College Street
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse at Toronto City Hall
- X-Men at Casa Loma
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding at 439 Danforth Avenue
- Suicide Squad at York Street
- The Shape of Water at University of Toronto Scarborough
- Good Will Hunting at the University of Toronto
- Pacific Rim at Pinewood Toronto Studios
- Chicago at the Distillery District
- Total Recall at Knox College
- Chloe at CN Tower
What popular shows and movies were filmed in Toronto?
There are a bunch of popular movies filmed in Toronto! Some of the most iconic ones are Mean Girls (2004), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Hairspray (2007), Robocop (1987), and Suicide Squad (2016).
Mean Girls at Sherway Gardens
– Media from summersxng
Release Date: January 12, 2004
Box Office: CAD $175.35 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $22.95 million
Director: Mark Waters
Main Actors: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Lacey Chabert, and Amanda Seyfried
The classic teen flick Mean Girls was mostly filmed in Toronto, not Chicago. It’s where Cady and the “Plastics”—Regina, Gretchen, and Karen—once roamed, hitting spots like the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall and Sherway Gardens mall.
In case you somehow missed this gem, Mean Girls follows Cady, played by the fabulous Lindsay Lohan, as she navigates the jungle that’s high school.
Think cliques, drama, and the ultimate quest for popularity. But let’s be real, it’s not just any high school drama—we think it’s hilariously iconic!
The Incredible Hulk at Yonge Street
– Media from movielocate
Release Date: June 13, 2008
Box Office: CAD $357.56 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $202.39 million
Director: Louis Leterrier
Main Actors: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, and William Hurt
The Incredible Hulk, the one where Edward Norton unexpectedly turns green and smashes stuff, was also filmed here. Yep, even though the story starts off in Rio de Janeiro, the bulk of the action happens in this very city.
Dr. Bruce Banner, played by Norton, is on the run from the military, dodging bullets and trying to find a cure for his, uh, “anger management” issues. The backdrop? Toronto’s Financial District, Yonge Street, the University of Toronto—you name it.
And don’t forget that epic showdown on Yonge Street outside the Zanzibar Tavern. We think it’s so cool that Toronto has its own slice of superhero action!
American Psycho at Downtown Toronto
– Media from movie.locations.worldwide
Release Date: April 14, 2000
Box Office: CAD $46.30 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $9.45 million
Director: Mary Harron
Main Actors: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, and Jared Leto
American Psycho, a twisted thriller set in 80’s New York, has a surprising twist of its own—most of those iconic scenes weren’t actually shot in the Big Apple, but right in Toronto!
Christian Bale plays Patrick Bateman, a slick investment banker with a dark secret lurking beneath his polished exterior. All this action unfolds in, you guessed it, Toronto’s bustling downtown core (Things to do Downtown Toronto), doubling as the mean streets of NYC.
Now, this movie isn’t your typical horror flick. We feel it’s more of a psychological thriller with a side of dark humor. As Bateman’s double life unravels, you’ll find yourself on a wild ride through the gritty underbelly of urban life.
The Time Traveller’s Wife at the University Of Toronto
– Media from moviequotes
Release Date: August 14, 2009
Box Office: CAD $136.68 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $52.62 million
Director: Robert Schwentke
Main Actors: Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana
One of the most charming romantic movies shot in Toronto is The Time Traveler’s Wife. Even though it’s set in Chicago, a big chunk of those dreamy scenes were actually filmed around Toronto.
Based on Audrey Niffenegger’s bestselling novel, the story revolves around Clare (played by Rachel McAdams), who falls for Henry (Eric Bana), a librarian with a rather unusual ability—he time travels involuntarily. Talk about relationship complications!
Now, here’s the fun part: as you watch their love story unfold, keep an eye out for familiar places to visit in Toronto (best places to visit in Toronto) doubling as Chicago.
You might see the University of Toronto, Varsity Stadium, and other hidden gems (hidden gems Toronto). We reckon you could even catch some subtle hints, like the Canadian flag flying high in “Chicago”—oops!
Orphan at Backwoods Of Toronto
– Media from kys_edits_101
Release Date: July 24, 2009
Box Office: CAD $106.32 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $26.99 million
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Main Actors: Isabelle Fuhrman, Vera Farmiga, and Peter Sarsgaard
Do you know that scary movie, Orphan? A lot of that spine-chilling horror flick’s terrifying scenes were actually shot right in this city.
Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s frosty winters (winter activities Toronto) and lush backwoods, we’re fascinated by how the movie plays on the contrast between dark and light to give us goosebumps. The icy blue and white backgrounds give us the spooks!
The movie follows a couple who adopt a seemingly innocent young girl named Esther. But as weirder events start to unfold, they realize there’s more to this “child” than meets the eye. It’s a twisted tale of deception, secrets, and chilling terror.
Hairspray at Dundas West and Roncesvalles Avenue
– Media from movielocate
Release Date: July 20, 2007
Box Office: CAD $274.58 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $101.2 million
Director: Adam Shankman
Main Actors: Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, and Zac Efron
Hairspray is that super groovy flick where most of its catchy tunes were shot in Toronto. Dundas West and Roncesvalles Avenue became retro Baltimore, while spots like Gale’s Snack Bar and Lakeview Restaurant set the stage for all the action.
So, what’s the scoop? Well, it’s all about Tracy Turnblad, played by Nikki Blonsky, a dance-crazy gal with big dreams. Despite the movie’s love for Baltimore, it was shot entirely in Toronto.
From Tracy’s school adventures to those epic Welcome to the Sixties scenes, this city was the place to be. If you’re rewatching it, keep your eyes peeled for cool cameos, like John Waters himself making an appearance.
IT: Chapter One at 450 Pape Ave
– Media from hollywood_irl
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Box Office: CAD $946.09 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $47.19 million
Director: Andrés Muschietti
Main Actors: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Martell, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Wyatt Oleff
Loads of IT: Chapter One’s spooky scenes were filmed in Toronto. Based on Stephen King’s novel, it used Pinewood Studios, North York’s Springmount Avenue, and William Street for outdoor shots—even Pennywise’s mansion on 450 Pape Ave!
So what’s “IT” about (pun intended)? A bunch of kids, called The Losers Club, faced off against a demonic clown named Pennywise in 1989. It was such a hit at the movie theaters (movie theatres Toronto) that they planned a sequel!
Fast forward to IT: Chapter Two in 2019, where the kids (now adults) revisit the nightmare 27 years later. Toronto and Port Hope were the backdrops for Derry, Maine, which we believe makes this Stephen King adaptation a real Canadian production.
RoboCop along College Street
– Media from mauragrierson
Release Date: February 12, 2014
Box Office: CAD $327.06 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $134.82 million to CAD $175.25 million
Director: José Padilha
Main Actors: Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, and Jackie Earle Haley
Want some cybernetic awesomeness? From Queen City’s bustling streets of College Street to the industrial backdrop of the Hearn Generating Station in the Port Lands, the sci-fi flick RoboCop took full advantage of the city’s gritty charm!
Starring Joel Kinnaman as the high-tech crime-fighting hero, the movie follows the story of a cop turned cyborg after a tragic accident.
With its killer special effects and gripping plot, we find it incredible that the remake had fans buzzing worldwide—and gave Toronto’s film scene a serious boost!
Resident Evil: Apocalypse at Toronto City Hall
– Media from movielocate
Release Date: 2004
Box Office: CAD $174.29 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $60.66 million
Director: Alexander Witt
Main Actors: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Oded Fehr, and Thomas Kretschmann
Should you be into action-packed flicks, you’ve likely caught Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Well, a bunch of those intense scenes were shot in Toronto. Think epic helicopter landings at Toronto City Hall and eerie mansion shots on 450 Pape Ave.
Now, this thrilling movie is all about survivors taking on flesh-eating zombies let loose by the sinister Umbrella Corporation. Toronto pulls double duty as Raccoon City, Los Angeles, and even futuristic wastelands in this ongoing saga.
And here’s the kicker: one of the sequels, Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), kicked things up a notch with 3D action and a bigger budget. Here, Toronto morphed into a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, bringing the undead right to our doorstep.
X-Men at Casa Loma
– Media from hollywood_irl
Release Date: July 14, 2000
Box Office: CAD $399.28 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $101.07 million
Director: Bryan Singer
Main Actors: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, and James Marsden
X-Men is a movie where many superhero showdowns happen in Toronto! Think epic battles at Casa Loma and The Distillery District—the city got a serious Hollywood makeover!
The plot is all about mutants with superpowers battling it out against evil and prejudice. With a star-studded cast featuring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, and Hugh Jackman, Toronto becomes the backdrop for lots of jaw-dropping action.
Toronto doubled as several iconic locations, from Xavier’s School for Gifted Children in Oshawa to bustling city streets. With its mix of action-packed sequences and behind-the-scenes trivia, X-Men proves that Toronto is a true superhero playground!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding at 439 Danforth Avenue
– Media from filminglocations
Release Date: December 11, 2002
Box Office: CAD $496.91 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $6.74 million
Director: Joel Zwick
Main Actors: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, and Michael Constantine
Ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, that cozy rom-com that feels like a warm hug? Surprise! While it’s all about Chicago on screen, Toronto’s the real star behind the scenes.
Danforth Avenue’s Greektown is where the smell of delicious souvlaki fills the air and you feel like you’re in Greece. Toronto was where all the action happened, from the fancy house where the Portokalos family lived to Ian’s humble home on Lonsdale Road.
And speaking of iconic scenes, remember that epic wedding venue (unique wedding venues Toronto)? Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church on Henry Street played host to Toula and Ian’s big day, stealing the show with its timeless charm.
Just swing by 439 Danforth Avenue, and you’ll also spot the travel agency from the film. While you’re at it, we suggest grabbing a gyro from Pappas Grill across the street. Rumor has it, it’s where the cast and crew fueled up between takes!
Suicide Squad at York Street
– Media from maharaj_entourage
Release Date: August 5, 2016
Box Office: CAD $1.01 billion worldwide
Budget: CAD $235.8 million
Director: David Ayer
Main Actors: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, Joel Kinnaman, and Jared Leto
That crazy flick, Suicide Squad, is where the city played a major role in all that villainous action! Picture Will Smith scaling down 151 Front St. W., a snowstorm scene on Adelaide St. E.—Toronto was practically a playground for these complex characters!
Basically, the squad is all about bad guys who turned heroes, a government agency pulling the strings, and enough explosions to light up the CN Tower! For us, it’s like the ultimate showdown between good and evil and everything in between.
Even with the critics raising an eyebrow, the movie blitzed box office records, and Toronto’s landmarks stole the show as the backdrop. Our city had its Hollywood moment, and we’re feeling pretty darn proud!
The Shape of Water at University of Toronto Scarborough
– Media from filmtourismus
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Box Office: CAD $264.14 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $26.28 million
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Main Actors: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, and Octavia Spencer
The Shape of Water was mostly shot right here in Toronto, with a sprinkle of scenes in Hamilton too! Think epic moments at the University of Toronto Scarborough (Things to do Scarborough) campus, the Elgin Theatre, and even the iconic Massey Hall.
The movie’s all about a mute woman working in this super-secret lab who falls head over heels for this aquatic creature they’ve locked up. The way we see it, it’s a love story straight out of a fairy tale, with a twist of fantasy and adventure.
Flashback to 2017, and it scooped up a bunch of Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. And why not? With its enchanting storyline and captivating Toronto setting, we feel the movie proves Toronto’s serious movie-making mojo!
Good Will Hunting at the University of Toronto
– Media from movielocate
Release Date: March 18, 1998
Box Office: CAD $304.49 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $13.48 million
Director: Gus Van Sant
Main Actors: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver, and Casey Affleck
Toronto, the unsung hero in Good Will Hunting, stole the scene at Central Tech High School, the University of Toronto, and Upfront Bar & Grill!
So, what’s the scoop with Good Will Hunting? Well, it’s the ultimate underdog story, featuring a math genius with a rough-around-the-edges vibe.
Matt Damon’s Will Hunting might be a janitor by day, but he’s got a brain that could rival Einstein’s. Throw in some university drama, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart, and we’re pretty sure you’ve got yourself a classic.
Pacific Rim at Pinewood Toronto Studios
– Media from sanadt_kumar
Release Date: July 12, 2013
Box Office: CAD $553.92 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $242.58 million
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Main Actors: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, and Robert Kazinsky
Pacific Rim is one of the most expensive movies filmed in Toronto, thanks to director Guillermo del Toro’s fondness for the city! Expect giant robots and sea monsters in this action-packed film shot at Pinewood Toronto Studios.
The movie centers on humanity’s battle against massive sea creatures called Kaijus. Here, Jaegers (big robots operated by brave pilots) are our last defense. Join Raleigh Becket and Mako Mori as they fight off these enormous threats and save the world.
Despite its global scale, the film keeps it local, with scenes shot at iconic Toronto spots like the Hearn Generating Station and Elizabeth Street.
Chicago at the Distillery District
– Media from movielocate
Release Date: December 27, 2002
Box Office: CAD $413.52 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $60.65 million
Director: Rob Marshall
Main Actors: Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, and Christine Baranski
Chicago, the musical that took home the Oscars, caused a bit of a ruckus when fans learned it was mostly filmed in Toronto. The latter city has all the glitz and glamor, with spots like Casa Loma and the Distillery District standing in for the Windy City.
The story is all about jazz (jazz clubs Toronto), scandal, and the pursuit of fame, set against the backdrop of 1920s Chicago. But guess what? No scenes were shot there whatsoever! It was all the magic of Toronto’s diverse locations.
From ritzy theaters to gritty jails, Toronto transformed into Jazz Age Chicago with ease. And that courtroom drama? Yep, still in Toronto. So while Chicago may claim the name, our city undeniably stole the spotlight with its cinematic prowess.
Total Recall at Knox College
– Media from the.movie.mob
Release Date: August 22, 2012
Box Office: CAD $285.47 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $168.48 million
Director: Len Wiseman
Main Actors: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, and Jessica Biel
Total Recall, starring Colin Farrell, offers us a mind-bending adventure. In this futuristic flick, Toronto takes center stage, transforming into a dazzling wonderland.
Colin Farrell’s character, Douglas Quaid, decides to spice up his life with some Rekall (artificially implanted) memories. But things go haywire when his spy fantasies start feeling a bit too real. Cue the chaos, action, and a few “who am I?” moments.
From futuristic subways to epic shootouts, we love that Toronto really shines here. In fact, Knox College got its time in the spotlight. Turns out, even Toronto’s historic buildings can join the movie fun!
Chloe at CN Tower
– Media from movielines.ig
Release Date: March 10, 2010
Box Office: CAD $18.33 million worldwide
Budget: CAD $14.82 million
Director: Atom Egoyan
Main Actors: Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfried, and Liam Neeson
“Chloe,” starring Amanda Seyfried and Julianne Moore, spices things up with a dash of Toronto charm. From cozy cafes (cute cafe Toronto) to iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, the city sets the scene for this sultry thriller.
Julianne Moore’s character hires Chloe, played by Seyfried, to test her husband’s fidelity. As the plot thickens, it dives into a whirlwind of desire, deception, and tangled emotions.
With Chloe at the center, the film delves into the complexities of relationships and blurs the lines between love and betrayal. We recommend seeing the movie if you want to keep guessing what happens until the end.
