Step back to the iconic ’80s era of science fiction with Weird Science, a classic film that has remained a fan favorite over the years. Seeing a resurgence in popularity with the boom in nostalgia culture, fans are eager to learn more about the movie’s origins and filming locations.
If you’re one of these curious fans, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll delve into the various spots where Weird Science was filmed, from suburban streets to downtown alleys. You’ll get an inside look at some of the most notable filming locations and their significance to the movie’s overall aesthetic.
A beloved cult classic, Weird Science boasts vivid, vibrant imagery that brings the story to life. As you follow along on our journey through shooting locations, you’ll see how important each setting was in creating the unique atmosphere that made this movie so memorable.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering this gem for the first time, hang tight as we explore the world of Weird Science filming locations. It will be a fascinating ride!
Discover the Main Filming Location of Weird Science
The iconic 1985 teen comedy film, “Weird Science,” directed by John Hughes was filmed mainly in one location – Northbrook, Illinois. This suburban town located just outside Chicago served as the primary filming location for the movie’s indoor and outdoor scenes.
The focal point of the movie, a large house where Gary (played by Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (played by Ilan Mitchell-Smith) create their dream woman with a computer, was actually a real-life mansion located on 1130 Willow Road, also known as George Morris House or Maxson’s Restaurant & River Grill nowadays.
If you happen to be a fan of the 80s cult classic movie, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Northbrook, Illinois, and discover all the recognizable locations it has to offer from the movie.
Visit the Home of Filmmaking in Illinois
Nestled among beautiful prairies, historic neighborhoods, and lush forests, Northbrook, Illinois, is home to a burgeoning film industry that attracts some of Hollywood’s most iconic producers and directors.
One famous resident who put Northbrook on the map when it comes to filmmaking is, without any doubts, a legendary director John Hughes, who chose this peaceful neighborhood as his own and often used its surroundings as a backdrop for his timeless movies such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, The Breakfast Club, and many more.
North Shore Film Office offers guided private tours that take visitors on an exciting journey through the area’s cinematic history, including places linked to different flicks production. Don’t hesitate; immerse yourself in the “Weird Science” universe, explore authentic 1980s Northern Chicago suburbs, and see what inspired directors like Hughes to set his movies there.
Explore the Scenic Beauty of Northbrook, Illinois
Besides being an essential part of American pop culture thanks to John Hughes’ movies, Northbrook boasts a robust park and recreation system that distinguishes it from other surrounding suburbs. The area encompasses more than 20 parks and several walking trails winding through protected wetlands, forests, and prairies.
The Greenbriar Association’s immediate vicinity offers a beautiful waterfall stream and youth pond where you can relax in serene settings or swim during long hot summer days. Sports enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy municipal baseball fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a golf club situated nearby.
You’ll find plenty of fantastic restaurants too. Among them, Maxson’s River Grill- George Morris House is a great dining experience very close to Weird Science’s “dream woman scene” filming location. Its owner has transformed this unique turn-of-the-century mansion into a large restaurant with multiple banquet rooms featuring gorgeous waterfront views.
Discover the Legacy of John Hughes in Chicago
To get a more intimate insight into the work of legendary director John Hughes, take half-day trips downtown Chicago main locations he used in his filmography. This vibrant city, full of life and history, features local landmarks such as Ferris Bueller’s place when skipping school – Willis Tower Skydeck – Wrigley Field stadium “The Breakfast Club” setting – Thompson Center near State Street – among others.
“I’m definitely getting pigeonholed in Hollywood as a teen flick director. But hopefully, I’ll be able to keep moving.” -John Hughes
In conclusion, discovering where was Weird Science filmed, moreover exploring the surroundings responsible for inspiring artists worldwide like John Hughes did,’ it’s worth considering visiting Northbrook, Illinois. Get the unique opportunity to see this peaceful Northern suburb through the lens of famous Hollywood movies and experience yourself all-green surroundings that offer a wide range of activities suitable for different ages and interests.
Explore the Iconic Mall Scenes in the Movie
“Weird Science” is a classic 80s film that features two high school students creating their dream woman using advanced computer technology. One of the most memorable aspects of the movie are the scenes filmed at a shopping center where the main characters visit frequently. If you’re curious to know, “where was Weird Science filmed?”, keep on reading!
Visit the Real-Life Shopping Center in Illinois
The mall featured in “Weird Science” is called Northbrook Court and it’s located in Northbrook, Illinois. This real-life shopping center has been around for over 45 years and had its grand opening in August of 1976. To this day, it remains one of the largest malls in the Chicago area. It is known for housing luxury stores like Neiman Marcus and Burberry.
If you want to experience the same chill-inducing sensation as watching Chet turn into a hideous monster or Lisa conjuring up an amazing outfit out of nowhere, visiting the Northbrook Court Mall should definitely be on your list of things to do. You might even recognize parts of the building from other iconic movies such as “The Breakfast Club”.
Relive the Movie Scenes at the Northbrook Court Mall
The best way to relive the “Weird Science” movie scenes at Northbrook Court Mall is by taking a tour of the various spots depicted in the film. Firstly, head to level 1 near Lord & Taylor, which is where Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) first meet Lisa (Kelly LeBrock). Further down is the escalator scene, where the three characters make their dramatic entrance through clouds of smoke.
You can also visit The Gap, which played a significant role in the movie as Lisa’s transformation booth. This was where she changed outfits, demonstrating her godlike powers to Gary and Wyatt. Lastly, don’t forget to head over to the parking lot, near Dick’s Sporting Goods, where Chet (Bill Paxton) meets his unfortunate demise at the hands of a nuclear-powered mutant biker.
“We were looking for typical Midwestern-looking things,” says Director Jon Hughes, describing why Northbrook Court Mall made such a perfect location for “Weird Science”.
Now that you know where Weird Science was filmed, it would be an excellent idea to take a trip down memory lane by visiting Northbrook Court Mall in Illinois. Not only will you get to see the very mall showcased in the film, but you’ll also enjoy shopping for your favorite items in one of America’s top-rated retail destinations. So, grab some friends and family and make sure to catch up on this 80s cult classic before heading out there!
Find Out Which High School Was Used in the Film
If you are a fan of 80s movies, you must have heard about the classic comedy science-fiction movie called Weird Science. The film was directed by John Hughes and starred Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith as two nerdy teenagers who create a perfect woman with their computer skills.
The high school scenes in the movie were filmed at Glenbrook North High School, which is located on Shermer Road in Northbrook, Illinois. This suburban school has been the location for various movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Sixteen Candles.
“Weird Science” isn’t Hughes’ only movie that was set at Glenbrook North; “Sixteen Candles” used the same neighborhood too. -Tom Stempel
Explore the Campus of Glenbrook North High School
Glenbrook North High School is an impressive campus that spans over 1 million square feet with state-of-art facilities. You can visit this amazing place if you plan to make a trip to Illinois. It offers a great opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the school from your favorite movie. You will get to see various locations within the school compound where iconic scenes in the movie took place.
- You can start your tour outside the library, which served as Wyatt Donnelly’s house in the film.
- As you move towards the football field, you’ll find a sculpture, which was featured prominently several times throughout the film during the hero’s journey sequences.
- Don’t forget to take a picture near the entrance signboard with Glenbrook written on it if you want to show your friends that you visited the real-life school where Weird Science was filmed.
Discover the Iconic Locations of the School in the Movie
The film Weird Science has numerous memorable locations that fans still remember fondly to this day. Many of the settings you saw during the movie were located on the Glenbrook campus.
- The gymnasium scene where Anthony Michael Hall’s character, Gary Wallace, wore a jockstrap and did some funky moves was shot in the actual school gymnasium at Glenbrook North High School.
- The street outside the high school featured prominently throughout the movie, especially when two teenage boys get picked up by Kelly LeBrock playing Lisa, who takes them on various adventures.
- The final party scene took place in a very realistic recreation of someone’s home basement, built inside one of Glenbrook North’s gyms.
“Weird Science” is not only an essential John Hughes film; it also showcases the magic of what we call “Movie Nights.” -Brian Taibl
See the Filmmaking Magic Behind the High School Scenes
If you plan to visit the Glenbrook North High School campus, you’ll be amazed at how perfectly the filmmakers recreated various scenes from the movie in real life. You may wonder how some of the picturesque shots came to life.
The Weird Science film crew had to build several sets within the school compounds which include props like desks, lockers, stage lights, etc., making sure that the perfect atmosphere was created for each scene. The crew had free reign over the entire property for as long as they needed, allowing plenty of time to capture every moment they wanted.
“Decades later, people are still watching and loving the results.” -Nerdvana
Learn About the History of the High School in Illinois
Glenbrook North High School was founded back in 1952, and it has stood as a witness to many historic events over more than half a century since then. The school is renowned for providing excellent academic opportunities and extracurricular options such as sports, theater, music programs, etc.
It’s no wonder why the filmmakers chose this particular high school for their shoot, as it represented everything that a typical American high school would have looked like during the 1980s. The campus also served as an essential element of how the story unfolded throughout the film.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” -Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Uncover the Secret Location of the Infamous Party Scene
If you are a fan of John Hughes’ classic 80s comedy film “Weird Science,” then you know that one of the most memorable scenes is the infamous party scene. But have you ever wondered where it was filmed?
The truth is, the location of the iconic party scene has been somewhat of a mystery for many years. Some fans speculated that it was filmed at a real high school in Illinois, while others believed it was shot on a Hollywood soundstage.
“I remember driving to scout locations with John and the other producers, but I really don’t recall exactly where we ended up shooting the party scene,” said Joel Silver, the producer of the film.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the party scene’s filming location, there are some clues that could help you uncover its secret location.
Experience the 80s Party Vibes at a Local Venue
One possible clue can be found in the movie itself. If you pay close attention to the scene, you may notice an outdoor patio area filled with colorful lights and hanging lanterns. This, combined with the fact that the party takes place at night, suggests that the scene may have been filmed at an outdoor venue rather than a high school gymnasium or soundstage.
In fact, some fans believe they have located the exact venue where the party scene was filmed. The location in question is a local country club in Glendale, California, which boasts a large outdoor patio area that closely resembles the setting of the party scene from “Weird Science.”
“When I saw pictures of the Glenoaks Country Club, I knew right away that this had to be the place where the party scene from Weird Science was filmed,” explained Paul Casey, a fan of the film who has spent years trying to uncover its filming locations.
Discover the Hidden Location of the Legendary Scene
If you are determined to uncover the secret location of the party scene for yourself, there are several steps you can take. First, try contacting local film commissions in California and Illinois, as they may have records or knowledge of where the scene was filmed.
You can also reach out to members of the cast and crew from “Weird Science” on social media, as they may be able to offer some insights into the location of the infamous party scene.
“It’s crazy to me that people are still so interested in this movie all these years later,” said Ilan Mitchell-Smith, who played Gary Wallace in the film. “I wish I could remember exactly where we shot that party scene so fans could go see it for themselves.”
Relive the Movie Moments at the Private Party Location
Even if you are unable to uncover the exact location of the party scene from “Weird Science,” there are still ways to relive the experience.
The Glenoaks Country Club offers private event rentals for groups looking to host their own 80s-style party just like the one from the film. This is your chance to step back in time and relive the movie moments with your friends and family.
Whether you want to enjoy drinks on the outdoor patio or dance the night away under the colorful lights, hosting an event at the Glenoaks Country Club is the perfect way to pay tribute to one of the most iconic scenes in 80s cinematic history.
While the exact location of the party scene in “Weird Science” may remain a mystery, that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the experience for yourself. By following the clues and seeking out local event spaces like the Glenoaks Country Club, you can relive one of the most memorable moments from this classic 80s movie.
Learn About the Mansion Used in the Movie
Explore the Elegant Residence in Illinois
If you are a fan of Weird Science, then you must be wondering where it was filmed. Well, we got you covered. Did you know that the house featured in the movie is located in Highland Park, Illinois? The mansion used in the film belongs to Keith Forsey and his wife Lisa Stevens.
The beautiful mansion has been situated at 2990 Surrey Road since 1985 when it appeared in Weird Science as well as other popular films such as Risky Business (1983) and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). Visitors can still see the grandeur and elegance of the mansion from outside up to date.
Discover the Movie Scenes Filmed at the Mansion
It is interesting to note that most parts of the classic ’80s comedy were shot inside the Forsey-Stevens home, including the party scenes, bathroom scene, and kitchen scenes. However, the iconic garage door with the “Kelly LeBrock creation” spelled in pink neon sign outside only existed for the purposes of filming. That part of the garage was built specifically for the movie shoot and removed once filming ended.
Additionally, there is an infamous scene toward the end of the film in which the two lead characters, Gary and Wyatt, drive their Aston Martin through the front doors of the mansion into a pool while Chet chases them down for revenge. Notably, this is another instance of Hollywood trickery as they did not actually destroy the Forsey-Stevens residence during filming. Instead, they created a set replica of the living room inside a Universal Studios soundstage in California to film the car crashing-through-the-house scene.
“I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the mansion on Surrey Road was not only Lisa and Keith’s private property, but should have remained so without being subjected to every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a camera.” – John Hughes
Where Was Weird Science Filmed? Well, now you know. The next time you watch as Gary transforms his grandparents’ home into an extravagant party paradise, situated in upscale Illinois suburbia, you can imagine yourself sitting by the pool waiting for Kelly LeBrock creation to arrive.
See Where the Final Scene of Weird Science Was Shot
If you are a fan of classic ’80s comedies, then you might remember Weird Science. This iconic film was directed by John Hughes and tells the story of two high school friends who create their dream woman using a computer program.
Visit the Iconic Location of the Movie’s Climax
The final scene of Weird Science was shot at the Shermer High School in Illinois. This location has become an iconic spot for fans of the movie and is definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.
While the school itself may not look exactly like it did in the movie (it has been renovated several times since 1985), you can still get a sense of the setting and relive some classic moments from the film.
In fact, you might recognize other locations around the town of Shermer as well. Many scenes from other John Hughes movies were filmed here too, such as The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Discover the Scenic Beauty of the Final Scene Location
The final scene of Weird Science takes place during a stormy night at Shermer High School. While this may sound somewhat ominous, the reality is that the location is actually quite beautiful.
The front entrance of the school features a neat brick facade with towering columns that make for a great photo opportunity. Behind the building, you’ll find sprawling green fields that stretch out towards the horizon.
There’s also a large parking lot that serves as the backdrop for many memorable moments in the movie, including when Gary and Wyatt arrive at the school dance in their freshly transformed outfits.
“Shermer, Illinois: A great place to live… if you’re a fictional character.” -John Hughes
Visiting the location where Weird Science was filmed can be a fun and unique experience for fans of the movie. Whether you want to stroll through the school halls or take in the scenic views outside, there’s something special about seeing the places that played such an important role in this iconic ’80s comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary filming location for Weird Science?
The primary filming location for Weird Science was in Illinois. Most of the scenes were filmed in the suburbs of Chicago, particularly in the towns of Highland Park and Northbrook. The filmmakers chose these locations because they wanted to capture the essence of suburban life in the 1980s.
Were any scenes from Weird Science filmed on location outside of the United States?
No, none of the scenes in Weird Science were filmed on location outside of the United States. The filmmakers chose to keep the production within the country, and primarily in Illinois. They wanted to maintain an authentic feel of American suburbia, which is why they stuck to filming in the Midwest.
Did the filmmakers use any real high schools for filming Weird Science?
Yes, the filmmakers used an actual high school for filming several scenes in Weird Science. They used Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois as the primary location for the movie’s fictional high school. This was a strategic decision to capture the look and feel of a real high school in the 1980s.
What other movies or TV shows were filmed at the same location as Weird Science?
Several other movies and TV shows were filmed at the same location as Weird Science. Some of these include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles, and The Breakfast Club. All of these movies were also set in the suburbs of Chicago and were filmed in the same locations as Weird Science.
Were any of the iconic scenes from Weird Science filmed in a studio rather than on location?
Yes, some of the iconic scenes from Weird Science were filmed in a studio rather than on location. For example, the scene where Gary and Wyatt create Lisa on their computer was filmed in a studio using green screen technology. Additionally, the scene where they are attacked by the mutant bikers was also filmed in a studio with special effects.