Ava GabouryMovies filmed in Vancouver have got the star power when it comes to making bank! With its stunning scenery, perfect weather, top-notch film setup, skilled crews, and sweet tax breaks, the city’s a Hollywood hotspot.
Ever wondered which blockbusters rocked Vancouver’s backdrop? And have you ticked them all off your watch list?
Dive into our curated list, catch these flicks, and see if you can spot your city on the silver screen. Let the Vancouver movie marathon begin!
2012
– Media credit: postermovie2009ok
Year: 2009
Director: Roland Emmerich
Actors:
- John Cusack
- Amanda Peet
- Chiwetel Ejiofor
Gross revenue: Approximately $769 million worldwide
In “2012,” the world goes up in flames thanks to the Mayan calendar. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes wreak havoc, leaving humanity in a panic.
Even as the chaos unfolds, Vancouver steals the show. The Vancouver Convention Centre plays a crucial role, doubling as a key evacuation site for world leaders.
Meanwhile, streets and neighborhoods across the city serve as the backdrop for disaster scenes and city-wide destruction. For all we know, you might have been there when it was filmed!
Big Eyes
– Media credit: bigeyesmovie
Year: 2014
Director: Tim Burton
Actors: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter
Gross revenue: Approximately $29 million worldwide
“Big Eyes” spills Margaret Keane’s juicy saga, pitting her creative genius against her hubby’s shady antics. It’s a showdown of artistry versus manipulation!
Vancouver steps up as the perfect stand-in for San Francisco. It morphs its streets and ‘hoods into Margaret’s artistic playground.
Gastown channels the bohemian vibes of San Francisco, while the Vancouver Art Gallery sets the stage for gallery showcases and artistic revelations. If you’re a patron of the gallery, we’re sure you recognized it almost immediately!
If I Stay
– Media credit: if_i_stay_movie_
Year: 2014
Director: R.J. Cutler
Actors:
- Chloë Grace Moretz
- Jamie Blackley
- Mireille Enos
Gross revenue: Approximately $78 million worldwide
In “If I Stay,” Mia Hall faces life’s toughest decision after a tragic accident puts her in a coma. Here’s where they cue the soul-searching journey through her past, present, and uncertain future.
And where does all this drama unfold? None other than the spotlight-stealing city of Vancouver.
Stanley Park lends its natural beauty to outdoor scenes, while downtown Vancouver serves as the setting for crucial moments in Mia’s hospitalization.
Coquitlam and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia also make appearances. Did you catch the scenes?
50 Shades Of Grey
– Media credit: 50shadesmovies
Year: 2015
Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Actors:
- Dakota Johnson
- Jamie Dornan
- Jennifer Ehle
Gross revenue: Approximately $571 million worldwide
“Fifty Shades of Grey” dishes up Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey’s steamy romance, straight from E.L. James’ bestseller. We get to dive into Christian’s world of dominance and submission as Anastasia navigates desire, power, and intimacy.
Seattle is the backdrop of the book and film. But Vancouver steals the spotlight as the cinematic playground for Christian and Anastasia’s fiery escapades.
Noteworthy spots like Gastown and Vancouver’s Coal Harbour showcase the city’s historic vibe. The Oceanic Plaza and the University of British Columbia show glimpses into Christian Grey’s opulent lifestyle.
The Bentall Centre in downtown Vancouver gives a sophisticated backdrop for key scenes. Was it believable enough for you to pose as Seattle?
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
– Media credit: percyjacksonmovies
Year: 2010
Director: Chris Columbus
Actors:
- Logan Lerman
- Alexandra Daddario
- Brandon T. Jackson
Gross revenue: Approximately $226 million worldwide
“Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” sure is a wild ride! Based on Rick Riordan’s beloved novel, it follows Percy Jackson, who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon.
We know what happens next: he’s given the quest to retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent a godly war.
And where does this epic tale unfold? None other than Vancouver! From cityscapes to lush forests, Vancouver’s diverse locales set the stage for Percy’s adventure.
Iconic spots like downtown streets and Stanley Park added depth to the film’s setting. The University of British Columbia campus was transformed into Camp Half-Blood, the demigod training ground.
Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters
– Media credit: seaofmonstersmovie
Year: 2013
Director: Thor Freudenthal
Actors:
- Logan Lerman
- Alexandra Daddario
- Brandon T. Jackson
Gross revenue: Approximately $199 million worldwide
Just when we thought it was over, we’re back into the wild world of demigods and mythical creatures with “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.” Percy’s quest to snag the Golden Fleece and rescue Camp Half-Blood from certain doom is the plot this time.
Keeping with tradition, Vancouver takes the lead as the prime filming spot for the new installment. Downtown streets and Stanley Park, where Percy’s adventure unfolds once more, are still used.
The University of British Columbia campus recreated the mythical realm of Camp Half-Blood, as with the first film.
Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian
– Media credit: night_at_the_museum_2017
Year: 2009
Director: Shawn Levy
Actors:
- Ben Stiller
- Amy Adams
- Owen Wilson
Gross revenue: Approximately $413 million worldwide
It’s a wild and hilarious adventure in “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”! Larry Daley, our trusty museum security guard, is back to rescue his friends from ancient shenanigans at the Smithsonian Institution.
But here’s the crazy twist: while most of the action unfolds in Washington DC, our hero’s escapades took a detour to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Yep, you heard that right! From bustling streets to meticulously recreated interiors, Vancouver sets the stage for Larry’s daring escapades.
Plus, Mammoth Studios in Burnaby brought the digital drama in Washington DC, and the vavavoom in Vancouver!
Tomorrowland
– Media credit: tomorrowland_themovie
Year: 2015
Director: Brad Bird
Actors:
- George Clooney
- Britt Robertson
- Hugh Laurie
Gross revenue: Approximately $209 million worldwide
“Tomorrowland” takes you on a wild sci-fi ride, following young Casey Newton and former inventor Frank Walker as they uncover destiny’s secrets.
We get to see Vancouver’s hustle as well as Enderby’s tranquility, and everywhere in between. Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, Delta, and Langley, these spots mirror the epic wonders and dangers of Tomorrowland.
Which places did you recognize almost immediately?
I, Robot
– Media credit: recensissimo
Year: 2004
Director: Alex Proyas
Actors:
- Will Smith
- Bridget Moynahan
- Alan Tudyk (voice)
Gross revenue: Approximately $347 million worldwide
“I, Robot” catapults you into a future where robots run amok. Here, we end up diving deep into the murky waters of artificial intelligence and ethics.
Behind the futuristic facade lies the real star of the show: Vancouver. With its bustling streets and sleek skylines, the city sets the stage for Detective Del Spooner’s epic quest.
Just keep your eyes peeled for scenes shot in New Westminster and Surrey. We bet you didn’t see it till we mentioned it!
X-Men: The Last Stand
– Media credit: _.rs92._
Year: 2006
Director: Brett Ratner
Actors:
- Hugh Jackman
- Halle Berry
- Ian McKellen
Gross revenue: Approximately $459 million worldwide
“X-Men: The Last Stand” stirs up mutant drama with the hot topic of a “cure” for their powers. As tensions rise, the X-Men tackle the Phoenix force, whose powers are as wild as our weekend plans.
Vancouver’s diverse locales set the stage for mutant mayhem, even in the city streets. Scenes were shot all over BC, from Victoria to Tsawwassen.
Just another day in mutant paradise, but not in Genosha. This is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scenes!
Godzilla
– Media credit: godzillamovie2014
Year: 2014
Director: Gareth Edwards
Actors:
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Elizabeth Olsen
- Bryan Cranston
Gross revenue: Approximately $529 million worldwide
“Godzilla” wreaks havoc worldwide, leaving chaos and destruction in its wake. Humanity faces off against the colossal threat posed by Godzilla and other monsters.
Now, a daring group embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the iconic creature’s origins. Vancouver’s scenic views, from urban streets to waterfront locales, undergo a transformative makeover to capture Godzilla’s destructive rampage.
Scenes were also shot in other areas of the Lower Mainland, including Nanaimo and New Westminster. If you’re from that area, we’re pretty sure you knew immediately!
Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
– Media credit: marvelfanboy63
Year: 2011
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Actors:
- James Franco
- Andy Serkis (as Caesar)
- Freida Pinto
Gross revenue: Approximately $481 million worldwide
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” dives into a world where science plays Frankenstein with nature. It’s a wild ride through the jungle of progress and its hairy consequences!
We get to meet Will Rodman, the scientist with big dreams of curing Alzheimer’s. But his experiment backfires, giving rise to Caesar, the genius ape with a bone to pick.
We get to watch as human arrogance and scientific ambition collide, stirring up ethical dramas and societal chaos galore.
Studio sets in Burnaby added depth to the film’s immersive experience. They enhanced the portrayal of advanced technology and the dramatic uprising of the apes.
Noteworthy locations include Robert Burnaby Park and the Pacific National Exhibition Grounds. If you can revisit these spots and watch the movie, we bet you won’t see both the same way again!
Man Of Steel
– Media credit: manofsteelmovie
Year: 2013
Director: Zack Snyder
Actors:
- Henry Cavill
- Amy Adams
- Michael Shannon
Gross revenue: Approximately $668 million worldwide
“Man of Steel” breathes new life into Superman’s legendary saga. It chronicles Clark Kent’s evolution from alien misfit to Earth’s ultimate hero.
While grappling with his superhuman powers and extraterrestrial roots, Clark faces off against the menacing General Zod. You got that right: he’s a scary Kryptonian foe hell-bent on Earth’s demise.
With Mount Seymour Park’s breathtaking scenery, studio sorcery transformed urban settings into the alien landscapes of Krypton. And the streets of Metropolis were Vancouver’s too!
Finally, Ucluelet and Nanaimo added another layer of visual richness to the film. Which scene did you think both spots were shown?
Deadpool
– Media credit: deadpoolmovie
Year: 2016
Director: Tim Miller
Actors:
- Ryan Reynolds
- Morena Baccarin
- Ed Skrein
Gross revenue: Approximately $783 million worldwide
“Deadpool” flips the superhero script with irreverent humor and offbeat storytelling. We meet Wade Wilson, a wisecracking mercenary who undergoes a rogue experiment to cure his cancer.
He gets accelerated healing powers but ends up disfigured. And now, he goes by one name: Deadpool!
Armed with his unique abilities and a knack for breaking the fourth wall, Deadpool goes on a wild ride of revenge and redemption in his chaotic world.
And guess what? Vancouver is the gritty playground for his unconventional heroics.
From the Georgia Viaduct to various spots across the city, Vancouver sets the stage for the antihero’s antics. Despite facing hurdles like expiring permits, the production captured Deadpool’s anarchic spirit in Vancouver’s vibrant streets.
Don’t forget Ryan Reynold’s a Canuck too! Whichever movies he makes, he brings that bit of maple magic with him.
Twilight Saga
– Media credit: startimesghana
Year: 2008-2012
Directors:
- Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight)
- Chris Weitz (New Moon)
- David Slade (Eclipse)
- Bill Condon (Breaking Dawn – Part 1 & 2)
Actors:
- Kristen Stewart
- Robert Pattinson
- Taylor Lautner
Total Gross revenue: Approximately $3.3 billion worldwide
We sank our teeth into the enchanting “Twilight Saga” when it came out! It’s where Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s forbidden love story unfolds against the backdrop of the mysterious town of Forks, Washington.
Bella’s caught in a web of romance with Edward and a complicated friendship with Jacob Black, all in a world where vampires and werewolves roam. Talk about a love triangle with a bite!
Quick, were you Team Edward or Team Jacob?
Vancouver, British Columbia, serves as the spellbinding setting for pivotal “Twilight Saga” scenes. The scene perfectly captured the mystical vibe of Forks and its wild surroundings.
From moody urban streets to Coquitlam’s pivotal role in Jacob Black’s storyline, Vancouver’s got secrets even Bella might not know. But now you’re in on the juicy details!
