Fictional streets have become an essential element of many movies, providing a vivid and memorable setting for iconic scenes. These streets serve as a reflection of the films’ themes and tone, and often become symbols of the cultural impact of the movies. From the magical world of world of Harry Potter to the gritty urban landscape of A Streetcar Named Desire, fictional streets have transported audiences to different worlds and time periods, evoking a range of emotions and sensations.
They have become an integral part of the films’ universes, and are often used as a shorthand for the movie’s overall vibe. These streets have become beloved by audiences and have cemented their place in pop culture, proving that a well-crafted setting can be just as important as the characters or the story.
10 Cherry Tree Lane
Cherry Tree Lane is a prominent setting in the classic Disney film, Mary Poppins. The idyllic street serves as the home of the Banks family, and it’s where Mary Poppins arrives to become the children’s new nanny. The street is lined with picturesque cherry trees and charming Victorian houses, providing the perfect backdrop for the magical adventures that follow.
Notable scenes shot on Cherry Tree Lane include the Jolly Holiday sequence, where Mary and the children jump into a painting, and the Step in Time dance number on the rooftops. The street has become a beloved symbol of the film’s timeless charm and whimsy, and it’s a key location in the Disney canon. Cherry Tree Lane is a magical and unforgettable place, where anything can happen with a little bit of imagination.
9 Jump Street
21 Jump Street is a comedy film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, based on the 1980s television series of the same name. The story follows two underachieving cops, Schmidt and Jenko, who are sent undercover to a high school to bust a drug ring. However, their personalities are flipped and they must navigate the social hierarchy of high school while also dealing with the unexpected consequences of their actions.
Jump Street in the film serves as a backdrop for the duo’s misadventures, providing a gritty and urban setting that contrasts with the absurdity of the plot. Though the film is often crass and irreverent, it manages to balance its humor with moments of heart and genuine character development. It’s an entertaining and self-aware take on the buddy-cop genre.
8 Evergreen Terrace
The Simpsons TV series first aired back in 1989, and in 2007 it finally released The Simpsons Movie, which was a great success. The somewhat dysfunctional Simpson family try to save Springfield from being destroyed after Homer accidentally pollutes the town’s water supply.
EvergreenTerrace is a beloved and iconic street in the long-running animated series that also features in the movie. As the home of the Simpson family and their quirky neighbors, the street has become a fixture in pop culture. Its colorful and eccentric houses, along with its suburban charm, have made it a symbol of the show’s enduring cultural influence. From Moe’s Tavern to the Kwik-E-Mart, Evergreen Terrace has played host to countless hilarious and memorable moments throughout the show’s storied history.
7 Elm Street
A Nightmare on Elm Street is a classic horror film with a truly iconic and terrifying villain, Freddy Kruger. A group of teenagers are haunted by a disfigured dream demon (Freddy), who kills them in their dreams. The film’s surreal dream sequences and use of practical effects remain impressive to this day.
At first Elm Street seems like any other quiet suburban street, however, it’s so far removed from the suburban dream. It’s the focal point of the movie that serves as the hunting ground for the infamous slasher villain. The fact it comes across so normal to begin with makes the horror all the more effective. The street and its surrounding area become a surreal and nightmarish landscape as Freddy’s victims are tormented by their worst fears.
6 Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley, the famous wizarding shopping district from the Harry Potter series, is a magical and enchanting location that has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. Its intricate details, including shops with unique and humorous names, cobblestone streets, and hidden alleyways, bring the wizarding world to life. The atmosphere is rich with nostalgia and charm, and the bustling crowds of wizards and witches create a sense of community that adds to the story’s depth. Diagon Alley is a beloved setting that continues to capture the hearts of all Harry Potter fans.
Some notable scenes filmed in Diagon Alley include Harry’s first visit in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the confrontation with Bellatrix Lestrange in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1,” and the escape on broomsticks in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” It’s a memorable and essential location in the Wizarding World.
5 Privet Drive
Privet Drive is an iconic setting in the Harry Potter series, serving as the mundane suburban home of the Dursley family and the place where Harry spent the first eleven years of his life. The street is characterized by its cookie-cutter houses, perfectly manicured lawns, and strict adherence to normalcy. The contrast between the dullness of Privet Drive and the magical world of Hogwarts is stark, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Harry’s story.
Notable scenes shot in Privet Drive include Harry’s arrival via Hagrid’s motorcycle, Harry’s breakout with the Weasleys in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and the escape from the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Privet Drive has become an iconic location in the Wizarding World, representing the dichotomy between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
4 Cobblestone Way
The Flintstones is a live-action comedy film based on the classic animated television series of the same name. The story follows Fred Flintstone, a prehistoric man who lives in the town of Bedrock, on Cobblestone Way, with his family and friends. When Fred is promoted to executive at the rock quarry, he unwittingly becomes involved in a corporate conspiracy.
Bedrock, the prehistoric town from the movie, is a visually stunning and imaginative setting that captures the spirit of the original animated series. The town’s imaginative inventions bring the Stone Age to life in a way that is both charming and nostalgic. The film’s use of practical effects and animatronics also adds to the film’s overall visual appeal. Bedrock is a memorable setting that offers a fun and entertaining backdrop for the film’s comedic storyline, and remains a beloved part of the Flintstones universe.
3 Spooner Street
There was a straight-to-DVD feature-length film released in 2005 called Family Guy Presents: Stewie Griffin – The Untold Story. The film follows the popular character Stewie as he travels through time and tries to stop his future self from carrying out a dangerous plan. The film features the show’s signature humor and irreverence, and is a must-watch for fans of the animated series.
SpoonerStreet, the fictional setting of the animated TV series Family Guy that also appears in the movie, is a humorous and absurd depiction of American suburbia. The street is home to the Griffin family and their various eccentric neighbors, and serves as the backdrop for many of the show’s iconic comedic moments. Spooner Street is a memorable and beloved location that has become a key part of the “Family Guy” universe.
2 Paper Street
Fight Club is a dark and twisted film about a depressed office worker who finds solace in a secret underground fighting club led by the charismatic and enigmatic Tyler Durden. The film is a gritty and thought-provoking exploration of masculinity, consumerism, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
PaperStreet, the dilapidated house that Tyler Durden and the unnamed narrator inhabit in the movie, serves as a symbol of the characters’ rejection of mainstream society and the consumerist lifestyle they feel trapped in. The run-down house, with its exposed wires and peeling wallpaper, is a stark contrast to the sterile and artificial world they both exist in, and represents the anarchy and chaos they seek. Paper Street is a powerful and memorable element of the film’s overall aesthetic and themes.
1 Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street serves as the setting for the iconic Tennessee Williams playand subsequent film adaptation, A Streetcar Named Desire. The street is a bustling and colorful thoroughfare in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where the story unfolds. The street serves as a vivid representation of the city’s vibrant culture, and the dichotomy between its lively exterior and the characters’ inner turmoil underscores the play’s themes of desire, violence, and emotional unrest.
The street becomes a character in its own right, as it embodies the conflicting emotions and desires of the play’s protagonists. The film’s use of location shooting on Bourbon Street adds to the film’s authenticity and enhances its emotional impact. Bourbon Street has become a quintessential location in American cinema, and a testament to the power of setting in storytelling.