Movies Set in Washington DC
Washington DC is a cinematic location that has featured in many movies because of its landmarks and political prowess. This has led to it forming the backdrop to films for nearly a century with new ones focusing on the city each year. The following are some of the most noticeable and mentionable films to take place on location in the city.
Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian
This film focuses on the age old idea of inanimate objects coming to life, in this case exhibits in one of the most famous museums in the world. This story uses the getting the gang back together trope but mixes it up with a new location and even more action. This movie is great for kids and adults alike as it brings comedy elements and combines them with historical accuracy. One of the most famous movie moments in this film is when the Lincoln Memorial comes to life and rampages through the city. If you’d like to visit the Smithsonian and Lincoln Memorial to relive this movie then join us for the DC in a Day tour.
Independence Day
This jewel that cemented Will Smith’s Hollywood career featured aliens descending on the nation’s capital. Some of the most iconic structures in the city serve as a reminder of where the film is set and shows the importance of the seat of power. It’s an all-out action movie with all the explosions, warfare and sci-fi you need to stay enthralled for the duration. Jeff Goldblum makes an appearance as everyone’s favourite scientist to help solve the mystery and fend off the alien invaders.
Kingsman: The Secret Service
This is one of the most popular films to come out of 2015 and it won’t disappoint movie lovers. Colin Firth takes pride of place as he plays a veteran secret service agent taking a promising young candidate under his wing. This movie’s director aimed to make the genre of the spy movie much more fun and add a twist of comedy to a serious subject.
Minority Report
Set in a future world in which criminals are apprehended before committing their crimes this 2002 film features an underground Washington DC. It follows an innocent officer’s fall from grace as he goes on the run for a crime that his future self would have committed. It examines the connection between government, law enforcement and individual rights in an exaggerated way. This Steven Spielberg movie has a cast of stars and features Tom Cruise and Colin Firth. The film has now been adapted into a successful series of the same name which takes place many years after the original movie.
Dr Strangelove
This black comedy movie takes an introspective look at the Cold War and how politicians in war rooms around the country strategized. As the doomsday clock ticks closer to midnight the satire becomes even more pronounced and the characters become more ludicrous. This is a quotable cult movie that becomes even more funny the more times you watch it.