Griffith Observatory is an Art Deco observatory and public science landmark in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Opened in 1935, it stands on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city, with its domes, terraces, and wide views over Los Angeles. It has also become one of the most famous film locations in California.
Griffith Observatory appears in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), The Terminator (1984), Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003), La La Land (2016), Transformers (2007), Devil in a Blue Dress (1995), Dragnet (1987), Bowfinger (1999), and The Rocketeer (1991). Of these, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), The Terminator (1984), and La La Land (2016) are the productions most closely associated with the site.
In Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Griffith Observatory is one of the film’s most important locations. It is used for the school trip, the knife fight on the terrace, and the climactic return to the observatory, where the final confrontation takes place. More than any other film, this one helped turn the observatory into a major screen landmark.
In The Terminator (1984), Griffith Observatory is used for the opening arrival of the Terminator. He materialises there at night, confronts the three punks, and takes their clothes, making the observatory the setting for one of the film’s best-known early scenes.
In La La Land (2016), Griffith Observatory is used in the film’s romantic fantasy sequence connected to Mia and Sebastian’s relationship. The observatory appears as one of the key Los Angeles landmarks in the film and is among the locations most strongly associated with its visual identity.
In Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003), Griffith Observatory is used as part of the film’s stylised Los Angeles setting. Its terraces and recognisable exterior make it a natural fit for a production built around iconic California locations.
In Transformers (2007), Griffith Observatory is one of the Los Angeles landmarks associated with the film’s city setting. The site forms part of the wider screen geography used to place the action in Los Angeles.
The Terminator
The Terminator was shot largely on location in Los Angeles, and the city is absolutely essential to its identity rather than just serving as a generic backdrop.
7 Days Liquor Store
In Superbad (2007), 7 Days Liquor Store is used for the scene in which Fogell, using his fake McLovin ID, goes into the liquor store to buy alcohol.
The Shelley
The Shelley appears in Seinfeld (1989–1998). In the series, it serves as the exterior of Jerry’s apartment, even though the character’s address is in Manhattan.
The Viper Room
The Viper Room appears in Valley Girl (1983), The Doors (1991), Be Cool (2005), Daisy Jones & the Six (2023), and Walking the Edge (1985).
Circus Liquor
Circus Liquor appears in Clueless (1995), Blue Thunder (1983), and Alpha Dog (2006).
Beverly Hills City Hall
Beverly Hills City Hall in Beverly Hills was used in the "Beverly Hills Cop" films, where it appears as part of the Beverly Hills Police Department.
O’Neill House
The O’Neill House is best known as a filming location in two feature films: Breathless (1983) and 8 Million Ways to Die (1986).
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier appears in numerous productions, including The Sting, Forrest Gump, Ruthless People, Cellular, Iron Man, Her, Modern Family, and Seinfeld.
Tavern on Main
In 8 Million Ways to Die, Tavern on Main is used as The Keg Bar. The exterior of the bar is shown on Main Street, with Scudder’s apartment located behind it.
The Donut Hole
The Donut Hole has appeared in Moving Violations (1985), Dragnet (1987), and Calendar Girl (1993).
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