4 Connecticut Towns Where Famous Movies Were Filmed

It may come as a surprise to learn that not all famous films were shot in Los Angeles studios, but rather in towns across Connecticut, known as the Nutmeg State. The state’s geography combines waterfront communities, industrial areas, historic greens, and collegiate architecture within a compact region shaped by early colonial settlement and later industrial development. Due to its proximity to New York City, film crews can easily move between studio facilities and on-site locations, minimizing the time lost to travel. Incentives offered by the Office of Film, Television, and Digital Media have supported productions such as Mystic Pizza, Indiana Jones, Mr. Deeds, and Gentleman’s Agreement. Readers can visit these towns and experience the filming locations that remain visible today, reflecting the settings of each story.

Mystic/Stonington, Mystic Pizza

Most of Mystic Pizza, which featured Julia Roberts early in her career, was shot in Stonington Borough, not in Mystic. Screenwriter Amy Holden Jones visited the real Mystic Pizza during a vacation in Mystic and thought it had the makings of a film location. After selecting the building at 70 Water Street in Stonington for both exterior and interior scenes because the Mystic restaurant was too small for the equipment, the crew filmed several street scenes around the downtown area of Stonington Borough. The narrow streets, older homes, and harbor views created the small-town look needed for both day and nighttime scenes during the production schedule.

Visitors typically begin in Mystic at Mystic Pizza, which inspired the film and still serves its original style of pies. A 20-minute walk leads to the Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum, which reflects Kat’s workplace in the story and continues to offer programs on navigation and maritime history. Returning to Stonington brings visitors to the Stonington Town Dock and Memorial, where fishing vessels and open water views echo the working waterfront seen in the movie. The day often ends at Enders Island, a small sanctuary reached by a short causeway that remains open year-round with gardens and quiet shoreline paths.

New Haven- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Yale University was the primary filming location for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, starring Harrison Ford. Much of the work took place on Old Campus, High Street, and several enclosed courtyards that were dressed to resemble a 1950s academic setting for Marshall College. Many Yale students appeared as background extras, and the filmmakers placed period bicycles and temporary signs around the surrounding blocks to complete the transformation of the campus. The university’s stone buildings and narrow walkways provided a practical setting for dialogue and action scenes without requiring significant changes to the historic campus.

The Downtown Tour begins at New Haven Green, a central park surrounded by historic churches and pathways that reflect the rhythm of the downtown district. Many visitors continue to the Yale Peabody Museum, which holds extensive collections of Egyptian and Native American artifacts. From there, visitors often move into Little Italy in Wooster Square for lunch at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. The day usually ends at the Shubert Theatre, a long-running performance venue with a varied schedule of shows that anchors the city’s entertainment district.

New Milford - Mr. Deeds

Much of Mr. Deeds was filmed in New Milford, which served as the primary stand-in for the fictional town of Mandrake Falls in Adam Sandler’s comedy. Historic Bank Street and the downtown business district were used extensively, and the production converted storefronts, added temporary signs, and staged exterior scenes for nearly two weeks. Several street conversations and crowd shots were filmed along Bank Street and the nearby Town Green, where traffic and lighting were controlled to match the small-town rhythm of the story. These compact blocks allowed the filmmakers to shoot at the correct scale for several scenes without altering the appearance of the town.

A visit to New Milford often begins along Bank Street, where small shops and the Bank Street Theater continue to serve local residents and reflect the film’s scale. Many visitors then continue to the New Milford Historical Society and Museum, which displays exhibits on local industry and community life. The route leads to Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio, a quiet indoor stop featuring the work of regional artists. In the afternoon, hike up Lovers Leap State Park, where a short uphill walk offers views of the river and surrounding hills. The day usually ends at the Housatonic River Brewing, a casual taproom with outdoor seating by the water.

Darien - Gentleman’s Agreement

Gentleman’s Agreement, which won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director for Elia Kazan, and Best Supporting Actress for Celeste Holm, filmed several exterior scenes in Darien. The production used Darien Railroad Station for arrival and departure shots because its platforms and traditional architecture matched the film’s mid-century setting. Although private homes were also used, their addresses are not publicly listed. Many additional scenes were completed in New York and Los Angeles, but the quiet streets around the station provided the suburban backdrop needed for several transitional moments.

A day in Darien often begins at the Darien Historical Society, where exhibits on local families and early settlement offer context for the community shown in the film. Many visitors continue to Woodland Park Nature Preserve, a wooded area with short trails and shaded paths. The route then leads to the Country Club of Darien, known for its well-maintained grounds and active facilities. The day often ends along Boston Post Road, where shops and cafés include The Granola Bar, a casual stop that is popular with locals and reflects the town’s daily rhythm.

From the Screens to the Streets

Connecticut continues to appeal to filmmakers and producers, and its towns are among the favorites of Hollywood’s biggest stars who return to them regularly. Stonington and Mystic supported the filming of Mystic Pizza through their distinctive streets and waterfront settings. New Haven supplied several exterior shots for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull across the Yale campus. New Milford carried most of the outdoor work for Mr. Deeds, including scenes along Bank Street and the nearby river paths. The station area and surrounding streets of Darien contributed to the Gentleman’s Agreement, providing the suburban environment needed for the film’s story.