Atlanta has increasingly become a go-to destination for film crews, and that makes for the perfect chance to spot familiar locations in many popular movies.
Whether you're inviting friends over to watch a movie or two on DVD or you're all headed to the theater, these movies show the heart of Atlanta:
For a completely different change of pace, gather your friends and head to the theater to see Ben Affleck's newest movie, "The Accountant." The thriller also stars Anna Kendrick, John Lithgow and Atlanta-based actor Jason MacDonald. Affleck has been a frequent fixture in Atlanta, filming several movies in the area.
Scenes from "The Accountant" were filmed at Georgia Tech in March 2015 while students were on spring break. Roswell, Lawrenceville and Athens were also used as film sites.
"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"
Though the plot features New York City of a yesteryear, "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" was shot in Atlanta. Stars such as Will Farrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Vince Vaughn and Kristen Wiig were spotted filming throughout Atlanta in 2013 and also dined at local restaurants such as Two Urban Licks and South City Kitchen Midtown.
Many Atlanta locations can be spotted in the film, including Woodruff Park, which was the site of a fight scene, and Piedmont Park, which is the site of a father-son afternoon shared by Ron and Walter. Also keep an eye out for Decatur Cemetery, Midtown Cleaners & Laundry and Livingston Restaurant at The Georgian Terrace Hotel.
"The Internship"
If you're showing "Anchorman 2" and want to make it a double feature, "The Internship" is the perfect comedic fit. In addition to their Atlanta-filed scenes, both movies also star Vince Vaughn.
Atlanta stands in for California, and instead of the Google Campus, it was filmed on Georgia Tech's grounds, where Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson's characters play two salesmen in their 40s who have lost their jobs and talk their way into coveted Google internships. In addition to Georgia Tech, look for the Georgian Terrace Hotel (opening hotel scenes), Peachtree Street (opening scene in car) and Rocky Mountain Pizza (site of the first app sales pitch), according to IMDb.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"
This 2013 sequel's first half was filmed in Atlanta, and other sequels in the franchise have followed suit.
The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence, Donald Sutherland and Josh Hutcherson, and scenes were filmed at the Swan House – which served as President Snow's opulent headquarters. You'll also be able to spot the Georgia World Congress Center, Goat Farm Arts Center and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis as you watch the movie.
While Atlanta stands in for other cities in many other films, the trailer for "Mother's Day" begins with Julia Roberts announcing a cheery "Hello, Atlanta!" from a TV screen. The movie's cast (including Kate Hudson) and crew filmed scenes in the Old Fourth Ward, where production provided a face painter and treats for families who couldn't play in the park because of filming.
Scenes were also filmed at many locations throughout the area, including The Dunwoody Tavern, Four Seasons Hotel, The Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre and Decatur Cemetery, according to IMDb.
