10 Movie Locations in Washington DC

The White House is a popular stop for most visitors in Washington DC as it has been the official residence of every president of the USA since 1800. While it's usually depicted in action, sci-fi, and political drama films, the landmark itself wasn't actually used as a movie location in Washington DC. 

In Independence Day (1996), alien forces destroyed this iconic building using a laser beam but, in reality, filmmakers detonated a miniature replica using over 30 explosive charges. During your stay in Washington DC, you get to explore the White House by arranging for a guided tour through your home country’s embassy.

You may recognise Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool from the heart-warming film Forrest Gump (1994). In the film, the titular character gave a powerful anti-Vietnam War speech at the memorial before noticing his love interest, Jenny, crossing the reflecting pool. The landmark is also featured in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), with Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson jogging (or racing each other) around the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) is an award-winning political drama featuring exterior shots of numerous landmarks, including the US Capitol Building. Its most impressive feature is a 177-foot-tall white dome with revolutionary period scenes, relief sculptures, and busts of former presidents. With over 600 rooms and miles of vaulted corridors built in a 19th-century neoclassical style, a guided tour of this iconic movie location in Washington DC can give you the chance to try finding some familiar scenes from the film.

Many claim that the number of visits to the National Archives Building dramatically increased following the release of National Treasure back in 2004. The adventure film follows the adventures of cryptologist Ben Gates (played by Nicholas Cage), who stole the Declaration of Independence to find a hidden treasure map. Visit the National Archives Museum to see important documents of US history, such as the Declaration of Independence (please don’t try stealing it), the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the United States.

The Watergate Hotel is one of many Washington DC landmarks you can spot while watching the 1970s classic All the President’s Men. The film is based on the real-life Watergate scandal, a political exposé by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Today, the Watergate complex is where you can visit The Scandal Room (formerly Room 214), which has commemorative pictures, news articles, and quotes from key players, including former US President Richard Nixon.

Georgetown University is a prominent movie location in Washington DC. Its grand interiors are often depicted in Hollywood films and TV shows, particularly its 19th-century Healy Hall. In The Exorcist (1973), you get to see Father Damien Karras walking past the Victorian Gothic building. If you’re a fan of the The West Wing TV series, several scenes were filmed in front of Healy Hall. Many claim that the imposing structure is haunted by a young Jesuit, who died while working at the clock tower.

Washington Union Station has been featured in several Hollywood films, including Hannibal (2001), Head of State (2003), and Collateral Damage (2002). While the 2001 thriller was mostly filmed in Italy, this bustling station is where Hannibal Lecter lured FBI agent Clarice Starling for a meeting. Don’t be surprised if you’re unable to find the beautiful carousel from the movie at Washington Union Station as it was just a temporary prop for the film.

The Exorcist (1973) was filmed in several locations in Washington DC’s Georgetown neighbourhood, but the stairway on Prospect Street is perhaps the film’s most iconic location. Fans may recognise it from the pivotal scene when Father Karras sacrificed his own life after being possessed by the demon Pazuzu. Today, the 75-step staircase is a popular spot for film enthusiasts looking to reimagine scenes from the horror classic.

The luxurious Willard InterContinental Washington has hosted many US presidents, historical figures, and foreign ambassadors since 1968. Featuring an elegant Beaux-Arts design, you may recognise the building from Steven Spielberg’s futuristic blockbuster, Minority Report (2002) which starred Tom Cruise and Max von Sydow. Shooting took place at the hotel kitchen, Peacock Alley retail outlets, and the Willard Room.

The Smithsonian museums, with its extensive collection of artefacts from all over the world, are often featured in a variety of films, including comedy, sci-fi, romance, and historical fiction. Night at the Museum II: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) was filmed at several of the institution’s buildings, including the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Castle, and the National Air and Space Museum. 

Families get to spend the night at these popular movie locations in Washington DC by purchasing tickets to the Smithsonian Sleepovers, which includes interactive tours, hands-on games, and the chance to sleep among the historical artefacts featured in the film.