Where was Weird Science filmed?

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 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.

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.

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.

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.