Vancouver has long been nicknamed Hollywood North, and for good reason. This Canadian city on the west coast has become one of the most popular filming locations outside of Los Angeles. With its vast landscapes, sleek skyline, generous tax incentives, and skilled film crews, Vancouver continues to attract major productions from around the world. From blockbuster action films to heartfelt teen dramas, the city has quietly become a cinematic chameleon—able to double for New York, San Francisco, Seoul, or entirely fictional worlds!

🎬 Why Vancouver is called “Hollywood North”

The nickname Hollywood North reflects the sheer volume of film and TV content produced in Vancouver. The province of British Columbia offers generous tax breaks for filmmakers, and over the years, the city has developed world-class infrastructure and talent in the entertainment industry. Its proximity to LA, which is just a three-hour flight away, makes it a convenient and cost-effective alternative for American studios.

Vancouver’s mild climate, long summer days, and flexible shooting locations also make it an ideal year-round production hub. In a single day, a film crew can capture scenes of a dense urban downtown, lush forests, mountain views, and cozy suburban neighborhoods—all within a short drive of one another.

⭐Famous movies and TV shows shot in Vancouver

Movies

Vancouver has played host to a wide range of major Hollywood films across genres. Some of the most well-known include:

• Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018): These wildly popular superhero comedies starring Ryan Reynolds (a Vancouver native) were filmed throughout the city, with the Georgia Viaduct and Vancouver Convention Centre featuring prominently.
  
• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018): While set in Portland, Oregon, this Netflix teen romance was filmed almost entirely in Vancouver. Key scenes were shot at Point Grey Secondary School, and Lara Jean’s house is located in a quiet suburb of New Westminster.
  
• Fifty Shades of Grey (2015): Though set in Seattle, much of the movie was filmed in Vancouver, including Gastown, The University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, and various downtown office buildings.
  
• Twilight: New Moon (2009): Parts of this installment were shot in Vancouver and nearby areas like Tofino and Squamish, taking advantage of BC’s moody, forested landscapes.
  
• The Interview (2014): This political satire starring Seth Rogen and James Franco shot much of its North Korea-set footage in Vancouver, cleverly redressing local streets and buildings.

TV shows

Vancouver is also a major hub for television. A number of hit series, especially those in the teen, sci-fi, and superhero genres, have made the city their home base.

• Riverdale (2017–2023): This CW teen drama reimagining the Archie Comics universe was shot largely in Vancouver and surrounding areas. Exterior shots of the fictional Riverdale High were filmed at Lord Byng Secondary School, while scenes in Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe were filmed in Mission, BC.
  
• The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow: These interconnected superhero shows, part of the CW’s “Arrowverse,” were all filmed in Vancouver, turning it into a stand-in for cities like Central City and Star City.
  
• Supernatural (2005–2020): One of the longest-running fantasy series on TV, Supernatural shot all 15 seasons in and around Vancouver, often using the city’s forests, small towns, and highways to match its eerie tone.
  
• The X-Files (original seasons and revival): The iconic sci-fi thriller filmed its early seasons in Vancouver, lending a moody, atmospheric quality to the show that fans loved.

🎥 Iconic filming locations in Vancouver

Vancouver’s versatility allows it to transform into almost any city in the world. Some of the most commonly used and recognizable locations include:

• Gastown: With its cobblestone streets and old-world charm, Gastown appears frequently in romantic dramas and thrillers.
  
• Georgia Viaduct: Most famous for its use in Deadpool, the Viaduct has become a recognizable symbol of action movie Vancouver.
  
• The University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver campus: UBC’s varied architecture has appeared in everything from Fifty Shades of Grey to The Butterfly Effect.
  
• Stanley Park and Lynn Canyon: These forested areas are perfect for outdoor scenes, fantasy settings, or eerie backdrops.
  
• Downtown Vancouver: Often dressed up to resemble Manhattan or other U.S. cities, downtown is a favorite for both TV and film.

👉 Upcoming productions in Vancouver

In 2025, Vancouver remains a hotspot for new film and television projects. Highlights include:

• Deadpool 3: Filming is underway in Vancouver with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprising their roles in what’s expected to be one of Marvel’s biggest releases.
  
• TRON: Ares: Disney’s latest installment in the TRON franchise began production in Vancouver, making use of the city’s sleek urban design.
  
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Season 2: One of the biggest productions currently filming, the Disney+ series began shooting in the summer of 2024 and has already been renewed for a third season. It uses Vancouver, Burnaby’s Mammoth Studios, and scenic B.C. locations to recreate the world of Camp Half-Blood and its mythological quests.
  
• Remarkably Bright Creatures: A film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel, directed by Olivia Newman and reportedly starring Academy Award winner Sally Field. Filming will take place in B.C. from March 3 to April 15, 2025. While exact locations haven’t been released yet, fans can expect a visually rich production in true West Coast style.
  
• Providence Falls: A limited three-episode time travel romance series based on the novel trilogy of the same name. Filming is currently taking place on Fraser Park Drive in Burnaby and is produced by Reckless Pictures.

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Sources: Destination Vancouver – Filmed in Vancouver, Creative – BC