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Cleveland has played host to Hollywood more times than you might think. Sure, locals remember when The Avengers shut down downtown streets in 2011, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to movies and TV shows filmed in the city.
The Land’s gritty charm and historic architecture have made it a perfect backdrop for films like White Boy Rick and Draft Day. Even comedies such as A Christmas Story—yes, that’s Ralphie’s house—have cemented Cleveland in cinematic history. And if you’re a TV fan, you might remember the sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which brought Betty White to town (at least on screen).
From blockbusters to hidden gems, this list rounds up movies and TV shows that were shot right here in Cleveland. Some you’ll instantly recognize, while others may surprise you. Whether you’re a film buff, a proud Clevelander, or just curious about Hollywood’s Midwest connection, you’ll want to check them all out.
Scroll through our list below and see which ones you’ve spotted around town.
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Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
1. A Christmas Story (1983)
Iconic holiday scenes filmed at Higbee’s department store, now a museum.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
2. Major League (1989)
Beloved baseball comedy set in Cleveland, opening with downtown shots.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
3. Light of Day (1987)
Starred Michael J. Fox; filmed at Euclid Tavern and other local venues.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
4. The Fortune Cookie (1966)
Jack Lemmon movie featuring scenes filmed at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
5. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Dramatic wedding scene shot at St. Theodosius Cathedral in Cleveland.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
6. American Splendor (2003)
Based on Harvey Pekar’s life in Cleveland—filmed locally in Lakewood.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
7. Draft Day (2014)
Football drama starring Kevin Costner; shot at Browns’ facilities and FirstEnergy Stadium.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
8. The Avengers (2012)
Downtown Cleveland doubled as New York for major action sequences.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Manchester doubled as Washington, D.C., using the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
10. Madtown (2016)
Limited-release drama starring Milo Ventimiglia, premiered at the Cleveland International Film Festival.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
11. Cherry (2021)
Major MCU-related title shot in Cleveland, among other locations.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
12. Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Filmed in Cleveland—another high-profile production.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
13. The Land (2016)
Indie film exploring Cleveland street life.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
14. Fun Size (2012)
Teen comedy set and shot in Cleveland using neighborhood locations.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
15. Welcome to Collinwood (2002)
Comedy set in the Collinwood part of Cleveland featuring William H. Macy.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
16. Air Force One (1997)
Scenes set in Kazakhstan and Russia were filmed at Severance Hall and Cleveland City Hall.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
17. The Drew Carey Show (1995–2004)
Sitcom set in Cleveland featuring a local comedian’s everyday life.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
18. Hot in Cleveland (2010–2015)
NBC sitcom about LA women relocating to Cleveland; filmed there.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
19. Cleveland Hustles (2016)
LeBron James-produced reality show filmed in Gordon Square Arts District.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
20. Hickory Hideout (1981–1991)
A children’s TV program filmed in Cleveland, featuring puppets and hosted locally, it aired on NBC-owned stations nationwide.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Cleveland That Might Surprise You was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
