“Philadelphia” (1993): Fisher Fine Arts Library
Setting “Philadelphia,” the ground–breaking drama starring Tom Hanks as an HIV positive man persecuted for his homosexuality, in the “Cradle of Liberty” was in itself a symbolic move. He studies for his clients’ cases—and soon enough, his own—at the Fisher Fine Arts Library with good friend and future Penn dad Denzel Washington.
“Transformers 2” (2009): The Quad and Castle Fraternity House
In the sequel of the Transformers saga, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) starts college at dear old Penn! Well, with a few scenes filmed at Princeton (we’re over it, we swear). When Sam moves into the Quad, his dad says, “it smells like $40,000 a year.” Excuse me, Mr. Witwicky, make that $45,890. Sam’s first college rager is filmed at the Castle chapter house, and though Hollywood tricked out the house quite a bit, the frat's signature moosehead is still present.
“Unbreakable” (2000): Franklin Field
A security guard (Bruce Willis) working at Franklin Field is frustrated with his uninspired career and disintegrating marriage when he lives through a horrific train accident. After learning about the accident, a man (Samuel L. Jackson) is convinced that the survivor has supernatural powers. Although the fans who populate the stadium in “Unbreakable” don green and red, we know Franklin Field is only really true to our beloved Red and Blue.
Trading Places” (1983): Rittenhouse Square
“Leg–less” Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy, at the height of his career) knows the best place in Philadelphia to beg: Rittenhouse Square. Take a cue from the most famous Philly panhandler and trade your normal hangout for Rittenhouse in the spring.
