Astoria's Silver Screen Moments: A Roundup of Movies Filmed in Our Hometown

Hello there, Astoria enthusiasts! We're about to dive into a cinematic journey right here in our own backyard. You might have noticed our charming town popping up on the big screen more often than your favorite movie snack. So, grab some popcorn and let's explore movies filmed in Astoria that have put our city on the map. Buckle up, because we've got a lot to cover! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and movies filmed in astoria.

Astoria: A Star in Its Own Right

Before we get started, let's talk about why Astoria is such a hotspot for filmmakers. With its picturesque riverfront, historic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods, Astoria offers a unique blend of urban and small-town charm. Plus, our close proximity to Portland and the coast makes us an ideal filming location.

The Biggest Hits: Movies Filmed in Astoria

The Goonies (1985)

Alright, let's start with the big one. If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, chances are you've seen this classic adventure film.

In Richard Donner's The Goonies, a group of friends embark on a treasure hunt through the Astoria underground, led by a mysterious map and the infamous One-Eyed Willy. Astoria locals will recognize the iconic Flavel House Museum as the home of the Walsh family, and the Astoria Column as the backdrop to some of the kids' daring escapes.

Kindergarten Cop (1990)

Who can forget Arnold Schwarzenegger's hilarious undercover cop routine? In this comedy classic, Arnold plays a tough LAPD detective who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher in a small town – Astoria, to be exact!

The film features several Astoria locations, including the Astor Street Opry Company (now the Astoria Performing Arts Center) and the historic Liberty Theatre. You might even spot some familiar faces among the locals who were extras in the film.

The Small-Screen Stars: TV Shows Filmed in Astoria

Grimm (2011-2017)

For six seasons, NBC's supernatural drama Grimm brought a dark and fantastical twist to our fair city. The series follows Detective Nick Burkhardt, a man who discovers he's a Grimm – a hunter of supernatural creatures.

While many scenes were filmed at the studio, several exterior shots and location scenes were shot right here in Astoria. You might recognize the Astoria Riverwalk as the backdrop to some of Nick's investigations, or the historic Uniontown neighborhood as the home of his aunt Marie.

Leverage (2008-2012)

Before it was canceled, TNT's crime drama Leverage called Astoria home for its first two seasons. The show follows a team of thieves and hackers who use their skills to help those in need.

Astoria served as the fictional town of Portland, Oregon, in the series. You can spot several of our town's landmarks in the show, including the Liberty Theatre and the Astoria Column.

Astoria's Movie Magic: Behind the Scenes

While filming in Astoria, many productions take advantage of our Astoria Film and Video Office, which provides resources and support to help productions run smoothly. The office also helps connect local talent and businesses with opportunities in the film industry.

Speaking of local talent, Astoria has its own thriving film community. The Astoria Film Festival showcases the work of local filmmakers and brings industry professionals to our town each year. And with the Astoria Visual Arts Association and the Astoria Arts and Movement Center, there's no shortage of creativity and collaboration in our community.

Wrapping Up: Astoria on the Silver Screen

Well, folks, that's a wrap on our journey through movies filmed in Astoria. From classic adventure films to small-screen hits, our town has played a starring role in some of your favorite stories. So next time you're watching a movie or show, keep an eye out for our fair city – you never know when Astoria might make a surprise appearance!

We hope you've enjoyed this cinematic tour of our hometown. If you're new to Astoria, we invite you to explore our city and experience the magic for yourself. And if you're a long-time resident, we hope you've enjoyed revisiting some of your favorite movie moments right here in Astoria.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the silver screen – and on our beautiful city!