Los Angeles goes by many names—Tinseltown, La-La Land, The Dream Factory—but they all celebrate its identity as a paradise for movie lovers. The city is home to a lively independent film scene, legendary studios like Universal, Paramount, Warner Bros., Disney, and Sony (known as the “Big Five”), and more celebrities than anywhere else in the world. It’s also stunningly beautiful, with iconic filming locations around every corner, from Griffith Observatory and Mulholland Drive to Venice Beach.

Here, the magic of movies is woven into daily life. As the birthplace of Hollywood, Los Angeles lets visitors follow in the footsteps of stars—whether strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame, admiring celebrity handprints at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, browsing boutiques for vintage movie costumes, or exploring state-of-the-art film museums. More than just a beautiful city, L.A. is a tribute to cinema itself. Here are 10 must-see spots for film buffs.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
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A true pilgrimage for movie fans, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures offers an immersive dive into the art and history of film. Curated by the same organization behind the Oscars, this museum opened in 2021 and features rare props, legendary costumes, and original scripts in exhibits that pull back the curtain on filmmaking. Visitors can explore everything from the evolution of visual effects to the cultural impact of documentaries through interactive displays, screenings, Q&As, and rotating exhibits. One permanent exhibition, “Stories of Cinema: Identity,” showcases iconic outfits from films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to Barbie. Plus, the museum’s striking architecture and panoramic city views make it unforgettable.

Hollywood Bowl
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Movie Night at the Hollywood Bowl blends cinema with the thrill of live music. Set in a natural amphitheater with views of the Hollywood Hills, this legendary venue has been a landmark since 1922. During film-themed concerts, classics like Home Alone and Jaws are shown on a giant screen while a live orchestra of 65 musicians performs the score. It’s a magical experience that turns movie-watching into something unforgettable under the stars.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery
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Founded in 1899, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a unique blend of history, pop culture, and entertainment. It’s the final resting place of Hollywood legends like Judy Garland, Burt Reynolds, Jayne Mansfield, Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman), and David Lynch. Beyond paying respects on a guided tour, visitors can attend the famous Cinespia screenings in summer, when the cemetery becomes an open-air cinema with films projected onto a mausoleum wall. Guests bring blankets, picnics, and drinks (though concessions are available), and DJs often spin before and after the show. This summer kicks off with The Big Lebowski on May 24, followed by a 30th-anniversary screening of Clueless.

TCL Chinese Theatre
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With its ornate Chinese design and towering pagoda, the TCL Chinese Theatre captures the eccentric glamour of Old Hollywood. Since 1927, it has hosted countless premieres and red-carpet events. While it now boasts a massive IMAX screen and comfortable seating for modern audiences, many come to see the nearly 200 celebrity handprints and footprints preserved in cement outside. The tradition began when silent film star Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement during a tour of the then-under-construction theater.TCL Chinese Theatre. This iconic venue offers a veritable timeline of Hollywood history, featuring handprints and footprints from stars like Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Shirley Temple, and Clark Gable, as well as more recent legends such as Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, George Clooney, and Robert De Niro.

New Beverly Cinema
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant independent cinema culture, and the historic New Beverly Cinema, owned by Quentin Tarantino, is a local gem. The Los Angeles Times likened it to “Cheers for movie lovers.” This unique theater, which has had past lives as a candy factory, beer parlor, Jewish Community Center, nightclub, and adult cinema, primarily screens classic, cult, and foreign films, many from Tarantino’s personal collection. It stands out by showing movies exclusively in 35mm and 16mm prints, appealing to those who cherish the art and nostalgia of traditional film projection. These prints often feature richer colors and sounds, along with a graininess adored by cinephiles. Having a live projectionist adds to the one-of-a-kind experience. Tarantino has stated, “I want the New Beverly to be a bastion for 35mm films. I want it to stand for something. As long as I’m alive and wealthy, the New Bev will be showing double features in 35mm.”

ASU FIDM Museum
Fashion-forward film lovers, this one’s for you. Though primarily a fashion museum, its Los Angeles location ensures a strong connection to the film industry. The ASU FIDM Museum, part of the ASU FIDM fashion school, explores how fashion is essential to cinematic storytelling, with colors, fabrics, and details conveying deep meaning. For instance, during awards season, it hosted an Academy Awards Costume Design Speaker Series, featuring Oscar-winning and nominated designers. The museum also rotates exhibits showcasing original costumes from acclaimed films, like the recent “A Complete Unknown.” An upcoming event to get excited about is a screening of “Clueless” followed by a Q&A with its costume designer, discussing the film’s iconic styles and the lasting impact of Cher Horowitz’s enviable wardrobe. Note that the museum is only open during exhibitions throughout the school year, so check their schedule in advance.

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
As noted, L.A. is home to the “Big Five” studios, the historic giants of the film industry. For a studio tour, choose Paramount Pictures—it’s the only major studio still based in Hollywood. Plus, Vogue World: Hollywood, a one-night event celebrating the link between film and fashion, will be held there on October 26. Tours last two to four hours and include highlights like the New York Streets backlot, with facades mimicking various NYC neighborhoods, and the Prop Warehouse, home to famous items such as the bench from “Forrest Gump” and a “Star Trek” portal. Other favorites are a water tank used for ocean scenes and the costume department, where you can see Harrison Ford’s hat, jacket, and whip from the Indiana Jones series, Tom Cruise’s bomber jacket from “Top Gun,” and glamorous gowns from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

It’s A Wrap Boutiques
If you spend hours hunting for outfits worn by your favorite characters or similar pieces to recreate their looks, save time by visiting It’s a Wrap, one of L.A.’s top thrift shops. Here, you’ll find clothing used on TV and movie sets—the store claims to be “the only company on the planet that offers the general public the chance to buy actual wardrobe and props from movie and TV sets.” The inventory varies based on which film or TV series has recently wrapped production.Just wrapped, and each piece—many unworn!—comes with a production show code and title. While most of the store’s inventory is contemporary and designer clothing, you’ll also find Western, sci-fi, vintage, and specialty items like sportswear and gear.

El Capitan Theater
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Disney fans will adore El Capitan Theater, a lavish venue built in the 1920s in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Here, you can watch Disney classics as well as new releases from Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. A special bonus: before the movie begins, an organist plays beloved Disney theme songs on the theater’s pipe organ. Owned by The Walt Disney Company, it frequently hosts premieres for Disney Studios films.

Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
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Though not as famous as Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Forest Lawn Glendale is the final resting place of many legends, including Walt Disney, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, and Elizabeth Taylor. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, which showcase art, architecture, and sculptures inspired by European cathedrals, and visit its world-renowned—and free—art museum, which has featured solo exhibitions by artists like Henri Matisse, Francisco Goya, and Rembrandt. The panoramic views of Los Angeles are the perfect finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs for Your Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles for Film Lovers

General Planning

Q Im a huge movie fan visiting LA for the first time Where should I even start
A Start with a guided tour of a major studio like Warner Bros or Paramount Its the perfect introduction to the magic of Hollywood and gives you a great overview

Q Whats the best area to stay in if I want to be close to filmrelated attractions
A Hollywood or West Hollywood are your best bets Youll be within walking distance or a short drive to the TCL Chinese Theatre the Walk of Fame and many iconic filming locations

Q How many days do I need for a good film lovers trip to LA
A We recommend at least 34 full days This gives you enough time for a studio tour visiting a few landmarks exploring a museum and hunting down some specific filming locations

MustSee Attractions Landmarks

Q Whats the difference between the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre
A The TCL Chinese Theatre is famous for the concrete hand and footprints of stars in its forecourt The Dolby Theatre is where the Oscars are held You can tour both but they offer different experiences

Q Are the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars really worth seeing
A Its a classic mustdo photo op but its a public sidewalk that can get very crowded Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and pick a few of your favorite stars to seek out

Q Besides the big studios are there any unique filmrelated museums
A Absolutely The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a worldclass museum dedicated entirely to film For something more quirky check out the Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building which has an incredible collection of costumes and props

Experiences Tours

Q Which studio tour is the best
A It depends on your taste
Warner Bros Studio Tour Focuses heavily on seeing active backlots and propscostumes from current DC and Harry Potter films