Orlando is no stranger to the entertainment industry, and with scenic backdrops and a slight resemblance to several even larger cities, it’s clear why production studios have set up shop around town over the years. Films (or key scenes from films) like The Waterboy, Sisters, Paper Towns, My Girl, Lethal Weapon 3 and many more were filmed right here in Orlando. [content-1]
My Girl (1991)
The early ’90s family romance My Girl filmed at several locations in/around Orlando, including 555 E. Stanford St., Bartow (Sultenfuss House and Funeral Parlour), Clermont’s Mirror Lake, Sanford and Ocoee. Credit: Image via Sony Pictures Entertainment
Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
While this movie was shot on several locations, including more than one in Florida, the opening scene was filmed at the former Orlando City Hall building, 400 S. Orange Ave. Filmmakers paid the city $500,000 to blow up the building, already slated for demolition, in a simulated bomb explosion. Former Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick even made a cameo. Credit: Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Parenthood (1989)
Though it was set in St. Louis, this film was shot primarily in and around Orlando, with some scenes also shot at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Credit: Image via Imagine Entertainment
Paper Towns (2015)
Paper Towns is set primarily in Orlando (Baldwin Park, to be exact) and some filming occurred here as well as several locations in North Carolina, like Charlotte, Kannapolis and Mooresville. Credit: Image via Fox 2000 Pictures
Monster (2003)
The thriller film that landed Charlize Theron a Best Actress Oscar was shot in several parts of Orlando, Sanford and Daytona Beach. Apropos, since the events the film sensationalized actually happened in those places. Credit: Image via Media 8 Entertainment
Sisters (2015)
Among other locations in New York state and New York City, this 2015 comedy starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey also had scenes shot in Orlando, at the Orlando International Airport and along International Drive. Credit: Image via Everyman Pictures
Tomorrowland (2015)
This 2015 science fiction Disney movie starring George Clooney was shot elsewhere in the U.S. and Spain, but includes takes at the Carousel of Progress at Walt Disney World. There are also scenes shot nearby in Altamonte Springs and New Smyrna Beach. Credit: Image via Walt Disney Studios
Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! (2015)
This comedy/horror movie starring Ian Ziering used Universal Orlando as both a major plot point and filming location. Credit: Image via Syfy
Jaws 3-D (1983)
This poorly received film has become something of a cult classic, garnering plenty of “so bad it’s good” energy. It was filmed primarily at SeaWorld Orlando and in Navarre, Florida, near Pensacola. Credit: Image via Universal Pictures
The Waterboy (1998)
The Adam Sandler-starring hit comedy was filmed across Orlando and Central Florida, including at Stetson University, Lakeland, St. Cloud, Clermont and, famously, at Camping World Stadium. Credit: Image via Touchstone Pictures
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
This goofy holiday movie filmed at locations all over Orlando, including the Orlando International Airport, Orlando Children’s Museum, Orlando Science Center, Ivanhoe Village Main Street district and Orlando Shakes. Credit: Image via Touchstone Pictures
Passenger 57 (1992)
While most of this 1992 film takes place on an airplane, several tarmac sequences were filmed at Orlando Sanford International Airport. Credit: Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Problem Child 2 (1991)
This early-’90s comedy was filmed at several locations throughout Orlando, including Harry P. Leu Gardens in Audubon Park, Universal Studios Florida and more. Credit: Image via Universal Pictures
Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992)
Following the storylines of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, Honey I Blew Up the Kid (starring Rick Moranis again) was partly filmed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney–MGM Studios Theme Park). Credit: Image via Walt Disney Pictures