{"id":330,"date":"2021-10-05T08:41:25","date_gmt":"2021-10-05T08:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextlevelpictures.com\/?p=330"},"modified":"2022-01-27T10:25:07","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T10:25:07","slug":"top-movies-filmed-in-new-jersey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextlevelpictures.com\/locations\/top-movies-filmed-in-new-jersey\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Movies filmed in New Jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although ranked 46th in size and 11th in population, the Garden State actually has the highest density population in the nation. And it also has the most shopping malls in an area as well; within a 25-mile square radius, there are seven. But crowded malls are certainly not all the third state to enter the union has going on.<\/p>\n

While Las Vegas’ 136 square miles clearly beats out Atlantic City’s 17, it does have the second-largest concentration of casinos in the US. And though you may have never been there, you might recognize some of their street names from Monopoly, which were named after the real streets. And its boardwalk is the longest in the entire world.<\/p>\n

The state has also had its share of some firsts and things to brag about, like the first baseball game in Hoboken in 1846 and the first submarine ride in the Passaic River in 1878. And in Cape May, you can find the oldest seaside resort in the US. Speaking of the seaside, the state has about 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline.<\/p>\n

They also have more diners (525 and counting) than any other state and more major Revolutionary War battles were fought here than in any other state. They were also the first to sign the Bill of Rights. Staying with the theme of being unique, unlike most other states, aside from Oregon<\/a>, you cannot pump your own gas in New Jersey.<\/p>\n

Within New Jersey’s 8,721 square miles lie two million acres of forest land with 51 state parks to recreate at. Or just head to the beach, as New Jersey is home to 44 of them.<\/p>\n

With all this to utilize, in addition to having close proximity to NYC<\/a>, it is not surprising how many filmmakers have used the state for their settings. See below for a list of some of the most interesting and famous.<\/p>\n

Movies filmed in New Jersey<\/h2>\n

Garden State (2004)<\/h3>\n

\"Garden<\/a><\/p>\n

(Rent – Buy – Stream)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Written, directed, and starring Zach Braff, this rom-com was about a young man who returns home to New Jersey after his mother passes away. Natalie Portman, Ian Holm, and Peter Sargaard also costarred. Filming was done in Wallington, Cranford, Roseland, Tenafly, Morris Plains, Livingston, Mahwah, and Newark.<\/p>\n

1 h 42 min | R<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Class Action Park<\/h3>\n

This documentary film looked at the amusement park, Action Park, that was located in Vernon Township in operation from 1978 to 1996. It was an extremely popular spot for tourism and also had an abysmal safety record, resulting in major injuries and deaths. The film was highly praised for its insights into the dangers of the water park.<\/p>\n

Chasing Amy (1997)<\/h3>\n

\"Chasing<\/a><\/p>\n

(Rent – Buy – Stream)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

This rom-com was director Kevin Smith’s third movie. It starred Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, and Joey Lauren Adams. When Holden falls hard for Alyssa, his best friend is highly against it. Holden attempts to keep everyone happy, which turns into no one being happy. Some filming was done in Leonardo, Asbury Park, Keansburg, Red Bank, and Rumson.<\/p>\n

1 h 53 min | R<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Empire Records (1995)<\/h3>\n

\"Empire<\/a><\/p>\n

(Rent – Buy – Stream)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

This dramedy was set at a record store in Delaware and revolved around the lives of its young adult employees during the last 24 hours of the store remaining independently owned and operated. The main actors included Anthony LaPaglia, Rory Cochrane, Ren\u00e9e Zellweger, Liv Tyler, and Ethan Embry. Some filming was done in Atlantic City.<\/p>\n

1 h 47 min | PG-13<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lean on Me (1989)<\/h3>\n

\"Lean<\/a><\/p>\n

(Rent – Buy – Stream)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

This biopic starred Morgan Freeman as Joe Louis Clark, a principal at an inner-city high school who worked against all odds and obstacles to bring a school up to proper educational standards. The title is in reference to Bill Withers’ 1972 song. The high school was in Paterson and filming was done there as well as in Franklin Lakes.<\/p>\n

1 h 48 min | PG-13<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Friday the 13th (1980)<\/h3>\n

\"Friday<\/a><\/p>\n

(Rent – Buy – Stream)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The first in the long-running slasher series, this film introduced us to the Voorhees. Re-opening Camp Crystal Lake seems like a good idea and the counselors seem to have good intentions, but that isn’t going to stop the murderous rampage. Filming was done at Camp Nobebosco in Blairstown, Freehold, Hope, and Hardwick Township.<\/p>\n

1 h 35 min | R<\/p>\n

Running on Empty (1988)<\/h3>\n

\"Running<\/a><\/p>\n

(Rent – Buy – Stream)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Director Sidney Lumet’s 34th film, this drama starred Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti as fugitive parents on the run since the 1970s, with their sons, played by River Phoenix and Jonas Abry, following behind. But teenage Danny is fed up with this life and wants a normal one. Some filming was done in Tenafly, Union Beach, and Englewood.<\/p>\n

1 h 56 min | PG-13<\/p>\n

Coyote Ugly (2000)<\/h3>\n

\"Coyote<\/a><\/p>\n

(Rent – Buy – Stream)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

This musical dramedy was based upon the real Coyote Ugly Saloon in NYC. It starred Tyra Banks, Piper Perabo, Bridget Moynahan, and Izabella Miko as sexy bartenders putting on a show every night. But Violet yearns to get into the music business. Some filming was done in South Amboy and Jersey City.<\/p>\n

1 h 40 min | PG-13
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