Unveiling Boston’s Silver Screen: Exploring the Best Films Set There

Boston, a city teeming with history, culture, and a vibrant atmosphere, has long been a favorite setting for filmmakers, authors, and television producers. This comprehensive guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Boston, exploring the iconic locations where famous films were shot, the settings of popular TV shows, and the places that inspired renowned books. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, Boston offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

10 Famous Films Shot in Boston

Boston’s rich history, diverse architecture, and distinctive neighborhoods have made it a sought-after location for filmmakers. Here’s a list of 10 famous films that used Boston as their backdrop, providing a unique perspective of the city.

1. The Departed (2006): Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime thriller features many Boston locations, including the Massachusetts State House, the Long Wharf, and the iconic Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge.
2. Good Will Hunting (1997): This acclaimed drama, co-written and starring Boston native Matt Damon, showcases several Boston locations, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Public Garden.
3. The Town (2010): Directed by Ben Affleck, this crime drama features many scenes shot in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood.
4. Mystic River (2003): This intense drama, directed by Clint Eastwood, was filmed in several Boston neighborhoods, including East Boston and South Boston.
5. The Social Network (2010): While much of this film about Facebook’s origins was shot in California, key scenes were filmed at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, standing in for Harvard University in Cambridge, Boston.
6. Spotlight (2015): This Oscar-winning film about the Boston Globe’s investigative reporting on the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal was filmed at numerous locations around Boston, including Fenway Park and the Boston Globe offices.
7. The Fighter (2010): This biographical sports drama, starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, was filmed in Lowell, a city in the Greater Boston area.
8. Gone Baby Gone (2007): Another Ben Affleck-directed film, this crime thriller features many recognizable Boston locations, including the neighborhood of Dorchester and the iconic Cheers bar.
9. Ted (2012): This comedy, starring Mark Wahlberg and a foul-mouthed teddy bear, showcases several Boston locations, including the historic Christ Church in the city’s North End.
10. Patriots Day (2016): This drama about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing was largely shot in Boston, with scenes filmed at the actual bombing site on Boylston Street.

5 TV Shows Set in Boston

Boston is not just a favorite location for filmmakers, but also for television producers. Here are five TV shows that were set in Boston, offering yet another perspective of the city:

1. “Cheers” (1982–1993): This beloved sitcom, set in the eponymous bar (based on the real Bull & Finch Pub in Boston), provided viewers with a humorous look at Boston’s local culture.
2. “Boston Legal” (2004–2008): This legal drama series, starring James Spader and William Shatner, was set in the fictitious law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt, located in Boston.
3. “The Practice” (1997–2004): This legal drama, set in Boston, focused on the partners and associates at a law firm, providing a gritty view of the city.
4. “Ally McBeal” (1997–2002): This legal comedy-drama, known for its quirky characters and unique storytelling style, was set in a fictitious law firm in Boston.
5. “Spenser: For Hire” (1985–1988): This crime drama series, based on Robert B. Parker’s “Spenser” novels, was set in Boston and featured many local landmarks in its episodes.

5 Animated Films Set in Boston

Boston’s distinctive charm has also captured the imagination of animators. Here are five animated films that are set in or have scenes set in Boston:

1. “The Boxtrolls” (2014): While this stop-motion animated film is set in a fictional world, the city’s design was inspired by Boston’s Victorian architecture.
2. “Make Mine Music” (1946): This classic Disney film features a segment titled “The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met” that includes a scene set in Boston.
3. “Onward” (2020): While the film is set in a suburban fantasy world, the filmmakers have stated that the city in the film was inspired by Boston.
4. “The Lorax” (2012): This animated adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book includes several scenes set in a city that closely resembles Boston.
5. “101 Dalmatians” (1961): In this classic Disney film, the city where the dalmatians live is heavily inspired by Boston, as seen in the architecture and the city’s layout.

Famous Books Set in Boston: 3 Classic and 3 Contemporary

Boston’s historic sites, cultural institutions, and vibrant neighborhoods have also been the backdrop for numerous literary works. Here are three classic and three contemporary books set in Boston:

Classic Books

1. “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: This classic novel, set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt.
2. “The Bostonians” by Henry James: This novel, set in post-Civil War Boston, explores the then emerging feminist movement and the changing role of women in society.
3. “Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families” by J. Anthony Lukas: This non-fiction book provides a detailed account of Boston in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on the city’s racial tensions and school desegregation efforts.

Contemporary Books

1. “Mystic River” by Dennis Lehane: This contemporary novel, set in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester, is a gripping crime drama that explores themes of childhood, friendship, and tragedy.
2. “The Given Day” by Dennis Lehane: This historical novel, set in Boston at the end of World War I, provides a vivid portrayal of the city during a time of social and political upheaval.
3. “A Short History of Boston” by Robert J. Allison: This non-fiction book provides a concise and engaging overview of Boston’s history, from its founding to the present day.

Exploring Boston Filming Locations: Where to Go

Boston is a city that’s best explored on foot, with many of its most famous filming locations situated close to each other. Here are some must-visit locations for film lovers:

1. Fenway Park: This iconic baseball park, home of the Boston Red Sox, has been featured in numerous films, including “Moneyball” and “Fever Pitch”.
2. Boston Common: Known as “America’s oldest park”, Boston Common has appeared in movies like “The Departed” and “Ted”.
3. The Massachusetts State House: This historic building, with its distinctive golden dome, has been featured in films like “The Departed” and “The Verdict”.
4. Charlestown: This neighborhood, known for its narrow streets and historic homes, served as the backdrop for films like “The Town” and “Mystic River”.
5. Harvard University: While filming on Harvard’s campus is typically prohibited, the university’s distinctive buildings and the surrounding Harvard Square have stood in for the university in films like “Legally Blonde” and “The Social Network”.

Where to Sleep in Boston: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

When it comes to accommodation, Boston offers a range of options to suit every budget. Here are three budget and three luxury options for your stay:

Budget Options

1. HI Boston Hostel: Located in Boston’s downtown area, this hostel offers affordable dormitory-style rooms with free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
2. The Farrington Inn: This budget hotel in the Allston neighborhood offers private rooms and a convenient location close to public transportation.
3. Boston Fenway Inn: Situated near Fenway Park, this budget inn offers both dormitory-style and private rooms, making it a good choice for travelers on a budget.

Luxury Options

1. The Liberty Hotel: This luxury hotel, located in the historic Charles Street Jail, offers high-end accommodations with a unique touch of Boston’s history.
2. The Fairmont Copley Plaza: Located in Boston’s historic Back Bay, this luxury hotel offers elegantly furnished rooms and top-notch amenities.
3. The Four Seasons Hotel Boston: Overlooking the Boston Public Garden, this luxury hotel offers a blend of comfort, style, and unrivaled service.

Where to Eat in Boston: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

Boston’s dining scene is as diverse as the city itself. From classic New England seafood to international cuisine, the city offers a plethora of dining options. Here are three budget and three luxury options for your culinary exploration:

Budget Options

1. Faneuil Hall Marketplace: This historic market offers a variety of affordable dining options, including the iconic Quincy Market Colonnade, the largest food hall in New England.
2. The Capital One Café: Located in the Back Bay, this unique café offers affordable food and coffee in a relaxed setting.
3. Anna’s Taqueria: With multiple locations around the city, this chain offers some of the best and most affordable Mexican food in Boston.

Luxury Options

1. Union Oyster House: As America’s oldest restaurant, this Boston institution offers a range of seafood dishes, including the New England clam chowder.
2. No. 9 Park: Located in Beacon Hill, this upscale French and Italian restaurant offers a unique dining experience with views of the Boston Common.
3. Oleana: Situated in Cambridge, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is known for its innovative dishes and beautiful patio.

Detailed Itinerary for Exploring Boston’s Filming Locations Day by Day

To make the most of your cinematic journey through Boston, here is a suggested day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Boston

• Start your day at the Massachusetts State House, featured in films like “The Departed”.
• Head to Boston Common, a location featured in “Ted”.
• Enjoy lunch at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
• In the afternoon, explore Beacon Hill, the setting for many scenes in “Ally McBeal”.
• For dinner, enjoy seafood at the Union Oyster House.

Day 2: Visiting Cambridge and Charlestown

• Start your day in Cambridge, visiting Harvard Square and the locations featured in “Legally Blonde” and “The Social Network”.
• Head to Charlestown in the afternoon, exploring the neighborhood featured in “The Town”.
• Wrap up your day with a dinner at one of Charlestown’s local restaurants.

Day 3: Exploring Boston’s South End and Back Bay

• Begin your day in the South End, visiting locations from “Mystic River”.
• Head to Back Bay in the afternoon, exploring locations from “Cheers”.
• Finish your day with a visit to Fenway Park, featured in “Moneyball” and “Fever Pitch”, and have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

Local Legends and Curiosities About Boston’s Film Industry

Boston’s film industry is filled with intriguing legends and curiosities. For instance, while the bar from “Cheers” is a real place, the exterior shots for the show were filmed at the Bull & Finch Pub, while the interior shots were filmed on a soundstage in Hollywood.

Another interesting fact is that while many films are set at Harvard University, the university has a policy against allowing commercial filming on its property. As a result, many films use other locations to stand in for Harvard, such as the University of Southern California for “Legally Blonde”.

One of the most famous local legends involves the filming of “The Departed”. The climactic rooftop scene was actually filmed on the roof of a building in the Charlestown neighborhood, offering stunning views of the Boston skyline.

Hidden Gems in Boston

In addition to its famous landmarks, Boston is home to several lesser-known filming locations that are worth a visit:

• The  Larz Anderson Park  in Brookline was used as a filming location for “The Game Plan”.
• The  Everett Square Theatre  in Hyde Park, which has been closed to the public for years, was used as a filming location for “American Hustle”.
• The  Somerville Theatre, an independent movie theater and concert venue, was used in “The Town”.

What to Pack for a Trip to Boston

When packing for your trip to Boston, consider the city’s variable weather. For the colder months, pack warm clothing like heavy coats, hats, and gloves. For the warmer months, pack lightweight clothing and a rain jacket, as rain showers are common. Regardless of when you visit, bring comfortable walking shoes, as Boston is a city best explored on foot. Don’t forget your camera to capture the memorable locations and your travels.

How to Dress for a Trip to Boston

Boston has a fairly casual dress code, but it’s always a good idea to pack a mix of casual and smart-casual outfits. For exploring the city during the day, comfortable clothing and shoes are a must. For evenings, particularly if you plan on dining at upscale restaurants or attending performances, smarter outfits are appropriate.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Boston’s Filming Locations

Boston is a compact city with an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around:

• The  MBTA, also known as the “T”, is Boston’s public transportation system and includes subways, buses, and ferries.
• Biking  is a popular way to get around Boston, with several bike rental options available.
• Taxis and ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are readily available.

However, many of Boston’s most famous filming locations are within walking distance of each other, particularly in the downtown area.

Travel Documents Needed for a Trip to Boston

If you’re traveling to Boston from outside the U.S., you’ll need a valid passport. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa. Be sure to check the requirements before you travel.

From its historic landmarks to its modern cityscape, Boston is a city that’s worth exploring. Whether you’re a film lover, a bookworm, or simply a traveler with an appreciation for culture and history, the city’s cinematic and literary locations offer a unique way to experience Boston. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey through one of America’s most iconic cities. Lights, camera, action – Boston awaits!