60 Movies Filmed in San Francisco

Over the years, there have been dozens of movies filmed in San Francisco. Some shot most of their scenes here, while others just stopped by for a couple of days of filming.

My list of the 60 best movies made in San Francisco offers great views of the City by the Bay on screen.

It's a fabulous way to preview the city before you arrive or reminisce about your time here after you leave.

So, What Movies Were Filmed in San Francisco? 

Some of the most famous movies filmed in San Francisco include "Bullitt," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Vertigo."

Others include "The Game," "Always Be My Maybe," and "The Last Black Man in San Francisco."

Here are the top-rated films shot in San Francisco and some places you'll recognize in each one.

You'll notice they span from the 1930s to more recent movies set in San Francisco, so if you watch several of them, you can see how the city has changed over the decades.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Vertigo (1958)

"Vertigo" is one of the most classic movies set in San Francisco. It's great if you want to see how the city looked in the 1950s.

Some of the most famous locations include Fort Point by the Golden Gate Bridge, the Fairmont Hotel, and the Conservatory of Flowers.

Others include the Palace of Fine Arts, the Legion of Honor, and Lombard Street. There are so many San Francisco movie locations in this one that it is almost impossible to name them all!

You'll just have to watch it and be surprised at how many sights you recognize.

2. The Maltese Falcon (1941)

If you want to visit the San Francisco "home of the Maltese Falcon," head to John's Grill, one of the city's most classic restaurants in Union Square.

The restaurant was made famous by the original Dashiell Hammett novel that the Humphrey Bogart film was based on, and a statue of the bird sits in a case along with other film paraphernalia in the second-floor Maltese Falcon Room.

Compared to "Vertigo," this San Francisco movie wasn't filmed nearly as much in SF. The main areas include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Ferry Building, and Bush Street.

More than half of the movie was filmed on LA stage sets. Even so, it still gives you a wonderful view of what San Francisco was like in the 1940s.

3. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

This is an interesting one because one of the locations is the now-defunct Candlestick Park, where the San Francisco 49ers and Giants used to play. That means you get to see what it used to be like in this very windy and cold stadium!

Other fun locations include the children's playground in Golden Gate Park, Treasure Island in the bay, and some sites in Oakland, such as the gorgeous Grand Lake Theater.

Basically, everything was filmed in or around San Francisco to keep it authentic.

4. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

I really like this one because I love eating at Mel's Drive-In, and it always makes me think of this film!

One of my favorite shots is when Hepburn and Tracy drive up Divisadero Street and Broadway before they get to Mel's Drive-in.

Some of the other San Francisco movie locations in this one include the San Francisco International Airport and Maxwell Galleries.

In this 1960s film, there are many random shots around the city. Other scenes were shot at the Columbia/Sunset Gower Studios in Los Angeles.

5. Harold and Maude (1971)

One of my favorite scenes from this movie filmed in SF was shot at the stunning Sutro Baths ruins overlooking the ocean.

The Holy Cross Cemetery is also quite beautiful, and of course there is the St. Thomas Aquinas Church for reasons that will be explained in the movie.

Much of the film has scenes in the South Bay, near San Jose. One of the funniest, and most famous, scenes is when Harold and Maude are driving a motorcycle over the Dumbarton Bridge, which crosses the bay from East Palo Alto over to Fremont.

There are also scenes in the nearby cities of Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, and more.

6. The Woman in Red (1984)

Who is this mysterious woman in red that Gene Wilder's character sees one night, and where does she go? Well, lucky for you, Gene tries to find her all over the city!

Some of the fun locations in this movie include the San Francisco Fire Department's Fire Station #2, the gorgeous and classic Clay Jones Building, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

The movie also shows Alamo Square's Postcard Row (home to the Painted Ladies), North Beach (where Charlotte lives), and Speedy's New Union Grocery on Union Street.

In addition, there are some great shots of Montgomery Street and other local places as Gene tries to find the Woman in Red no matter where she goes!

7. Dirty Harry (1971)

I could write a whole page just on the San Francisco filming locations for this movie alone! However, some of the most famous include Kezar Stadium, North Beach's now-closed Roaring 20's Nightclub, and the Marina Green.

Of course, we can't forget City Hall, Chinatown, Alamo Square Park, and so many others—it is impossible to cover them all!

A fun fact is that the famous line, "Do I feel lucky? Well, do you, punk?" was filmed on a backlot in Los Angeles and not in San Francisco!

(This is almost always misquoted as "Do you feel lucky? Well, do you, punk?" Now you can impress your friends because you know the truth!)

Great Guided Tours of SF

8. The Game (1997)

Playing a wealthy San Francisco banker, Michael Douglas loses his mind in this film. But lucky for us, it is all over San Francisco!

Some of the best locations include the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the Tunnel Top Lounge and Bar in downtown SF. I especially love that one of the stops includes the Lion House in the SF Zoo (yikes!).

One of my favorite shots outside of SF includes the Filoli Historic House & Gardens on the way down to San Jose. If you are going that way, it is definitely worth a visit.

9 & 10. Sister Act (1992) & Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)

Both of Whoopie Goldberg's great comedies have San Francisco filming locations all across the city, including Saints Peter & Paul Church in North Beach, nearby Coit Tower, and the Maritime Museum Building.

You'll also see St. Paul's Church in Noe Valley (not surprisingly, there are several churches in this film, since she plays a nun!).

They also go to Candlestick Park and many other locations as this madcap adventure makes its way around the city.

11. What's Up, Doc? (1972)

Four mixed-up luggage bags that look exactly alike allow us to see so many parts of the city in this romantic comedy filmed in San Francisco.

Some of these locations include 1000 Bush Street, where Judy watches pizza being made, Pier 70, Lombard Street, and even the SF Fire Department Station #38. You probably never thought you'd think about seeing a fire station, right?

Others include the incredible Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Mr. Larrabee's mansion at 2018 California Street, Saints Peter and Paul Church, and Alta Plaza Park in Pacific Heights, where there is an insane chase scene.

And, of course, SFO International Airport, where all the confusion of this silly slapstick starts!

12. Zodiac (2007)

This is one of the more gripping and chilling films shot in San Francisco. It tells the true story of the search for the infamous serial killer who terrorized the city during the 1960s and 70s.

Even though the real life story took place in San Francisco, about half of this movie was filmed in Los Angeles or Southern California.

However, local spots include the San Francisco Chronicle Building (the city's main newspaper), "Morti's Bar" at 451 Minna Street, and Original Joe's, where Robert and Melanie have their first date.

Other scenes filmed in SF show the Transbay Terminal, the Earl Warren Building, and 2501 Irving Street, where Melvin Belli is supposed to meet the Zodiac Killer.

There is also a neat shot of Paul Avery's houseboat, which is located just north of the city in Sausalito.

13. Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

Of the famous movies filmed in San Francisco, this has one obvious location from start to end: the former maximum-security federal prison on Alcatraz Island.

It is based on the true story of the only three convicts to ever supposedly succeed in escaping from The Rock. There are so many great reasons to watch this film, including getting a good idea of what it is like to visit Alcatraz.

The movie will give you a taste of how the prisoners were treated in their daily life. You'll also see what it was like to walk through the halls and know that you will probably never leave and to hear the voices of people on the outside in San Francisco, depending on which way the wind was blowing.

It has never been proven whether the escaped convicts survived or not. It will be up to you to decide when you visit it for yourself!

More Fun Things to Do Around SF

14. Milk (2008)

"Milk" is another one of the movies set in San Francisco that offers a window into history.

In the 1970s, when being gay wasn't widely accepted, Harvey Milk became California's first openly gay elected City Supervisor.

This SF film gives us a chance to see so much of the city. You can see City Hall, the Federal Building, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The film shows local neighborhoods such as Chinatown, the Haight, and the Castro.

In the Castro, there is an especially important scene at Market Street and Castro Street where there are rallies, gay rights demonstrations, and a candlelight memorial march. After watching this movie, you will want to go there and see the memorial in person.

15. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

Most people don't connect this haunting Brad Pitt movie to San Francisco since so much of it is filmed in Louisiana, England, and elsewhere. However, there are a number of scenes that are filmed here.

In fact, one of the most famous scenes is during the interview between Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt at the Flatiron Building at 540 Market Street.

Other San Francisco filming locations include other parts of Market Street, Golden Gate Avenue, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

16. Bullitt (1968)

Steve McQueen chases the murderer of a witness all through San Francisco in this high-octane thriller, which is why it is such a great movie to learn about the City by the Bay!

Some of the best locations include Enrico's Cafe (now closed), Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church,  the Mark Hopkins Hotel in Nob Hill, and the Kennedy Hotel (as the Daniels Hotel).

However, any fan of "Bullitt" knows that the best part of the movie is the insane car chases. These include the 800 block of Chestnut Street, where one starts, Taylor & Vallejo, where the downhill chase really starts going, and the Marina Green, just to name a few.

Fun Fact: Part of the chase includes driving on the Embarcadero Freeway. You won't be able to find this, as it was demolished after the 1989 Earthquake.

17. The Rock (1996)

You probably guessed it just by the name: this is another one of the movies made in San Francisco that features Alcatraz Island.

Unlike "Escape from Alcatraz," this action thriller takes place in a more contemporary phase of The Rock, similar to how you'll find it today.

Sean Connery plays an ex-con escapee from the former prison who teams up with Nicolas Cage to save the city of San Francisco and the 81 Alcatraz tourists taken hostage on the island by a group of rogue military men.

This movie filmed in SF offers additional locations, including the Fairmont Hotel, the Palace of Fine Arts, New Russian Hill Market (where you get a great car chase), and the incredibly gorgeous War Memorial Opera House.

Some scenes are filmed in Los Angeles, but this does not detract from the incredible views you'll get of SF while you watch this thriller.

18. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

Probably one of the scariest movies shot in San Francisco, this one gives you as many views of the city as any other on this list.

Some of the best include the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, City Hall, Lafayette Park in Pacific Heights, and my personal favorite, Bimbo's 365 Club.

Since the movie is based on aliens duplicating humans all over the city, you'll get to visit famous locations like the intersections of Powell and Market or Broadway and Columbus, among others.

It is one of the few films that feature the Transamerica Pyramid, which is a bit surprising since it is such a well-known San Francisco landmark.

Great Places to Stay Around San Francisco

19, 20 & 21. Ant-Man (2015), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), & Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

These movies about little superheroes find huge filming locations in San Francisco.

One of them is the Chase Center, home to our Golden State Warriors. (Depending on when you visit, you should pick up tickets to see them play!)

Others include Lombard Street, the bay ferries, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Muir Woods.

You'll also see the San Francisco Police Department on Bryant Street, the City Lights bookstore in the hip and cool neighborhood of North Beach, Buena Vista Park and its beautiful city views, and the Tenderloin District. 

22. Blue Jasmine (2013)

This is one of the movies made in San Francisco that features local areas apart from the most famous landmarks. These include Ocean Beach, Pacific Heights, and the Marina, just to name a few.

Another reason I love this movie so much is that there are numerous shots of San Francisco's historic streetcars, including one that was originally from Philadelphia and built in 1947.

There are so many San Francisco filming locations in this movie—and that doesn't include the parts in nearby Tiburon or Marin—that it is actually quite difficult to give a full report! Just know that you'll probably find someplace new each time you watch it. 

23. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)

In the fourth installment of the Star Trek films, Captain Kirk and his loyal entourage have to go back in time to save the future. And where do they go? San Francisco!

This movie is full of wonderful SF scenes, including one where Kirk gets into a yelling match at the intersection of Columbus and Kearny. Others include Golden Gate Park, the Marina, North Beach, and Chinatown.

One of the funniest scenes is when they are at the intersection of Columbus and Mason, and Checkov says, "We are looking for nuclear wessels..." which, during the height of the Cold War, is not the best thing for a Russian to be saying.

Fun Fact: The aquarium they visit while looking for whales is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located about two hours south of San Francisco.

24. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)

This movie will give you a look into the realistic struggle of a third-generation minority San Franciscan struggling to make it in a largely gentrified city.

The filming locations are incredibly varied, as the director wanted to ensure people see all sides of San Francisco, not just the pretty or the ugly.

Some of the many neighborhoods pictured include the Tenderloin, the Bayview, and the Mission, among other districts that are often ignored.

Oftentimes, Hollywood will shy away from the truth of what it is like to live here, for better or worse, but this is the real deal.

You'll find other wonderful scenes from around town, such as the Beach Chalet out by Ocean Beach and Buena Vista Park.

25. So I Married An Axe Murderer (1993)

Although this sounds like a horror film, it is a classic Mike Myers film with loads of laughs and fun. It is also shot all around the city and has some of the best locations of any film on this list.

Its scenes include Alcatraz Island, the now-closed Candlestick Park, and the Palace of Fine Arts, among other famous locations.

What I really love about this movie is that Mike Myers shows classic San Francisco scenes, such as the cable cars, as well as local favorites.

Lesser known places include the Fog City Diner, Vesuvio Cafe, La Rocca's Corner, Edinburgh Castle Pub (nicknamed "Cock o' the North"), and even the Swedenborgian Church, which I can assure you is not in any other movie on this list!

26. A View to a Kill (1985)

Although this might not be one of the most famous James Bond films, this movie set in San Francisco offers loads to see of the City by the Bay.

Some of the fun shots include chases and spy scenes in Chinatown, the Civic Center Plaza, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Port of San Francisco.

There is also a scene on the Embarcadero Freeway which was demolished after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, so you get a "view" of a "killed" freeway!

Not only that, but you get great shots of Van Ness Avenue, China Basin, and the greater San Francisco Peninsula area, as Bond's mission is to save Silicon Valley from being destroyed by Soviet attack.

One of the reasons that I love this film is that there are fun scenes at the Lefty O'Doul Drawbridge and Burger Island on 3rd Street, with an impressive fire engine chase.

And, of course, one of the most dramatic finales on top of the Golden Gate Bridge!

27. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Robin Williams lived in Marin, but it always felt like San Francisco was his home. And in this touching and comedic favorite, Mrs. Doubtfire, he definitely embraces that.

There are so many locations to visit. If you're looking for the Mrs. Doubtfire house, you'll find the Hillard family home at 2640 Steiner Street in Pacific Heights. It's here that the divorced father comes back to his kids under the disguise of a female nanny. 

"He/she" goes to the old Candlestick Park, former home of the 49ers and San Francisco Giants, so you can see what it used to be like back in the day before both teams moved to amazing new stadiums!

Other locations include Danilo's Bakery on Green Street, Crissy Field in the Presidio, and the City College of San Francisco, Chinatown Campus.

28. Basic Instinct (1992)

There are lots of great San Francisco filming locations in this famous thriller about an SFPD cop who falls for a seductive murder suspect.

Some of my favorites include the Pacific Heights and Chinatown neighborhoods, as well as the view from Kearny Street on Telegraph Hill.

As for specifics, this movie is full of wonderful scenes that bring out the city's true heart. Tosca Cafe is well represented in this film. Unfortunately, Raw Hide II is now closed but used to be a well-known LGBTQI bar.

The gorgeous Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park also appears in the film. There are many other scenes from around the bay, so you can see more than just SF.

29. Bicentennial Man (1992)

Of the Robin Williams movies set in San Francisco, this sci-fi drama is lesser known, since he plays a more serious character (an intelligent robot who tries to stop his inventors from destroying him).

However, it has some wonderful shots from all around the city. Some of the best include Postcard Row (the Painted Ladies near Alamo Square), the stunning Grace Cathedral, the Golden Gate Bridge, and City Hall, among others.

A decent amount of the movie was filmed around the Bay Area, so you will also see Treasure Island and Alameda, which sits across the bay toward Oakland.

If you want to see what's south of San Francisco, the beautiful cities of Half Moon Bay and Woodside and the Oracle Corporation building are also represented in it.

30. The Dead Pool (1988)

In this fifth and final film of the Dirty Harry series of movies set in San Francisco, the SFPD homicide inspector comes back to take you on a wild ride as somebody wants to take out our city's local celebrities... and Dirty Harry himself!

Some of the best scenes include Chinatown, the car chase all over 22nd Street, and loads of shootouts, including one in front of Nam Yuen Restaurant at 740 Washington Street. Believe me, you'll see loads of SF with the car chases and craziness.

There is a wonderful nighttime view of the Transamerica Pyramid and some great shots of Fisherman's Wharf, as well as one of 710 Steiner Street, which is part of the famous Painted Ladies.

A more somber scene, beautifully framed and acted, takes place in the San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio.

31. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

I find this film to be one of the more underrated and lesser-seen comedy films made in San Francisco, and I absolutely love it.

There are numerous locations where Marcus tries to help Sasha fall in love with him, including the ornate Orpheum Theater, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Golden Gate Park.

Of course, anyone who has seen this movie would know of the hilarious scene where Keanu Reeves walks in and blows Marcus's mind. It was filmed in the Contemporary Jewish Museum, but it will look quite different when you visit it, since they made it very simple and clean.

Some of the film was located in Vancouver, British Columbia, but you'll still see tons of San Francisco, and it is fun to try to figure out what scenes are filmed in which city.

32. The Room (2003)

The real-life mystery man Tommy Wiseau made one of the most famous cult classic films ever, and it is set almost entirely in San Francisco.

Some of the expected locations include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Union Square. Other favorites include Grace Cathedral, the famous Lyon Street Steps, and the lesser-known Sue Bierman Park (also known as Ferry Park).

One of the reasons people love this movie (other than the truly horrible directing, writing, and acting... again, it is a cult classic that has to be seen to be believed) is that there are everyday places that anyone can go and visit, like the flower shop at 3463 16th Street, where Tommy is noticed and pets the dog (again, if you see it, you'll laugh at this scene).

Another is his apartment at 3416 Broderick Street. Simply stated, if you want to watch one of the strangest and most magnificent cult films ever, while enjoying views of San Francisco, "The Room" is a must-see! Just know that it is one of the lowest-ranked films on this page because it is so absurd.

33. The Towering Inferno (1974)

One of the earlier disaster movies set in San Francisco, this one won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. 

In the story, the world’s tallest building, a 138-story tower in SF, goes up in flames during its opening night party and the SF Fire Department has to figure out how to put the fire out and rescue everyone in it. 

Its San Francisco filming locations include the Bank of America Building, the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Embarcadero, and Grace Cathedral. You get to see the classic SF skyline from the 1970s.

34. San Francisco (1936)

This highly acclaimed 1930s film starring Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald, and Spencer Tracy is one of the oldest movies in San Francisco. 

It’s a musical drama set in a turn-of-the-century Barbary Coast saloon. One unique part of this movie is that it includes a depiction of the 1906 earthquake.

35. Jagged Edge (1985)

In this thriller, a San Francisco heiress is murdered in her beach house. The husband becomes a suspect, and the lawyer he hires to defend him ends up falling in love with him.

The film locations in this one include City Hall, the Pier 39 parking garage, and buildings in Presidio Heights, Pacific Heights, and the Financial District.

More Movies Filmed in San Francisco

In addition to those mentioned above, several other movies have filmed a few scenes in San Francisco. You can see more of the City by the Bay in the following movies.

36. Looking (2016)

In this film, the protagonist returns to San Francisco for a wedding and a stroll down memory lane. You'll get an intimate look into the gay community that forms an important part of SF.

You'll also get to see the inside of City Hall, where thousands couples have been married, night shots of the city, Mason Street, Chinatown, and panoramic views of the Bay.

37. Contagion (2011)

Now that we have lived through the actual pandemic of the 2020s, this film shot in San Francisco feels eerily familiar.

It takes place all around the world, but the parts that you'll like from San Francisco include locations such as the San Francisco Chronicle Building, Candlestick Park, Golden Gate Park, and Potrero Hill.

38. Foul Play (1978)

This bumbling detective comedy starring Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase shows several SF filming locations.

These include Telegraph Hill, Andrew S. Hallidie Plaza, and a goofy location named "Pawtrero Hill Bathhouse & Feed Co.," a family-owned pet food and toy store. I love the play on the name of our Potrero Hill district.

39. High Anxiety (1977)

This Mel Brooks comedy about a highly anxious renowned psychiatrist offers a parody of famous scenes from the Hitchcock films "Vertigo," "Psycho," and "The Birds."

It was filmed in many areas of San Francisco, including the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Embarcadero, Fort Point, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and many more. You'll see loads of SF in it!

40. Sudden Impact (1983)

As you can tell, Clint Eastwood sure loves SF, so you'll get more great shots in this installment of the Dirty Harry films shot in San Francisco. Look for the Embarcadero, Bowles Franklin Galleries, and the Ferry Building, where there is a massive mob shootout.

You'll also see shots of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in this popular beach town two hours south of SF.

41. Pacific Heights (1990)

In this San Francisco thriller, a couple thinks they have their dream house, but a shady character decides that he wants it and will do whatever is necessary to get it.

Luckily for us, but not for them, there are scenes in Potrero Hill, Chinatown, the Financial District, and of course, Pacific Heights!

42. The Parent Trap (1998)

This is the new release with Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson. Most of it is filmed in other locations, but there are a few scenes that show the Treasure Island Administration building, which is the "Stafford Hotel Exterior" in the movie.

There are also vineyard scenes from beautiful nearby Napa Valley. 

43. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

There's not a lot of San Francisco left by the time the X-Men decide to make their last stand against the threat of a "cure" to exterminate the mutant race.

However, the Golden Gate Bridge makes an impressive appearance in this installment of the popular superhero movies filmed in SF.

44. Joy Luck Club (1993)

This is a family drama about four Chinese-American women and their connections to their past.

Although the book that this film is based on was written by a San Francisco local, Amy Tan, only a few scenes are filmed in San Francisco. 

The primary one is at 610 Rhode Island Street in Potrero Hill, which is the interior of Harold and Leana's home. You'll catch some more as they move around the city, but nothing very specific.

45. When A Man Loves a Woman (1994)

This romantic film in San Francisco starring Meg Ryan was mostly filmed in Mexico, but it has a great shot of 2810 Hyde Street in the opening scene with a cable car that is just wonderful.

Another classic scene from this movie is filmed inside the historic Buena Vista Cafe in Fisherman's Wharf.

46. Steve Jobs (2015)

Everyone knows about the genius of Steve Jobs, and now you will get a chance to see what inspired him and the places he loved. Some of these include the Davies Symphony Hall and the War Memorial Opera House.

It was primarily filmed in Palo Alto and Cupertino, about an hour south of SF, which is where he lived and also home to Apple headquarters.

47. The Presidio

San Francisco's Presidio was a former U.S. Army post that to this day still contains the old barracks and a National Military Cemetery, where part of this Sean Connery movie is filmed.

Like all good crime films made in San Francisco, the action-packed police scenes include a foot chase through Chinatown and car chases that take you flying down the hilly streets of the city.

48. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

This 80s slapstick comedy and fantasy film contains only a few shots in Chinatown, including our unmistakable Grant Avenue. Everything else is on sound stages in LA.

However, it is still fun to watch and see if you can catch what is filmed in the city and what isn't filmed here.

49. The Princess Diaries (2001)

As would be expected with a princess movie, part of it was filmed in the US and part of it in the UK.

This one starring Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway features SF locations such as the Musee Mecanique in Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and some of the city's steepest hills with incredible views.

50. The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

This is another one of the romantic movies filmed in San Francisco, where the couple begins their long engagement.

There are a few scenes that feature SF, the most famous being the one at Alamo Square, where the opening credits of the TV show Full House were also filmed.

51. The Right Stuff (1983)

One of the most inspiring movies filmed in San Francisco, this is a historical epic based on the U.S. astronauts selected for the first human space flight. It has one important scene at the Cow Palace.

There are a few other lesser-known locations, but most of the scenes are filmed just outside of SF and in places like the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, on the coast at Half Moon Bay, among others.

52. Four Christmases (2008)

In this holiday comedy film with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, a couple tries to see all of their divorced parents in one Christmas and makes a few stops in SF.

These include Twin Peaks and the SFO International Airport (they are busy, so they have to fly a lot!).

53. The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

The fourth and final installment to this reality-bending film series has a few filming locations in San Francisco.

These include the "Simulatte Coffee Shop" (get the play on words?) at 256 Montgomery Street and one of the best shots of any of the series at 44 Montgomery Street, where Neo and Trinity do something you'll never imagine (I won't give it away!).

54 & 55. Doctor Dolittle (1998) & Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)

Sadly, neither of these films ranks among Eddie Murphy's best, but you can get loads of great location shots if you watch either or both of these animal adventure movies.

They include the Aquatic Park in Fisherman's Wharf, where they have a carnival, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, among others.

Other filming locations in San Francisco include Pacific Heights, Telegraph Hill, Crissy Field, and Hyde and Lombard Streets.

It is also fun to watch because there are shots in the surrounding Bay Area, such as Marin, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Lagunitas.

(If you are a beer fan, you'll have heard that name since it is where the Lagunitas Beer Company started back in the day.)

56. The Wedding Planner (2001)

This is another one of the romantic comedy movies shot in San Francisco, starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey.

There aren't many specific locations to mention in this film, but it does show San Francisco in general.

There is a scene at the gorgeous Filoli Historic House and Gardens in Woodside, CA, located in the Santa Cruz mountains south of the city.

57. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

One interesting fact about this Oscar-winning period drama about a celebrated post-war geisha in Japan is that contemporary Japan was deemed too modern-looking for the film.

To represent the 1920s setting of the story, many scenes were filmed in locations all around California.

The San Francisco filming locations include the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, parts of the Presidio, and Muir Beach.

58. The Graduate (1967)

This classic Dustin Hoffman film about a disillusioned college graduate who has an affair with a mother-daughter pair was shot in the Bay Area as well as in Southern California.

There are scenes in and around the UC Berkeley campus in the East Bay. After they elope, the couple is seen in the back of the bus coming to terms with the reality of their choices.

This movie is an honorable mention because the bus they are taking is actually driving the wrong way on the top of the double-decker San Francisco Bay Bridge as it leaves the city. It should have been going toward SF!

59. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

In this movie based in San Francisco, a colony of genetically advantaged apes sets up in Muir Woods and battles the humans remaining in SF 10 years after the deadly Simian Flu pandemic pushed them to the brink of extinction.

It was mostly filmed in British Columbia, but does include scenic shots of SF and gives you a good idea of the area’s geography, especially if you plan to explore the Marin wilderness while visiting San Francisco.

60. San Andreas (2015)

This disaster film hits a little too close to home, given the city’s real-life history of devastating earthquakes. In it, a 9.6-magnitude quake provokes a tsunami that destroys the Golden Gate Bridge and leaves SF and LA in ruins.

It includes scenes shot at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, and AT&T Park (read about the 1989 Loma Prieta “World Series” earthquake that occurred on the very San Andreas fault).

Other SF filming locations include Lombard Street, the Armory in the Mission District, and California Street in the Financial District.

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