Take A Journey Through Chicago’s Famous Film Spots

The Windy City has seen its share of films shot on its streets, beginning as far back as the late 1890s, making it a mini mecca for movie buffs.

Some films you wouldn’t expect were at least partly made in Chicago. For example, in the classic “Miracle on 34th Street” starring a young Natalie Wood and set in New York City, the exterior of the fictional CF Cole’s department store was actually the Art Institute of Chicago.

But some movies you might think were shot in this city—­­­such as the musical “Chicago,” starring Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones—were not.

Here are some of the best-known movies shot in Chicago and the iconic landmarks that show up on screen: 

1. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), starring Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Holly Hunter, Jeremy Irons, Ke­­­vin Costner and Diane Lane.

Filming locations included the Aragon Ballroom and the exterior of the fictional Daily Planet building at 111 East Wacker Drive.

2. “Superman: Man of Steel” (2013), starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. Filming locations included Chicago Union Station and its Great Hall, as well as the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

3. “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997), starring Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Rupert Everett and Dermot Mulroney. Filming locations included Charlie Trotter’s restaurant, Chicago Union Station, the Drake Hotel, Fourth Presbyterian Church, O’Hare International Airport and the Wells Street Bridge.

4. “While You Were Sleeping” (1995), starring Sandra Bullock, Peter Boyle, Peter Gallagher, Bill Pullman and Jack Warden. Filming locations included the Randolph/Wabash El Station in the Loop, Lake Point Tower, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and Logan Park/Logan Square.

5. “The Fugitive” (1993), starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Filming locations include Chicago City Hall, the Chicago Hilton, Cook County Hospital, Daley Plaza and the Wells Street Bridge.

6. “A League of Their Own” (1992), starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Gary Marshall, Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna. Filming locations include the South Shore Cultural Center and Wrigley Field.

7. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986), starring Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey, Allen Ruck, Charlie Sheen and Ben Stein. Filming locations include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Board of Trade, Dearborn Street for the German-American parade, and Wrigley Field.

8. “The Blues Brothers” (1980), starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, with cameos that included mega-star Aretha Franklin. Filming locations include City Hall, Jackson Park, Daley Plaza and South Shore Cultural Center.