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ARTS & CULTURE

A trip to the moon as you’ve never seen it before.

One of the landmark films in cinema can now be seen in color

Daniel Eagan

It’s one of the most famous films in cinema, a special-effects, science-fiction extravaganza that became an international sensation when it was released in 1902. Almost instantly it was pirated, bootlegged, copied and released by competing studios under different names. And for decades it’s only been available in black-and-white copies.

Now, after a 12 year project that approached a half-million euros in cost, Lobster Films , The Technicolor Foundation for Cinema Heritage , and Fondation Groupama Gan pour le Cinéma are unveiling a new version of A Trip to the Moon , “resurrected,” in the words of preservationist Tom Burton, from an original, hand-colored nitrate print. For the first time in generations viewers will be able to see the color version of the film that stunned early 20th-century moviegoers.

Le voyage dans la lune , to use its French title, is one of over 500 movies made by Georges Méliès, perhaps the first filmmaker to fully grasp the potential of cinema. The son of a wealthy shoemaker, Méliès was born in 1861. Fascinated by magic and illusions, he left the family business in 1888. Buying the Robert-Houdin theater from his widow in Paris, he developed a successful act with illusions such as “The Vanishing Lady.” Méliès was in the audience when the Lumière brothers held their first public film screening on December 28, 1895, and within months was exhibiting movies at his theater.

Méliès made his first film in November, 1896, built his own studio in 1901 and formed the Star Film brand to market his work in France and internationally. He made movies about current events and fairy tales, replicated his stage illusions on screen and developed a highly advanced technical style that incorporated stop-motion animation: double-, triple-, and quadruple-exposures; cross-dissolves; and jump cuts. More than any of his contemporaries, Méliès made movies that were fun and exciting. They were filled with stunts, tricks, jokes, dancing girls, elaborate sets and hints of the macabre.

A Trip to the Moon had several antecedents, including the 1865 novel From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne and A Trip to the Moon , a four-act opera with music by Jacques Offenbach that debuted in 1877. Méliès may also have been aware of a theater show at the 1901 Pan-American Exhibition in Buffalo, New York, called A Trip to the Moon . Filming started in May, 1902. It was released on September 1 in Paris and a little over a month later in New York City.

At the time exhibitors and individuals could purchase films outright from the Star Films catalog. Color prints were available at an extra cost. Probably not too many color prints of A Trip to the Moon were ever in existence, but it came out right around that time color became a real fad. Within a couple of years, the hand-painting was replaced by tinting and stencil process, so color became more prevalent and less expensive. Several color Méliès films survive, but it was believed that the color Trip to the Moon had long been lost.

But in 1993, Serge Bromberg and Eric Lange of Lobster Films obtained an original nitrate print from the Filmoteca de Catalunya . The only problem: it had decomposed into the equivalent of a solid hockey puck. In 1999, Bromberg and Lange, two of the most indefatigable of all film historians, began to try to unspool the reel by placing it in the equivalent of a humidor, using a chemical compound that softened the nitrate enough to digitally document individual frames. (The process also ultimately destroyed the film.)

Years later, Bromberg had some 5,000 digital files, which he handed over to Tom Burton, the executive director of Technicolor Restoration Services in Hollywood. In a recent phone call, Burton described how his team approached this “bucket of digital shards.”

“What we got was a bunch of digital data that had no sequential relationship to each other because they had to photograph whatever frame or piece of a frame that they could,” Burton recalled. “We had to figure out the puzzle of where these chunks of frames, sometimes little corners of a frame or a half of a frame, where all these little pieces went. Over a period of about nine months we put all these pieces back together, building not only sections but rebuilding individual frames from shattered pieces.”

Burton estimated that they could salvage between 85 to 90 percent of the print. They filled in the missing frames by copying them from a private print held by the Méliès family and digitally coloring the frames to match the original hand colored source.

“It’s really more a visual effects project in a way than a restoration project,” Burton said. “A lot of the technology that we used to rebuild these frames is the technology you would use if you were making a first-run, major visual effects motion picture. You’d never have been able to pull this off 10 years ago, and certainly not at all with analog, photochemical technology.”

For Burton, A Trip to the Moon represents the beginnings of modern visual effects as we know them today. “Seeing it in color makes it a whole different film,” he said. “The technique involved teams of women painting individual frames with tiny brushes and aniline dyes. The color is surprisingly accurate but at times not very precise. It will wander in and out of an actor’s jacket, for example. But it’s very organic. It will never rival the way A Trip to the Moon first screened for audiences, but it’s still pretty amazing.”

A Trip to the Moon was shown at the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival in May, and is screening on September 6 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Bromberg will be showing it at this year’s New York Film Festival , and on November 11 at the Museum of Modern Art , along “with the world premiere of my documentary about the restoration. An absolute must!” as he wrote in an e-mail. Was this his most exciting restoration? “One of them, of course,” he answered. “The best one is the next one!!”

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Daniel Eagan | | READ MORE

"Daniel Eagan is a film writer and author of America's Film Legacy: The Authoritative Guide to the Landmark Movies in the National Film Registry . "

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How Georges Méliès’ films are still influencing cinema, more than 100 years later

The filmmaker’s spirit of adventure is the subject of a VR Google Doodle.

by Alissa Wilkinson

If you’ve ever watched a science fiction movie, or one that uses special effects, then you owe a debt of gratitude to Georges Méliès, the subject of today’s Google Doodle and one of the few people who truly deserve to be called a “visionary.”

One of cinema’s most important pioneers, Méliès worked in an age when the medium was changing rapidly and when the whole world was obsessed with scientific discovery, explorations, and expeditions to the furthest reaches of the planet. So it’s fitting that a Doodle created in another age of fast-paced cinematic change — our current time — honors him by using some fancy technology of its own.

Méliès, born in 1861, was an innovator par excellence, experimenting with effects in his films that blew people’s minds in an era when film itself was still startling to many people. Employing things like time-lapse photography, multiple exposures, dissolves, pyrotechnics, theatrical machinery, and more, he dazzled his audiences. It looked like magic. (You can see some of these effects on the Doodle’s background page .)

Méliès was working around the turn of the 20th century, a time of burgeoning scientific exploration and big dreams about the future of mankind. The filmmaker tapped into those through his experimentation with effects, and through stories he told tales of discovery.

Méliès’s most famous film is probably Le Voyage dans la Lune ( A Trip to the Moon ), from 1902. It’s a work of science fiction, inspired partly by stories by people like Jules Verne. In the almost 13-minute film, a group of space explorers travel to the moon, encounter a tribe of strange beings, capture one, and return to Earth. Méliès himself played the crew’s leader, Professor Barbenfouillis.

Méliès returned to that idea of being an explorer again and again in his movies, including 1904’s The Impossible Voyage , in which a group of explorers undertake an epic voyage to the center of the sun. And on May 3, 1912, Méliès released À la conquête du pôle (which translates to The Conquest of the Pole ). The full film is 44 minutes long, and it pokes sly fun at the then-recent South Pole explorations of Roald Amundsen, with effects that give the whole story a magical feel.

Inspired by Méliès’s yearning for discovery and fascination with exciting new technologies, Nexus Studios, the creators of the Doodle, decided to try their hand at one of today’s most interesting burgeoning cinematic technologies: virtual reality and immersive 360-degree video. Bringing those two effects together, they incorporated some of the filmmaker’s favorite trick photography moves — multiple exposures and disappearing subjects among them — to make a short film called Back to the Moon , in homage to Méliès’s 1902 movie.

To watch the film in its full virtual reality splendor, you’ll need a mobile device (or one of Google’s virtual reality devices ) and the Google Spotlight Stories app, available on Google Play or in the App Store .

Or you can watch it as a simple video below. If you click on the film as it plays, you can drag it around for the full 360-degree experience.

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A Trip to the Moon (1902): The First Great Sci-Fi Film"> A Trip to the Moon (1902): The First Great Sci-Fi Film

in Film , Literature , Sci Fi | January 19th, 2011 3 Comments

A year before the Wright broth­ers launched the first air­plane flight in 1903, Georges Méliès , a French film­mak­er with already 400 films to his cred­it, direct­ed a film that visu­al­ized a much big­ger human ambi­tion – land­ing a space­craft on the moon. Loose­ly based on works by Jules Vernes ( From the Earth to the Moon ) and H. G. Wells ( The First Men in the Moon ), A Trip to the Moon (Le voy­age dans la lune) invent­ed one of our favorite cin­e­mat­ic gen­res – the sci­ence fic­tion film. Today, many film crit­ics con­sid­er Méliès’ short film an endur­ing clas­sic. The Vil­lage Voice ranked it #84 on its list of the 100 Best Films of the 20th Cen­tu­ry , and you’ll almost cer­tain­ly rec­og­nize the icon­ic shot at the 4:44 mark.

Méliès’s body of work, which goes well beyond this land­mark film, has been recent­ly col­lect­ed into a new box set. Georges Méliès: First Wiz­ard of Cin­e­ma (1896–1913) puts 173 rare and redis­cov­ered films onto a 5 disc, 13-hour col­lec­tion.

A Trip to the Moon has been added to our col­lec­tion of Free Movies Online . You can also down­load a ver­sion at the Inter­net Archive .

If you would like to sign up for Open Culture’s free email newslet­ter,  please find it here . Or fol­low our posts on Threads , Face­book , BlueSky or Mastodon .

If you would like to sup­port the mis­sion of Open Cul­ture, con­sid­er mak­ing a dona­tion to our site . It’s hard to rely 100% on ads, and your con­tri­bu­tions will help us con­tin­ue pro­vid­ing the best free cul­tur­al and edu­ca­tion­al mate­ri­als to learn­ers every­where. You can con­tribute through Pay­Pal , Patre­on , and Ven­mo (@openculture). Thanks!

Relat­ed Con­tent:

The First Hor­ror Film, George Méliès’ The Haunt­ed Cas­tle (1896)

Watch After the Ball , the 1897 “Adult” Film by Pio­neer­ing Direc­tor Georges Méliès (Almost NSFW)

Aelita: Queen of Mars (1924)" href="http://www.openculture.com/2015/06/watch-the-first-russian-science-fiction-film-aelita-queen-of-mars-1924.html" rel="bookmark">Watch the First Russ­ian Sci­ence Fic­tion Film, Aeli­ta: Queen of Mars (1924)

by OC | Permalink | Comments (3) |

Related posts:

Comments (3), 3 comments so far.

I was first intro­duced to this film, while I was at uni­ver­si­ty. And I still love my pro­fes­sor for it :)

love this movie, too! did a score for the sec­ond half of it last year, if any­one is inter­est­ed :) http://vimeo.com/16757866

Thank you for putting this clas­sic film on here it’s great. Is this film “Le Voy­age Dans la Lun” a pub­lic domain video? I would be very grate­ful for a reply as I would like to use it in an assign­ment for Uni­ver­si­ty if it is. Thank you for your time, Cather­ine Knight. 14/03/16

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Laura Linney, Maggie Smith Make a Pilgrimage to Lourdes in ‘The Miracle Club’ – First Look (EXCLUSIVE)

By Manori Ravindran

Manori Ravindran

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Variety can reveal a first look at Maggie Smith and Laura Linney in the new drama “The Miracle Club,” which has wrapped production in Ireland and is now in post.

The Dublin-shot film, which also stars Kathy Bates, centers on four Dublin women who come together on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Lourdes in France, where they discover the solidarity in their friendship and unveil their own personal miracles.

Directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan, “The Miracle Club” wrapped over the summer at Ardmore Studios in Dublin.

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“The Miracle Club” is an official co-production between Chris Curling‘s London-based Zephyr Films and Larry Bass’s Dublin production banner ShinAwiL.

It is produced by Josh Maurer and Alix Witlin of City Films Entertainment and Curling. Bass, Aaron Farrell, and John Gleeson and Oisín O’Neill (both from Irish financier BCP) are also producers.

Meanwhile, Embankment, the sales arm of newly formed Free Range Entertainment, are handling worldwide sales and arranged financing, which is provided by Ireland’s BCP, Ingenious Media, Screen Ireland and the BFI. Louise Nathanson and Anna Vincent are executive producers for Hianlo.

Embankment have pre-sold the film to a number of international distributors, including Lionsgate in the U.K.

Tim Haslam, co-founder of Embankment, said: “Perhaps the miracles we are searching for are actually right in front of us –– and today, after a couple of years sustained by total determination, Thaddeus and our ladies now perform their own miracle – served up with their own delicious humour.”

First look below:

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A TRIP TO THE MOON: The First Sci-Film Ever Is a Journey, Indeed

Science fiction is a vast and long-running genre that pushes our imaginations to the brink, taking us into imaginative worlds and futures. Space sagas like the Star Wars franchise make the universe seem even more vast. Groundbreaking dramas akin to The Matrix films examine humanity and our possible futures. Countless movies, TV shows, and books fall into this category, thrilling us with their stories. While it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the first ever science fiction story because, well, human imagination predates text and video, this genre does have a huge milestone movie. And, you can actually watch it on HBO Max (in color) as well as YouTube. The first ever sci-fi film, aptly titled A Trip to the Moon , is a silent, short, and very trippy ride, indeed. 

A Trip to the Moon ‘s Ambitious Plot

A Trip to the Moon (French: Le Voyage dans la Lune ) is a 1902 short film by director and writer Georges Méliès. We will dig into his history and how this film came to fruition later. But let’s start things off with explaining what A Trip to the Moon is about. Astronomy Club president Professor Barbenfouillis proposes a trip to the moon to his colleagues. After some discussion, several of them (including the infamous Nostradamus) agree to go on the adventure.

They devise a plan to use a space capsule that is shaped like a bullet and shoot it out of a very large cannon straight into the moon. They accomplish their mission but not without hitting the Man in the Moon right in his eye. (We will talk about that shot later, too.) After arriving, they hop out of the capsule and explore this new surrounding. And boy do things get very sci-fi and odd. You have to see it to believe what is transpiring. The travelers make a few discoveries and have to make their way home to tell the world of their exploits. It is meant to be rather satirical in nature while also taking some digs at colonialism and imperialism.

Is A Trip to the Moon a bit creepy by today’s standards? Sure. Most silent films are quite theatrical and wonderfully strange to the modern eye. The wild costumes and jaunty music also amplify its odd factor. But the plot is incredibly ambitious for that time period and the first sci-fi film pulls it off quite well.

A Trip to the Moon ’s History, Inspirations, and Filming Challenges

Star Film Company/Lobster Films/Groupama-gan/Technicolor

Prior to this film, Méliès was an accomplished stage actor and illusionist with an eye for cinema. He began shooting his first films in 1896, setting standards by utilizing early versions of special effects like time-lapse photography and stop tricks. Méliès work would frequently dive into the strange and surreal while blending in his theater background, all of which certainly show up in A Trip to the Moon . The director affirmed that Jules Vernes’ novels From the Earth to the Moon (1865) and Around the Moon (1870) were major influences for the film’s overall storyline. The former book follows a club of weapons enthusiasts who want to build a massive gun to shoot people into space while the latter digs deeper into the aftermath of that effort. We get both of those narratives packed into this film. 

A Trip to the Moon was a challenging feat for Méliès as his longest film at the time (approx. 8-12 minutes for various cuts) with a relatively large budget (10,000 Francs), lots of theater pomp, and special effects. He filmed it at his studio in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, which had a greenhouse-like setup that allowed him to take advantage of the natural light. In fact, a portion of the ceiling shows up in the film itself when the capsule is being built. There were color prints (done by hand, no less) of his film alongside black-and-white (by far the standard of that time), with the HBO Max version being in color. This version is a big deal because, for decades, the film could only be found in black and white.

During this time, actors were often anonymous but Méliès did play Professor Barbenfouillis. The film’s themes of discovery, exploration, and otherworldly adventure along with a strong emphasis on storytelling are why it is credited as the first science fiction film. 

A Trip to the Moon : Scammers, Posers, Influence and the Film’s Legacy

At the time of A Trip to the Moon ’s release, it stood out among its contemporaries with a strong, humorous story, sleek production, and iconic special effects. (Just imagine what it was like to experience it in person.) Its popularity went far beyond France and into the United States for several years following its release. A Trip to the Moon made others want to dive deeper into fantasy topics and bring them to audiences for pure fun. We love a satirical take. The concept of transferring science themes into live-action became a thrilling challenge for filmmakers. However, the problem with being original is that others will want to copy and capitalize off your success. And that’s exactly what people did

Siegmund Lubin released a very similar film, A Trip to Mars , the following year. Spanish director Segundo de Chomón basically did a “copy my paper but make it a lil different” with Excursion to the Moon in 1908. Aside from a few small changes, it is literally the same film. And, film pirating (who knew it was even a thing then?!) took over when it hit America. Companies like The Edison Manufacturing Company and Vitagraph distributed illegal copies , subsequently hurting Méliès’ profits. That’s right, Thomas Edison once again proves himself to be a Messy Marvin who lives for legal drama . It led to a legal fight that was hard for Méliès to control and eventually led to bankruptcy. (It is interesting that Thomas Edison died in 1931 while Méliès outlived him by seven years with a more delightful legacy in his wake.)

Interestingly, the first sci-fi film almost fell into obscurity following Méliès’ retirement but film enthusiasts resurrected interest in the 1930s. Since then, the film and its images—particularly the scene where the capsule lands in the eye of the Man in the Moon—continues to show up in pop culture. There are so many examples of the moon’s depiction as sentient and male that we cannot name them all. Around the World in Eighty Days (1956) rightfully paid homage to the first sci-fi film in its prologue. Rob Zombie’s film The Lords of Salem features this film in its background and Katy Perry’s 2012 Billboard Awards performance of “Wide Awake” pays homage.

A Trip to the Moon certainly resonates. While the inspiration may not be as direct, a legion of other works about space travel came in its wake. It’s safe to say that Star Wars , the Apollo franchise, and countless others owe their success to Méliès’ groundbreaking work.

So, if you have a quick 15-ish minutes to spare, dive into the first sci-fi film. It will make you marvel at how the human imagination continues to evolve.

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A Trip to the Moon

Tomás is 13-year-old and lives under the care of his mother. Between the pressure to pass exams and the anti-psychotic drugs he is forced to take, he finds a way to escape reality. Tomás is 13-year-old and lives under the care of his mother. Between the pressure to pass exams and the anti-psychotic drugs he is forced to take, he finds a way to escape reality. Tomás is 13-year-old and lives under the care of his mother. Between the pressure to pass exams and the anti-psychotic drugs he is forced to take, he finds a way to escape reality.

• Joaquín Cambre
• Laura Farhi
• Ángelo Mutti Spinetta
• Leticia Brédice
• Germán Palacios
• 12 Critic reviews
• 1 win & 3 nominations

Top cast 11

• (as Angelo Mutti Spinetta)

• (as Leticia Bredice)

• (as Angela Torres)

• dr. Livenson
• (as Luis Machin)
• novio de Iris
• novio de Juliana
• (as Julián Ponce Campos)
• Tomás pequeño
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Connections Referenced in DuckTales: What Ever Happened to Donald Duck?! (2019)
• Soundtracks Un Viaje a La Luna Performed by Soledad Napal (as Sole Napal) Courtesy of Soledad Napal (as Sole Napal). All rights reserved

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• March 1, 2018 (Argentina)
• Official site
• A trip to the Moon
• Virgen Films
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• $400,000 (estimated)

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• Runtime 1 hour 27 minutes

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Los Angeles may be known as the city of angels, but it’s also the city of stars. Film buffs and movie fans have been trecking to Los Angeles for decades now just trying to get a glimpse of some of the stars and sights that make Hollywood such a picturesque location. Los Angeles may be a great place for any visitor, for cinephiles, in particular, Los Angeles with some of the most important sites in Cinema history. Some of the greatest films ever written were written right in Los Angeles. Many of the greatest films ever recorded, shot right in Los Angeles. So let’s take a look at what it has to offer to the movie buff in us all.

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10 The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is perhaps the most obvious place in Los Angeles to visit for anyone hoping to see the stars. They may not be in person, or alive for that matter, but stars from back in 1958--when the Walk of Fame was first unveiled-- can all be found on this 1.3 miles of sidewalk that stretches across Hollywood boulevard. Most people know about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but many just let it pass by beneath their feet without ever learning more than what’s on the surface. So before visitors stop by this Hollywood landmark, take a moment to get to know the history that’ll rest just beneath their feet.

9 Universal Studios Hollywood

Much like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood has been bringing film fans into the world of cinema for decades now. Unlike Disneyland, Universal Studios is actually where the magic happens. They give tours of the stages, have rides, do haunted mazes themed as horror icons in pop culture such as Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, and Saw. Universal Studios is an experience perfectly tailored to the movie fans in every Los Angeles visitor and local alike. While Disneyland is meant to be an immersive experience that brings you into the world of Disney, Universal Studios has given movie fans a peek behind the scenes.

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8 Griffith Observatory

Not only is Griffith Observatory a setting for many an icon scene (Rebel Without A Cause, La La Land, The Terminator-- just to name a few), but it’s also the site of a tribute to one of Hollywood’s fallen stars, James Dean. The story of the bust is actually a very interesting one. One that interested parties should definitely lookup, but for now let’s just start with the fact that the artst, Kenneth Kendall, actually began work on the sculpture the night that Dean lost his life in a tragic car accident. But that’s only the beginning. Stop by Griffith Park to discover more or the story in person.

7 Union Station

Like Griffith Observatory, Union Station has been the site of many iconic scenes throughout cinema history. From Bladerunner and The Dark Knight Rises to films like Catch Me If You Can and Pearl Harbor, Union Station is not only a hub for different worlds in cinema, but the trains that pull in and out every day can get you just about anywhere an intrepid cinephile may want to visit (like Universal Studios. Just a few short stops away on the red line).

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6 Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

On May 18, 1927, the grand opening of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was one of the most spectacular and star-studded events in cinema history. People line the streets in thousands to see the stars that showed up to the premiere of Cecil B. Demille’s “The King Of Kings”. Since then Grauman’s has premiered films like Star Wars and host numerous Academy Awards ceremonies. While cinephiles may not get the star-treatment that some have grown accustomed to at Grauman’s, they can still get some fresh popcorn and catch up on the latest and greatest feature films at a Los Angeles Landmark.

5 Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Many film fans will be love coming to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for the films they play throughout the year. They’ll love grabbing a blanket, some close friends, some food from the food trucks and pop-ups set up at the event, and maybe even a few drinks. Others will enjoy the cemetery for its more...historic qualities. While it does host events like films, live music, and more, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is an actual cemetery. With actual celebrities buried on its grounds. Celebrities like Cecil B. Demille (who was mentioned earlier), Judy Garland, and even Anton Yelchin are all buried there.

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4 Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre

Grauman’s is that larger than life, lavish theatre that visitors imagine when they think of old Hollywood. In fact, Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre is crediting with hosting the first Hollywood premiere ever. On Wednesday, October 18, 1922, Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre premiered Robin Hood starring Douglas Fairbanks. After the decline of Hollywood in the late 80s early 90s (with which the theatre followed suit), the Egyptian Theatre was sold for a whopping one dollar to the American Cinematheque on the condition that it was returned to its former grandeur. Pretty good deal for everyone involved. Especially film fans.

3 Warner Bros. Studios

Warner Brothers Studio tours give movie lovers a chance to get behind the scenes and really learn what’s going on in their favorite films and series. From tours of the sets of The Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter, DC universe and even tours of the backlots and sound stages, Warner Bros. Studios is doing a terrific job of showing what it takes to create some of Hollywood’s biggest films. Anyone looking to get to know some of their favorite series just a little better should definitely check out some of their tours.

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2 The New Beverly Cinema

7165 Beverly boulevard has a long and storied history. At different times before 1978, it was a nightclub, a candy store, a beer parlor, a french restaurant, any number of things. But, in 1978, when it was purchased by Sherman Togan, it would take on it’s most recent identity, A movie theatre. Back in 2007, Quentin Tarantino purchased the building that the New Beverly is located in, ever since then Tarantino has spent his time making the theatre a bastion of 35mm film. A shrine to a time before the digital age.

1 The Margaret Herrick Library

Fans of both film and literature will enjoy the Margaret Herrick Library. Not only is the Margaret Herrick Library home to over 80,000 screenplays, 35,000 posters, 32,000 books, and 10 million photographs, it’s also one of the largest research libraries in the country. Los Angeles is great place to get lost in the art of cinema, but it’s also one of the best places in the world to learn the art of cinema, to understand how and why it works the way it does. This library is a cornerstone of that of the endeavor.

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The 25 best films set in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vast and diverse city. You could shoot five different movies in five different areas and get completely different looks. Movies set in LA are probably only second to movies set in New York. There have been a variety of excellent films set in the City of Angels. These are the 25 top movies that are located in Los Angeles. This is the city. These are the films.

“Die Hard” (1988)

Sure, most of “Die Hard” takes place in a building. However, Nakatomi Plaza is in Los Angeles, and that’s a key part of the plot. John McClane is a New York cop who has flown across the country to be in L.A. for Christmas. “Die Hard” is thus an iconic Christmas film, but also an iconic Los Angeles film.

“ Repo Man ” (1984)

“Repo Man” is a great film to see parts of Los Angeles you don’t see in a lot of movies. It’s an all-time cult classic that features a young Emilio Estevez and the legendary Harry Dean Stanton. The punk rock film has a memorable aesthetic and a great L.A. vibe.

“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” (2019)

Quentin Tarantino made a concerted effort to replicate the Los Angeles of 1969. The film looks great, and from what we can tell he did a pretty accurate job of bringing classic Hollywood back. That’s not just the set design, either. There’s also the recreation of movie stars, and the TV and film of the era.

“The Long Goodbye” (1973)

The crux of “The Long Goodbye” is Robert Altman taking the character of Phillip Marlowe out of the hardboiled Los Angeles of the 1940s and plopping him into 1970s Los Angeles. Elliott Gould plays Marlowe as a man out of time surrounding by wealthy Malibu types and health nuts. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition that makes for a fine noir film.

“Sunset Boulevard” (1950)

There are a lot of successful people in the movie industry in Los Angeles, but there are also screenwriters just trying to get by and former stars fading into the background. In “Sunset Boulevard,” these two types run into each other with disastrous results. The movie begins with William Holden’s screenwriter character dead in a pool, and we then go back to find out how he got there.

“The Big Sleep” (1946)

Speaking of Marlowe, like we said he traditionally is a hard-boiled private eye doing his thing in Los Angeles. That’s the case in “The Big Sleep,” where Humphrey Bogart plays Marlowe. “The Big Sleep” famously has a dense, almost impenetrable plot, but it’s still considered one of the best noir films ever.

“The Big Lebowski” (1998)

Yes, the title – and some of the plot – of “The Big Lebowski” is a riff on “The Big Sleep.” However, it’s a decidedly different movie. The beloved Coen Brothers classic is also quintessentially a Los Angeles film. It begins with The Dude, an Angeleno if there ever was one, shopping at a Ralph’s. Just don’t mess with the man’s rug, please. It really ties the room together.

“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)

Since we’re talking about Los Angeles, needless to say, we had to include a few Hollywood films. The movie industry and LA are synonymous. “Singin’ in the Rain” is a classic musical about the end of the silent film era and the rise of talkies. It’s mostly an excuse for Gene Kelly and company to sing and dance and has a grand old time.

“Heaven Can Wait” (1978)

“Heaven Can Wait” is about an NFL quarterback who is inadvertently taken to Heaven by an overzealous guardian angel and then gets a chance to return to Earth in another person’s body. That body ends up being that of a wealthy businessman, but that doesn’t stop Warren Beatty’s character from trying to be an NFL quarterback again. The team he plays for? Why the Los Angeles Rams of course.

“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991)

The Los Angeles River has been the source of many movie scenes. Most of the year there is barely any water flowing in the river, which leaves a lot of concrete and open space for filming. You’ve definitely seen the basin that the LA River runs through in films, including “Grease” and, of course, “Terminator 2.” You know that big car chase scene in that movie? It’s taking place down by the Los Angeles River.

“ Jackie Brown ” (1997)

We’ve got a second Tarantino movie on this list, in part because we think “Jackie Brown” is the most underrated of the director’s film. It’s a really good movie starring Pam Grier and Robert Forster that got a little overlooked in the wake of “Pulp Fiction.” It’s a different take on LA, though, as Jackie and Max Cherry aren’t rolling in dough or working in showbiz. They are just a couple of people trying to make ends meet in the big city.

“Boogie Nights” (1997)

There’s more than one kind of movie that is made in Los Angeles. The city, specifically the San Fernando Valley, is known for its part in the pornography industry. Paul Thomas Anderson ’s breakout film focuses on the Valley, and the porn industry, in the 1970s heading into the 1980s. Anderson grew up in the city, and he has an eye for the details that make it feel lived in.

“Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989)

OK, so we are stretching just a smidge. Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan live in San Dimas. However, San Dimas is in Los Angeles Country. It’s only about 20 to 25 miles from Los Angeles proper. That’s close enough for us in this case. Mostly we wanted to shout out the three “Bill & Ted” movies, which definitely have Southern California vibes. Plus, they had a machine that could fly through space and time. They could have gone to Los Angeles any time they wanted.

“Point Blank” (1967)

“Point Blank” is a nasty, no-frills movie starring Lee Marvin as a relentless criminal who wants the money he was screwed out of, and he’ll kill anybody who stands in his way. While there are a couple of set pieces at Alcatraz, most of the movie takes place in Los Angeles, including another trip to the Los Angeles River bed.

“Boyz n the Hood” (1991)

Los Angeles is more than Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It’s a diverse city, but a lot of the minority neighborhoods are poorer and disenfranchised. “Boyz n the Hood” was John Singleton’s directorial debut, and he showed his skills right out of the gate. The film is a coming-of-age story set in South Central, specifically the neighborhood of Crenshaw. It’s about young men trying to rise out of the lot in life they have been dealt in a world awash in gangs and gang violence. It’s an important aspect of the city that shouldn’t be swept under the rug.

“Clueless” (1995)

The teenagers of “Clueless” couldn’t have a life any more different from the teenagers in “Boyz n the Hood.” While this is a much frothier film, it’s also a favorite of many as well. “Clueless” spawned many a catchphrase and made Alicia Silverstone a star. It also introduced a lot of people to Paul Rudd, which is a love affair that has lasted for decades at this point. A list of LA movies without “Clueless?” As if.

“Training Day” (2001)

There are a lot of movies about police officers, especially the LAPD. “Training Day” is a film about two LAPD officers, including one played by Denzel Washington. Washington won Best Actor for his tremendous work in “Training Day,” and it really is a performance that stands out even among Denzel’s impressive career.

“I Love You, Man” (2009)

Speaking of Paul Rudd , he stars in “I Love You, Man” as a Los Angeles real estate agent. That gives us a look at a few different LA neighborhoods, not to mention some fancy Los Angeles houses. Also, Lou Ferrigno plays himself, which is the kind of thing that only really happens in movies and TV shows set in New York and Los Angeles.

“Nightcrawler” (2014)

“Nightcrawler” is a different look at the news, as well as a different look at Los Angeles. Jake Gyllenhaal plays an amoral striver who shoots grisly footage for news stations to use. This means a lot of snooping around the city in the middle of the night. There’s no sunshine and beaches in “Nightcrawler.” It’s all much grimier than that.

“Inherent Vice” (2014)

“Inherent Vice” feels like an amalgam of a few films on this list already. Take “The Long Goodbye” and mix in some “The Big Lebowski” with a hint of Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights” and you get this film. Based on a Thomas Pynchon novel, it’s a little dense, but it’s still funny and sharp and it looks absolutely beautiful. Joaquin Phoenix was apparently born to play a stoner private eye.

“The Nice Guys” (2016)

“The Nice Guys” is also about a private eye in 1970s Los Angeles, but also a guy who just works as an enforcer, roughing people up when they need to be roughed up. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe star as a mismatched pair working the same case, which takes them to some lavish parties and some massive skyscrapers. If you didn’t catch “The Nice Guys” we highly recommend it, as the movie is great and has that Los Angeles feel you’re looking for.

“L.A. Story” (1991)

Hey, the movie has “L.A.” right in its name. How could it not be on this list? Steve Martin stars in this mildly supernatural romantic comedy, but there’s a lot of satire of the city, and of Hollywood, in the film as well. Some of it is a little facile, but a lot of it is fun and funny. If you’ve spent time in Los Angeles, you’ll appreciate the humor.

“Beverly Hills Cop” (1984)

Beverly Hills is the second-most-famous neighborhood in Los Angeles. It’s the place where rich folks live. Axel Foley is not one of them. He’s a cop from Detroit. Fortunately, he’s played by Eddie Murphy, who has the charm and determination to handle himself despite being a fish out of water. The two sequels aren’t so great, but “Beverly Hills Cops” is a quintessential 1980s action-comedy.

“Double Indemnity” (1944)

Most old-school noir films focus on a private eye, especially the Los Angeles-based ones. “Double Indemnity” is a little different, but it still makes use of 1940s Los Angeles for the purposes of telling the story. This tale of murder and betrayal is considered an all-time noir movie, even though the hero of the film is a claims adjuster.

“Fletch” (1985)

Chevy Chase found perhaps the perfect character for himself in “Fletch.” He plays an investigative journalist who plays by his own rules and always has a quip at the ready. Fletch also happens to be a massive Los Angeles Lakers fan, and we even get a dream sequence of him playing in the purple and gold.

Chris Morgan is a Detroit-based culture writer who has somehow managed to justify getting his BA in Film Studies. He has written about sports and entertainment across various internet platforms for years and is also the author of three books about '90s television.

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15 Certified Fresh Road Trip Movies

For the 25th anniversary of thelma & louise , we look at some of the best-reviewed road trips put on film..

TAGGED AS: Certified Fresh

Twenty-five years ago today, Thelma and Louise jumped behind the wheel in search of a little freedom — and although the trip didn’t turn out quite the way they’d planned, their movie has enjoyed a far smoother journey, becoming one of the best-reviewed (and most popular) road trip movies of the last quarter-century. In celebration of Thelma and Louise ‘s latest milestone, we’ve compiled a list of audience-tested and critic-approved road trip movies that’ll keep you going for hours.

The Blues Brothers (1980) 72%

The Roadblocks:  Unfortunately, the brothers embark on their journey with a suspended license, and they aren’t about to slow down for a little inconvenience like the police (or mall pedestrians). Meanwhile, one of Jake’s spurned girlfriends (a bazooka-toting Carrie Fisher) is hot on their tail, and has no intention of letting the Blues Brothers reunite — or, for that matter, letting Jake live. Confined to the highways and byways of Illinois, The Blues Brothers  doesn’t cover as much ground as most road movies, but it’s a high-speed trip — and it culminates in one of the most righteous car crashes ever filmed.

Notes from the Road:  “Constantly hilarious, with a comic supporting cast to die for.” — Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner

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Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) 91%

The Roadblocks:  Borat is essentially his own roadblock — if he isn’t shocking and/or offending middle Americans with his witless comments about women and minorities, he’s picking an epic, distressingly naked fight with his best friend and producer (Ken Davitian). It will not surprise you to learn that things don’t go according to plan.

Notes from the Road:  “Although I knew it was dishonest, cynical, and the ultimate in cheap-shot humor, I laughed more at Borat  than at any other film this year. So I guess the joke is on me.” — Peter Keough, Boston Phoenix

Easy Rider (1969) 84%

The Roadblocks:  It’s the establishment, man. Okay, so they might be biking across the country with drug money stuffed in a tube, but Wyatt and Billy aren’t bad guys. Problem is, their scruffy appearance and relaxed attitude toward local customs have a way of attracting untoward attention from The Man.

Notes from the Road:  “This is a glorious widescreen vision of a hot and bothered America, at once beautiful and lost.” — Ian Nathan, Empire

Grandma (2015) 91%

The Roadblocks: They’re both broke and the girl needs $850, for starters — and then there’s the complicated tangle of personal relationships that forces its way into their path at seemingly every turn, initiating a series of uncomfortable reckonings along the way.

Notes from the Road: “ Grandma is a small film, but one with huge things to say about the meaning of family and the value of living on one’s own terms.” — Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

It Happened One Night (1934) 98%

The Roadblocks:  Screenwriter Robert Riskin pulled out all the stops for Colbert and Gable’s journey, including a series of screwball misunderstandings, the most famous hitchhiking scene in movie history, and an added dash of last-minute wedding excitement in the final act. If its ingredients all seem overly familiar now, it’s because they worked so brilliantly here.

Notes from the Road:  “ It Happened One Night  is a true classic in every sense of the word, one that withstands the test of time and indeed defies it completely.” — Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 91%

The Roadblocks:  The Hoovers are on a tight 48-hour timetable, for starters; making matters more difficult is their lack of funds, as well as the gloomy presence of Sheryl’s brother (Steve Carell), who recently tried to commit suicide, and Richard’s father (Alan Arkin), whose heroin habit just got him kicked out of a retirement home. And then there’s the matter of that ancient yellow Microbus…

Notes from the Road:  “This inspirational, hilariously sad dysfunctional-family-road-trip dramedy offers absolutely everything — except pretension.” — Brian Marder, Hollywood.com

Midnight Run (1988) 95%

The Roadblocks:  Once Mardukas loudly feigns fear of flying and gets them kicked off their flight to L.A., he and Walsh are forced to embark on a hellish cross-country journey that finds them dodging interference from the mob, a competing bounty hunter (John Ashton), and their own loathing for one another. A sequel is reportedly in the works; here’s hoping the decades in between haven’t softened their mutual disdain/begrudging respect.

Notes from the Road:  “When it comes to odd-couple action comedies, this is pretty much the epitome of how to do it.” — Luke Y. Thompson, New Times

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) 83%

The Roadblocks:  As pretty much everyone who watched it already knew, Ernesto grew up to be the revolutionary Che Guevara — and The Motorcycle Diaries  dramatizes his political awakening on the trip, sparked by firsthand experience with systemic corruption and a poverty-stricken populace.

Notes from the Road:  “You get so caught up in the beauty of the images, and lost in the weathered faces found along the way, you quite forget that you’re traveling with Che Guevara — which is, of course, exactly what the original experience would be.” — Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

The Muppet Movie (1979) 89%

The Roadblocks: Unfortunately, Kermit also attracts the attention of Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) and his mealy-mouthed sidekick Max (Austin Pendleton), whose frog legs restaurant franchise needs a new spokesman — and who doesn’t take kindly to being spurned by a banjo-playing frog.

Notes from the Road:  “Still one of many great reasons to be a movie buff.” — Rory L. Aronsky, Film Threat

National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) 94%

The Roadblocks: Things go wrong early and often, from the eight-headlighted lemon Clark buys from an unscrupulous car salesman (Eugene Levy) to an ill-advised pit stop at the depressing Kansas homestead of Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his off-putting clan. It doesn’t help that beneath Clark’s family values exterior lurks the heart of a drooling lech; his panting pursuit of an unnamed beauty (Christie Brinkley) causes almost as many problems as his refusal to ask for directions.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) 89%

The Roadblocks: Well, for starters, the Alamo doesn’t have a basement. And then there’s the biker gang, and the fire at a pet store, and the former child star in possession of the bicycle… what doesn’t  stand between poor Pee-Wee and his bike?

Notes from the Road:  “It’s a true original — a comedy maverick that looks and feels like no other movie I know.” — David Steritt, Christian Science Monitor

Rain Man (1988) 88%

The Roadblocks: Cruise’s efforts to get back to Los Angeles by plane are thwarted by his brother’s phobia, forcing the two to travel by car (and make regular stops for viewings of The People’s Court ). Naturally, the slow journey in close quarters brings the two closer together — and brings up long-buried family secrets.

Notes from the Road:  “A fascinating, often very moving, frequently funny film.” — Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

Sideways (2004) 97%

The Roadblocks: Sideways is full of messy detours and unfortunate events, including a broken nose for Jack, a car crash, and a howling early-morning pursuit by a naked giant (memorably played by Lost ’s M.C. Gainey) — but they can all be traced back to one thing: Jack’s fear of commitment and unquenchable thirst for sexual conquest.

Notes from the Road:  “From its first minutes, maybe even from the credits, you know you are seeing something very special.” –Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

Thelma & Louise (1991) 86%

The Roadblocks: Men, mostly. After Louise fatally intervenes in an attempted rape on Thelma, the duo turn fugitive — and their journey is further complicated when a run-in with a hunky young thief (Brad Pitt) leaves them caught for cash and stuck in an increasingly desperate spot.

Notes from the Road:  “Their adventures, while tinged with the fatalism that attends any crime spree, have the thrilling, life-affirming energy for which the best road movies are remembered.” — Janet Maslin, New York Times

Y tu mamá también (2001) 90%

The Roadblocks: To begin with, the idyllic secluded beach they’ve promised their female companion doesn’t exist — which actually isn’t as big a problem as the hornet’s nest of secrets and repressed desires that’s knocked over after they all start fooling around. It’s the end of an era for Mexican politics, and for our protagonist’s relationships.

Notes from the Road:  “Easily one of the sexiest and funniest films about class struggle ever made.” –Manohla Dargis, L.A. Weekly

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Los Angeles   Travel Guide

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33 Best Things to Do in LA

Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Out-of-towners love the palm-lined

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park free

Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there's more than just a pretty photo-op here. The observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top-notch planetarium.

Most recent visitors cited the beautiful setting as Griffith Observatory's main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. However, you will have to pay between $6 and $10 to see the planetarium shows. A gift shop and cafe can be found on-site as well. For information about parking, public transportation and other information to plan your visit, check out Griffith Observatory's  website .

The Getty Center The Getty Center free

The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States – and it also contains some of the finest works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, and it houses an abundance of art from various ages and nations. Here you'll find Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts and more, all housed inside a sprawling, modern campus amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The museum also offers spectacular views of Los Angeles on clear days.

Recent travelers loved the museum for its vast collection and beautiful grounds and views, with some stating that they enjoyed the tram ride to get to the museum. Many visitors suggest taking a guided tour, noting that the volunteer guides were very knowledgeable. Tours of the Getty Center's architecture and gardens are available, as well as a Collection Highlights tour and tours of art in specific eras. Tour times and days vary depending on tour type. Check the Getty Center's website for a complete calendar . Visitors can also download the GettyGuide app for self-guided tours.

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: In this area, you'll find people dressed as celebrities and Hollywood characters, such as Spiderman, Shrek, Marilyn Monroe and Darth Vader. Have some cash on hand as a tip if you want to take photos with any of them. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

One of Hollywood's most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age. You can take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater for $16; tours are offered daily at multiple times. Because of this attraction's popularity, it's best to reserve your spot online in advance. This working theater also shows various newly released films throughout the year.

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Santa Monica Pier and Beach Santa Monica Pier and Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss trying the classic (and yummy!) funnel cake, a kind of fried waffle topped with powdered sugar and your choice of toppings, such as strawberries, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, whipped cream and ice cream. They are big enough to share. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

West of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. It also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. Its more than 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. "State Beach," as it's known, has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular TV series "Baywatch."

Zuma Beach Zuma Beach free

Malibu has a reputation for excessive wealth and exclusivity, yet all of the town's beaches are public – everyone's welcome. If you're seeking an LA beach spot for sunbathing and swimming, look no further than Zuma. This 1.8-mile beach is far cleaner than those at Santa Monica or Venice Beach .

Malibu's Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in the Los Angeles area. Locals and tourists laud Zuma for its awesome waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. Plus, there are a plethora of lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities. Beach wheelchairs and a beach mat (from April to October) are also available.

Sunset Boulevard Sunset Boulevard free

One of the most iconic thoroughfares in the United States, Sunset Boulevard continues to live up to its legend. In the old days, it represented the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and became the setting of several famous films, including the obvious classic "Sunset Boulevard." Today, the palm-lined street (which connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Coast Highway) retains its cinematic appeal, and the Sunset Strip portion has become a popular nightlife spot. The strip is also home to many classic music venues, including the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre .

Recent visitors loved driving along this famous boulevard, adding that gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed during late afternoon drives. But like other parts of LA, this thoroughfare gets congested with traffic.

The Original Farmers Market and The Grove The Original Farmers Market and The Grove free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Kids will love riding the free, open-air, double-decker trolley that runs through The Grove and connects to The Original Farmers Market. It runs daily from 1 to 8:45 p.m. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA's most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-colored facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you'll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite. You can park for free for up to 90 minutes at the market's two lots, provided that your ticket is validated at the market. (Fees apply for parking after the allotted 90 minutes and for non-validated tickets.) For a little help navigating the market, you can also take a guided foodie tour  (one of the best California tours ).

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its 1965 opening, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art buffs and casual travelers.

Currently, the museum is constructing a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There is a restaurant and grab-and-go eatery on-site. Many visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor art exhibits and were impressed with the size of the collection of modern and contemporary art.

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The Broad The Broad free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Two of the most popular exhibits that have blown up on social media are Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirror Rooms." You have to book tickets online for timed entry to these exhibits, but they are free and include general museum admission. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded The Broad museum in 2015 and the structure made for a stunning addition to downtown Los Angeles. The eye-catching, honeycomb building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is home to an expansive collection of contemporary art dating from the 1950s to the present. The collection includes works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits showcase new and emerging artists. The museum gets high marks from recent visitors who loved both the artwork and the architecture.

Runyon Canyon Park Runyon Canyon Park free

Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you'll see plenty of palm trees. Atop the canyon, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.

Hikers recommend bring plenty of water and going later in the day since it can get hot on the trails. Some recent visitors lamented the lack of facilities, while others raved about the views.

Paramount Pictures Studios Paramount Pictures Studios

Since 1912, Paramount Pictures Studios has showcased the talents of film's all-time heavyweights, including Mae West, Alfred Hitchcock, Eddie Murphy and Meryl Streep. The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like "I Love Lucy" to modern favorites like "Glee" to box-office hits like "Mission: Impossible" and "Titanic." Today, Paramount Pictures is the only remaining film studio in the Hollywood area.

For an authentic Hollywood experience, set aside some time to tour the grounds . On the 2-hour studio tour, a guide will take you around the site's 65 acres in a golf cart, and you'll also be able to hop off and explore sound stages and recognizable studio sets from many current TV shows and movies. Previous visitors praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, although some felt the tours offered at Warner Bros. Studio were better. Also, keep in mind the tours' age restrictions. Studio and VIP tours permit visitors ages 10 and older.

Hollywood Bowl Hollywood Bowl

If you can catch a gig at the Hollywood Bowl, LA's beautiful amphitheater, don't pass it up. Since its inaugural season in 1922, this unique stage, set in the Hollywood Hills, has entertained thousands of fans and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Igor Stravinsky, Madonna, Elton John and Tina Turner.

Many travelers praise the Hollywood Bowl, touting everything from the sound quality to the scenic overlook. Several also add that all of the seats offer great views and suggest arriving early with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket. Available facilities include 14 picnic grounds, a gift shop, three restaurants, a marketplace, restrooms and multiple food and beverage concessions.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall free

This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall's curvaceous, stainless-steel façade is an imposing structure in downtown LA. The hall helped revive this particular section of downtown, which was once dominated by mundane office buildings and lackluster entertainment options. Now, nightlife and culture burgeon in the area and the concert hall is at the forefront. Music-loving travelers will want to catch one of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's performances here. (For ticket and price information, visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic's website .)

You don't have to invest in concert tickets to experience this performance venue: You can follow  a self-guided audio tour of the exterior and interior (though the actual concert auditorium is off-limits). Past visitors recommend the free hourlong audio tours; self-guided tours are also offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a full tour schedule, visit The Music Center's website .

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Hollywood Homes Tours Hollywood Homes Tours

Once you've seen where the stars shop, where they eat, where they surf and where they party, you'll want to see where they live. A variety of Hollywood homes tours provide ample opportunities to spot homes owned by the rich and famous. You probably won't see the celebs themselves, but you can snap pics of the homes affiliated with A-listers like Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Bruno Mars and Halle Berry. Also, expect to see facades that once housed the likes of Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Along with the stars' abodes, buses usually make stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame , the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive .

Some recent travelers were disappointed because many homes are at the end of long driveways or behind hedges. Be sure to check the weather for the day: Extreme heat or a sudden shower can put a damper on an open-top bus ride.

Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop for lunch at the hidden Mexican steakhouse, The Hideaway, on the subterranean level of the Rodeo Collection. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Immortalized by Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features world-class designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Hollywood Forever Cemetery free

As morbid as it may seem, your best chance of spotting a celebrity in LA is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here, you'll find the final resting places of Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille and other stars who once worked at the adjacent Paramount Pictures Studios . Maps detailing the celebrities' gravesites are available at the cemetery's flower shop or on its website . A 2 ½-hour walking tour is also available starting at $25.

Recent visitors described the cemetery's quiet grounds as "peaceful," adding that the grounds are well-maintained. Some recommend doing a walking tour to learn the stories of famous people buried there. The venue also offers cultural events, such as outdoor classic film screenings, concerts and author evenings. Visit their events calendar to find out more.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

You could spend an entire day at this property that includes a research library with 11 million items, an art museum with more than 42,000 pieces and a 130-acre botanical gardens with more than 12 themed gardens. The Huntington opened in 1928 and is a nonprofit that provides humanities scholarships, fellowships, special exhibitions and hosts more than 800,000 visitors a year. Ongoing exhibitions feature items such as Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" manuscript, replicas of Pacific Electric Railway Company's "red cars," rock slab art in the Japanese Garden, contemporary art and so much more. There are also temporary exhibits that rotate regularly. The Botanical Gardens include themed gardens – such as the California garden, jungle garden, rose garden and Japanese garden – botanical living collections and is the site for botanical conservation and research. Most visitors enjoyed touring the gardens the most and said that the gardens alone can be a full-day excursion.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended from Monday to Thursday and required for weekend visits.

Angeles National Forest Angeles National Forest

In about a half-hour, travelers can trade busy downtown LA for the serenity of nature at the Angeles National Forest. The almost 700,000-acre forest is an easily accessible place for locals and visitors to hike, bike, ski, ride horses, swim, fish and even camp. Encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains, terrain ranges from desert to dense forest. Perhaps one of the most visited sites is Mount San Antonio (nicknamed Mount Baldy), which is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. There you will find a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging. Recent visitors loved the views and found the range of trail options perfect for different types of hikers.

Visitors to the Angeles National Forest must purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. It’s $5 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass; the pass is good at other national forests in the area. There are visitor and information centers in different areas of the forest, which offer general information, activities and educational events.

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La Brea Tar Pits La Brea Tar Pits

If your kids go crazy for dinosaurs – and really, what kid doesn't? – then a visit to La Brea Tar Pits is sure to be the highlight of their trip. Although the pits look like the set of a cheesy PG movie, hot tar has been bubbling from the earth at this spot along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile for about 50,000 years. And from the gooiest part of LA, more than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered. The adjoining museum houses many of the artifacts found at the tar pits; consequently, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. Recent visitors said the site was very educational and the amount of fossils was impressive.

The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, though it closes the first Tuesday of the month. The tar pits and the adjoining park are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

California Science Center California Science Center free

A world of fun and exploration await kids, as well as curious adults, at the California Science Center. In the permanent "Ecosystems" exhibit, museumgoers will learn about everything from islands to rivers to forests across ten different zones via interactive displays. In "Life! Beginning," visitors learn about reproduction, mating and genes. Many recent visitors were impressed with the museum's "Air & Space" section that includes the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Gemini 11 Capsule. An IMAX theater is also on-site. Recent visitors say the center is wonderful, lots of fun and especially great for kids.

The center is free to visit (including the Endeavour) though special exhibits and IMAX screenings incur a fee. Timed tickets for IMAX and special exhibits are required and can be purchased online .

Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium

Baseball fans should enjoy a visit to Dodger Stadium, which is home to the LA Dodgers and is Major League Baseball's third oldest continually used park. The stadium is carved into Chavez Ravine and overlooks downtown LA to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making this ballpark quite unique. If the Dodgers aren't playing when you're in town, you can still see the stadium on a guided tour. Tours of the 56,000-seat stadium last approximately 90 minutes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the stadium's history and may get to go on the field, look at the Dodger Dugout or peek into the Yaamava' Dugout Club (the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate), which houses the team's World Series trophies and various other awards. Additional specialty tours, such as a Jackie Robinson tour, are also offered. Recent tour-goers say the guides are knowledgeable and engaging.

The Dodger Stadium Tour is offered on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (on game days ) or 3 p.m. (on nongame days). Tickets cost $32.25 for adults and $27.25 for kids 14 and younger. Specialty tours are also available for varying fees.

Greystone Mansion and Park Greystone Mansion and Park free

Greystone Mansion is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills and an important landmark for American cinema. The nearly 13-acre parcel of land was a wedding gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Ned, in 1926. Construction on the mansion began in 1927 and took almost three years to complete. Greystone now represents a golden age in American cinema. Many films, including "The Big Lebowski" and "Ghostbusters," and television shows like "General Hospital" and "Gilmore Girls" have been shot on these gothic-inspired grounds.

Visitors can walk around the property and self-guided tours of the inside of the mansion are offered monthly. Many visitors say Greystone Mansion has stunning grounds with picturesque views. Travelers describe the park grounds as spectacular and enjoy learning which of their favorite movies and shows used Greystone as a backdrop.

Venice Beach Venice Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at the boardwalk and spend the day riding along "The Strand" (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at MariaSol, which sits at the end of the pier. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Developed in the early 20th century, Venice Beach is modeled – canals and all – after its  namesake city in Italy . Admittedly, the experiment didn't live up to its Italian inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, you'll find canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants.

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Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. free

If you're looking for a trendy hot spot, heed the advice of recent visitors and head to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly an urban artists' colony in the 1970s, the area is now filled with restaurants, cafes and bars serving creative cuisine and craft cocktails. Popular favorites include Angel City Brewery, Bestia, Girl & the Goat and EightyTwo, a bar that features vintage pinball and arcade machines. The neighborhood is also home to art galleries featuring a variety of genres showcasing inspiring art, art shops and art classes. One example is Art Share L.A., a 28,000-square-foot creative art space featuring community art classes, art exhibits and live performances.

According to past visitors, parking in this area can be challenging. Though there is street parking, it's limited. Travelers advise leaving your car in a public parking garage.

Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the tram Studio Tour past the creepy Bates Motel from "Psycho" and get caught up in a high-speed chase with the "Fast & Furious" cast. Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like The Minions and Scooby-Doo. Of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another huge hit, as is Jurassic World – The Ride. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a new attraction opened in 2023, features a Super Mario-themed ride, interactive games, a restaurant and shop.

If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the 3D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (complete with a Minion dance party).

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Abbot Kinney Boulevard free

Shoppers will love this retail mecca that stretches for a mile from Washington Boulevard to Main Street. Located a half-mile inland from Venice Beach , the boulevard features popular chain stores, such as Lululemon, Birkenstock and Warby Parker, as well as local boutique shops, including Ananda Venice, Satine and The Stronghold. In between shopping, stop for a bite to eat at The Butcher's Daughter, Plant Food + Wine or Gjelina. Or, plan your visit for the first Friday of every month, when starting at 5 p.m. dozens of food trucks serve up casual craft meals along the street.

Recent visitors suggested you stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard if you're in the Venice Beach area, praising its hip collection of boutiques and restaurants. In addition to the shops and eateries, reviewers also admired the colorful murals and street art. 

Grand Central Market Grand Central Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For something fun and unique near the market, check out the Angels Flight Railway. Built in 1901, the funicular takes passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. One-way tickets cost $1. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Grand Central Market, or foodie heaven according to visitors, is located in downtown Los Angeles by the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad . The venue features high ceilings and an open layout, with food vendor stalls offering different cuisines that represent cultures from the Los Angeles area and beyond. The market has been in operation since 1917 and serves everything from coffee and pressed juices to deli fare, egg sandwiches, falafel, tacos and chow mein.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Whether you're interested in the deep sea, dinosaurs, insects or gems and minerals, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers hours of exploration of all things related to natural history. Ongoing exhibitions include the impressive Dinosaur Hall (where you can view more than 300 fossils and see 20 life-sized dinosaur skeletons), Nature Lab, Hall of Birds and Visible Vault, which houses artifacts from Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations. Visitors said that the museum is great for all ages, with the Dinosaur Hall being the most popular attraction. There are also special exhibitions that are on display for a limited time. Kids will love the Dinosaurs Encounters Show that features juvenile dinosaur puppets. The shows are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person.

Guests can also explore the nature gardens with more than 600 varieties of plants and a plethora of garden wildlife. Free guided tours are available daily. If you want to dive deeper into natural history, special programs are available for children, adults and families. Check the events calendar online for more info.

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Battleship USS Iowa Museum Battleship USS Iowa Museum

A visit to the iconic Battleship USS Iowa Museum includes access to both interior and exterior areas on seven decks. The self-guided tour lets visitors see what life was like on the ship. You'll also view the officer's wardroom, senior officer's cabins, admirals bridge, navigation bridge and crew's quarters. Recent visitors enjoyed the multiple exhibits along the route that tell the story of the Battleship USS Iowa, as well as the U.S. Navy, through artifacts, photographs, artwork and equipment. Kids can participate in the "Vicky the Dog" scavenger hunt to get a more in-depth look at the ship through the eyes of its canine mascot.

The ship is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shop along Olvera Street Shop along Olvera Street free

Stroll this historic street in Downtown Los Angeles for authentic Mexican culture, music and cuisine. Along the block-long, brick-lined street, you'll find strolling mariachi bands, taco shops, Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers and vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs, such as pottery, leather goods and traditional clothing. The street also hosts various traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas.

This Mexican marketplace is part of the El Pueblo Historic Park, the "birthplace of LA," which also includes historic sites, such as Avila Adobe (LA's oldest house), Pico House and the America Tropical Interpretive Center. 

L.A. Live L.A. Live

L.A. Live is the hub of entertainment in Downtown Los Angeles. It's features the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers basketball teams, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, as well as the Los Angeles Sparks women's basketball team. It's also where music fans attend world-class concerts by some of the biggest names in the industry. Other entertainment includes the interactive GRAMMY Museum, a Lucky Strike bowling alley and a Regal movie theater, as well as smaller event venues like the Microsoft Theater, The Novo and The Conga Room.

There are more than a dozen eateries to choose from, including Yard House and Katsuya. After a night of entertainment, stay over at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE or The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

Petersen Automotive Museum Petersen Automotive Museum

Car enthusiasts will be thrilled with a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum as it houses a range of impressive cars, from high performance to historic. In the permanent galleries, travelers can try an exhilarating racing simulator, see the “Commutercycle” from the HBO documentary "The Lady and the Dale" and participate in hands-on activities with a Disney "Cars" theme. Featured exhibitions rotate frequently. There are an additional 250 cars that are stored in The Vault. The museum also hosts a variety of events, from exhibition openings to hands-on workshops. Visit its online calendar for more info.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Warner Bros. Studio Warner Bros. Studio

Located in Burbank, California – a city that sits just 5 miles north of Hollywood – Warner Bros. Studio gives visitors a close-up look at iconic movie and TV sets and props, such as the original Batmobiles, costumes from the "Harry Potter" movies and a replica of the cafe featured in "Friends." Travelers will also drive around the studio's 110-acre backlot, where 30 soundstages are used for producing shows like "Young Sheldon," "Bob Hearts Abishola," and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Previous visitors loved exploring this property and appreciated their "fun and knowledgeable" tour guides. Additionally, many enjoyed getting out of their golf carts to go inside a working set and other buildings used for filming, citing this as the main reason to tour this studio instead of others like Paramount Pictures Studios . But keep in mind, children 7 and younger are not permitted on any tour.

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