Fire Island Lighthouse stands at the western end of Fire Island National Seashore on Long Island, New York, just east of Robert Moses State Park. The current lighthouse dates from 1858 and is known for its tall black-and-white banded tower, keeper’s quarters and coastal setting between the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay. Its isolated position on the barrier island gives it a strong screen presence, with dunes, boardwalks, beach grass and open sky surrounding the historic light station.
Fire Island Lighthouse has appeared in several productions, including “Men in Black II” (2002) and “What Happens in Vegas” (2008). It is also associated with television productions such as “Guiding Light” (1952–2009) and “The Following” (2013–2015). In film, the lighthouse is usually used for its distinctive coastal identity, either as a disguised location or as a recognisable Long Island landmark.
In Men in Black II (2002), Fire Island Lighthouse is used as the small Massachusetts post office where Agent K, played by Tommy Lee Jones, is found working after his memory has been erased. The production disguises the Long Island lighthouse as a coastal New England location, but the tower and surrounding light station are clearly Fire Island. The scene gives the lighthouse a quiet, slightly eccentric quality before K is pulled back into the alien world of the Men in Black.
In “What Happens in Vegas” (2008), Fire Island Lighthouse appears as a favourite place connected to Joy, played by Cameron Diaz. The lighthouse is used as a romantic and personal landmark rather than as an action or science-fiction setting, giving the film a calmer Long Island coastal image. The location is also listed by Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society among the productions that have featured the lighthouse.
In “The Following” (2013–2015), Fire Island Lighthouse appears in the series’ Long Island material. The lighthouse and its isolated coastal surroundings fit the show’s darker thriller atmosphere, giving the scenes a recognisable but exposed setting away from the city. With dunes, boardwalks and the Atlantic coastline around it, the location works well for a story built around pursuit, danger and hidden threats.
Men in Black II
Men in Black II is closely tied to New York City. The film uses a range of recognisable Manhattan and Queens locations.
Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle has appeared in Citizen Kane, The Emperor’s Club, What Happens in Vegas, Gossip Girl, Royal Pains, Louie, The Americans, Madam Secretary and more.
Playland Amusement Park
Playland Amusement Park has appeared in several films, including The Muppets Take Manhattan, Big, Fatal Attraction and Sweet and Lowdown.
Windjammer Bar
Windjammer Bar appears in Only Murders in the Building, where it is used as Concussions, a fictional bar connected to the stunt performer community.
Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Cathedral appears in Seinfeld (1989–1998), House on Carroll Street (1988), and Elementary (2012–2019).
Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn Bowl appears in Dexter: Resurrection, where the venue is used during the New York storyline involving Dexter Morgan and Mia LaPierre.
Joker Stairs
Joker Stairs appears in Joker (2019). The staircase is one of the film’s defining locations and associated with Arthur Fleck’s transformation into the Joker.
The Comic Strip
The Comic Strip appears in The Jim Gaffigan Show (2015–2016) and Jerry Before Seinfeld (2017). In both, the club is used in connection with stand-up comedy.
Williamsburg Bridge
Williamsburg Bridge have appeared in several New York films, including The Naked City, Serpico, The French Connection and Once Upon a Time in America.
Luke’s Bar & Grill
Luke’s Bar & Grill appears in Seinfeld (1989–1998). The exterior was reworked as Poppie’s, the restaurant connected to one of the show’s supporting characters.
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