Dive into the Silver Screen: A Guide to Movies Set in Milwaukee

Hey there, movie buffs! Are you ready to explore the Cream City like never before? Today, we're going on a cinematic journey through movies set in Milwaukee. So, grab your popcorn and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and movies set in milwaukee.

Why Milwaukee on the Big Screen?

Before we start, you might be wondering why Milwaukee has been the backdrop for so many films. Well, guys, it's all about our unique charm. From our iconic landmarks to our Midwestern grit, Milwaukee offers a perfect blend of urban and rustic settings that filmmakers just can't resist.

From Drama to Comedy: A Roundup of Milwaukee Movies

Milwaukee has played host to a wide range of movies, spanning genres from drama to comedy. Let's take a look at some of the best ones that'll make you proud to call Milwaukee home.

Bridesmaids (2011)

Kicking off our list is the hilarious comedy, Bridesmaids. This movie might not be entirely set in Milwaukee, but it features our fair city prominently. The film follows Annie, played by Kristen Wiig, as she navigates the ups and downs of being her best friend's maid of honor. From the Pabst Theater to the Milwaukee Art Museum, Bridesmaids gives us a good laugh while showcasing some of our city's most iconic locations.

Public Enemies (2009)

Now, let's switch gears to a more serious flick. Public Enemies is a historical crime drama that tells the story of notorious bank robber John Dillinger, played by Johnny Depp. The movie is based on the book "Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34" by Bryan Burrough. Milwaukee plays a significant role in the film, as it was one of Dillinger's favorite stomping grounds. You'll see the historic Milwaukee County Courthouse and the Pabst Theater make appearances in this thrilling movie.

The Crow (1994)

Next up, we have The Crow, a classic dark superhero film starring the late Brandon Lee. The movie is based on the comic book of the same name and follows Eric Draven, a musician who is resurrected by a mystical crow to avenge his and his fiancée's murder. Although the story is set in Detroit, the majority of the movie was actually filmed in Milwaukee. You can spot several of our city's landmarks, including the Allen-Bradley Clock Tower and the Hoan Bridge.

Straight Outta Compton (2015)

You might be surprised to find Straight Outta Compton on this list, but the biographical drama about the rise of the rap group N.W.A. does indeed feature Milwaukee. The movie follows the group's formation and their impact on the music industry, as well as the personal struggles they faced along the way. While the majority of the film takes place in California, there's a brief scene set in Milwaukee that's worth keeping an eye out for.

Milwaukee Movies: The Local Scene

Milwaukee has also been the backdrop for numerous independent films and documentaries created by local filmmakers. These movies offer a unique perspective on our city and its residents. Here are a few you shouldn't miss:

Milwaukee, 53204 (2017)

This powerful documentary, directed by Elliott Williams, explores the impact of mass incarceration on Milwaukee's African American community. The film takes its name from the ZIP code with the highest incarceration rate in Wisconsin and offers a stark look at the systemic issues facing our city.

The Landlord (1970)

This comedy-drama, directed by Hal Ashby, tells the story of a wealthy young man who buys a run-down apartment building in a predominantly African American neighborhood. The movie was filmed in Milwaukee and offers a fascinating snapshot of the city during the 1970s.

The Duel (2016)

This short film, directed by Milwaukee-based filmmaker Kelsey Keeton, tells the story of a young woman who moves back to her childhood home after her mother's death. The movie is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics.

Milwaukee Movie Locations: A Cinematic Tour

If you're a movie buff who wants to explore Milwaukee's cinematic history firsthand, we've got just the thing for you. Here's a self-guided tour of some of the most iconic movie locations in our city:

1. The Pabst Theater (144 E Wells St): This historic theater has been featured in numerous films, including Bridesmaids and Public Enemies. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming shows and events.
2. The Milwaukee Art Museum (700 N Art Museum Dr): This iconic museum made an appearance in Bridesmaids and offers a stunning lakeside setting for any self-respecting movie buff.
3. The Milwaukee County Courthouse (901 N 10th St): This historic courthouse was featured prominently in Public Enemies and offers a fascinating look at Milwaukee's legal history.
4. The Allen-Bradley Clock Tower (1111 W Wisconsin Ave): This iconic Milwaukee landmark was featured in The Crow and offers a unique perspective on the city's industrial past.
5. The Hoan Bridge (Art Museum Dr): This beautiful bridge spans the Milwaukee River and was featured in The Crow. It's the perfect spot for a scenic selfie or two.

Milwaukee's Movie Scene: Past, Present, and Future

Milwaukee has a rich history in the film industry, and it looks like our city is only going to become more prominent on the big screen in the years to come. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:

The Milwaukee Film Festival

The Milwaukee Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the United States, attracting thousands of filmmakers and movie lovers each year. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best independent films from around the world and to support local filmmakers.

The Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance

The Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the local film industry. They offer workshops, networking events, and other resources for filmmakers of all levels.

Upcoming Productions

Milwaukee has been attracting more and more film and TV productions in recent years. In fact, the Wisconsin Film Office reports that the state has seen a significant increase in film and TV production activity in recent years, with Milwaukee playing a major role in that growth. Keep an eye out for upcoming productions, and who knows? You might just spot a familiar Milwaukee landmark on the big screen.

Milwaukee Movies: The Final Cut

Well, folks, that's a wrap on our guide to movies set in Milwaukee. From comedy to drama, our city has played host to a wide range of films that have captured the essence of the Cream City. So, the next time you're in the mood for a movie night, why not celebrate our local film scene and watch one of these fantastic flicks? Who knows? You might just fall in love with Milwaukee all over again.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the silver screen and your feet on the ground in the greatest city in the Midwest – Milwaukee!