It’s winter in Boston, which means getting snowed in a least a few times is inevitable. At BU we’ve already been lucky enough to experience a snow delay and more recently a full snow day. With winter far from over, more snowy days are definitely headed our way. And when you’re stuck in your dorm or apartment what’s better than to binge watch movies all day in your pajamas? Here’s a list of the best Boston-based movies that were literally filmed right in our backyards!
21
21 is a movie based on a true story about six students from MIT who train to be card-counters in Vegas, to win millions at casinos. What many don’t know about 21 is that when it was being filmed in 2008, MIT didn’t allow filming to take place inside any of the dorms, classrooms or halls. What might be a surprise is that instead they used our very own BU as an MIT knockoff! The main character can be seen studying in the Mugar basement, going to “card-counting practice” in CAS, playing basketball in FitRec, living in a room in The Towers, and being in the SMG auditorium. See how many times you can recognize BU!
Good Will Hunting
With Boston’s own Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting tells the story of a brilliant MIT janitor who needs a little help discovering his talents and getting on the right path. Good Will Hunting came out in 1997 and has since won 2 Oscars. And, with scenes shot in Cambridge, Dorchester, Charlestown, Harvard, and MIT you’ll definitely recognize the scenery, if you can’t already see it from your window!
Fever Pitch
A Boston classic!! This romantic comedy from 2005 follows Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon as they balance a relationship and Jimmy’s character’s love and obsession for the Red Sox. Actual Red Sox players from 2004/2005 make appearances in movie and tons of scenes are shot in Fenway Park. If you’re in Boston, especially this year, you’ve experienced Red Sox nation first-hand and this movie gives a hilarious take on the pure crazy that are Red Sox fans!
The Town
If you’re looking for drama and action, Ben Affleck in, The Town, gives just that. It tells the story of four childhood friends from Charlestown and their struggle in the gang lifestyle prominent in Charlestown. Eventually for Ben’s character the struggle turns into balancing a secret love affair between a robbery target and his loyalty to his gang. There are scenes in the North End, Charlestown, Fenway and other towns around Boston like Melrose, Woburn, and Walpole.
Ted
It seems like almost everyone has experienced the hilarity that is Ted. With another Boston boy, Mark Wahlberg, Ted is about a teddy bear that comes to life. There are tons of hilarious Boston-moments in Ted that people who live here will truly understand. Besides everyone talking with a funny Boston accent, there are scenes in the New England Aquarium, Boston Commons, The Hatch Shell, Fenway Park and tons more. Starting from the very first scene, Boston jokes are a recurring theme and are even funnier the tenth time you watch them.