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Arachnophobia  movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Arachnophobia filmed?

1990

City Locations

Cambria (USA), Pasadena (USA), Venice (USA), Burbank (USA), Paso Robles (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Estado Bolívar (Venezuela)

Location Types

Film Studio, House

Location Styles

Modern Building, Modern Car, Exotic/Tropical, Rustic

About Arachnophobia

Arachnophobia, a gripping and suspenseful film directed by Frank Marshall, was released in 1990. Starring Jeff Daniels and John Goodman, this movie unfolds in a quaint California town that becomes the target of an onslaught by a menacing and deadly breed of spiders.

The plot follows the journey of a city doctor, portrayed by Jeff Daniels, as he transitions to a small-town setting to practice medicine. However, his tranquil existence takes a chilling twist when a lethal South American spider stows away in a coffin, arriving in town. This newfound breed of malevolent arachnid begins to multiply and unleash chaos, leaving a trail of fatalities in its wake.

As the spider population multiplies and spreads, panic engulfs the residents, confronted with the horrifying truth of inhabiting a town infested with lethal arachnids. In this gripping tale, the doctor, aided by the skilled exterminator portrayed by John Goodman, must devise a strategy to halt the relentless invasion before it engulfs the entire town.

Arachnophobia delivers not only spine-tingling thrills but also delves into the profound fear that many individuals experience towards spiders, commonly referred to as arachnophobia. With its captivating storyline, talented cast, and masterfully crafted spider sequences, this film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the climactic conclusion.

Arachnophobia, a "slick comic thriller" according to renowned film critic Leonard Maltin, showcases impressive performances but may not be suitable for those who are prone to covering their eyes during intense movie scenes. Drawing comparisons to B movies centered around small towns facing threats from alien invaders, David Ansen notes the well-crafted production of Arachnophobia but finds it oddly nonresonant without a lasting impact. Roger Ebert, on the other hand, asserts that the film elicits squirms of enjoyment rather than sheer terror, awarding it a three out of four-star rating for its entertaining nature despite its lack of bone-chilling fright.

Arachnophobia Locations

Arachnophobia, a horror-comedy film directed by Frank Marshall in 1990, was primarily shot in two distinct locations: Angel Falls in Canaima National Park, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela, and the charming town of Cambria, California, USA. The backdrop of Angel Falls offers a lush and secluded jungle setting, enhancing the air of mystery and danger in the film. In contrast, Cambria presents a picturesque coastal town with its breathtaking landscapes and small-town charm. The movie beautifully captures the iconic landmarks of these regions, showcasing the magnificent waterfalls of Angel Falls and the quaint streets of Cambria.

Exploring the filming locations can offer a captivating experience for fans of the movie. Angel Falls, one of the world's highest waterfalls, presents awe-inspiring natural beauty and the chance to immerse oneself in the same environment where the characters confront their arachnid adversaries. Additionally, a stroll through Cambria allows visitors to tread in the footsteps of the film's characters and appreciate the town's unique ambiance, which served as the backdrop for many pivotal scenes. With its picturesque beaches, charming shops, and delightful eateries, Cambria provides an enchanting setting for a trip inspired by Arachnophobia. Whether seeking the thrill of the film or simply reveling in the scenic beauty of these locations, a visit to the filming sites is undoubtedly a worthwhile endeavor for movie enthusiasts and travel aficionados alike.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the spider scenes in the movie Arachnophobia were meticulously crafted using a combination of real spiders, animatronics, and special effects? The filmmakers went above and beyond to create chilling and lifelike sequences, resulting in an iconic horror film that caters to both arachnophobes and horror enthusiasts.

At the tepui scene in Arachnophobia

Parque Nacional Canaima, G222+22R, Bolívar, Venezuela

Deep within a Venezuelan tepui, renowned British entomologist James Atherton (Julian Sands) successfully captures two specimens of an aggressive and previously unknown spider species. Intriguingly, these spiders exhibit a peculiar characteristic—they lack sex organs, implying that they function as laborers or soldiers, operating within a hive structure, which is highly uncharacteristic for typical spiders. This discovery unveils an intriguing glimpse into the ancient origins of these extraordinary creatures.

Parque Nacional Canaima is a breathtaking national park located in Venezuela. Spanning over three million hectares, it is home to the iconic Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall. The park boasts stunning landscapes of vast savannahs, dense rainforests, and majestic tabletop mountains called tepuis. With its rich biodiversity and mesmerizing natural beauty, Parque Nacional Canaima is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

To get to Parque Nacional Canaima, the starting point for reaching Angel Falls, you need to travel to Canaima town. This town serves as the main hub for the western region of the park and is only accessible by air. Flights to Canaima are available from Ciudad Bolivar and Puerto Ordaz in Venezuela. There are no direct road connections to the park, so flying is the most viable option for reaching this stunning national park.

Scientists flying to a jungle base scene in Arachnophobia

Angel Falls, 8011, Bolívar, Venezuela

A team of scientists embarks on a jungle trip to collect spider specimens. They fly to a jungle base in search of their research subjects. This scene sets the stage for the thrilling and suspenseful events that unfold throughout the film.

Angel Falls, located in the Guiana Highlands of Venezuela, is a breathtaking natural wonder and the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. Plunging from a table-top mountain, or tepui, the falls cascade down to an impressive height of 979 meters. Accessible through the isolated jungle of Canaima National Park, visiting Angel Falls is a remarkable adventure for travelers seeking to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of this iconic landmark.

To get to Angel Falls, the most popular route is to fly to the town of Canaima in Venezuela. There are no direct flights from Caracas to Canaima, so travelers usually need to make a connecting flight, such as via Miami. Once in Canaima, there are no roads leading to the falls. Instead, visitors typically take a boat from Canaima village to reach Angel Falls. Travel agencies and local boat drivers provide the logistics and transportation needed for the journey.

Body returning to Canaima scene in Arachnophobia

755 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428, USA

In a tragic incident, an active male of the identical species bites Jerry Manley (Mark L. Taylor), a bedridden American nature photographer. The venomous bite induces a severe seizure, resulting in Manley's untimely demise. Unbeknownst to the scientist, the spider that bit Manley ends up in his coffin. During transportation, the spider escapes, bites a crow, and sets off a chain of events in Canaima, California.

Main Street in Cambria, California is the heart of this quaint town's shopping district. Lined with charming boutiques, art galleries, and eateries like Main Street Grill, it offers a delightful experience for visitors. With its picturesque surroundings and friendly atmosphere, Main Street in Cambria invites you to explore and indulge in its unique offerings.

To get to 755 Main St in Cambria, California, you can follow these directions:

Start by using the nearest major road or highway to reach Cambria. Once in Cambria, navigate towards Main Street. Look for Caren's Corner, which is located at 755 Main St. It is a gift shop that can serve as a reference point. If you're using a navigation app like Waze or Google Maps, you can enter "Caren's Corner, Cambria" as your destination for precise directions.

At the Jennings' barn scene in Arachnophobia

4090 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA 93428, USA

Outside the barn belonging to Ross Jennings (Jeff Daniels), a family physician who relocated from San Francisco to assume the retiring town doctor's position, a lifeless crow descends. Both Ross and his son are afflicted with arachnophobia, the fear of spiders.

Burton Drive in Cambria, California is a diverse residential and lodging area. It offers a range of properties, from single-family homes to vacation rentals. The street is known for its charming residences, some of which have been sold recently. With its scenic surroundings and convenient location, Burton Drive provides residents and visitors with a peaceful and enjoyable living experience in the beautiful coastal town of Cambria.

To get to 4090 Burton Dr in Cambria, California, you can follow these directions:

Start by using the nearest major road or highway to reach Cambria. Once in Cambria, navigate towards Burton Drive. Look for Cambria Pub & Steakhouse, which is located at 4090 Burton Dr. It can serve as a reference point. If you're using a navigation app like Waze or Google Maps, you can enter "Cambria Pub & Steakhouse, 4090 Burton Dr, Cambria" as your destination for precise directions.

Death of Margaret scene in Arachnophobia

Halter Ranch, 8910 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United States

Ross encounters a tragic event when his first patient, Margaret Hollins (Mary Carver), passes away after being bitten by one of the newly discovered spiders. Ross begins to question the diagnosis of Dr. Metcalf (Henry Jones), who believed it to be a heart attack. This unexpected turn of events plunges Ross into a world of fear and uncertainty as he realizes the true danger lurking within these spiders.

Halter Ranch, located in Paso Robles, is a renowned winery and vineyard that was established in 2000. Set amidst a picturesque 2,700-acre nature estate, it offers visitors an immersive wine-tasting experience combined with breathtaking scenery. Situated in the Adelaida District on California's Central Coast, Halter Ranch has garnered acclaim for its exceptional wines and historic charm. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a serene getaway, Halter Ranch in Paso Robles is a must-visit destination.

To get to Halter Ranch, located at 8910 Adelaida Rd in Paso Robles, you can follow these directions:

Start by using a major road or highway to reach Paso Robles, California. Once in Paso Robles, head towards Adelaida Road. 8910 Adelaida Rd is the address for Halter Ranch. Look for the entrance to the winery and vineyard. If you prefer using a navigation app, you can input "Halter Ranch Winery, 8910 Adelaida Rd, Paso Robles" as your destination for precise directions.

Conclusion

"Arachnophobia" is a thrilling horror-comedy film released in 1990 that takes place in various locations. The movie was primarily filmed in Angel Falls, Canaima National Park, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela, showcasing the remote jungle region near the iconic Angel Falls. Additionally, the town of Cambria, California, played a significant role in the film, with several scenes filmed there. Other filming locations include Pasadena and Venice, both in California.

The diverse range of locations adds depth and realism to the story, transporting viewers from dense jungles to picturesque coastal towns. "Arachnophobia" successfully weaves together these locations to create an atmospheric and suspenseful experience for the audience. With its blend of horror and humor, the film remains a memorable addition to the genre.