10 Overused Filming Locations You Never Noticed In Your Favorite Movies And TV Shows

Movie buffs, science geeks, and chubby tourists with a fanny packs alike, flock to the Los Angeles attraction for both its planetarium and sweeping views of the LA skyline—including a close and unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign. In 1986, Griffith J. Griffith (Yes, that’s his name), donated the 3,015 acres of land to the city of Los Angeles, which now houses a lookout, planetarium, and an unobstructed view of the West Coast city.

Between the breath-taking views, location to Hollywood studios, and the aesthetic beauty of the building, itself, it’s no surprise producers and directors line up to use the observatory as a backdrop in their movies. Made famous by James Dean’s Rebel Without a Cause in 1955, Griffith Observatory can be seen in a vast variety of movies, TV shows, and even comics.

Inspired by Greek and Beaux-Arts style, the observatory’s pristine white walls have made many film appearances, including The Terminator, Back to the Future, Transformers, the highly acclaimed 2016 rom-com musical, La La Land, and more. Because of its notoriety, the hilltop lookout also appears in video games, music videos, and has served as a concert venue.