10 Movies Filmed Near Yonge-Dundas Square
It’s clear that the film industry in Toronto has grown exponentially in the last few decades. Major motion pictures have been featuring Toronto locations more and more including Yonge-Dundas Square and the surrounding neighbourhood. Here are a few films and TV shows that the neighbourhood has been featured in.
1. Suicide Squad (2016)
Many Torontonians will remember when Suicide Squad was being filmed back in 2016 and took over Yonge-Dundas Square and Yonge Street. This star-studded superhero flick also filmed scenes at many locations across the city including Union Station, Lower Bay Station and Lakeshore Boulevard. Check out these epic shots from the movie at the Square and on Yonge Street!
2. Chicago (2002)
Despite its name, the movie Chicago was filmed entirely in Toronto! Just a short five-minute walk from Yonge-Dundas Square is Toronto’s Elgin Garden and Winter Theatre which, in the movie, is disguised as the infamous Chicago Theatre where main characters Roxie and Velma perform together.
3. The Shape of Water (2017)
The Elgin Garden and Winter Theatre was also used as a movie theatre where the main character in Guillermo del Toro‘s The Shape of Water lives above. Additionally, the theatre was where the Academy Award winning film premiered during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). How cool is that? The exterior of Massey Hall can also be spotted in The Shape of Water.
4. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Yonge Street is featured in Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk during a very climactic fight between the Hulk and The Abomination. Do you recognize Yonge Street in the photo below?
5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Many locations across the city played a big role in the 2002 film My Big Fat Greek Wedding including our Ryerson neighbours. The movie shows Ryerson’s Rogers Communication Centre disguised as Harry S. Truman College.
6. The Umbrella Academy (TV Series - 2019)
The Elgin Garden and Winter Theatre and Massey Hall can be seen once again in the Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy. These two theatres seem to be getting a lot of air time on the big screen! Other Toronto locations are also recognizable in this series including Queen Street East, the University of Toronto, Allan Gardens, and more.
7. The Handmaids Tale (TV Series - 2017-2019)
Many will remember when the series The Handmaids Tale was filmed at various locations around Toronto. Just north of the Square is College Park’s Carlu, an event venue that was featured in the series. Toronto’s City Hall also played a huge role in The Handmaids Tale.
8. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Oscar award-winning film Good Will Hunting features Toronto locations like the University of Toronto and Upfront Bar & Grill on Front Street, both a short distance from Yonge-Dundas Square. This film was vital in kick-starting the careers of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
9. Kick-Ass (2010)
This 2010 film takes place in New York City but was actually filmed in Toronto and London. In the film Kick-Ass, Yonge and Dundas Street and the unmistakeable Sam the Record Man sign can be spotted.
10. Repo Men (2010)
Yonge-Dundas Square is given a futuristic make-over in the 2010 movie Repo-Men. Viewers can also spot the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yonge Street, Lower Bay Station and the Gardiner Expressway in this flick.
For most movies filmed in the Six, Toronto usually fills in for some other (usually American) city and, because of this, it is often called “Hollywood North”. The film industry in Toronto continues to grow and is a big contributor to the vitality of the city. So, next time you’re watching one of these films keep an eye out for those distinct Toronto landmarks!