Which blockbuster scenes were filmed right here in your South Bay neighborhood?
From classic surf movies to modern thrillers, the South Bay has been a go-to backdrop for filmmakers. Whether it’s the laid-back charm of the Beach Cities or the gritty edge of San Pedro and Torrance, our region has hosted some unforgettable film moments. As a real estate professional who lives and works here, I love sharing how local homes and neighborhoods have played a part in Hollywood history.
Why Filmmakers Love the South Bay
With its coastal beauty, walkable piers, classic mid-century homes, and proximity to LA, the South Bay offers filmmakers visual diversity in a compact area. From Redondo Beach to Carson, many South Bay streets double as stand-ins for everywhere from beach towns to big cities.
Iconic Filming Locations Across the South Bay
Manhattan Beach – Point Break (1991)
Some of the film’s surf scenes and chase sequences were filmed in Manhattan Beach, cementing its place in action movie history.
Hermosa Beach Pier – La La Land (2016)
Ryan Gosling’s iconic tap-dance scene was filmed right on the Hermosa Beach Pier. The nearby Lighthouse Café also appears in the film, adding to its musical nostalgia.
Redondo Beach – The O.C. (TV Series), You (Netflix)
Though set in Orange County, many scenes from The O.C. were actually filmed in Redondo Beach. The Esplanade and pier area also appear in You, season 2.
San Pedro – Training Day, To Live and Die in L.A., Gone in 60 Seconds
San Pedro’s industrial coastline, bridges, and gritty architecture make it a favorite for crime thrillers and action films. Parts of Training Day and Gone in 60 Seconds were shot here, using real streets and buildings.
Torrance High School – Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 90210, She’s All That
Torrance High is one of the most-filmed schools in the world. Its classic architecture has made it a stand-in for high schools across dozens of shows and movies.
Hawthorne – Superbad, Euphoria (Season 1)
Select scenes from Superbad and Euphoria were filmed around Hawthorne, showcasing suburban South Bay neighborhoods.
El Segundo – A Wrinkle in Time, Jerry Maguire (Airport scenes)
Parts of A Wrinkle in Time were filmed in El Segundo, and LAX-adjacent locations have appeared in countless other films.
More films and TV shows shot in the South Bay region:
• Bruce Almighty (2003) - Torrance High School
• Not Another Teen Movie (2001) - Torrance High School
• Bad Santa (2003) - Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance
• Jackie Brown (1997) - Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance
• Why Him? (2016) - Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance
• The Usual Suspects (1995) - Angels Gate Park / Los Angeles Harbor, San Pedro
• Face/Off (1997) - Los Angeles Harbor / San Pedro
• A Few Good Men (1992) - San Pedro area
• Catch Me If You Can (2002) - San Pedro area
• Charie’s Angels (2000) - Port / Harbor area, San Pedro
• Battleship (2012) - San Pedro Harbor / waterfront area
• Boyz n the Hood (1991) - Nearby South LA/Harbor zone (San Pedro region)
• Reno 911! (TV series) - Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance
• The Secret Life of the American Teenager (TV series)Torrance High School
• Medium (TV series)Torrance High School
• Scarface (1983) - Torrance / South Bay arterial locations
• Why Him? (2016) - Torrance (mall scenes)
• A Man Apart (2003) - San Pedro area
• An Innocent Man (1989) - San Pedro / Harbor region
• The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) - Los Angeles Harbor / San Pedro
• The Accountant 2 (2025) - San Pedro area
• The Mambo Kings (1992) - South Bay
• The Big Lebowski (1998) - The Sunken City, San Pedro
• My Family (Mi Familia) (1995) - South Bay
• The Fog (1980) - Some filming in South Bay LA locations
Several other movies and shows have used South Bay beaches for coastal shots.
Why This Matters for the South Bay Today
Living in a place that’s featured on the big screen adds an extra layer of charm and pride to our neighborhoods.
Local pride: It’s fun to say “that scene was shot right down the street.”
Neighborhood storytelling: These connections give us something to share with friends and visitors.
Appreciation for where we live: Seeing familiar places on screen reminds us how special the South Bay really is.
Final Takeaway
Hollywood has long been drawn to the South Bay—and not just for the scenery. From Hermosa Beach sunsets to San Pedro’s industrial skyline, our neighborhoods help shape cinematic stories.
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