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The big Boston movie tour: Here’s where 6 of your favorite Boston flicks were filmed
See which Boston locations got caught in the spotlight in films like “Good Will Hunting,” “The Departed,” and “The Town.”
For more than a century, Boston has made its mark in hundreds of films and television shows, sometimes as the centerpiece and other times in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments. With the launch of our big Boston movie bracket to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” now’s a better time than ever to look back at some of the most iconic Boston movies and see where they were made. Plus, we’ve added them all to a handy map so you can visit each spot on your next day out in the city.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Boston Public Garden (Back Bay):
The bench in Boston Public Garden is undoubtedly the most iconic location from “Good Will Hunting,” and it’s where Robin Williams delivers the film’s most famous monologue. For any fan visiting the Public Garden, it’s worth taking a minute to sit on the bench and recreate the iconic shot from the film.
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As picture-perfect as it is, the bench is surprisingly inconspicuous. There’s no signage to indicate which bench is the right one, leaving it up to visitors to find it themselves. However, eagle-eyed fans can spot plenty of landmarks in the scene to help them out.
After Williams’ death in 2014, fans turned the bench into a temporary memorial in his honor. Of course, if Matt Damon had his way, he would be memorialized with a statue in the Public Garden.
L Street Tavern (South Boston):
“Good Will Hunting” famously showcases the South Boston neighborhood. Though L Street isn’t the only Southie bar on this list, it’s perhaps the most well-known.
The Irish tavern, which has been named one of the nation’s best, is the go-to hangout spot for Will (Matt Damon) and his friends. L Street now looks quite different and changed hands to new owners last year, but its commitment to Irish traditions and the Southie community remain.
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South Boston District Municipal Court (South Boston):
Southie has often been portrayed in film as a tough neighborhood, and though it’s very safe today, “Good Will Hunting” revels in the neighborhood’s grittiness. As the only place Will has ever lived, it’s almost its own character and shapes his outlook on life.
Will’s attitude gets him into trouble, and he winds up defending himself at South Boston District Municipal Court. Only a few blocks from L Street, it’s easy to spot on a walk through Southie.
The Departed (2006)
Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center (Downtown):
In “The Departed,” cops Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) both find themselves wrapped up in the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for Massachusetts State Police. The Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center, specifically the Hurley building, was used as the SIU’s headquarters.
Costigan and Sullivan meet here with SIU Captain Queenan (Martin Sheen) and Sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) after going through the Police Academy, but from there, they each have their own motives. Though the paths they take are radically different, they meet the same fate in the end.
Suffolk University Law School (Beacon Hill):
As Sullivan looks out the window of his penthouse apartment, he sees the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. Unfortunately for fans of “The Departed,” experiencing this view is only possible if you happen to be a Suffolk University student.
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That’s because Sullivan’s apartment is actually the library on the top floor of Suffolk University Law School. While film fans can’t get the full experience, it’s an easy spot to check out because it’s only a short walk from the Boston Common.
Long Wharf (Downtown):
Quite a few scenes in “The Departed” take place on the waterfront, but it’s at Long Wharf on Boston Harbor where Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) makes a tense call to Sullivan about a mole being in their midst. In the very next scene, also filmed at Long Wharf, Queenan and Dignam confront Costello.
The exact archway where the two scenes were filmed is currently blocked off for construction, but there are plenty of places around the plaza to sit and watch boats come and go from the harbor.
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Murphy’s Law (South Boston):
Any film starring one Affleck brother and directed by the other would be incomplete without a scene at a Southie bar. Murphy’s Law on Summer Street appears in several scenes, including the climactic moment where detectives Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) are confronted in what at first appears to be a robbery, leading to a major character’s death.
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With their strong ties to Southie, the Affleck brothers were eager to include the staff at Murphy’s Law in “Gone Baby Gone.” Bar owner Scott Pumphret even has a quick cameo as a Boston police officer, according to the bar’s website.
Moakley Park (South Boston):
Moakley Park, located on the South Boston waterfront, was used for a few scenes in “Gone Baby Gone.” The film is set in Dorchester, and since Southie borders North Dorchester, the crew was able to take advantage of the spacious park without straying too far from the neighborhood.
21 Pond St. (Dorchester):
The Affleck brothers made sure to feature the real neighborhood where “Gone Baby Gone” is set. 21 Pond St. in North Dorchester was used as the apartment where Amanda McCready (Madeline O’Brien) is abducted from.
The home can be spotted in the scene where Helene McCready (Amy Ryan) is interviewed on the news about her daughter being taken. It’s a private address, but it’s a quick landmark to spot on a trip through Dorchester.
The Town (2010)
Cambridge Savings Bank (Cambridge):
The first bank robbery in “The Town” takes place in Cambridge, and though a different bank was used for the interior, the outside shots were filmed at Cambridge Savings Bank in Harvard Square.
It’s here that Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) and his gang first encounter Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), the bank’s branch manager. After Doug follows her to find out what she’s told the police, a relationship starts to form between them.
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Neptune Oyster (North End):
As Doug and Claire get to know each other, they go on a date at Neptune Oyster, a popular seafood restaurant in the North End. Opened in 2004, the spot is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so on a busy night, you’ll want to get there early. For a full guide on what to order at Neptune Oyster, check out owner Jeff Nace’s top picks here.
Charlestown Bridge (Charlestown):
Also known as the North Washington Street Bridge, the Charlestown Bridge is the centerpiece during an intense robbery scene. As Doug and his gang, disguised as nuns, pull off a North End bank robbery, they’re pursued by Boston police. In the end, they barely escape, just before the police can shut down the bridge.
In 2018, the city began a full reconstruction of the bridge, and in 2024, it was renamed after Celtics legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell. The bridge is mostly reopened, and while it looks nothing like it used to, it’s now much more accessible. If you want to take a moment to relax, you can sit and look out over the Charles River.
Spotlight (2015)
South End Buttery (South End):
“Spotlight” takes viewers around Boston in a series of scenes where the starring investigative journalists interview abuse victims, using several neighborhoods as the backdrop.
At the South End Buttery, reporter Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) interviews Joe Crowley (Michael Cyril Creighton) about how Roman Catholic priest Paul Shanley sexually abused him as a child. Growing uncomfortable about the intensity of the interview, Joe suggests they continue their conversation elsewhere.
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Union Park (South End):
Not far from the South End Buttery, Sacha and Joe are next seen walking through Union Park, also in the South End. As the interview continues, Joe reveals the full extent of the abuse he experienced and the impact it had on him.
Established in the 1850s, Union Park is a well-preserved staple of the South End’s history. Surrounded by brownstones, it’s a classically Boston area.
Boston Public Library (Back Bay):
To aid her research, Sacha visits the central branch of the Boston Public Library (BPL). The library’s exterior is seen briefly as she enters the building to further the investigation.
The BPL’s central branch is also a significant part of the city’s history, serving as the library system’s headquarters. It’s a must-see spot if you’re visiting Copley Square.
Fever Pitch (2005)
Fenway Park (Fenway):
The main backdrop for a movie about a man’s obsession with the Boston Red Sox is, of course, none other than Fenway Park. The ballpark has seen the spotlight in numerous films (including a few others on this list), but none have featured it as prominently as “Fever Pitch.”
Fenway is front and center throughout the film as Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon) tries to balance his love for Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymore) with his love for the Sox. Lindsey even ends up on the field during a playoff game against the Yankees.
Sonsie (Back Bay):
Sonsie has earned a reputation as one of the most acclaimed restaurants on Newbury Street. After more than 30 years, the spot still attracts a regular crowd and is now eyeing an expansion in Miami.
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Sonsie appears in “Fever Pitch” when Lindsey meets her friends for dinner. If you’re already visiting Fenway Park, it’s only a short walk away.
Charles River Esplanade (Back Bay):
Like the Boston Common, one of the most frequent backdrops in Boston movies is the Charles River. The picturesque scenery of the Charles River Esplanade is one of the most popular green spaces in the city.
In one scene of “Fever Pitch,” Ben and Lindsey are seen walking along the Esplanade. As the two grow closer, Ben becomes increasingly torn between his relationship and his obsession.
To visit any of the spots on this list or plan your own movie tour, check out the map below, then cast your vote in our bracket for best Boston movie.
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