Memorable TV & Movie Scenes Filmed in the DMV

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The DMV area is a prime real estate for film and television. Anything dealing with national politics or political history (ie: JFK) could end up shooting in D.C. and Baltimore always gets its fair share of screen time (ie: The Wire). A lot of times, you get a location featured in multiple projects. There’s plenty to choose from, but here are some that come to my mind first.

“State of Play” and “The Pelican Brief” at Ben’s Chili Bowl

Nothing says D.C. like Ben’s Chili Bowl, so when you’re filming in D.C. it makes sense to include the legendary spot. Both The Pelican Brief and State of Play pulled the trigger, resulting in Hollywood heavyweights Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe getting them some Ben’s.

Ben’s Chili Bowl: 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC

“All The President’s Men” at the Library of Congress

The best journalism movie ever and my favorite D.C. film. One of the best shots comes when Woodward and Bernstein are at the Library of Congress. It’s an overhead shot that pans out to the ceiling. Super effective.

Library of Congress: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC

“House of Cards” and “The Wire” at Camden Yards

House of Cards is loaded with shots from the DMV, but this one is as cool as it gets. In Season 2: Episode 6, Vice President Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) speaks to the Camden Yards crowd (below) and is scheduled to throw out the first pitch before the stadium lights are cut out and security has to rush him off the field. In the The Wire Season 3 premiere, McNulty (Dominic West) and Bunk (Wendell Pierce) hit up Camden Yards for an O’s-White Sox game. It was one of many times The Wire included Camden Yards.

Camden Yards: 333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMsuvRtuDLA

“Forrest Gump” and “JFK” at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

An iconic scene in film history, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) speaks at an anti-war rally at the Reflecting Pool in D.C. It’s funny and emotional all in one, and its effectiveness is taken to the next level with the Washington Monument in the backdrop. From a different angle, Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) and Mr. X (Donald Sutherland) have a long conversation with the pool in the background in Oliver Stone’s JFK.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC

“Diner” and “Sleepless in Seattle” at The Hollywood Diner

Inspired by The Hilltop Diner, much of Barry Levinson’s Diner takes place inside the Fells Point Diner. After filming, the diner was brought back to Baltimore as The Hollywood Diner. Annie (Meg Ryan) also stops here in Sleepless in Seattle. It’s currently closed but still standing. The Baltimore Sun did an in-depth history about the diner here.

The Hollywood Diner: 400 E Saratoga St, Baltimore, MD

“The Wire” at the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

Of course, The Wire is filmed in Baltimore so the options are endless, but the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is one of the truly unique things downtown. The Wire goes there in Season 5: Episode 7. You get close shots, helicopter shots, and a whole lot of Inner Harbor.

Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse: Pier 5, Baltimore, MD

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