Where was Weird Science filmed?
1985
City Locations
Chicago, Northbrook, IL; Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, School, Retail
Location Styles
Parking Lot, Craftsman, Building Dated/Retro, School, Rustic
About Weird Science
Unveiling the eccentric and thrilling universe of 1985's Weird Science, a fun-filled sci-fi comedic pleasure directed by the legendary John Hughes. Join two high school nerds, Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) and Gary Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall), on an exciting adventure in this film starring a varied cast that includes the charming Kelly LeBrock.
Weird Science has a unique premise revolving around our heroes, who are unhappy with their social status and decide to utilize Wyatt's computer to create the 'ideal' woman, Lisa (LeBrock). Lisa is stunningly beautiful, brilliant, and able to change objects' shape by touching them.
The teenage boys quickly revel in their elevated status and boosted confidence after enlisting her assistance. However, their joyride turns unexpectedly when they unwittingly hack a government computer, manifesting an actual missile! Amid all the exciting chaos, viewers will witness Weird Science's unique blend of science fiction, humor, and touching story.
The picture received mixed reviews upon its debut, although critic Roger Ebert found unexpected depth and humor and praised Kelly LeBrock's performance. The film has received an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from 40 critics on the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, giving it a 60% approval score. Since then, it has become a beloved classic among audiences.
Weird Science Locations
Weird Science provides a lovely voyage back in time with its unique narrative and the many settings that serve as the backdrop for its unforgettable scenes. Originally scheduled to begin on September 24, 1984, in Skokie, Illinois, the production finally settled into its groove on October 2, 1984, in the Chicago area and at the Northbrook Court Shopping Mall in Northbrook, Illinois, following a minor setback and rescheduling.
Most outside scenes showcased the suburban allure of the neighborhoods strewn around Chicago, Illinois, as the cameras rolled. At the same time, the vast backlot and sound stages at Universal City Studios in Los Angeles were responsible for bringing the interior shots and specialized set pieces to life.
When Lisa waits for Gary and Wyatt's arrival in a Porsche, the Northbrook Court Mall stands out among the significant locales. Particular sites, such as Gsell's store, may still be seen by fans who were there during the heart-pounding downtown vehicle pursuit, which took place in downtown Highland Park. The narrative journey commences and culminates at Bell High School's modest gymnasium in Bell, California. At the same time, the exterior shots of the high school sequences were shot at New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois, which helped to ground the drama in its Midwestern setting.
Going on a vacation to these destinations will bring a mix of nostalgia and discovery for people who love Weird Science and cinematic tourism. Even though specific locations have changed throughout the years, it's still a one-of-a-kind chance to retrace the steps of famous people and enjoy some unforgettable experiences.
Gary and Wyatt are humiliated by the senior jocks scene in Weird Science
Bell High School, 4328 Bell Ave, Bell, CA 90201, USA
Two nerdy social outcasts, Gary and Wyatt, yearning for acceptance and love, find themselves at the mercy of senior jocks Max (Robert Rusler) and Ian (Robert Downey Jr.). The humiliation they endure for merely admiring cheerleaders Deb (Suzanne Snyder) and Hilly (Judie Aronson) drive the story forward, sparking a desperate quest for popularity and recognition. It's here that Gary, with his boundless enthusiasm, convinces the more reserved Wyatt that extraordinary measures are necessary to alter their social standing.
Filmed in the small gymnasium at Bell High School in Bell, California, the scene is imbued with a sense of authenticity and nostalgia. Established in 1925, Bell High School has served the communities of Bell, Cudahy, and Maywood for decades, making it a landmark of local heritage and education. While fans might not have the opportunity to explore the interior of the gymnasium, the surrounding area offers a chance to connect with the film's history.
To visit this iconic location, Bell is only a 15-minute drive from Los Angeles via US-101 S, depending on the traffic.
Lisa takes the boys to the bar scene in Weird Science
Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Lisa decides to give Gary and Wyatt an adventure beyond the confines of their suburban existence. With a wave of her powers, she conjures up a sleek Cadillac, setting the stage for an unforgettable night in Chicago. Using her enchanting abilities, she effortlessly convinces everyone that Gary and Wyatt are of legal age, allowing them to dive into the nightlife.
While the dive bar scene captures the essence of Chicago's vibrant nightlife, part of the interior scenes were brought to life far from the Windy City, on the sound stages and backlot of Universal City Studios.
Established in 1912, Universal Studios is the oldest surviving film studio in the United States. It has been the birthplace of some commercially successful and culturally significant film series, including The Fast & The Furious, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me. The studio's rich library also boasts timeless individual films like Jaws and E.T., which captivated audiences and became the highest-grossing films of their time.
Visitors looking for the cinematic world where countless other movies were created can explore Universal City Studios through its renowned studio tours. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the studio is accessible via various transportation options, including driving, public transit, and even shuttle services offered by some local hotels.
Lisa waits for Gary and Wyatt at the parking lot scene in Weird Science
Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
Gary and Wyatt face yet another moment of teenage humiliation at the hands of their school's resident bullies, Max and Ian. This incident unfolds at the mall, where the duo becomes the target of a public Icee dousing, much to the amusement of onlookers.
Amid this chaos, Lisa intervenes in a manner only she could. She informs the bullies about a supposed party at Wyatt's house—a party Wyatt himself knows nothing about—before whisking the boys away in a Porsche 928 conjured out of thin air, leaving spectators in awe.
Filmed at the Northbrook Court Mall in Northbrook, Illinois, this location serves as a significant backdrop for the unfolding drama and eventual empowerment of the film's protagonists.
Since its cinematic debut, the Northbrook Court Mall has undergone extensive remodeling during 1995/96, altering its appearance significantly from how it looked during the filming of Weird Science. Despite these changes, fans and visitors can still explore where this memorable scene occurred. Notable landmarks from the time, such as a small building visible from the parking lot and a camera store inside the mall, might have changed or no longer exist, yet the essence of the location remains.
For those interested in visiting the Northbrook Court Mall and retracing the steps of Gary, Wyatt, and Lisa, the mall is at 2171 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, IL. Easily accessible from Chicago via I-94 W, this suburban shopping destination offers a blend of nostalgia for film fans and a modern shopping experience.
Access Uptown Filming Locations
Downtown car chase scene in Weird Science
Green Bay Rd, Highland Park, Illinois 60035, USA
The dynamic duo of Gary and Wyatt find themselves in a high-stakes downtown car chase, a pivotal scene that elevates the film's action and deepens the emotional connection between the characters.
The chase ensues after a group of menacing bikers take Deb and Hilly hostage, prompting Gary and Wyatt to muster the courage to confront the bikers head-on. Deb and Hilly's perceptions shift as they take on the challenge, seeing Gary and Wyatt in a new light.
This captivating scene unfolds in downtown Highland Park, with two specific shots capturing the essence of the chase around the corner where the Gsell's store is located.
Downtown Highland Park, known for its vibrant and upscale outdoor shopping district, adds an authentic urban backdrop to the sequence. The area is bustling with unique boutiques, jewelry stores, national retailers, specialty shops, restaurants and personal care businesses, contributing to the scene's atmosphere.
Situated on the North Shore of Chicago, Highland Park is conveniently reachable by car and public transportation. Driving from Chicago, you can take I-94 W for a trip that lasts about 30 minutes. Alternatively, public transportation options are available from the Ogilvie Transportation Center for those preferring not to drive.
Visit Uptown Production Spaces
Lisa turns up as the new gym teacher scene in Weird Science
New Trier Township High School, 385 Winnetka Ave, New Trier Township, IL 60093, USA
In the closing scene, Lisa takes on the role of a high school gym teacher. Her entrance as a teacher introduces a fresh perspective to the classroom, adding another layer of complexity to the boys' already troubled lives while simultaneously providing them with a formidable ally.
New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois, serves as the setting for several high school sequences in Weird Science. The school has been around since 1901 and has two campuses. The main campus, which serves students in their sophomore and senior years, is located in Winnetka, while the west campus, near Northfield, was used to film sequences from famous movies such as Home Alone and Uncle Buck.
Visitors are kindly asked to contact the school administration for information regarding visiting hours and policies, even if they are planning to view the outside, as it is an active educational institution.
Those interested in seeing the movie's production sites will find the school conveniently located at 385 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, IL. It is easy to get from Chicago by driving I-94 W. If the traffic is good, it should only take 25 minutes.
Chicago Filming Locations Finder
Conclusion
Weird Science expertly combines the flamboyant aspirations of adolescent boys with the classic story of Frankenstein's monster, giving it a contemporary spin through the stereotypical teenage computer genius.
This mixture exemplifies John Hughes' extraordinary talent for capturing the real spirit of adolescent speech and thought processes while providing a lighthearted and slightly more in-depth exploration of teenage wants. Hughes reunites with Anthony Michael Hall, who he worked with before on Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, to continue their successful presentation of everyday teenage struggles.
Kelly LeBrock steals the show as the fictional woman invented by two nerdy teens in Weird Science, one of several excellent performances in the film. The film's humorous and emotional aspects are enriched by her approach to the character, which prioritizes warmth and caring compassion over mere sexualization.
Shot in various Illinois locales and on sound stages in Hollywood, Weird Science makes excellent use of its environments to heighten the story's realism and immersion. The film's backdrop serves as both scenery and an essential part of the tale, ranging from the serene suburban setting of Northbrook Court Shopping Mall to the exciting chase sequences in downtown Highland Park.
Along with his well-known character development and dialogue strengths, John Hughes' venture into special effects shows a progression in his filmmaking. Additionally, seeing the actual places used to shoot the film is a great way to get a deeper connection to the tale while learning about film history.