Where was Friday filmed?
1995
City Locations
Los Angeles (USA), West Athens (USA), Gardena (USA)
Location Types
Small, House
Location Styles
Americana, Neglected, Modern Building, Modern Car
About Friday
In 1995, audiences filed into theaters to watch the hit buddy comedy, Friday. It was helmed by F. Gary Gray and co-penned by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh. Starring Chris Tucker, Ice Cube, Regina King, Nia Long, Bernie Mac, John Witherspoon, Tiny "Zeus" Lister Jr., and Anna Maria Horsford. It is the first film in the Friday trilogy and is set in South Central Los Angeles. The movie depicts the challenges faced by unemployed friends Craig Jones and Smokey, as they become indebted to a neighborhood drug dealer. The movie received critical acclaim upon its release, with critics particularly appreciating the witty scenes, script, and performance of the cast. The success was also reflected in the film’s $27 million box office earnings. It maintained popularity over the years, spawning numerous internet memes and cultural allusions. The release of Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002) followed as sequels, establishing a media franchise. Before Friday was released, the portrayal of life in the hood as hazardous and violent was depicted in movies like Boyz n the Hood and Colors. However, they only presented one aspect of living in such neighborhoods. Ice Cube and DJ Pooh felt that the movies lacked a fun and playful tone. Ice Cube mentioned that they enjoyed their time in the neighborhood and had a good laugh about it. Hence, they decided to create a film that could reflect that environment. Ice Cube had written only two scripts before, which never went into development. With Friday, he wanted to create a "hood classic" that could be watched repeatedly. According to him, a significant portion of the movie is autobiographical and based on actual occurrences from his neighborhood. Smokey, a character from the movie, was based on DJ Pooh's real-life experience with drug dealing. Craig's story of getting fired on his day off was inspired by a true event that happened to Ice Cube's cousin who formerly worked as a UPS delivery driver.
Friday Locations
The 1995 classic comedy Friday, starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, was shot on location in South Central Los Angeles. The gritty atmosphere of the inner city serves as the backdrop for the film, with many scenes filmed at local landmarks like the Seventh Street Commercial District and the Imperial Courts housing projects. Additionally, several scenes were filmed in front of popular social spots like Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles and Uncle Darrow’s restaurants. Visiting these areas gives viewers an immersive experience of the world that Craig Jones (Ice Cube) inhabited. It feels like a trip back to 1995, surrounded by vintage cars and buildings that remain largely unchanged since then. The surrounding area is also home to many other cultural attractions such as African American museums and galleries which provide further insight into the culture that numerous characters represent.
Fun Fact:
Friday is responsible for popularizing several phrases, such as "Bye, Felicia,” which turned into an internet meme used to dismiss someone irrelevant. Athletes like former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel earned their respective nicknames after the character Deebo in the movie.
Smokey wakes up scene in Friday
1433 W 126th St, Los Angeles, CA 90047, USA
Smokey (Chris Tucker) wakes up on a sunny morning, looks around, and decides to start his day with good smoke. It is his day off, he has nothing to do. His house is dirty as always, and he smokes one more time before getting up to dance. 1433 W 126th St is a residential property located in the neighborhood of Gardena, Los Angeles, California. The house is conveniently located near several amenities, including schools, grocery stores, and parks. Gardena High School, Lincoln Memorial Park, and Hustler Hollywood of Gardena are within close distance. The house is situated in a peaceful neighborhood characterized by a diverse community and low crime rates. The area is primarily residential, with several single-family homes and apartments. Take the green line metro towards the Redondo Beach station and get off at the Rosa Parks Station. From the station, walk southeast on W 126th St for about 10-15 minutes. The house is located on the right-hand side of the street at 1433 W 126th St. If you're driving, take Interstate 105 and exit Crenshaw Blvd towards Hawthorne. Turn left onto W 120th St, continue until you reach S Gramercy Pl, and turn right. Turn left at the first cross street onto W 126th St, and after a few yards, you will see the house on the left.
Morning at Craig's house scene in Friday
1418 W 126th St, Los Angeles, CA 90047, USA
We see Craig's house interior. There are a lot of family photos, typical American houses. Willie (John Witherspoon) and Betty (Anna Maria Horsford) Jones are sleeping. Willie is snoring and Betty tries to sleep despite the noise. Suddenly, someone starts knocking on the door so hard that it wakes Craig up. It appears to be Jehovah's Witnesses, and Craig just closes the door in front of them. Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second-largest city in the United States. It is located on the west coast of the country and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and several mountain ranges to the north and east. Dubbed Hollywood, it is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and cultural heritage. St. James Park is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and it's not hard to see why. Amongst the rows of stunning homes, 1418 W 126th St stands out. This elegant property is a sight to behold, with its modern yet timeless architecture and beautiful landscaping. The prime location close to major freeways, shopping centers, and fantastic schools makes it a desirable city. To get to the City of Angels, take the I-105 W toward the exit going to Vermont Ave. Keep your eyes open for a right turn onto W 126th St and voila! You've arrived at your destination.
Craig and Smokey driving scene in Friday
S Normandie Ave & W 121st St, West Athens, CA 90047, USA
Smokey (Chris Tucker) and Craig drive to pick up snacks. The scene takes place in the late afternoon on a bright and sunny day in their South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. They drive in Smokey's car, listening to hip-hop music. W 121st St & Normandie Ave is a prominent location in West Athens, offering a plethora of services and amenities to the local community. Serving as the heart of the neighborhood, it comprises several businesses and establishments. Given that it’s situated in a residential area, the intersection leads to nearby shops and services. West Athens is notable for its diverse community, comprising a densely populated neighborhood. It provides an array of affordable housing options, such as a mixture of single-family homes and apartments. Moreover, it has numerous parks, schools, and community centers, making it an ideal place to live. If you're driving, take the I-110 and exit at W Century Blvd, heading west. Turn left onto S Normandie Ave and continue for about 2 miles until you reach the intersection of Normandie Ave & W 121st St. Or you can take the metro green line towards the Redondo Beach station and get off at the Avalon Station. From the station, walk south on Broadway until you reach W 120th St and turn right. Continue for a few blocks until you reach Normandie Ave and turn left. Continue for one block until you reach the intersection of Normandie Ave & W 121st St.
The market scene in Friday
1208 W 135th St, Gardena, CA 90247, USA
The store is cramped and cluttered, with products scattered all over the shelves. Signs are faded and outdated, and the cashier, an elderly Korean man, keeps a close eye on the customers. Despite the ominous atmosphere, Craig and Smokey hardly seem to notice. The neighborhood is peaceful and family-friendly, composed of various homes ranging from traditional designs to contemporary styles. The area is well-maintained, and residents benefit from lush green yards and well-manicured lawns, giving it a welcoming community feel. The neighborhood is close to commercial areas such as the Pacific Square shopping center, which features a diverse collection of shops and restaurants. The property is within walking distance of popular local parks, restaurants, schools, and grocery stores. Take the Metro Green Line towards the Redondo Beach station and transfer to the 130 Bus towards Crenshaw Station. Get off at S Normandie Ave & W 135th St stop and from there walk towards West for about two blocks, and you will reach your destination. If you're driving, take the I-110 N and exit onto W Redondo Beach Blvd towards Vermont Ave. Turn left onto S Vermont Ave, then turn right onto W 135th St. Continue for about a mile, and you will reach 1208 W 135th St.
Mrs.Parker flirting scene in Friday
1423 W 126th St, Los Angeles, CA 90047, USA
Driving home from the market, Craig and Smokey stob by Craig's house, but their attention falls on Mrs. Parker (Kathleen Bradley). She is watering her flowers while dressed in very sexy clothes. She greets boys in a flirting way, they are crazy about her because she looks so good for her age. 1423 W 126th St is a residential property located in the West Athens neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The house is located near the intersection of W 126th St and S Normandie Ave, making it easily accessible. The neighborhood is known for its diverse population and affordable housing options, which attract several families and young professionals. The neighborhood has several amenities that provide convenience to the residents of the area. Nearby schools include the Athens Park Preparatory School and St. Patrick's Catholic Church, making this a great location for families with young kids. There are also parks such as Athens Park and Mona Park. 1423 W 126th St is served by several city buses, including the 206, the 311, and the 710. The nearest metro station is Rosa Parks Station, which is only a few miles away, providing access to other parts of Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Friday is an iconic movie that has become a classic in hip-hop culture. Filmed largely on location in South Central Los Angeles, the film paints an honest picture of life in the inner city and shows the struggles people face on a daily basis. The movie follows Craig and Smokey as they do their best to come up with the $200 they owe a local bully before Saturday. With its use of vivid cinematography and comedic moments, Friday captures both the struggle and joy of growing up in a low-income urban area. By blending humor, drama, and reality, it sends a powerful message about overcoming adversity with courage and resourcefulness. The movie includes locations such as Leimert Park, USC's Shrine Auditorium, West Athens High School, and the homes of Craig Jones and Smokey. Alongside these real-life spaces are memorable sets from the film like Big Worm’s record store or the rooftop party scene where DJ Freakrub DJs for guests. Each unique space brings to life the characters’ stories without feeling contrived or false. Friday is a raw yet inspiring tale that authentically portrays inner-city life through comedy, drama, and music. Its clever use of settings allows us to deeply understand this story while also recognizing that our collective experiences may be very different. The film provides viewers with an emotional connection to South Central Los Angeles while reminding us all of the importance of determination and friendship when facing obstacles life throws at us.