7 Epic Movie Scenes Shot In The LA River

Although it is one of LA’s most under-appreciated natural resources, the LA River has proved to be an extremely useful location for its film industry. Because of its stark urban wasteland appearance and flat riverbed, it has always been an ideal location for shooting. The bridges overarching the riverbed are architectural treasures (including the beautiful Sixth Street Bridge which was recently demolished) designed in the art deco style, each of which is a little different from the next. In addition, the views of the downtown skyline and the urban, industrial feel give film shots a cool minimalist aesthetic. These are the best movie scenes that feature possibly one of Hollywood’s greatest stars, the river herself.

Grease

This is probably the most well-known scene filmed in the river basin and also the one in which its location is the most recognizable. The unforgettable drag race between Danny and Leo that took place between the 1st and 7th street bridges.

The Dark Knight Rises

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Another extremely memorable scene filmed in the culvert also stars California’s former governor and favorite body-building movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Three vehicles chase each other down the causeway in the 1991 action film at a thrilling pace while Arnold zooms by on a motorcycle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgphD_ZO_jI

Drive

Ryan Gosling plays a Hollywood stuntman who is also secretly a getaway driver, just innocently giving a woman and her son a ride. Although the neo-noir thriller features typical chase scenes as well, the part where they cruise through the LA river is almost idyllic.

Point Blank

The original 1967 version of this film is a great example of LA film noir, and became a cult classic starring Lee Marvin as a criminal seeking revenge on his former partner. It all comes to a head underneath the 4th street bridge as someone is murdered against the bleak backdrop of the concrete basin.

All Quiet On The Western Front

The empty open space of the riverbed actually proved to be the perfect location to re-enact battle scenes as well, especially in this depiction of trench warfare in the 1930’s film about WWI. The bare and wide riverbed represented ‘no man’s land’ in between the fighting camps, and the bridges were used to recreate a historic German siege of a French village.

To Live & Die In LA

Another heart pounding high speed pursuit through dark tunnels and screeching around corners leads to the river bottom, where cars speed through the watershed as the river sprays around them. The 1985 film perfects the LA crime genre and this sequence is definitely one of the best car chases of all time.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.