Picture this: You're standing in the middle of a bustling city, skyscrapers towering around you. Suddenly, it's as if time has frozen - and you realise that this is the exact same spot where your favourite movie star once walked down the street!
From the sparkling lights of Hollywood to the infinite possibilities of America's great outdoors, the United States is home to some of the most stunning and iconic locations that have ever graced our screens.
Whether it be a quaint diner from your go-to sitcom or an otherworldly planet from a cult-classic sci-fi movie, here are a few of the unforgettable places in the US you must visit for an experience like no other.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Iconic places to visit: Amish Country, Pennsylvania and King’s Cross Station, London
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, or DDLJ as it is fondly referred to, is a classic romantic blockbuster that has captivated audiences around the world. This iconic film was shot in some of the most beautiful locations across Europe and America; from the charming Amish Country of Pennsylvania to the historic King’s Cross Station in London. The rolling hills of Pennsylvania provide a dreamy backdrop for the film’s opening sequences, while London’s King's Cross Station sets the perfect stage for its memorable climax.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Iconic places to visit: Atlanta, New York, Washington, Sunnyside, Queens Boulevard, Coney Island Beach
Spider-Man Homecoming takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the streets of New York and beyond. Filmed primarily in Atlanta, exterior shots were also taken in New York and Washington to capture the true essence of the city. But it doesn't stop there - Peter Parker's Queens apartment is situated in Sunnyside, next to the Subway viaduct above Queens Boulevard which appears several times throughout the film. To top it off, fans can witness Spider-Man take on Vulture with an epic final battle set on Coney Island beach featuring its famous Cyclone roller coaster!
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Iconic places to visit: Times Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Station, Wall Street
The romantic ode to New York City, Kal Ho Naa Ho, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan is a film that truly captures the essence of one of America's greatest cities. The bustling city streets come alive with its iconic landmarks such as Times Square; Central Park, where love blossoms between the stars, and the Brooklyn Bridge which provides an exquisite backdrop for many of the movie’s most memorable scenes. From Grand Central Station to Wall Street, each scene is filled with life and energy!
La La Land (2016)
Iconic places to visit: Griffith Observatory, Hermosa Beach Pier
As a vibrant and romantic ode to the city of Los Angeles, the movie captures its iconic landmarks, like the Griffith Observatory, where two lovers dance under star-studded skies as if they were in their own world; or the Hermosa Beach Pier, with its golden sunsets and picturesque views over the ocean. Throughout the film, we can't help but be inspired by these characters' unwavering commitment to make their dreams come true. The movie is a reminder that, no matter how hard life gets, you can always find solace in the beauty of La La Land.
My Name Is Khan (2010)
Iconic places to visit: Times Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Nob Hill, Coit Tower, Mission District, Joshua Tree National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, California State Capitol in Sacrament
From Times Square's bright lights, to Central Park's lush green oasis and Brooklyn Bridge's majestic presence, each location in this iconic film was an integral part of its emotional narrative. The beautiful Nob Hill in San Francisco where Rizwan proposed his love, Coit Tower with its striking views, Mission District bustling with life and energy - these were just some of the many awe-inspiring locations that brought their story alive on screen. From the Joshua Tree National Park to the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and the spectacular California State Capitol in Sacramento, My Name is Khan presented an enchanting cinematic experience that has left its mark on viewers around the world.
New York (2009)
Iconic places to visit: Times Square, Broadway, Statue of Liberty
Directed by Kabir Khan, 'New York' transported viewers to the bustling city of dreams - New York City. John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh lit up the silver screen with their stellar performances in this gripping tale set after the fateful events of 9/11. As we explore the streets of Times Square, Broadway and witness a majestic Statue of Liberty standing tall, it is hard not to be moved by this emotional story which has become an instant cult classic.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Iconic places to visit: Hunting Island State Park, Marshall Point Lighthouse, North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway
The iconic bench from the movie Forrest Gump, where he dispensed words of wisdom to strangers, still lives on in spirit at Chippewa Square in Savannah. While many of the film's locations were built specifically for production and have since been torn down, a few remnants remain - like Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina which served as Vietnam War scenes and Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine where Forrest ran across the country. Tom Hanks' brother even acted as a stunt double for some of his running shots along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway!
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)
Iconic places to visit: Caesars Palace fountains, The Griffin Cocktails bar in Fremont Street, Montelago Village Lake, Frank Gehry Building
Kareena Kapoor and Imran Khan brought the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to desi hearts with their film Ek Main Aur Ek Tu. From Caesars Palace fountains to The Griffin Cocktails bar in Fremont Street, Sin City came alive onscreen as these stars romanced in its grandeur. Montelago Village Lake was the backdrop for Gubbare while Frank Gehry Building provided a perfect setting for Lose the Change scene.
Into the Wild (2007)
Iconic places to visit: Denali National Park, Mojave Desert, Colorado River, Grand Canyon
Directed by Sean Penn, this captivating story follows one man's soulful exploration of nature in all its untamed glory. From the snow-capped peaks of Denali National Park to the sweeping sands of the Mojave Desert to the thunderous rapids on Colorado River cutting through the Grand Canyon, each new setting reveals an unspoiled beauty that few have seen before. With every frame comes a sense of wonder and discovery as we witness firsthand how grandiose our country can be when it is left untouched by civilisation.
Star Wars - A New Hope (1977) & Return of the Jedi (1983)
Iconic places to visit: Death Valley National Park, Tatooine, Jawas, Jabba the Hutt's Palace
Star Wars fans rejoice! Tucked away in the golden dunes of Death Valley National Park, California lies a hidden gem of cinematic history. Here, the rocky canyons and sand dunes of Tatooine were brought to life by C3PO and R2D2 as they crash-landed onto the planet. Even more thrilling is that lurking among these rocks, Jawas lurk in search of their next victims. Later, this same landscape was used to depict Jabba the Hutt's Palace in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. So if you're looking for a unique Star Wars experience close to home, look no further than Death Valley National Park!
Talk about a classic movie moment and how it is possible to relive it in real life! So go ahead, live out your wildest fantasies as you explore the iconic places that you have seen on the silver screen. Who knows, you may even get to rub shoulders with a star or two during your great American movie tour!
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