Tacoma Films
Tacoma's Rich Film History
Calling all film enthusiasts in Seattle and Tacoma! Dive into the rich cinematic history of Tacoma, a city with a captivating legacy of film production. From blockbuster hits to indie gems, Tacoma has provided the scenic backdrop for some of cinema's most memorable moments. Join us as we explore our top picks, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant cinematic tapestry of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or a newcomer to the world of film, Tacoma's diverse array of productions promises something for everyone. Come discover the magic of Tacoma's silver screen allure! #TacomaFilm #PNWCinema #SeattleFilmScene #MovieMagic #FilmographyFaves #CinematicTreasures #PacificNorthwestPride
Sweet Revenge (1976)
Sweet Revenge (1976)
Filmed in Tacoma's Stadium District and the UWT part of downtown.
Plot
A young woman with a long rap sheet who steals cars for a living is befriended by a public defender who tries to steer her straight. But her goal is to steal and subsequently sell enough cars (sometimes the same car more than once) to buy a new Ferrari.
Cast
Locations
You can clearly see Stadium Way, apartments on I Street and the "Cars of Yesteryear" showroom. There are several shots of the old University of Washington Tacoma campus neighborhood before the college had arrived. The final scene filmed right on Stadium Way in front of Mount Rainier.
Three Fugitives (1989)
Three Fugitives (1989)
Filmed in Los Angeles and in Tacoma, Washington. The prison scenes were shot at McNeil Island Prison. Filmed in Tacoma's downtown and other neighborhoods of Tacoma. #ThreeFugitives #Tacoma #Washington #Films #Movies #Comedy #ClassicMovie #MustSee #MovieNight
Plot
A reformed bank robber is taken hostage by a desperate man during a bank hold up, but is forced to go on the run with his captor when they're both mistakenly thought to be in cahoots.
Cast
Locations
Some of the movie was filmed in Seattle. You can see the Steilacoom Ferry, McNeil Island, Downtown Tacoma, the Old City Hall and some north end homes. Random scene notes (Scene where child first talks) Gas Works Park - 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, Washington, USA.
I Love You To Death (1990)
I Love You To Death (1990)
Filmed in Tacoma's downtown and the Stadium neighborhoods of Tacoma.
Plot I love you to death
I Love You to Death is a hilarious comedy that will have you laughing until the credits roll. The film follows a couple who scheme to have the husband killed after he cheats on his wife. With an all-star cast, witty dialogue, and plenty of laughs, this is one movie you won't want to miss! #ILoveYouToDeath #Comedy #RomCom #ClassicMovie #MustSee #ILoveYouToDeath #KevinKline #WilliamHurt #KeanuReeves #RiverPhoenix #Tacoma #Washington #Films #Movies #Comedy #ClassicMovie #MustSee #MovieNight
Cast
Staring: Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, River Phoenix, William Hurt, Keanu Reeves, Joan Plowright, Victoria Jackson, Heather Graham, Kathleen York, and many more.
Trailer
Locations
The Bostwick Building in downtown Tacoma. It was an antique store prior to the filming. For the movie they made it a Pizza Shop. Then after the film it was turned into a coffee shop which eventually turned into a Tully's Coffee Shop for over a decade. You can see under the Murray Morgan Bridge (11th Street), The World Famous Bob's Java Jive and the Stadium neighborhoods of Tacoma.
Please remember most people who own a movie house don't want people creeping around their yards or knocking at the door.
I Love You To Death (1990)
Additional Information
In 1989 shooting began for I Love You to Death, opens a new window. This film included an all-star cast of Kevin Kline, William Hurt, Tracey Ullman, River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, and James Gammon. Among other Tacoma locations, a portion of this black comedy centers around a pizza parlor in the Bostwick building downtown located on St. Helens Avenue, and at the famous teapot building, Bob’s Java Jive, on South Tacoma Way.
Learn More
The Tacoma Public Library has some much great film stuff in the Northwest Room.
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (1992)
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (1992)
Filmed in Tacoma's downtown and other North Tacoma neighborhoods.
Plot
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is a classic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film follows a revenge-seeking nanny who seeks to destroy the family she was hired to take care of. With twists and turns at every corner, this is one movie you won't want to miss! #TheHandThatRocksTheCradle #Thriller #ClassicMovie #MustSee #MovieNight
Cast
Locations
Although some of the movie was filmed in Seattle. One disturbing scene was filmed in Wright Park's WW Seymour Botanical Conservatory. A majority of the Movie was filmed in a home on 810 North Yakima Street home just a few blocks from The Annie Wright School. Random scene notes 2502 37th Ave W, Seattle, Washington, USA (Dr. and Mrs. Mott's home)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Filmed in Tacoma's downtown, Stadium High School and other North Tacoma neighborhoods.
Plot
A family rule forbids her from dating until her unpopular, rebellious, boy-hating older sister Kat gets a suitor of her own. In an attempt to win Bianca, a potential boyfriend desperately attempts to set Kat up with Patrick Verona, another rebel who may just be able to win Kat's heart.
Cast
Starring: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Larry Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Allison Janney and many more.
Locations
The majority of the movie was filmed at Stadium High School. One of the scenes was filmed in front of the old downtown music store Ted Brown which is now the home of Tacoma's School of the Arts. The party scene is filmed in an estate off of north Stevens Street. The main character in the movie lived on North 28th and Junett Street.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Additional Information
10 Things I Hate About You, opens a new window is a Tacoma favorite. This 1999 teen romantic comedy is a modernization of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, and featured breakout roles for Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Stadium High School features prominently in the film, as well as other north-end locations.
10 things I hate about you location, movies filmed in tacoma, Padua High School, tacoma movies
The Eyes of the Totem (1927)
The Eyes of the Totem (1927)
Filmed in Tacoma's downtown, Stadium High School and other Tacoma neighborhoods.
Plot
After selling out a mining claim in the desolate and frigid north, Miriam Hardy moves to Tacoma with her husband and young daughter to start a new life. Things don't go as planned when her husband is murdered by a mysterious sinister eyed stranger, leaving Ms. Hardy a destitute widow. With the police unable to help find the murderer, Ms. Hardy is rescued by a kindly elderly beggar and taken in by a beggar's society. Miriam enrolls her daughter in a private seminary and lives a double life as a street beggar and a member of polite society, until a chance encounter one day leads her back to the sinister eyed stranger she has been seeking for years.
Cast
Locations
The film was shot on location in and around the city of Tacoma as well as at the 50,000 square foot production stage built by Weaver in the Titlow Beach area. Many local historic sites are featured in the film, including the Winthrop Hotel, Annie Wright School, the Tacoma Totem Pole, and Thornewood Castle.
Other Tacoma & Pacific Northwest Movies
Pacific Northwest Movies
Filmed in the Pacific Northwest.
Tugboat Annie Sails Again (1940)
An officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Harry and the Hendersons (1987)
Has a shot of Bob’s Java Jive
Filmed at the University of Puget Sound Peyton Field
Stephen King Mini Series
Shot in Gig Harbor and surrounding areas
The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer (2003)