Giggster logo
The Perks of Being a Wallflower  movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Perks of Being a Wallflower filmed?

2012

City Locations

Cincinnati, OH & Pittsburgh, PA (USA)

Location Types

House, School, Riverside, Cafe

Location Styles

Modern Building, Craftsman, Rustic, School, Industrial Style

About The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Released in 2012, The Perks of Being a Wallflower remains a standout among teen dramas. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, this American romantic drama beautifully captures the essence of adolescence, love, and self-discovery in a touching and relatable manner.

The film features a stellar cast led by Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, who deliver captivating performances that resonate with audiences. Their portrayals breathe life into a narrative that navigates the tumultuous terrain of teenagehood, mental health, and the search for identity.

The plot centers around Charlie (Logan Lerman), an introspective teenager who conveys his high school experiences and challenges through letters to an unnamed friend. The film is an adaptation of Chbosky's own critically acclaimed 1999 novel, bringing the words on the page to a vivid, emotional life on-screen.

Critics and audiences alike praised The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Notably, the film's screenplay and direction were lauded, earning Chbosky the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. The film was also recognized with nominations for two Critics' Choice Movie Awards and won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release.

Box office success was also in the cards for this heartfelt drama, grossing over $33 million worldwide. Its popularity has not waned over the years. Instead, it has become a cult classic known for its moving storytelling, unforgettable characters, and profound emotional impact, particularly among Zillennials.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Locations

The Perks of Being a Wallflower takes viewers on a journey through the diverse landscapes of the Cincinnati & Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area. The film's director, Stephen Chbosky, drew inspiration from his childhood home in the affluent Upper St. Clair neighborhood, around ten miles southwest of Pittsburgh. The residence of the film's main character, Charlie (Logan Lerman), is actually situated at 2392 Mill Grove Road in Upper St. Clair.

The film showcases various iconic locations in these regions. For instance, the Kings Family Restaurants at 155 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair, serves as the backdrop for the scenes where Charlie spends time with step-siblings Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Emma Watson). A few miles further south, you'll find Peters Township High School in McMurray, which was transformed into 'Mill Grove High School' for the movie.

The Hollywood Theater in Dormont plays a significant role as the cinema where Charlie, Patrick, and Sam engage in late-night screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Moreover, a memorable scene in the film spotlights the Fort Pitt Tunnel in Pittsburgh. This tunnel, which channels I-376 beneath Mount Washington and leads to the two-tiered Fort Pitt Bridge spanning the Monongahela River, serves as a backdrop for a poignant moment where the characters are seen driving a pickup truck, with David Bowie’s "Heroes" playing in the background.

A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for film fans or those interested in cinematic history. However, it's important to remember to respect the local residents and their privacy. These sites offer a glimpse into the making of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and an opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Cincinnati & Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area.

Charlie writes a letter scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

2392 Mill Grove Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, USA

Our protagonist, Charlie, is seen penning a letter to an anonymous friend, sharing his apprehensions about the impending start of high school. The first day of school brings its challenges, as Charlie faces harassment from his peers. However, it's also the day he begins a meaningful friendship with his English teacher, Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd).

Many scenes are set in Charlie's home, located at 2392 Mill Grove Road in the comfortably affluent Upper St. Clair neighborhood, about ten miles southwest of Pittsburgh. This location was chosen for its quintessential suburban appeal, providing a realistic backdrop to Charlie's family life. Please note that this is a private residence, so visitors should respect the inhabitants' privacy.

Getting to the Upper St. Clair neighborhood is relatively straightforward. If you're in Pittsburgh, you can take the US-19 S route, which will take approximately 25-30 minutes by car. Alternatively, public transportation options include buses that service the area. However, remember that while the neighborhood is open to the public, the specific home used in the movie is private property and should not be disturbed.

Charlie helps Sam to study scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Waffles, INCaffeinated, 155 McMurray Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, USA

As Christmas approaches, we witness a heartfelt scene where Charlie helps Sam study for her SATs. This sequence, showcasing the deepening bond between the characters against the backdrop of changing seasons, is both touching and relatable.

The location of this scene is the Kings Family Restaurant in the Upper St. Clair neighborhood, situated at 155 McMurray Road. This restaurant serves as the regular hangout spot for Charlie and step-siblings Patrick and Sam. Known for its unique, delicious, and artistically plated dishes, Kings Family Restaurants offers a wide variety of breakfast items prepared from scratch. While this particular branch has closed since the filming and has been replaced with Waffles, INCaffeinated, fans can still enjoy a cup of coffee from other branches around Pittsburgh.

To reach 155 McMurray Rd from Pittsburgh, you can opt for the US-19 S route, which typically takes around 25-30 minutes by car. Alternatively, public transportation options such as buses are also available, although they generally require nearly an hour of travel time.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show performance scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Row House Cinemas - Hollywood, 1449 Potomac Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA

In a memorable scene during a routine screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," Sam requests Charlie to stand in for her boyfriend, Craig. They jointly act out the famous "Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me" scene as Janet and Rocky Horror. This moment is crucial in their evolving friendship and underscores Charlie's emerging self-assuredness.

The scene is set at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont, just outside of Pittsburgh. Here, Charlie, Patrick, and Sam gather for late-night showings of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." While the Hollywood Theater itself doesn't host these events, it is a not-for-profit independent cinema renowned for its presentation of timeless films and unique festivals. With its spacious layout and soaring ceilings, the theater aims to provide an immersive experience akin to watching a movie under the open sky.

The theater is scheduled to undergo renovations in 2024, which may result in its closure. Fans are encouraged to reach out to the administration for updates on its availability.

To reach the Hollywood Theater from downtown Pittsburgh, you have a couple of options. By car, you can take the Liberty Tunnel and W Liberty Ave, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation like the light rail or buses, which typically take about 20 minutes.

Charlie intervenes in the fight scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Peters Township High School, 121 Rolling Hills Dr, McMurray, PA 15317, USA

One of the pivotal scenes in the movie occurs when Bob (Adam Hagenbuch) reveals to Charlie that Brad's father caught Brad (Johnny Simmons) and Patrick (Ezra Miller) kissing. Subsequently, Brad comes to school with a bruise on his face, claiming he was jumped in a parking lot. A fight erupted in the cafeteria after Brad used a derogatory term towards Patrick. Brad's friends join in, beating up Patrick until Charlie intervenes. The scene concludes with Charlie reconciling with his friends, highlighting friendship, acceptance, and courage themes.

The scenes set in the high school were captured at Peters Township High School, situated at 121 Rolling Hills Drive in McMurray. This location lies a few miles to the south of Pittsburgh. This school, ranked seventh within Pennsylvania, is the exterior for the fictional 'Mill Grove High School.' Please note that interior access may be impossible as an operational school. However, fans can appreciate the site's exterior and catch glimpses of the film's atmosphere.

To get to Peters Township High School from Pittsburgh, you can take the I-376 W and US-19 S route, which should take 30-40 minutes by car. Public transportation options like buses are also available, but the road will take 2 hours with a transfer.

Patrick passes his shop class scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

West End Overlook Park, Marlow St, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, USA

Charlie, Sam, and Patrick hang out together. In this particular moment, Patrick receives an offset for shop class, which elicits joyful screams from the trio. The twinkling lights of downtown Pittsburgh serve as a dazzling backdrop to their excitement.

This scene was filmed at the West End Overlook, a small municipal park renowned for its stunning and unexpected view of the city. While it might not be as well-known as the Mount Washington overlook, the view from this vantage point is equally breathtaking. The park features a series of landscaped gardens and a winding walkway, offering visitors a chance to stroll through and marvel at the sweeping panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh and the convergence of the three rivers.

To get to the West End Overlook from downtown Pittsburgh, you can take the PA-65 N route, which should take approximately 15 minutes by car. Public transportation options are also available, including buses that have routes passing nearby.

The tunnel scene in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Fort Pitt Tunnel, Pittsburgh, PA 15211, USA

Sam, Charlie, and Patrick once again drive through the tunnel. This time, Sam reveals to Charlie that she's finally found the song playing during their last trip. As the familiar melody fills the air, Charlie moves to the back of the truck, reflecting on life. He shares a kiss with Sam, then stands up and screams as they exit the tunnel in a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion.

This iconic scene was filmed in the Fort Pitt Tunnel in Pittsburgh. The tunnel, which serves as a conduit for I-376, commonly known as the Penn-Lincoln Parkway, running beneath Mount Washington, leads to the double-deck Fort Pitt Bridge, spanning the Monongahela River and connecting to downtown Pittsburgh. This location remains unchanged, and for die-hard fans, a night-time drive through the tunnel is highly recommended to truly capture the feel of the scene as it was in the film.

To get to the Fort Pitt Tunnel from central Pittsburgh, you can take the I-376 W route, which should be a short drive of approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Hiring a car or taxi is recommended to absorb the same driving atmosphere.

Conclusion

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an exceptional film that has garnered both glowing and critical reviews. The movie offers a unique perspective on high school popularity, suggesting that those who revel in this fleeting fame may never genuinely discover their authentic selves. Adapted from Stephen Chbosky's best-selling novel published in 1999, the film holds its own alongside classics like The Catcher in the Rye.

One of the film's standout features is Chbosky directing his own book, a rarity that adds a layer of authenticity and personal touch to the narrative. The casting is near perfect, ensuring book fans are satisfied with the on-screen representation.

Set against the diverse landscapes of the Cincinnati & Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area, the film takes viewers on a journey through Chbosky's childhood home in the affluent Upper St Clair neighborhood, about ten miles southwest of Pittsburgh. This range of locations lends the film a rich, textured backdrop that enhances the storytelling.

The performances in the film are nothing short of stellar. The actors bring their characters to life with depth and dignity, supported by a clever, skillfully constructed screenplay. The film represents Chbosky's writing and directing talents, showcasing his compelling and distinctive voice.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is essential to the movie industry, particularly in portraying adolescence. It manages to tackle complex themes without seeming contrived or bland, a feat that establishes it as a deeply soulful drama.

Whether you're a fan of the book or new to the story, the film offers an insightful exploration of teenage life backed by superb performances and a captivating script. Its unique blend of authenticity and cinematic flair makes it a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection.