When it comes to on-location filmmaking, Los Angeles remains the undisputed capital of America. The city’s unique blend of architectural styles, diverse landscapes, and a perpetual golden hour has made it a character in thousands of films and TV shows. While iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign or the Hollywood Walk of Fame immediately spring to mind, the true workhorses of the film industry are often much more subtle: individual city locations and intersections. These segments of asphalt, concrete, and history are so instantly recognizable to filmmakers that they have become a kind of visual shorthand for the city. According to an IMDb-based analysis by American Home Shield, Hollywood Boulevard itself is the most-filmed street in the U.S. (American Home Shield). But beyond the most famous thoroughfares, a handful of specific locations are booked repeatedly for their unique, cinematic qualities. While block-level filming permits are not publicly available, we can triangulate popular locations by using a combination of street-level IMDb data and reports from FilmLA, the official film office for Los Angeles (Los Angeles Times). This allows us to shine a light on the city’s unsung A-list locations and explore what makes them so irresistible to Hollywood (Matador Network).

The locations: Profiles in Cinematic Gold

2nd Street Tunnel (Figueroa to Hill, DTLA)

The 2nd Street Tunnel is arguably one of the most recognizable city landmarks that most Americans have never heard of. It’s a subterranean hall of fame for filmmakers. Why it’s so iconic is simple: its luminous, white-tiled “light box” look provides a clean, controlled environment that directors adore. Its sleek, sterile aesthetic makes it a go-to location for futuristic scenes and high-octane car commercials. Originally constructed in the 1920s to ease traffic congestion in Downtown Los Angeles, its age provides context for its unique “light box” aesthetic and explains why its design is so distinct compared to modern tunnels. This is the tunnel seen in pivotal moments of sci-fi classics like Blade Runner and blockbusters like Kill Bill and Transformers. The tunnel’s smooth, curved walls and overhead lighting create a perfect stage for vehicle stunts and chase scenes, giving it a hypnotic, high-tech glow on camera. The Los Angeles Times once called it “the most recognizable city landmark most Americans have never heard of,” a testament to its pervasive but anonymous presence in film. A quick look at its filmography on Wikipedia confirms its heavy usage, particularly for car commercials, where its sterile backdrop allows the vehicle to be the sole focus.

6th Street Viaduct & Underpasses (Arts District ? Boyle Heights)

The 6th Street Viaduct, recently reopened as a modern marvel of engineering and design, holds a special place in Hollywood history. The original bridge, built in 1932, was a vital connection for decades before being demolished due to seismic concerns. It was an absolute workhorse, and its replacement is already a major star. The location is iconic for its sweeping skyline views of Downtown L.A. and its underpasses, which are perfect for a wide range of productions, from high-speed chases to gritty music videos and dramatic standoffs. In 2014, the old bridge ranked as the #3 filming sites in L.A., logging 86 production days according to FilmLA data reported by the Los Angeles Times. The bridge’s underpasses, in particular, provide an urban-industrial backdrop that’s both moody and dynamic. When the new bridge was completed in 2022, NBC Los Angeles noted that “Hollywood got its favorite location back,” a nod to the location’s enduring popularity. The new Viaduct, with its dramatic arches and walkways, has already been featured in major productions, proving that its cinematic legacy is set to continue for decades.

Lower Grand Ave Underpass (Roughly 4th ? 5th, DTLA)

If you’ve seen a tense car chase, a moody dramatic scene, or a sleek car commercial filmed in Downtown L.A., there’s a high probability it was shot on Lower Grand Avenue. This multi-level roadway, with its soaring concrete pillars and lack of street-level chaos, is a go-to location for filmmakers who need a controlled environment that looks both gritty and epic. The multi-layered design provides an instant sense of scale and depth, making it ideal for dynamic camera work. Google Arts & Culture notes that its unique architecture has been a backdrop for a diverse range of films, from the dystopian atmosphere of The Terminator to the dramatic chase in The Dark Knight and the poignant scene in The Soloist. Film school guides and industry blogs frequently highlight Lower Grand as a prime location for its ability to convey a feeling of isolation or high stakes, making it a favorite for both student projects and major blockbusters.

L.A. River @ the 4th–7th Street Bridges (DTLA)

Nothing says “Los Angeles” on screen quite like the iconic concrete channel of the L.A. River. Once a natural waterway, the river was largely encased in concrete after devastating floods in the 1930s, creating the stark, brutalist aesthetic that filmmakers love. Flanked by its historic bridge arches, this location has been a cinematic fixture for decades. The riverbed’s stark, brutalist aesthetic provides a blank canvas that can be used for everything from an intense car chase to a quiet, reflective moment. The Los Angeles Times has chronicled decades of river and bridge shoots, highlighting its use in classics like Chinatown, the iconic truck chase in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and the gritty final shootout in To Live and Die in L.A. The river’s status as a film icon is so strong that its appearance on screen is an instant signal of the city’s urban landscape. Filmmakers are drawn to its unique combination of natural and industrial elements, making it an essential part of the L.A. visual lexicon.

Hollywood Boulevard (Highland ? Vine, Hollywood)

While other locations may be known to industry insiders, Hollywood Boulevard is a cinematic star in its own right. The stretch between Highland and Vine is the quintessential Hollywood, with its bustling Walk of Fame, historic theaters, and a neon-lit, chaotic energy. It’s an instant visual cue for Tinseltown glamour and chaos. It should come as no surprise that the American Home Shield study ranked this segment as the most-filmed street in the entire United States, making it the most recognizably “Hollywood” of all. This area is a regular feature in everything from rom-coms and crime dramas to documentaries and reality TV shows. Its constant activity and instantly recognizable landmarks make it a logistical challenge, but its visual appeal is simply unmatched.

Broadway @ 3rd (Bradbury Building Block, DTLA)

The Bradbury Building is a stunning architectural masterpiece that has been a film star for decades. Designed by George Wyman and completed in 1893, its Romanesque Revival style is what gives it such a distinct, ‘old-world elegance’. The block at Broadway and 3rd, with its ornate exterior and the iconic Bradbury’s interior, offers a blend of historic charm and otherworldly beauty. Its soaring, light-filled atrium with intricate ironwork is a go-to setting for scenes that require an old-world elegance or a futuristic, industrial-chic backdrop. The building was prominently featured in two vastly different but equally famous films: the dystopian sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner and the quirky modern romance (500) Days of Summer. This versatility is a key reason why it keeps getting booked. Both Discover Los Angeles and Wikipedia document the building’s extensive filmography, showcasing how its unique look can serve as a canvas for a wide range of genres and tones.

Union Station (Alameda @ Cesar E. Chávez, DTLA)

Union Station is far more than a transit hub; it’s a living, breathing movie set. Opened in 1939, it was the last of the great transcontinental railroad terminals built in the U.S., which is why its ‘period-perfect platforms’ are so popular for filmmakers. Its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Moderne architecture, grand concourse, and period-perfect platforms make it an ideal location for period pieces and films seeking a sense of timeless elegance. From the film noir classic Blade Runner to the romantic drama The Soloist, its extensive filmography highlights its versatility. The Los Angeles Magazine has highlighted its extensive filmography, and third-party IMDb analyses frequently rank Union Station among America’s most-filmed buildings. Directors are drawn to the way the station’s grand scale and architectural detail can instantly transport an audience to a different era, making it a reliable choice for filmmakers who want to add gravitas and classic style to their scenes.

Sunset Boulevard

As one of L.A.’s most iconic and storied streets, Sunset Boulevard is a filming hotspot for good reason. Its lengthy stretch, which passes through iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills, offers a dynamic range of backdrops. The American Home Shield study ranked it as the fifth most-filmed street in the nation, just behind Hollywood Boulevard. From the Sunset Strip’s rock and roll history to the upscale feel of its Beverly Hills segment, the boulevard can serve as a character in its own right. It’s a go-to location for chase scenes, montages, and establishing shots that instantly signal the city’s complex blend of glamour, grit, and power.

Grand Avenue Cultural Core (Disney Hall/MOCA, DTLA)

While not a single block, the stretch of Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. is a frequent backdrop for its striking modern architecture. This cultural core, featuring the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), provides a distinctly modern and sophisticated setting. The sinuous, stainless-steel curves of Disney Hall and the sharp angles of the surrounding buildings create a futurist urban landscape that is perfect for sci-fi, architectural dramas, and high-fashion ads. The Los Angeles Times has highlighted the area’s popularity as a filming location, noting its unique visual appeal and ability to serve as a versatile backdrop for a wide range of productions. It’s a testament to L.A.’s evolving identity as a city with a rich history and a bold, modern future.

Why These Locations Get Booked: A Closer Look at the Logistics

The popularity of these specific locations goes beyond mere aesthetics. Filmmakers choose them for a combination of visual appeal and practical logistics that make their jobs easier and more efficient.

• Looks + Logistics: These locations offer a “readable” skyline, meaning the cityscape is instantly identifiable as L.A. without a ton of visual clutter. The underpasses and tunnels, in particular, are highly valuable because they offer a controlled environment. Crews can close off a section of road and have full control over lighting, sound, and traffic, which is critical for stunts and complex scenes. There’s also ample room for large cameras, lighting rigs, and other equipment, making them logistically feasible.
• The 30-Mile Studio Zone: A key logistical factor is the 30-Mile Studio Zone, a 30-mile radius set by union agreements. Most of these locations are located well within this zone, allowing production companies to keep crews within a standard radius, which simplifies logistics, reduces costs, and adheres to union rules (California Film Commission). This makes these Downtown L.A. and Hollywood locations incredibly attractive.
• Permitting Ecosystem: The city’s film office, FilmLA, centralizes the permit process for city and county locations. This streamlined system makes it easier for production companies to navigate complex logistics, ensuring that a location can be booked, secured, and managed efficiently. The existence of a dedicated film office is a major reason why L.A. remains a top destination for on-location shoots.

Living or Investing on a Famous Block: The Practical Angle

So, what’s it like to live or own a property on one of these iconic locations? It comes with a unique set of pros and cons.

• Pros: Living in a place that shows up in movies or TV has its own kind of status. If a film crew uses your property, you might even get paid a location fee, which can be a nice bonus. Frequent filming also usually means the neighborhood is well cared for and in high demand.
• Cons: The most significant downside is the periodic inconvenience. Filming often involves street closures, traffic disruptions, bright lights, and late-night shoots, which can be disruptive to daily life. It’s a trade-off for living in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

For those interested in the logistical side, FilmLA provides resources and information for both residents and productions, including a community section for residents to stay informed about upcoming shoots and how to navigate the process.