Lights. Camera. Detroit? Once upon a time, Michigan had a magic golden ticket of sorts by way of a tax incentive that made it cheap and easy for filmmakers like Michael Bay, Ryan Gosling, and Drew Barrymore to utilize all the beauty, blight, and splendor Michigan has to offer. Though the film incentive was stripped from us by Gov. Rick “Flint Water Crisis” Snyder in 2015, the films created before and during that time will last forever (which, in the case of some of the films on this list, is an unfortunate fact). While some movies are set in and around Detroit, not all of those films actually set foot in the Detroit area (we’re looking at you, Grosse Pointe Blank). Meanwhile, some films that are set in places like Washington, D.C., Hong Kong, or fictional battlegrounds like Metropolis transformed our familiar landscape with some major movie magic, making it all the more special when we catch a glimpse of a Detroit building, landmark, or notable vacant lot on the silver screen. Though we’re still only slightly offended that no one asked moi for a closeup (Gos, what gives?), we’re just happy Detroit has been given many memorable moments to shine. Detroit: You’re a star, baby.

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Detroit Public Library 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-481-1300; detroitpubliclibrary.org If you’re like us, then you, too, likely choked on your energy drink when you read that Ben Affleck, as in the guy from Argo, would be the next Batman in the D.C.-U (that’s D.C. Universe). To be clear, we didn’t choke out of excitement but disbelief because why would anyone think that Ben Affleck should be Batman, one of the most beloved comic book heroes ever. (Though we don’t really understand that either because his main ”skill” is not athletics or magic. The guy is just rich.) Anyway, Affleck’s Batman didn’t get his stand-alone movie (shocker) like other D.C. heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, but he did get this sloppy battle of brawn from the guy that brought us 2021’s four-hour train wreck Zack Snyder’s Justice League — oh, and it was shot right here in metro Detroit. That’s right. Even after Michigan dissolved its film incentive in 2015, Snyder and co. brought this big-budget nightmare to many notable Detroit locations, including the Detroit Public Library, which was transformed into a black-tie gala where Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot) share knowledge and sultry glances. Photo via YouTube.com
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Detroit Public Library 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-481-1300; detroitpubliclibrary.org If you’re like us, then you, too, likely choked on your energy drink when you read that Ben Affleck, as in the guy from Argo, would be the next Batman in the D.C.-U (that’s D.C. Universe). To be clear, we didn’t choke out of excitement but disbelief because why would anyone think that Ben Affleck should be Batman, one of the most beloved comic book heroes ever. (Though we don’t really understand that either because his main ”skill” is not athletics or magic. The guy is just rich.) Anyway, Affleck’s Batman didn’t get his stand-alone movie (shocker) like other D.C. heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, but he did get this sloppy battle of brawn from the guy that brought us 2021’s four-hour train wreck Zack Snyder’s Justice League — oh, and it was shot right here in metro Detroit. That’s right. Even after Michigan dissolved its film incentive in 2015, Snyder and co. brought this big-budget nightmare to many notable Detroit locations, including the Detroit Public Library, which was transformed into a black-tie gala where Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot) share knowledge and sultry glances. Photo via YouTube.com
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Michigan Central Station 2001 15th St., Detroit In making a dismal and overdramatic three hours of CGI dribble, one would be remiss to not take advantage of one of Detroit’s most exploited landmarks for a major battle between two comic book legends. Of course, we’re talking about Michigan Central Station in Corktown. At the time of filming, the massive beast of a structure was very abandoned (Ford Motor Company didn’t scoop up the iconic property until 2018) and caught the eye of many a filmmaker (you’ll see). The battle between Batman (who is basically in some souped-up clubwear) and Superman took place atop and inside of Michigan Central Station. Photo via Google Maps
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Michigan Central Station 2001 15th St., Detroit In making a dismal and overdramatic three hours of CGI dribble, one would be remiss to not take advantage of one of Detroit’s most exploited landmarks for a major battle between two comic book legends. Of course, we’re talking about Michigan Central Station in Corktown. At the time of filming, the massive beast of a structure was very abandoned (Ford Motor Company didn’t scoop up the iconic property until 2018) and caught the eye of many a filmmaker (you’ll see). The battle between Batman (who is basically in some souped-up clubwear) and Superman took place atop and inside of Michigan Central Station. Photo via Google Maps
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Wayne County Building 600 Randolph St., Detroit Even superheroes need to go to court every now and then (but not nearly as much as they should considering how much power they wield and how unaccountable they often are), which is no different for Superman, who must attend a Senate hearing to discuss the whole colossal battle against Zod incident that devastated the city of Metropolis in 2013’s Man of Steel and has made the country, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne, pretty pissed off. Well, this scene did not take place on the floor of any Senate building but Wayne County Building, a historic landmark that was once home to the Wayne County administrative offices and courts. Photo via YouTube
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Wayne County Building 600 Randolph St., Detroit Even superheroes need to go to court every now and then (but not nearly as much as they should considering how much power they wield and how unaccountable they often are), which is no different for Superman, who must attend a Senate hearing to discuss the whole colossal battle against Zod incident that devastated the city of Metropolis in 2013’s Man of Steel and has made the country, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne, pretty pissed off. Well, this scene did not take place on the floor of any Senate building but Wayne County Building, a historic landmark that was once home to the Wayne County administrative offices and courts. Photo via Google Maps
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Hygrade Deli 3640 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6620 Thank god for Diane Lane — in general and when discussing this franchise, because while we would rather watch Unfaithful, Ms. Lane makes a great Martha Kent aka Superman’s super mom, and is just another example of a great actor getting wrapped up in a crappy franchise. Anyway, in Smallville, where Martha raised her little alien baby, she also works as a waitress at Ralli’s Diner. In Detroit, however, Ralli’s is actually the beloved sandwich shop Hygrade Deli. Photo via YouTube
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Hygrade Deli 3640 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-894-6620 Thank god for Diane Lane — in general and when discussing this franchise, because while we would rather watch Unfaithful, Ms. Lane makes a great Martha Kent aka Superman’s super mom, and is just another example of a great actor getting wrapped up in a crappy franchise. Anyway, in Smallville, where Martha raised her little alien baby, she also works as a waitress at Ralli’s Diner. In Detroit, however, Ralli’s is actually the beloved sandwich shop Hygrade Deli. Photo via Hygrade Deli/Facebook
Transformers (2007) Michigan Central Station 2001 15th St., Detroit Perhaps one of the most notable film series to call Detroit home is that of the Transformers franchise. Yes, the Michael Bay-directed CGI blockbuster films inspired by a series of toys launched in 1984 transformed — and destroyed — our beloved Motor City not once, not twice, but, like, five times, so much so that one of the franchise stars, Mr. Mark Wahlberg (he has worked in Detroit before, but more on that later) opened a few Wahlburgers locations throughout the metro Detroit area. Anway, Transformers’ films have a place in our hearts because it brought some big-screen action to Detroit many times, and are among the many film shoots that have put a spotlight on the once abandoned, now Ford-owned Michigan Central Station. OK — so because of movie magic, the actual rooftop is a location in L.A., but the establishing exteriors and empty interior was all Detroit, baby. Photo via YouTube
Transformers (2007) Michigan Central Station 2001 15th St., Detroit Perhaps one of the most notable film series to call Detroit home is that of the Transformers franchise. Yes, the Michael Bay-directed CGI blockbuster films inspired by a series of toys launched in 1984 transformed — and destroyed — our beloved Motor City not once, not twice, but, like, five times, so much so that one of the franchise stars, Mr. Mark Wahlberg (he has worked in Detroit before, but more on that later) opened a few Wahlburgers locations throughout the metro Detroit area. Anway, Transformers’ films have a place in our hearts because it brought some big-screen action to Detroit many times, and are among the many film shoots that have put a spotlight on the once abandoned, now Ford-owned Michigan Central Station. OK — so because of movie magic, the actual rooftop is a location in L.A., but the establishing exteriors and empty interior was all Detroit, baby. Photo via Michigan Central Station/Facebook
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) Packard Plant 1560 E Grand Blvd., Detroit The third installment of the Transformers franchise reunites now-canceled leading man Shia LaBeouf with Autobots, Decepticons, and a very loose commitment to plot. Transformers: Dark of the Moon once again, took to the midwest for filming, including some Detroit locations. CGI robots, supermodel-turned-actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, and LaBeouf explore some Detroit locations including the Fisher Building, some downtown streets, and local homes. But, perhaps the most recognizable location is Detroit’s very abandoned, lumbering and crumbling Packard Plant, which was the backdrop to the scene in which the Autobots return to Earth because, well, we don’t actually know why, but the Packard sure steals the show. Photo via YouTube
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) Packard Plant 1560 E Grand Blvd., Detroit The third installment of the Transformers franchise reunites now-canceled leading man Shia LaBeouf with Autobots, Decepticons, and a very loose commitment to plot. Transformers: Dark of the Moon once again, took to the midwest for filming, including some Detroit locations. CGI robots, supermodel-turned-actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, and LaBeouf explore some Detroit locations including the Fisher Building, some downtown streets, and local homes. But, perhaps the most recognizable location is Detroit’s very abandoned, lumbering and crumbling Packard Plant, which was the backdrop to the scene in which the Autobots return to Earth because, well, we don’t actually know why, but the Packard sure steals the show. Photo via WikiCommons
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) Boblo boat SS Ste. Claire Riverside Marina, 11000 Freud St., Detroit The year is 2014 and the Michael Bay-directed Transformers franchise is still kicking, sans Shia LaBeouf, because apparently, he thought there was nowhere else to take his character. Well, lucky for Detroit, the franchise adopted Detroit-advocate Mark Wahlberg as leading man 2.0 for Transformers: Age of Extinction, which also stars heartthrob Stanley Tucci and Frasier Crane himself, Mr. Kelsey Grammer. Considering this is the fourth installment of the series, filmmakers took advantage of some locations featured in previous Transformers films, as well as some new ones, including the historic Boblo boat. Good thing filmmakers snatched that boat shot because the docked Boblo boat actually caught fire in 2018. Photo via YouTube
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) Boblo boat SS Ste. Claire Riverside Marina, 11000 Freud St., Detroit The year is 2014 and the Michael Bay-directed Transformers franchise is still kicking, sans Shia LaBeouf, because apparently, he thought there was nowhere else to take his character. Well, lucky for Detroit, the franchise adopted Detroit-advocate Mark Wahlberg as leading man 2.0 for Transformers: Age of Extinction, which also stars heartthrob Stanley Tucci and Frasier Crane himself, Mr. Kelsey Grammer. Considering this is the fourth installment of the series, filmmakers took advantage of some locations featured in previous Transformers films, as well as some new ones, including the historic Boblo boat. Good thing filmmakers snatched that boat shot because the docked Boblo boat actually caught fire in 2018. Photo by Corey Seeman/Flickr
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) Grand Circus Park Downtown Detroit One of the coolest parts of movie-making is the transformative movie magic that takes everyday locations and, with some big bucks and creative minds, turns them into a city nearly 8,000 miles away. Such is the case with Transformers: Age of Extinction, which turned Detroit’s Grand Circus Park and into a destroyed Hong Kong because, per the film’s Wikipedia page: “The Autobots reveal to Cade that Galvatron is in fact Megatron reincarnated, plotting to use the Seed and the Transformer drones to conquer the world, starting with Hong Kong.” OK — so we’re not 100% sure what that means, but we think it’s pretty cool to get a little bit of Hong Kong in the Motor City. Photo via YouTube
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) Grand Circus Park Downtown Detroit One of the coolest parts of movie-making is the transformative movie magic that takes everyday locations and, with some big bucks and creative minds, turns them into a city nearly 8,000 miles away. Such is the case with Transformers: Age of Extinction, which turned Detroit’s Grand Circus Park and into a destroyed Hong Kong because, per the film’s Wikipedia page: “The Autobots reveal to Cade that Galvatron is in fact Megatron reincarnated, plotting to use the Seed and the Transformer drones to conquer the world, starting with Hong Kong.” OK — so we’re not 100% sure what that means, but we think it’s pretty cool to get a little bit of Hong Kong in the Motor City. Photo via GoogleMaps>
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) Grand Circus Park Downtown Detroit One of the coolest parts of movie-making is the transformative movie magic that takes everyday locations and, with some big bucks and creative minds, turns them into a city nearly 8,000 miles away. Such is the case with Transformers: Age of Extinction, which turned Detroit’s Grand Circus Park and into a destroyed Hong Kong because, per the film’s Wikipedia page: “The Autobots reveal to Cade that Galvatron is in fact Megatron reincarnated, plotting to use the Seed and the Transformer drones to conquer the world, starting with Hong Kong.” OK — so we’re not 100% sure what that means, but we think it’s pretty cool to get a little bit of Hong Kong in the Motor City. Photo via YouTube
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014) Grand Circus Park Downtown Detroit One of the coolest parts of movie-making is the transformative movie magic that takes everyday locations and, with some big bucks and creative minds, turns them into a city nearly 8,000 miles away. Such is the case with Transformers: Age of Extinction, which turned Detroit’s Grand Circus Park and into a destroyed Hong Kong because, per the film’s Wikipedia page: “The Autobots reveal to Cade that Galvatron is in fact Megatron reincarnated, plotting to use the Seed and the Transformer drones to conquer the world, starting with Hong Kong.” OK — so we’re not 100% sure what that means, but we think it’s pretty cool to get a little bit of Hong Kong in the Motor City. Photo via GoogleMaps
Transformers: Last Knight (2017) Downtown Detroit Sadly, the Autobots and Mark Wahlberg moved on from Transformers in 2017, when the five-film series concluded, which sadly means that Detroit would no longer be the disguised backdrop for CGI robots to destroy. Before wrapping the series, they tore up the city one last time, including a return to Detroit’s Packard Plant as well as some chase and battle scenes in a recognizable downtown Detroit. Photo via YouTube
Transformers: Last Knight (2017) Downtown Detroit Sadly, the Autobots and Mark Wahlberg moved on from Transformers in 2017, when the five-film series concluded, which sadly means that Detroit would no longer be the disguised backdrop for CGI robots to destroy. Before wrapping the series, they tore up the city one last time, including a return to Detroit’s Packard Plant as well as some chase and battle scenes in a recognizable downtown Detroit. Photo via YouTube
Transformers: Last Knight (2017) Fisher Building 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit Sadly, the Autobots and Mark Wahlberg moved on from Transformers in 2017, when the five-film series concluded, which sadly means that Detroit would no longer be the disguised backdrop for CGI robots to destroy. Before wrapping the series, they tore up the city one last time, including a return to Detroit’s Packard Plant as well as some chase and battle scenes in a recognizable downtown Detroit. Photo via YouTube
Transformers: Last Knight (2017) Fisher Building 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit Sadly, the Autobots and Mark Wahlberg moved on from Transformers in 2017, when the five-film series concluded, which sadly means that Detroit would no longer be the disguised backdrop for CGI robots to destroy. Before wrapping the series, they tore up the city one last time, including a return to Detroit’s Packard Plant as well as some chase and battle scenes in a recognizable downtown Detroit. Photo via GoogleMaps
BONUS: Transformers: Last Knight (2017) Pontiac Silverdome OK — we know that A) the Silverdome isn’t in Detroit and B) it is no longer even standing. However, we wanted to give the fallen arena a moment since it’s featured in the final Transformers entry — and we totally know why. The 82,000+ capacity former home of the Detroit Lions, the Silverdome was erected in 1975 and closed in 2003. The massive arena was demolished in 2018. Photo via YouTube
BONUS: Transformers: Last Knight (2017) Pontiac Silverdome OK — we know that A) the Silverdome isn’t in Detroit and B) it is no longer even standing. However, we wanted to give the fallen arena a moment since it’s featured in the final Transformers entry — and we totally know why. The 82,000+ capacity former home of the Detroit Lions, the Silverdome was erected in 1975 and closed in 2003. The massive arena was demolished in 2018. Photo via ashleydiener/Flickr
8 Mile (2002) A&L Mobile Home Park 20787 Schultes Ave., Warren If you had one movie, would you shoot it in your hometown? Or would you go full Hollywood? Well, we think Eminem’s knees may be weak and his arms may be heavy for carrying the city of Detroit at a time where people were scared to cross the film’s namesake street. This thinly veiled quasi-autobiography about Eminem’s rise in Detroit’s hip-hop scene was shot in the place where it all went down. (“Filmed on location in the 313” as the ending credits proudly proclaim.) Not only does the movie feature a number of notable Motor City locations but it also brought local performers like Miz Korona, Proof (R.I.P.), and Obie Trice to the big screen. Among the locations near Detroit is the A&L Mobile Home Park where Rabbit aka Eminem lives with his troubled mother. The trailer park exists in Warren but was given the fictional name of 8 Mile Mobile Park because, 8 Mile, baby. (Fun fact: The rap battle scenes at the Shelter were not shot at the real Shelter, but rather a re-created set elsewhere in Detroit.) Photo via GoogleMaps
8 Mile (2002) The Michigan Building 220 Bagley St., Detroit The Michigan Building, which is now a parking garage and remains attached to what once was the Michigan Theater, made an appearance in 8 Mile when two rivaling rap crews, including Eminem’s, take advantage of the vast abandoned space as a popular hangout place where they smoke, spit rhymes, and start shit. Photo via YouTube
8 Mile (2002) The Michigan Building 220 Bagley St., Detroit The Michigan Building, which is now a parking garage and remains attached to what once was the Michigan Theater, made an appearance in 8 Mile when two rivaling rap crews, including Eminem’s, take advantage of the vast abandoned space as a popular hangout place where they smoke, spit rhymes, and start shit. Photo via GoogleMaps
8 Mile (2002) Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy 13037 Mack Ave., Detroit Remember when Rabbit and his crew roll around the city with a paintball gun, including a cop car? Well, one of the notable locations they pummel with paint fire is none other than that abandoned cow head place, er, the former Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy shop. The store, which used the giant cow head as a marketing gimmick, was only open for less than a decade and closed in 1960 before becoming Dairy Ann, C&P Ice Cream, and, its final incarnation, a barbecue joint. The property hit the market in 2016 for $89,000, which is more than the sale of the Michigan Central Station in the 1990s. Photo via YouTube
8 Mile (2002) Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy 13037 Mack Ave., Detroit Remember when Rabbit and his crew roll around the city with a paintball gun, including a cop car? Well, one of the notable locations they pummel with paint fire is none other than that abandoned cow head place, er, the former Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy shop. The store, which used the giant cow head as a marketing gimmick, was only open for less than a decade and closed in 1960 before becoming Dairy Ann, C&P Ice Cream, and, its final incarnation, a barbecue joint. The property hit the market in 2016 for $89,000, which is more than the sale of the Michigan Central Station in the 1990s. Photo via GoogleMaps
BONUS: 8 Mile (2002) Chin Tiki/Parking lot 2121 Cass Ave., Detroit While you may not be able to visit Chin Tiki, the once-hot tiki-themed nightclub and restaurant which was featured in 8 Mile, you can park on it, thanks to our favorite purveyors of parking lots, the Illitch family! That’s right, Chin Tiki was torn down in 2009, nearly three decades after it shuttered. R.I.P. Chin Tiki, may you live on forever in our hearts and in 8 Mile. Photo via YouTube
BONUS: 8 Mile (2002) Chin Tiki/Parking lot 2121 Cass Ave., Detroit While you may not be able to visit Chin Tiki, the once-hot tiki-themed nightclub and restaurant which was featured in 8 Mile, you can park on it, thanks to our favorite purveyors of parking lots, the Illitch family! That’s right, Chin Tiki was torn down in 2009, nearly three decades after it shuttered. R.I.P. Chin Tiki, may you live on forever in our hearts and in 8 Mile. Photo by Jim Reese/Flickr
BONUS: 8 Mile (2002) Chin Tiki/Parking lot 2121 Cass Ave., Detroit While you may not be able to visit Chin Tiki, the once-hot tiki-themed nightclub and restaurant which was featured in 8 Mile, you can park on it, thanks to our favorite purveyors of parking lots, the Illitch family! That’s right, Chin Tiki was torn down in 2009, nearly three decades after it shuttered. R.I.P. Chin Tiki, may you live on forever in our hearts and in 8 Mile. Photo via GoogleMaps/i>
Gran Torino (2008) Private home 238 Rhode Island St., Highland Park In the same vein as Green Book or Crash and, you know, other movies where white dudes prove that racism is dead after overcoming racism, Gran Torino follows silver screen legend (and the film’s director) Clint Eastwood as a Korean War veteran and neighborhood curmudgeon who lives next door to a Hmong family and, if you haven’t guessed, stops being angry at Asian Americans. OK — so the movie is a bit more complex and it’s not nearly as egregiously bad as the aforementioned films, but, unlike those films, Gran Torino was not nominated for a single Academy Award. The crew spent over $10 million while shooting throughout metro Detroit, which found production setting up shop in a neighborhood in Highland Park where Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) and the Vang Lor family reside — and where a majority of the film takes place. (Fun fact: The dinner scene features food from Dearborn’s Bangkok 96, after restaurateur Genevieve Vang was enlisted to provide authentic Hmong/Thai food for cast/crew.) Photo via YouTube
Gran Torino (2008) Private home 238 Rhode Island St., Highland Park In the same vein as Green Book or Crash and, you know, other movies where white dudes prove that racism is dead after overcoming racism, Gran Torino follows silver screen legend (and the film’s director) Clint Eastwood as a Korean War veteran and neighborhood curmudgeon who lives next door to a Hmong family and, if you haven’t guessed, stops being angry at Asian Americans. OK — so the movie is a bit more complex and it’s not nearly as egregiously bad as the aforementioned films, but, unlike those films, Gran Torino was not nominated for a single Academy Award. The crew spent over $10 million while shooting throughout metro Detroit, which found production setting up shop in a neighborhood in Highland Park where Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) and the Vang Lor family reside — and where a majority of the film takes place. (Fun fact: The dinner scene features food from Dearborn’s Bangkok 96, after restaurateur Genevieve Vang was enlisted to provide authentic Hmong/Thai food for cast/crew.) Photo via YouTube
Gran Torino (2008) Private home 238 Rhode Island St., Highland Park In the same vein as Green Book or Crash and, you know, other movies where white dudes prove that racism is dead after overcoming racism, Gran Torino follows silver screen legend (and the film’s director) Clint Eastwood as a Korean War veteran and neighborhood curmudgeon who lives next door to a Hmong family and, if you haven’t guessed, stops being angry at Asian Americans. OK — so the movie is a bit more complex and it’s not nearly as egregiously bad as the aforementioned films, but, unlike those films, Gran Torino was not nominated for a single Academy Award. The crew spent over $10 million while shooting throughout metro Detroit, which found production setting up shop in a neighborhood in Highland Park where Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) and the Vang Lor family reside — and where a majority of the film takes place. (Fun fact: The dinner scene features food from Dearborn’s Bangkok 96, after restaurateur Genevieve Vang was enlisted to provide authentic Hmong/Thai food for cast/crew.) Photo via GoogleMaps
Gran Torino (2008) Saint Ambrose Roman Catholic Church 15020 Hampton St., Grosse Pointe Park In the same vein as Green Book or Crash and, you know, other movies where white dudes prove that racism is dead after overcoming racism, Gran Torino follows silver screen legend (and the film’s director) Clint Eastwood as a Korean War veteran and neighborhood curmudgeon who lives next door to a Hmong family and, if you haven’t guessed, stops being angry at Asian Americans. OK — so the movie is a bit more complex and it’s not nearly as egregiously bad as the aforementioned films, but, unlike those films, Gran Torino was not nominated for a single Academy Award. The crew spent over $10 million while shooting throughout metro Detroit, which included the film’s opening funeral scene. Shot at Saint Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe, it is during this scene where Walt says goodbye to his wife, while hating the rest of his shitty family, thus setting a tone for the rest of the movie. Photo via YouTube
Gran Torino (2008) Saint Ambrose Roman Catholic Church 15020 Hampton St., Grosse Pointe Park In the same vein as Green Book or Crash and, you know, other movies where white dudes prove that racism is dead after overcoming racism, Gran Torino follows silver screen legend (and the film’s director) Clint Eastwood as a Korean War veteran and neighborhood curmudgeon who lives next door to a Hmong family and, if you haven’t guessed, stops being angry at Asian Americans. OK — so the movie is a bit more complex and it’s not nearly as egregiously bad as the aforementioned films, but, unlike those films, Gran Torino was not nominated for a single Academy Award. The crew spent over $10 million while shooting throughout metro Detroit, which included the film’s opening funeral scene. Shot at Saint Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe, it is during this scene where Walt says goodbye to his wife, while hating the rest of his shitty family, thus setting a tone for the rest of the movie. Photo via GoogleMaps
It Follows (2014) Packard Plant 1560 E Grand Blvd., Detroit We’ve all seen the spring break slasher flick or the cabin in the woods hill person killer thriller, but we have three very spooky words for you: Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Ah, yes. One of the most original horror/thriller movies to date, It Follows centers around metro Detroit, a group of teens, and a mysterious killer… which is believed to be a parable for STDs amid young people’s sexual exploration. The film, written and directed by Clawson native David Robert Mitchell, was shot throughout the metro Detroit area and included some recognizable locations including every filmmaker’s favorite abandoned factory, the Packard Plant. Photo via YouTube
It Follows (2014) Packard Plant 1560 E Grand Blvd., Detroit We’ve all seen the spring break slasher flick or the cabin in the woods hill person killer thriller, but we have three very spooky words for you: Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Ah, yes. One of the most original horror/thriller movies to date, It Follows centers around metro Detroit, a group of teens, and a mysterious killer… which is believed to be a parable for STDs amid young people’s sexual exploration. The film, written and directed by Clawson native David Robert Mitchell, was shot throughout the metro Detroit area and included some recognizable locations including every filmmaker’s favorite abandoned factory, the Packard Plant. Photo via GoogleMaps
It Follows (2014) Redford Theatre 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit Date night! Everyone loves a date night, right? Well, for It Follows, filmmakers place main characters Jaimie and Hugh at the very photogenic and very historic Redford Theater for a little date night action and a screening of the 1963 classic romantic thriller Charade. Photo via YouTube
It Follows (2014) Redford Theatre 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit Date night! Everyone loves a date night, right? Well, for It Follows, filmmakers place main characters Jaimie and Hugh at the very photogenic and very historic Redford Theater for a little date night action and a screening of the 1963 classic romantic thriller Charade. Photo via YouTube
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) Private home 82 Alfred St., Detroit Vampires had a major moment in film and television thanks to the young adult franchise Twilight and the very adult-adult HBO series True Blood. Well, filmmaker, musician, and honorary Detroiter Jim Jarmusch made a vampire flick for the ages starring always vampy Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleson. The dreamy 2013 film was shot in Morocco, Hamburg, Germany, and Detroit, which served as the home of Swinton and Hiddleson. Vampire HQ, the eclectic, crowded, and otherworldly space where much of the film takes place, is actually a private Victorian home in Detroit’s Brush Park. Photo via YouTube
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) Private home 82 Alfred St., Detroit Vampires had a major moment in film and television thanks to the young adult franchise Twilight and the very adult-adult HBO series True Blood. Well, filmmaker, musician, and honorary Detroiter Jim Jarmusch made a vampire flick for the ages starring always vampy Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleson. The dreamy 2013 film was shot in Morocco, Hamburg, Germany, and Detroit, which served as the home of Swinton and Hiddleson. Vampire HQ, the eclectic, crowded, and otherworldly space where much of the film takes place, is actually a private Victorian home in Detroit’s Brush Park. Photo via GoogleMaps
Real Steel (2011) Detroit Fire Department Headquarters 250 W. Larned St., Detroit Listen — just because a movie was filmed in Detroit, the best city ever, does not mean that the movie is, uh, even watchable. Hugh Jackman traded in his Wolverine claws for big CGI robots which have, in the case of the 2011 film Real Steel, replaced human boxers in the year… 2020. Whoa. Anyway, this film not only enlisted many local models as extras in the arena battle scenes, but also took advantage of some prime locations around town, including the Detroit Fire Department Headquarter. The firehouse served as Tallet’s Gym, where former human boxer Charlie Kenton (Jackman) worked on and trained his robot fighter. Photo via YouTube
Real Steel (2011) Detroit Fire Department Headquarters 250 W. Larned St., Detroit Listen — just because a movie was filmed in Detroit, the best city ever, does not mean that the movie is, uh, even watchable. Hugh Jackman traded in his Wolverine claws for big CGI robots which have, in the case of the 2011 film Real Steel, replaced human boxers in the year… 2020. Whoa. Anyway, this film not only enlisted many local models as extras in the arena battle scenes, but also took advantage of some prime locations around town, including the Detroit Fire Department Headquarter. The firehouse served as Tallet’s Gym, where former human boxer Charlie Kenton (Jackman) worked on and trained his robot fighter. Photo via GoogleMaps
Real Steel (2011) Abandoned Belle Isle Zoo A popular destination of ruin porn pervs and urban explorers/trespassers was given its cinematic moment thanks to Real Steel, which gave the abandoned Belle Isle Zoo a much deserved, albeit brief, new life as a battle arena for big bots. Opened in 1895, later, the Belle Isle Zoo became the Detroit Children’s Zoo in 1947 and, in the 1980s, became Safariland only to be abandoned years later after a 2004 campaign rallied to get the Belle Isle Nature Center up and running, leaving the original African-inspired attraction to be reclaimed by nature. Photo via YouTube
Real Steel (2011) Abandoned Belle Isle Zoo A popular destination of ruin porn pervs and urban explorers/trespassers was given its cinematic moment thanks to Real Steel, which gave the abandoned Belle Isle Zoo a much deserved, albeit brief, new life as a battle arena for big bots. Opened in 1895, later, the Belle Isle Zoo became the Detroit Children’s Zoo in 1947 and, in the 1980s, became Safariland only to be abandoned years later after a 2004 campaign rallied to get the Belle Isle Nature Center up and running, leaving the original African-inspired attraction to be reclaimed by nature. Photo via GoogleMaps
Real Steel (2011) GM Renaissance Center 300 Renaissance Center, Detroit If you’re like us, you’re probably wondering why the RenCen hasn’t been featured more often in movies considering it’s a large presence as part of Detroit’s skyline and the interior screams Blade Runner. Well, Real Steel featured the RenCen, which was transformed into New York’s Bing Arena, where some major bot battles took place. Photo via YouTube
Real Steel (2011) GM Renaissance Center 300 Renaissance Center, Detroit If you’re like us, you’re probably wondering why the RenCen hasn’t been featured more often in movies considering it’s a large presence as part of Detroit’s skyline and the interior screams Blade Runner. Well, Real Steel featured the RenCen, which was transformed into New York’s Bing Arena, where some major bot battles took place. Photo via GoogleMaps
Lost River (2014) Brewster Douglass Projects 2700 St. Antoine St., Detroit There are movies, and then there are movies that are so poorly received that a film critic might describe it as being “colossally indulgent, shapeless, often fantastically and unthinkingly offensive and at all times insufferably conceited.” Woof. Well, Ryan Gosling thought he had a real winner on his hands when he wrote, co-produced, and directed Lost River, which, more than any movie ever, truly exploited, er, highlighted all of Detroit’s beauty, vacancy, and blight. A fantastical drama, Lost River concerns a secret underwater town and cast of characters who are lost in their own dilapidated worlds, including Christina Hendricks, Saoirse Ronan, and the film’s lead, Bones, played by Iain De Caestecker. The film used the backdrop of the historic Brewster-Douglass Projects, which were controversially demolished the same year of Lost River’s release. Gosling even said he felt a sense of urgency while filming as to capture a crumbling Detroit. Though the towers may no longer be standing and, as of 2019, the Brewster-Douglass Projects site was purchased by Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock for $23 million for mixed-use development, the site holds a lot of emotions for native Detroiters and is worth visiting, studying up on, and paying tribute to our abandoned working class. The real question is: is Lost River worth watching? Honestly, we think so. Considering the whole damn thing was filmed here, though not using many discernable or recognizable locations, it captured Detroit in a way that few films have, for better or worse. Plus, the stunning cinematography distracts from the lack of plot. Photo via YouTube
Lost River (2014) Brewster Douglass Projects 2700 St. Antoine St., Detroit There are movies, and then there are movies that are so poorly received that a film critic might describe it as being “colossally indulgent, shapeless, often fantastically and unthinkingly offensive and at all times insufferably conceited.” Woof. Well, Ryan Gosling thought he had a real winner on his hands when he wrote, co-produced, and directed Lost River, which, more than any movie ever, truly exploited, er, highlighted all of Detroit’s beauty, vacancy, and blight. A fantastical drama, Lost River concerns a secret underwater town and cast of characters who are lost in their own dilapidated worlds, including Christina Hendricks, Saoirse Ronan, and the film’s lead, Bones, played by Iain De Caestecker. The film used the backdrop of the historic Brewster-Douglass Projects, which were controversially demolished the same year of Lost River’s release. Gosling even said he felt a sense of urgency while filming as to capture a crumbling Detroit. Though the towers may no longer be standing and, as of 2019, the Brewster-Douglass Projects site was purchased by Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock for $23 million for mixed-use development, the site holds a lot of emotions for native Detroiters and is worth visiting, studying up on, and paying tribute to our abandoned working class. The real question is: is Lost River worth watching? Honestly, we think so. Considering the whole damn thing was filmed here, though not using many discernable or recognizable locations, it captured Detroit in a way that few films have, for better or worse. Plus, the stunning cinematography distracts from the lack of plot. Photo by Steve Neavling/i>
Sparkle (2012) Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church 2411 Iroquois St., Detroit Some movies stand out because of the storytelling while others hold a special place in our hearts because of the cast. In the case of 2012’s Sparkle (a remake of the 1976 film of the same title), the reason we care is because of one very special person: Whitney Houston. The film, which was shot in Detroit also took place in Detroit, would mark Houston’s final big-screen appearance. Houston, who plays opposite Jordin Sparks and Mike Epps, began filming in Detroit in the fall of 2011 and the film was released in August 2012. However, on February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead in her apartment. The church where Houston belts an emotional rendition of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is located in Indian Village, making the song, the space, and the film, all the more personal for Detroit Whitney fans. Photo via YouTube
Sparkle (2012) Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church 2411 Iroquois St., Detroit Some movies stand out because of the storytelling while others hold a special place in our hearts because of the cast. In the case of 2012’s Sparkle (a remake of the 1976 film of the same title), the reason we care is because of one very special person: Whitney Houston. The film, which was shot in Detroit also took place in Detroit, would mark Houston’s final big-screen appearance. Houston, who plays opposite Jordin Sparks and Mike Epps, began filming in Detroit in the fall of 2011 and the film was released in August 2012. However, on February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead in her apartment. The church where Houston belts an emotional rendition of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is located in Indian Village, making the song, the space, and the film, all the more personal for Detroit Whitney fans. Photo via YouTube
Sparkle (2012) Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park Ave, Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com
Sparkle (2012) Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park Ave, Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com
Whip It (2009) Lafayette Coney Island 118 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-964-8198 Whip it, whip it good! No, this Drew Barrymore-directed femme-filled film is not a Devo biopic but a movie about something Detroit knows pretty well. We’re talking about derby girls, baby. That’s right, badass roller derby babes got their movie by way of 2009’s Whip It, which stars Barrymore alongside Elliott Page, Kristen Wiig, Alia Shawkat, Juliette Lewis, and Marcia Gay Harden. The film shot in various metro Detroit locations in Birch Run, Ann Arbor, Frankenmuth, Saline, Troy, Ferndale, and Detroit, including Detroit’s Masonic Temple and Lafayette Coney Island, which was the backdrop for an epic food fight between rival derby teams. Photo via YouTube
Whip It (2009) Lafayette Coney Island 118 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-964-8198 Whip it, whip it good! No, this Drew Barrymore-directed femme-filled film is not a Devo biopic but a movie about something Detroit knows pretty well. We’re talking about derby girls, baby. That’s right, badass roller derby babes got their movie by way of 2009’s Whip It, which stars Barrymore alongside Elliott Page, Kristen Wiig, Alia Shawkat, Juliette Lewis, and Marcia Gay Harden. The film shot in various metro Detroit locations in Birch Run, Ann Arbor, Frankenmuth, Saline, Troy, Ferndale, and Detroit, including Detroit’s Masonic Temple and Lafayette Coney Island, which was the backdrop for an epic food fight between rival derby teams. Photo via Lafayette Coney Island/Facebook
Out of Sight (1998) GM Renaissance Center/Former Coach Insignia 300 Renaissance Center, Detroit One of the few films to be set in Detroit and to be shot here, Steven Soderbergh’s 1998 crime comedy Out of Sight checks all the boxes, starring honorary Detroiter George Clooney (who would come back to film here for 2009’s Up in the Air and again for 2011’s Ides of March), a pre-J.Lo Jennifer Lopez, and a pre-Hotel Rwanda Don Cheadle. While there were a few recognizable locations, one of the most memorable scenes took place against what remains one of Detroit’s most coveted views. Following a meet-cute for the ages (the pair ended up meeting in a car trunk when… just see the movie, OK?) Jack Foley (Clooney) and Karen Sisco (Lopez) get to know each other while drinking at the former Coach Insignia restaurant atop the Renaissance Center, while snow falls. Though Coach Insignia officially closed its doors in 2017, a new upscale restaurant concept, the Highlands, opened in 2019 offering the same stunning view. Now if only we could get Clooney or J.Lo to grab a drink with us. (Fun Fact: Soderbergh filmed much of his upcoming period drama No Sudden Move in Detroit last year, starring Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, Kieran Culkin, and Brendan Fraser.) Photo via YouTube
Out of Sight (1998) GM Renaissance Center/Former Coach Insignia 300 Renaissance Center, Detroit One of the few films to be set in Detroit and to be shot here, Steven Soderbergh’s 1998 crime comedy Out of Sight checks all the boxes, starring honorary Detroiter George Clooney (who would come back to film here for 2009’s Up in the Air and again for 2011’s Ides of March), a pre-J.Lo Jennifer Lopez, and a pre-Hotel Rwanda Don Cheadle. While there were a few recognizable locations, one of the most memorable scenes took place against what remains one of Detroit’s most coveted views. Following a meet-cute for the ages (the pair ended up meeting in a car trunk when… just see the movie, OK?) Jack Foley (Clooney) and Karen Sisco (Lopez) get to know each other while drinking at the former Coach Insignia restaurant atop the Renaissance Center, while snow falls. Though Coach Insignia officially closed its doors in 2017, a new upscale restaurant concept, the Highlands, opened in 2019 offering the same stunning view. Now if only we could get Clooney or J.Lo to grab a drink with us. (Fun Fact: Soderbergh filmed much of his upcoming period drama No Sudden Move in Detroit last year, starring Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, Kieran Culkin, and Brendan Fraser.) Photo via GoogleMaps
The Island (2005) Michigan Central Station 2001 15th St., Detroit What’s better than one Ewan McGregor? How about a Ewan McGregors, a Scarlett Johansson, and a Steve Buscemi? That’s basically all you need to know about this futuristic Michael Bay thriller, which was shot throughout the Detroit area. There was a scene shot at the now-shuttered Johnny Rockets diner that was next door to the Fox Theatre and, one of the most revealing scenes put the once-deteriorating Michigan Central Station in the spotlight in a beautifully lit scene that is basically a tale of two McGregors. Oops. Spoiler alert? Photo via YouTube
The Island (2005) Michigan Central Station 2001 15th St., Detroit What’s better than one Ewan McGregor? How about a Ewan McGregors, a Scarlett Johansson, and a Steve Buscemi? That’s basically all you need to know about this futuristic Michael Bay thriller, which was shot throughout the Detroit area. There was a scene shot at the now-shuttered Johnny Rockets diner that was next door to the Fox Theatre and, one of the most revealing scenes put the once-deteriorating Michigan Central Station in the spotlight in a beautifully lit scene that is basically a tale of two McGregors. Oops. Spoiler alert? Photo via YouTube
The Island (2005) Michigan Central Station 2001 15th St., Detroit What’s better than one Ewan McGregor? How about a Ewan McGregors, a Scarlett Johansson, and a Steve Buscemi? That’s basically all you need to know about this futuristic Michael Bay thriller, which was shot throughout the Detroit area. There was a scene shot at the now-shuttered Johnny Rockets diner that was next door to the Fox Theatre and, one of the most revealing scenes put the once-deteriorating Michigan Central Station in the spotlight in a beautifully lit scene that is basically a tale of two McGregors. Oops. Spoiler alert? Photo via Michigan Central Station/Facebook

Have something to share?

SEND US A NEWS TIP

Since 1980, Metro Times has been Detroit’s premier alternative source for news, arts, culture, music, film, food, fashion and more from a liberal point of view.