The best L.A. movies that didn’t make our 101 list, according to Angelenos

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The 101 best Los Angeles movies, ranked

We’ve compiled a list of 101 fantastic movies set in Los Angeles, reflecting the city’s vastness and diversity. It includes iconic films like “Chinatown,” “Clueless,” “Blade Runner,” “Mulholland Drive,” “Heat,” “Pulp Fiction,” “The Big Lebowski,” and “La La Land.”

I’ve been pouring over all the suggestions, and fourteen films really stood out – people were so enthusiastic about them! I’ve put them in alphabetical order below. Honestly, I think this list is just as fantastic as the original; it really captures the magic, the beauty, and even the slightly artificial charm of Los Angeles. It feels like a perfect alternative!

‘American Gigolo’ (1980)

Cindy Simon, a reader from Pacific Palisades, shared a funny memory. She and a friend, both new moms, snuck out for a movie night to see ‘American Gigolo’ after moving to Los Angeles from New Jersey. They were completely stunned by the opening scene – Richard Gere walking gracefully outside a beach house in Malibu!

This film is truly outstanding, and we regret not highlighting it sooner. It famously features Blondie’s “Call Me” in an iconic opening sequence of cars driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, perfectly capturing the carefree spirit of Los Angeles as the 1970s transitioned into the 1980s.

‘The Anniversary Party’ (2001)

I recently heard from a reader named Jim, and he hit the nail on the head about this movie. He asked, ‘What’s not to love?’—a messy Hollywood marriage, a party gone slightly wrong with a missing dog… it just screams Los Angeles, you know? Plus, the setting is perfect – that gorgeous mid-century modern house really captures the vibe. But the best part? Seeing Parker Posey, Gwyneth Paltrow, and John C. Reilly all in one film! It’s a dream cast.

The stunning glass house in the Hollywood Hills is called the Schaarman House and was designed by architect Richard Neutra. However, many remember the film for a different reason: it marked Phoebe Cates’ return to acting, reuniting her with Jennifer Jason Leigh, her co-star from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Modern viewers also enjoy seeing a young Alan Cumming in the movie.

‘City of Gold’ (2015)

As a longtime reader, I absolutely loved Jonathan Gold’s work, and this documentary really reminded me why. It perfectly captures the spirit of Los Angeles – the incredible mix of cultures, the energy of the city, and of course, the amazing food and the people who make it all happen. It felt like a true tribute to everything I loved about his writing, which I always looked forward to each week. It’s a fantastic film, and I think anyone who loves L.A. will feel the same way.

I definitely count myself among those still inspired by Jonathan Gold. His passion for everything culinary in LA was infectious, and you can still read his amazing, Pulitzer Prize-winning work. And honestly, I’m still hitting up a lot of the restaurants he showcased in the film – places like Jitlada, Chengdu Taste, and Guelaguetza are still absolute must-visits for me.

‘Crash’ (2004)

Several readers pointed out that we left out the Best Picture winner, “Crash.” Jim Rodriguez from Torrance explained that the film perfectly shows how, in Los Angeles, people from all walks of life share the same roads and highways, yet remain disconnected from one another – separated only by cars and a few feet of space.

Ian Barnard of DTLA praises the film as a refreshing change from how Hollywood usually portrays Los Angeles – often in a way that’s unrealistic and lacks diversity. He believes it accurately captures the city’s true nature, showcasing both its good and bad sides – its diversity, flaws, and kindness.

Many people feel “Crash” unfairly won over “Brokeback Mountain” at the Oscars. However, it’s worth mentioning that Carney’s Restaurant on Ventura Boulevard has a brief, positive appearance in the film.

‘The Day of the Locust’ (1975)

Nathanael West’s novel is a classic, so it’s surprising there hasn’t been a widely known film adaptation. Reader Andrea Hales, originally from San Diego but a former resident of Los Angeles, describes the existing film version as both unsettling and captivating, perfectly portraying Los Angeles as a place of ambition, disaster, and everything in between. Though set in 1930s Hollywood, she feels the film’s depiction of the city remains strikingly relevant today.

When it comes to seeing classic Los Angeles locations in a movie, “The Day of the Locust” is hard to beat. It features memorable spots like the Ennis House, the famous Bronson Gate at Paramount Studios, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

‘Earthquake’ (1974)

Dina Schweim from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, wrote to us disappointed that we didn’t include the movie “Earthquake” on our list. She explained that she loves disaster movies, especially those that dramatically destroy Los Angeles as a form of poetic justice. While she was happy to see “Volcano” included, she felt “Earthquake” better captured the feeling of total destruction in L.A.

The movie was filmed primarily on the Universal Studios backlot, and we would have preferred a more realistic depiction of Los Angeles. However, if you enjoy seeing the city playfully destroyed (and let’s be honest, many of us do!), we won’t spoil the fun.

‘(500) Days of Summer’ (2009)

I absolutely love this movie! Seriously, it’s one of the best at showing off the city and making it look amazing. One fan, Anthony Cavalluzzi, even said that any ‘best of’ list without it just isn’t valid. And Michael Backauskas? He saw it five times – which, he admits, is something he never does! It’s just that good.

As a film buff, I always notice when a movie really uses its setting, and this one absolutely does. It’s a story about someone trying to become an architect, so of course the locations are key. And honestly, if you ever visit Angel’s Knoll Park and feel a pang of nostalgia looking at that bench? It’s because of this film – it’s the one that made it famous!

‘Get Shorty (1995)’

Two readers highlighted memorable lines from this comedy in our comments section. Sean Dickerson from Beverly Grove called one line “maybe the greatest about Los Angeles”: “What’s the point of living in L.A. if you’re not in the movie business?” David Hughes of Sierra Madre pointed to a moment where John Travolta’s character, a gangster trying to break into Hollywood, says, “I don’t think the producer has to know much.”

Travolta’s character’s love for Hollywood feels genuine and effortless. He was already a film enthusiast, and the city simply enhances that passion. Keen-eyed viewers might spot the Aero and Vista theaters featured in the film.

‘Grand Canyon’ (1991)

Paul Krekorian from Encino describes this work as a thoughtful and overlooked examination of Los Angeles life. He says it honestly reveals many of the ongoing problems the city faces, including economic and racial divides, injustice, violence, the contrast between Hollywood’s image and everyday reality, and the search for purpose.

I really love how Lawrence Kasdan, who also made “The Big Chill,” handles moments of change in people’s lives, and he does it beautifully in “Grand Canyon.” He has a knack for those quiet, impactful scenes – some of his best work, honestly. And just like “The Big Chill,” this movie kicks off with a Lakers game, which is a cool touch!

‘Knight of Cups’ (2015)

Peter Turman, a reader from Brentwood, praised Terrence Malick’s film as a thoughtful and dreamlike exploration of Los Angeles and Hollywood. He describes it as the story of a screenwriter (Christian Bale) grappling with his search for meaning, filled with both temptation and disillusionment, and expertly crafted by a director with a deep understanding of the subject.

Malick filmed throughout Los Angeles, but some of his most striking footage was captured on the Warner Bros. studio lot, with its large, numbered buildings creating a dramatic backdrop.

‘Lost Highway’ (1997)

Despite having two other films by David Lynch on our list, Clark Leazier from West Hollywood felt that “Lost Highway” had the biggest impact. He specifically remembers the L.A. locations, especially a Firestone Auto Shop that’s now All Season Brewing, and believes the film perfectly captures the strange feeling of driving in Southern California at night.

Fans of David Lynch will recognize the mansion in “Lost Highway” – it’s actually the director’s own home, located on Senalda Drive in the Hollywood Hills.

‘Spanglish’ (2004)

Rochelle Lapides from Ventura County believes the film powerfully portrays the experiences and cultural hurdles faced by Mexican immigrants coming to Los Angeles, and she considers it one of Adam Sandler’s strongest dramatic performances.

Everyone agreed, particularly about Adam Sandler. Director James L. Brooks was so impressed with Sandler’s performance in “Punch-Drunk Love” that he chose to cast him in this film. The movie features a romantic scene filmed on the patio of Il Cielo restaurant in Beverly Hills.

‘Star 80’ (1983)

William Mariano of Escondido points out the tragic irony that the movie was filmed in the very house where Dorothy Stratten, a Playboy model, was murdered by her husband, Paul Snider. The Rancho Park home served as a location for the film, which dramatized the actual crime.

“Star 80” perfectly captures the dark side of the Hollywood dream, showing how easily someone can achieve success in Los Angeles, only to be used and ultimately ruined. It’s a must-see for fans of Bob Fosse, as it was his last film.

‘Tequila Sunrise’ (1988)

Jean Clark, writing from Manhattan Beach, praises the film’s actors, visuals, and storyline. She describes it as a classic tale of a hero, a villain, and the woman they both desire, all unfolding against the backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles – a city of both glamour and hidden darkness.

Jean would know, since much of the movie was filmed around Manhattan Beach. However, don’t bother trying to find Michelle Pfeiffer’s restaurant, Vallenari’s – it was actually built on a movie set and doesn’t exist in real life.

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2026-02-13 21:32