Lights, Camera, Boston: TV Shows and Movies Filmed in the Hub of New England

Lights, Camera, Boston: TV Shows and Movies Filmed in the Hub of New England

Boston is a city that brims with history, culture, and distinctive architecture—making it a perfect backdrop for Hollywood. Over the years, Boston has not only played a starring role in countless films and TV shows but has also become a character in its own right. From gritty crime dramas to romantic comedies and heartfelt sports stories, the city’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks have set the stage for some of the most memorable moments in film and television.

If you’re a movie buff or a fan of TV shows, here’s a list of films and shows that either filmed in Boston or have a strong connection to the city.

1. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Arguably the movie most synonymous with Boston, Good Will Hunting tells the story of Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT who has a genius-level IQ but struggles with his past. Directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (who also star in it), the film captures the essence of Boston's working-class neighborhoods, academic institutions, and local culture.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• The South Boston waterfront: The iconic bench scene with Robin Williams and Matt Damon was filmed near the Boston Public Garden.
• The MIT campus: Key scenes were shot in and around the prestigious Cambridge university.
• Charlestown: The film’s grittier elements reflect the Charlestown neighborhood, famous for its blue-collar roots.

2. The Town (2010)

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, The Town is a crime drama set in the working-class neighborhood of Charlestown. The film centers around a group of bank robbers and their complicated relationships, featuring thrilling heists, Boston’s distinct character, and an authentic portrayal of the city’s tough streets.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• Charlestown: The heart of the movie, including the infamous bank robbery scenes.
• Fenway Park: While not a major plot point, the Fenway area makes a cameo, symbolizing the city’s passionate sports culture.
• North End: The North End, Boston’s Italian neighborhood, is a central location in the film’s story.

3. Cheers (1982-1993)

Boston’s iconic watering hole Cheers—where everyone knows your name—became a cultural touchstone thanks to the TV series of the same name. Though much of the show was filmed on sets in Hollywood, the exterior of the Cheers bar is located in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• Cheers Bar (84 Beacon St.): The real-life bar that inspired the sitcom’s fictional Cheers, it still serves up drinks in the same friendly atmosphere.
• Beacon Hill: The neighborhood itself, with its narrow streets and historic brownstones, adds to the charm of this Boston institution.

4. The Social Network (2010)

While primarily set in California, The Social Network, which chronicles the founding of Facebook, has strong ties to Boston. The film features Harvard University’s role in the creation of Facebook, and several scenes were filmed in Cambridge, just across the river from Boston.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• Harvard University: Scenes were filmed on the Harvard campus, including the famous initial deposition scene that takes place in Harvard Square.
• The Charles River: The famous rowing scene with Jesse Eisenberg (Mark Zuckerberg) takes place on the Charles, one of the city’s most picturesque spots.

5. Mystic River (2003)

Directed by Clint Eastwood and based on Dennis Lehane’s novel, Mystic River is a haunting drama set in Boston that revolves around childhood trauma, crime, and the complex web of relationships between three childhood friends. It paints a dark, moody picture of Boston, from its neighborhoods to its people.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• East Boston: Many key scenes were filmed here, especially the waterfront and neighborhood bars.
• Fenway Park: The film also features iconic shots of Fenway, symbolizing the city’s deep connection to sports.

6. The Departed (2006)

Another iconic film by Martin Scorsese, The Departed is a high-octane crime thriller that delves into the underworld of Boston. Featuring actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, the film captures the city’s gritty side, where cops and criminals live in constant tension.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• South Boston: The city’s Southie neighborhood plays a central role in the film, where many of the key scenes were filmed.
• The Boston Police Academy: Used for some of the film's action sequences.

7. Boston Legal (2004-2008)

While Boston Legal was primarily filmed in Hollywood, the show’s title and many of its references evoke Boston’s legal scene, particularly the high-profile firms and prestigious courts. The legal drama starring James Spader and William Shatner uses Boston’s reputation as a city of power and influence in the legal world as the backdrop for its cases and characters.

8. Fever Pitch (2005)

Starring Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore, Fever Pitch is a romantic comedy that follows the relationship between a man obsessed with the Boston Red Sox and his girlfriend, played by Barrymore. The film showcases Boston's legendary sports culture and the emotional rollercoaster of being a Sox fan.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• Fenway Park: As the heart of the movie, Fenway is featured prominently, particularly during the 2004 Red Sox season when the team broke their “curse” and won the World Series.
• South End: The couple’s home is located in this charming neighborhood, known for its Victorian brownstones.

9. A Civil Action (1998)

Starring John Travolta, A Civil Action is based on a true story of a lawsuit involving environmental pollution and corporate negligence in Woburn, a suburb of Boston. The film shows how legal battles unfold and how they impact the local community.

Boston Locations to Visit:

• Woburn, MA: The suburban setting for the movie is just a short trip from Boston, where you can learn more about the case that changed local environmental laws.

Honorable Mentions:

• The Real World: Boston (1997): The MTV reality show that brought together a group of strangers in a downtown Boston loft.
• The Fighter (2010): While filmed in Lowell, MA, it’s deeply connected to Boston’s working-class spirit and the local boxing scene.

Conclusion

From the romantic charm of Good Will Hunting to the gritty crime dramas like The Town and The Departed, Boston has been the backdrop for a wide variety of films and TV shows. Whether you’re a sports fan, a history lover, or a fan of Boston's unique neighborhoods, these films and series help bring the city’s rich character to life on the big screen. Next time you visit Boston, don’t just tour the usual landmarks—take a cinematic tour and see the spots that have played a role in bringing some of Hollywood’s biggest stories to life.