With Valentine’s Day getting ever closer, dinners are being planned, flowers ordered and chocolates and champagne summoned. But for those who prefer to cuddle up and watch a romantic movie while nibbling on some popcorn, or maybe an ear, here are seven movies filmed in Southern California that have touches of romance.
“La La Land”
This film has struck a nerve with moviegoers and has already taken home several industry awards. The musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is up for 14 Academy Awards, tying “Titanic” and “All About Eve.” Filmed around Los Angeles, the film opens with a sweeping song and dance routine situated on the typically gridlocked 105 and 110 freeway interchange. There’s also romance at the Griffith Observatory and the Lighthouse Cafe on the Hermosa Beach Pier. This is the one you can turn into a date with a night at the movies, too.
“L.A. Story”
The title says it all. This quirky love story stars Steve Martin (who also wrote the screenplay) as a cynical TV weatherman bored with his girlfriend (Marilu Henner). Throughout the movie, locations in Venice, Hollywood, and the Hard Rock Café at the Beverly Center are all featured. The movie also stars Sarah Jessica Parker who portrays a ditzy gum-smacking spokesmodel and Victoria Tennant.
“Clueless”
An update on the Jane Austen novel “Emma,” the 1995 romantic comedy starring Alicia Silverstone as fashionable matchmaker Cher Horowitz is both hilarious and entertaining. The film — which also features Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash and the late Brittany Murphy — showcases tony Beverly Hills locales and the San Fernando Valley. If you want to see where Cher was mugged, Circus Liquor is in North Hollywood.
“Valley Girl”
This hit from 1983 tells the tale of a preppy girl from Encino (Deborah Foreman) who crosses paths with a hunky Hollywood punk rocker (Nicolas Cage) at a Los Angeles beach. With scenes featuring French fries from Du-par’s Restaurant in Studio City to various locations around the San Fernando Valley, the Los Angeles area was heavily featured in the movie. Like, oh my God!
“Pretty Woman”
This film about a prostitute who finds true love with a corporate hot shot (Richard Gere) was filmed in Los Angeles and made Julia Roberts a big screen star. With notable scenes on Rodeo Drive, Wilshire Boulevard and seedy parts of Hollywood, the blockbuster film remains a classic. And Jason Alexander shines as a smarmy attorney.
“The Karate Kid”
Many people can relate to protagonist Daniel LaRusso, played by a fresh-faced Ralph Macchio, as the new kid in school. He is mercilessly picked on by a band of karate students and forms an unlikely friendship with a quiet karate master (Pat Morita). Notable Southern California spots include Golf ‘N Stuff in Norwalk, an apartment building in Reseda and a karate dojo in North Hollywood. Sweep the leg!
“Top Gun”
Romance doesn’t just happen in L.A. This high-flying blockbuster starring Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis was filmed at several Southern California locations. Among them are Marine Corps Air Station Miramar — formerly the Miramar Naval Air Station — the Red Fox Room on El Cajon Boulevard and a street in the swanky Bankers Hill area in San Diego.
