While the center for movie-making in the United States has long been based out of Hollywood, California, the state of New Jersey has a connection to cinema’s early history that extends to today. Some of the settings to iconic movie scenes of theater classics would be instantly recognizable to New Jersey residents.
Let’s take a look at some notable movies filmed along the Jersey Shore coast!
The Wrestler (2008), directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Mickey Rourke.
Released in 2008, the Wrestler was directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Mickey Rourke as an aging professional wrestler in his waning years. The movie was filmed at various locations throughout New Jersey but keen viewers will recognize the inside of the Asbury Park Casino, as well as the iconic boardwalk off the beach!
Chasing Amy (1997), directed by Kevin Smith, starring Ben Affleck.
This one shouldn’t be a surprise. Director Kevin Smith is a New Jersey native and sets all his films, featuring raunchy comedy and witty dialogue, in the northwest coast of the Jersey Shore. Chasing Amy is no different, with locations instantly recognizable as Asbury Park, Rumson and Red Bank.
The Amityville Horror (1979), directed by Stuart Rosenberg, starring James Brolin.
The certified horror classic has spawned countless sequels and remakes in the intervening decades, but none have touched the thrilling pedigree of the original. The house that appears in the film may not be instantly recognizable, as the Toms River property underwent a major façade remodel for the film. The community’s city hall should still be recognizable as it appears in the movie in its current form today.
Annie (1982), directed by John Huston, starring Aileen Quinn.
This classic tale of a spirited red head and her wealthy benefactor has become a classic of the musical genre. Daddy Warbuck’s opulent manor may seem familiar to observant viewers. Woodrow Wilson Hall at Monmouth College in West Long Branch aptly doubles as the millionaire’s private residence in the film!
Ragtime (1981), directed by Milos Forman, starring James Cagney.
Ragtime is the story of racial tension in New York City in the early 1900s. The film may be set in New York City, but Spring Lake’s very own Essex & Sussex Hotel plays a feature role. The hotel has since been transformed into luxury condominiums, but at the time of filming the historic hotel still fulfilled its original purpose.
The Miracle Worker (1962), directed by Arthure Penn, starring Anne Bancroft.
The incredible and timeless true story of Helen Keller, and her teacher Anne Sullivan’s struggle to teach her to read. Large portions of the movie were filmed on a farm in Middletown, New Jersey on Oak Hill Road.
The New Jersey Shoreline continues to be a popular filming location for movies to this day. To find your own private piece of the shore, be sure to contact Shawn Clayton online or call 732-295-2222 to connect with an experienced Jersey Shore real estate professional.
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