Lea Gagnon12 best movies filmed in Montreal — and you probably didn’t even know!
Montreal is best known in the world as the most European city in Canada – and for good reason! We’re all about shopping, having fun, and art deco architecture that’s second to none in the Americas.
With our amazing backdrops, it’s no wonder that many filmmakers travel all the way here to shoot their masterpieces. We’re not just talking about a famous actor strolling into a nightclub in Montreal to have a drink – we’re talking about big film moments shot right here!
From major hits like the X-men installments to lesser-known comedy flicks, there are so many movies that have been shot in the city. If you want to learn more about them, just take a look at this list.
1. Murder Mystery
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Release date: June 14, 2019
Director: Kyle Newacheck
Main cast: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Luke Evans
Movie summary: The film stars Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, and Luke Evans. The story follows a married couple who get entangled in a murder investigation aboard a billionaire’s yacht.
In 2018, Montreal became a hot spot for Hollywood stars because Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler were spotted around the city filming the Netflix comedy Murder Mystery.
The movie’s plot follows a New York cop, played by Sandler, who takes his wife (Aniston) on a much-needed European getaway. Instead of relaxation, they find themselves entangled in a high-stakes murder investigation after a billionaire’s mysterious death.
Fans were thrilled to see Sandler enjoying the city’s famous St-Viateur Bagel and even crashing a wedding. Meanwhile, Aniston was spotted at Mandy’s Salad Bar.
Filming began on June 14 and continued through August, showcasing Montreal’s beautiful summer season as the backdrop for the couple’s chaotic European adventure.
2. X-Men: Days of Future Past
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Release date: May 23, 2014
Director: Bryan Singer
Main cast: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
Movie summary: The story spans two time periods, with Logan traveling back to 1973 to change history and prevent an event that leads to devastating consequences for both humans and mutants.
In 2013, Montreal became a key location for the filming of X-Men: Days of Future Past, the seventh installment in the X-Men franchise. Principal photography kicked off in April at Mel’s Cité du Cinema and wrapped up by August.
The movie made great use of Montreal’s landmarks, including the Olympic Stadium, Montreal City Hall, and McGill University. This provided a distinct backdrop that fans, especially many of us from Montreal, could recognize.
3. Chaos Walking
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Release date: March 5, 2021
Director: Doug Liman
Main cast: Tom Holland, Daisy Ridley, Mads Mikkelsen
Movie summary: The story starts in a dystopian world without women, where every living being can hear each other’s thoughts through “Noise.” When a woman crash-lands on the planet, a young man takes it upon himself to protect her from the dangers that follow.
Doug Liman’s adventure film Chaos Walking, based on the popular Patrick Ness novel, was filmed extensively in Montreal. There were many scenes shot at the city’s iconic Olympic Stadium.
Montreal’s architecture was a perfect match for the film’s dystopian setting, making it an ideal location for this sci-fi project.
4. Arrival
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Release date: November 11, 2016
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Main cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
Movie summary: The film features Amy Adams as Louise Banks, a linguist recruited by the U.S. Army to establish communication with extraterrestrials that have landed on Earth. She must navigate rising tensions that could spark a war.
Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-nominated film Arrival showcases Montreal’s stunning landscapes and architecture. The film was shot in various locations around the city and northern Quebec, with the small town of Saint-Fabien standing in for Montana.
A charming house on Chemin de l’Île was used as the home of linguist Louise Banks, portrayed by Amy Adams. The scenes at the university where Banks teaches, on the other hand, were filmed at HEC Montreal.
5. X-Men: Dark Phoenix
Release date: June 7, 2019
Director: Simon Kinberg
Main cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
Movie summary: Dark Phoenix explores the origin of Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix. The narrative centers on Jean grappling with mental illness after a cosmic force amplifies her psychic abilities.
Filming for X-Men: Dark Phoenix began in Montreal in July 2017 and wrapped up in October of the same year. This marked the third time the X-Men franchise chose Montreal as its filming location within five years.
Key scenes were filmed at various local spots, allowing the city to shine as a backdrop for this highly anticipated superhero flick.
6. Long Shot
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Release date: March 9, 2019
Director: Jonathan Levine
Main cast: Charlize Theron, A.J. Dix, Beth Kono, Evan Goldberg
Movie summary: The story revolves around a journalist (Seth Rogen) reconnecting with his former babysitter (Charlize Theron), who is now the United States Secretary of State.
Long Shot brought a mix of comedy and romance to Montreal’s picturesque Old Port in November 2017. This vibrant area, known for its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, was a great setting for the film’s light-hearted narrative.
Did you spot the Cage Aux Sports logo in the background? It’s a fun nod to the local culture here!
This iconic restaurant is a favorite among local sports fans, so if you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere while watching sports, you know where to go.
7. Mother!
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Released date: September 15, 2017
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Main cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer
Movie summary: This American psychological horror film was inspired by the Bible. It centers on a young woman whose peaceful life with her husband at their country home is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious couple.
Darren Aronofsky’s Mother! is a bold psychological horror film that filmed key scenes in Montreal in 2016. The film delves into deep themes of creation and destruction.
The climactic final scenes, which were shot in the heart of Montreal, contributed to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
8. X-Men: Apocalypse
Release date: May 27, 2016
Director: Bryan Singer
Main cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac
Movie summary: Set in 1983, the plot follows the ancient mutant En Sabah Nur, also known as Apocalypse. After being inadvertently revived, he seeks to reshape the world in his own image. This prompts the X-Men to unite and stop him and his team of mutants.
X-Men: Apocalypse brought the superhero action to Montreal, with filming locations that included McGill University, Olympic Stadium, and Plaza Côte-des-Neiges. Fans of the franchise were thrilled to see their favorite stars return to the city for this installment.
One notable scene that didn’t make the final cut featured the teenage heroes enjoying their newfound freedom in Plaza Côte-des-Neiges. Though this was ultimately left on, fans can still catch a glimpse of the mall in the bonus footage.
9. Pieces of a Woman
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Release date: December 30, 2020
Director: Kornél Mundruczó
Main cast: Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, Molly Parker
Movie summary: The film follows Martha (Kirby) as she deals with the trauma of a tragic home birth and the loss of her baby. She also faces a legal battle when her mother blames the midwife (Parker) for the death.
Pieces of a Woman used Montreal as the backdrop for many of its key scenes. Principal photography took place in December 2019, and sharp-eyed viewers will be able to spot familiar Montreal landmarks throughout the film.
The movie, which dropped on Netflix in January 2021, captures the city’s unique atmosphere that made certain moments more dramatic.
10. Midway
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Release date: November 8, 2019
Director: Roland Emmerich
Main cast: Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart
Movie summary: The film depicts the first six months of the Pacific Theater in World War II. It spans from the Attack on Pearl Harbor to the pivotal Battle of Midway.
In 2018, the streets of Old Montreal were transformed into a scene from the 1940s. This change occurred as Roland Emmerich’s Midway filmed key sequences at the Quebec Court of Appeal building.
Reddit user Mxyzt shared a snapshot of the set showing vintage cars and old-school license plates parked outside, matching the film’s World War II setting.
The film featured an all-star cast, including Luke Evans, Mandy Moore, and Woody Harrelson. Harrelson even took to Instagram during filming to share his transformation into the naval commander!
While Midway garnered mixed reviews, it was praised for its stunning visual effects and attention to historical detail. The blend of the city’s historical landmarks helped bring this World War II story to the big screen.
11. John Wick: Chapter 2
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Release date: February 10, 2017
Director: Chad Stahelski
Main cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose
Movie summary: The film is the sequel to John Wick (2014) and the second entry in the John Wick series. It follows retired hitman John Wick as he’s drawn back into his former life to honor a blood oath to crime lord Santino D’Antonio (Scamarcio).
In 2015, the John Wick franchise brought its signature high-octane action to Montreal. They filmed key scenes for John Wick: Chapter 2 at the Victoria’s Secret store on the corner of Ste. Catherine and Rue Stanley.
Fans of the film might even recognize the streets of downtown Montreal as John Wick navigates through his dangerous underworld missions.
Montreal wasn’t the only filming location for the sequel, but it certainly added its unique flair to the movie. The film also shot scenes in New York, New Jersey, and Rome.
12. Blades of Glory
Released date: March 30, 2007
Director: Will Speck and Josh Gordon
Main cast: Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler
Movie summary: The film follows a mismatched duo of banned figure skaters who team up after finding a loophole that gives them a chance to compete again.
Blades of Glory (2007), starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder, brought a comically absurd take on figure skating. They used some of Montreal’s iconic landmarks to set the stage for its outrageous antics.
The film prominently features the city’s Olympic Stadium, Habitat 67, and the Olympic Village. These well-known locations that are usually associated with serious athleticism, were used as backdrops for the over-the-top figure skating duo’s hilarious misadventures.
