Filmed and Famous in Hudson County Hollywood in Hudson County – Famous films shot in our own backyard

Not only is Hudson County known for fabulous food, stunning skylines, and particularly pretty parks but we are also known for fabulous film locations. In fact, Hudson County has been featured in so many well-known TV series and blockbuster movies that we are almost having a hard time keeping up. It almost seems like something is being filmed here every week so to help keep it all straight, we’ve rounded up highlights produced right here in our backyard. Use the list as a guide to organize your own self-guided “Hollywood in Hudson” walking tour.

 

The Godfather (1972)

Indeed one of the most famous movies of all time, and one of Marlon Brando’s best roles, The Godfather was also filmed in Hudson County! The famous “Leave the gun, take the cannoli” scene was shot in Liberty State Park.

 

Smile (2022)

This psychological horror flick didn’t just include a shot or two in Hudson County, instead the entire film was shot in the Garden State. This horror mystery thriller follows a series of frightening and bizarre events that Dr. Rose Cotter experiences after witnessing a traumatic incident with one of her patients. The film was shot around Hoboken and in Jersey City.

The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)

This story about a man leaving New York in 1967 to bring beer to his childhood buddies in the Army while fighting in Vietnam was filmed all over Hudson County. Actors Zac Effron and Russel Crowe take the lead in this film that is based on a true story. Locations include Michalski Funeral Home, Van Vorst Park, St. Matthews Church, downtown Jersey City, along with Braddock Park and The Brass Rail Pub in North Bergen

 

The Walking Dead (2022)

One of the most popular series of our time, The Walking Dead, came to Hudson County to film part of its fifth season of the zombie apocalypse at The Meadowlands Arena and around North Jersey. Why at the stadium? Perhaps because its 80,000 seats were the perfect place for flesh-eating corpses to look for their next dinner!

 

JOKER (2019)

Jersey City transformed into Gotham City for the award-winning film, JOKER, as clowns marched down Newark Avenue lined with prop police cars. They marched to “Wayne Hall”, which locals know better as Brennan Courthouse. Check out the JOKER movie trailer and see if you can spot Jersey City (hint: It’s at the1:36 minute mark).

 

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Ron Howard’s 2001 film, A Beautiful Mind, about the struggles of a brilliant mathematician played by Russel Crowe, took home Oscars for Best Direction and Best Picture. Scenes from this “best picture” were shot in Bayonne, New Jersey. Studio filming took place at the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, while other scenes were shot in the Paulus Hook section of Jersey City.

 

 

Men in Black (1997)

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones star as investigators of a secret organization monitoring extraterrestrial interactions with Earth. This Oscar-winning comedic action includes an iconic squid birth scene that was shot on Morris Pesin Drive in Jersey City’s, Liberty State Park.

 

The Karate Kid (1984)

One of the decade’s most iconic and long-lasting films about a martial arts master teaching karate to a bullied teenager was shot right here in Hudson County. The movie’s opening scene was filmed along Franklin Avenue and Harrison Street in Harrison, New Jersey.

 

Want to learn more?

Check out the complete list of films in Hudson County 👇