Top 8 Favorite Chicago Films

[@tomboz777]

"Chicago always plays itself"

[@simi5044]

I'm a Chicago native and this makes me really happy

[@JeroldBoy0407]

Same, I grew up in Chicago and knowing that my home city is in a lot of movies. It makes me very happy

[@mbryson2899]

Thief. I grew up in Cicero, knocked around Chicago for decades. Thief nailed it.

[@ECNewman]

See now, I’d like to hear your thoughts on Moulin Rouge. :)

[@insaneclownhoty]

God I love Chicago “second city” my ass. It’s easily the first lol

[@notleo3638]

Lol not why it’s called that

[@magikreacts2718]

What's the first? New York?

[@insaneclownhoty]

@@magikreacts2718 egg plant

[@magikreacts2718]

@@insaneclownhoty I've never been there? I'll have to look in to it.

[@notleo3638]

@@magikreacts2718 it got that name for how it rebuilt after Chicago fire

[@ShortAss00]

Stoked to see Blues Brothers on this list! A film that is dear to me, one of those movies you can watch again and again and still enjoy every time

[@coldcrashpictures]

Seriously.

[@kathyastrom1315]

As a lifelong Chicagolander (never lived in the city, just the suburbs), I love this video! Thanks for including The Sting! It was the forst grown-up movie I saw in the theater, at age seven, and it left me with a lifelong love of ragtime, grifter films, and Robert Redford. I saw it at the Rialto Theater in downtown Joliet, and when that title card came on the screen in the beginning, saying it was 1936 and the place was Joliet, Illinois, well, the crowd just exploded with cheers, something that impressed me so much with how film can impact the viewer. I would personally add two films that I feel do a great job of utilizing the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods in addition to the usual touristy places. The Fugitive cavers a lot of downtown, but then goes to Whiting, IN, Pullman, and whatever neighborhood he rents the room from the Polish lady with the criminal son who appreciates a good Chicago hotdog. The second is My Bodyguard, released a few months after Blues Brothers, and just as good in showing off the city. It also includes lots of actual Chicago actors just getting started, including Adam Baldwin as the title character in his first film, recently graduated from New Trier High School, Joan Cusack, also in her film debut, and brief glimpses of George Wendt and Tim Kazurinsky years before they hit it big. IMO, it’s a better teen film than anything John Hughes did later in the decade.

[@serpentese000]

Yeeeah UofC alum! Sorry you don't love Chicago enough to not ditch it for LA the moment you get the chance, but I guess it makes sense for you as a burgeoning director. I really enjoy your work, your channel and the nerdwriter channel are two of my favorite film-themed video essay sites, and honestly you deserve a lot more attention considering how popular nerdwriter is

[@nikkisdetermination4992]

YES! As a Chicagoan, I was so happy to see somebody had made this!! I thought I was the only one who digs movies based in Chicago.

[@willphillips4531]

A few jobs ago, I worked at an Apple Store here in Chicago. Patrick Johnson, the director of Baby's Day Out, was working there too, just because he enjoyed interacting with people and it was a total change of pace from making movies. That guy is one of my all-time favorite humans. He's one of the most optimistic and upbeat people I've ever met, and I can guarantee it's part of why Baby's Day Out is so much fun. Also, I've been subscribed to you for a while but had no idea you were a Chicago transplant like myself!

[@coldcrashpictures]

Whaaaaaat?! That’s awesome! What a great story. If you ever see him again, tell him I say hi!

[@bedbug2002]

You are a gem, youtubers rarely ever show chicago in this light. As a native of Chicago thank you very much.

[@marcosa.m.9515]

My top three... -Candyman -Don’t Breathe -It Follows Update- don’t breathe & it follows are set in Detroit

[@johndawn4612]

Dont breathe and it follows are set in detroit😂

[@johndawn4612]

In dont breathe they actually say it multiple times

[@marcosa.m.9515]

@@johndawn4612 K. Thanks I guess they all have the same aesthetic when I watch them

[@JeffManes123]

Been watching your videos for about two hours now. I almost shut the first one off, because it had some rough audio quality, but the information pulled me in. I've just been letting autoplay do its thing since 2am and I gotta say man it's really cool to see the progression in quality and how you transitioned to full time. I like the candor of your personality, and your editing is really on point. You've earned yourself another supporter tonight :) Keep it up my friend!

[@coldcrashpictures]

Thanks for the praise! My early stuff was... not produced with the best tech-standards....

[@thorbjoernmaadhengis9644]

I hope somebody has told you that in the last few days, but anyway I will do so right now: You are such a cute and handsome guy, and I really like the sound of your voice. But furthermore you seem like a really reflexive and over all decent guy which is all the more attractive.

[@coldcrashpictures]

Awwww... thanks, dude. You’re gonna make me blush.

[@ania1901939323]

Great narrator voice, it feels like a start of another Chicago movie - I'd watch it :)

[@DeyaViews]

Watching this after having seen Serge's video about musicals he likes and now saying that he does love musicals, but was lead to believe he didn't "because those films don't count as musicals" (like the diagetic songs in The Blues Brothers), is honestly a little funny and refreshing. Growth.

[@alexzais1935]

Won’t hold it against you for not including Childs Play. But only because you added ‘Baby’s Day Out’ which makes up for it haha. They filmed a scene for ‘Baby’s Day Out’ right across the street from my house. When the baby goes out the window and gets on the bus scene. I remember the entire street being closed off for several days with the film crew all over just so they can film that scene. I was only 6 but remember it clearly. Glad you added that movie to the list it definitely holds a special place!

[@agirlwithdreams15]

I'm also a feminist film lover in Chicago. Hell yea

[@emilybeauvais4164]

Chicago > LA or anywhere else. Don't go!

[@arj446_]

Thanks dude, you just added movies to my "To watch" list !!

[@redredredredful]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I really enjoyed your views

[@GingerSling815]

I'm diggin' your videos. Articulate, well-informed, just the right amount of snark, & a pleasant voice & face. I started with your Gone With The Wind 2-parter, then found this Chicago list. Then the fact that you live here AND a UofC alum?! I'm all in. Thank you!!

[@cathyn7640]

OMG, I love that you love While You Were Sleeping!

[@denardoellisjr]

As honorable mentions there's 1986 movie "Running Scared" Starring Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal filmed in Chicago and 1985 Chuck Norris film "Code of Silence" I love movies filmed in Chicago.

[@RabbitHole20]

I actually watched "The Sting" and it was a very interesting movie to watch. It was amazing that they perfectly planned each and every step of the way to grab that much money.

[@VintageBenBenCoFilms]

You can’t have a list of movies in Chicago without featuring John Hughes.

[@Elitist20]

I was living in Chicago at the time Only the Lonely was filmed there. (Yes, I'm ancient.) I actually heard a casting call on the radio for extras for the restaurant scene - ah, I coulda been a star...

[@Discotraxx16]

High Fidelity is on my top 5 movies of all time.

[@miosnikzycia2913]

Wait you're adorable and feminist and IN MY CITY. I wish there was a way to ask you out on youtube. Northwestern>U of C though

[@mayaan773]

as a kid that was born and raised in Chicago but commuted to a suburban private school, the characters in ferris bueller just reminds me of my old classmates :/

[@coldcrashpictures]

Yeah, my original script went a little harder on 'Ferris Bueller.' He is... an asshole. He didn't do anything for Cameron that he didn't feel great doing anyway. I also knew people like him in high school/college. Never liked being around them.

[@jedirok]

I would've added Running Scared (1986). I like the movie, plus I've always loved the shots of the 1980s Chicago that no longer exists.

[@GBfanatic15]

first off I love the blues brothers, secondly I love chicago(the musical) baby's day out is my mother's favorite movie, we have it on VHS but it's been awhile since we had a working VCR so I got SO excited when I found it on DVD got it for her for christmas :)

[@DarthClam]

Can't believe you DQ'd the Fugitive or just didn't pick it (so far it was my favorite Chicago movie hands down) but now I have all these amazing new movies to watch. Great video!

[@gisellemiradiaz2997]

I’m so happy I found your channel! Also moved to Chicago for grad school (Art Education) and it was the only place I was able to find a job...Still trying to make Chicago feel like home.

[@TheChicagoCourier]

OKay, definitely have to watch all of these. Thank you.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Damn im sad u didnt end up including The Untouchables. As a Dutch kid who eventually ended up moving to the US, Chicago was one of the places absolutely burned into my brain, mostly by my my dad and mines mutual love for Blues Brothers and The Untouchables. When we visited Chicago i remember fondly going to visit those train station stairs, probably one of the most iconic real life locations as a kid. Also Dark Knight & Batman Begins partly using Chicago as visual inspiration definitely helps too. I’d say that city was the most iconic in pop-culture for my childhood. (Also, Running Scared is an awesome Chicago film) and The Fugitive is also. (Also The Package is largely set in Chicago)

[@marcchavez6658]

Proof? Yes I promise to watch it...

[@hbc586]

Im born & raised in NYC but ive been in love with Chicago ever since i was a kid, all my favorite movies are from the 80's & were filmed in Chicago. Can't wait to visit someday...

[@joshuaramirezcarrero3175]

As a Chicago resident who arrived here four years ago from South America I have to say: I’ll watch all these movies this year for sure!!! Thanks.

[@vwalker632]

"Mickey One"; "Medium Cool"; "Widows"; "Cooley High"; "The Man with the Golden Arm" "Mad Dog and Glory"; "Barbershop"; "Risky Business"; "Chi-Raq"; "Backdraft"

[@cardboardbelt]

Yes! High Fidelity is such a great movie. I was worried when I found out they'd moved the story from London to Chicago, but it turned out to work perfectly. Something you didn't mention about it that stood out to someone who lived in Chicago in the mid '90s: When Rob discusses the Biograph movie theater he steps away from it towards the camera and up onto the curb across the street where he goes into Lounge Ax - - - and that is Exactly where those two locations were at the time. So many movies mess up simple geography, so when something like this is so right, it kind of deserves a mention. Good idea, by the way!

[@whataqtify]

So the apartment that John Cusack lives in was actually my friends during filming. They never filmed from inside but from the outside. It was a cool experience to get to see them film it.

[@arghjayem]

Waned- not pronounced like and, but like rained. Or a doing word for Wayne Knight.

[@Inaworldoflove]

Argh Jay Em I just made this comment also. Lol

[@whataqtify]

I know it's an old video but I hope that you considered, The Weather Man. Yes the movement around the city makes zero sense but it's a beautiful representation of Chicago. For someone like you that wants to be in showbusiness it shows how dead end Chicago is.

[@Rikku147]

Yay I was looking forward to this video!! I know I mentioned this on Twitter, but I seriously do have an obsession with Chicago despite the fact that I've never been there so I'm curious of any story set there. This list also made me think of how I grew up in and kinda dislike/am conflicted about Miami for a myriad of reasons, but have to admit I feel compelled to seek out movies/shows that take place here. And I mean, like, *actually* take place here and were filmed here. Dexter may take place in Miami but it's not filmed here so it's not the same as watching Moonlight or Scarface (the Al Pacino one, of course :P). Viewings of the latter somehow make me feel closer to the entire area. And speaking of Scarface--I'm so dumb. It barely occurred to me that the original takes place in Chicago. THAT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE. I have to watch it now. Tangent, but Tony's creepy, overprotective behavior towards his sister in the remake made a shitload of sense to me partially because they're a Latinx-American family. Not trying to shit on my own ethnicity here, but I've been privy to a lot of misogynistic, toxic, overprotective behavior from men towards female relatives in my extended family and in others, so I thought maybe it was commenting on a pervasive problem of our culture. Knowing the original Tony may have actually had the hots for his sister is... **weirder** to consider. 😓 I'm also not a musical person but I prefer "Chicago" to "Moulin Rouge" 😛 Although surprisingly didn't notice until now that I don't associate "Chicago" with Chicago. I do love Blues Brothers ~ That was the one film I was certain you'd include. (I saw one of your other comments say Blues Brothers isn't a musical. I was gonna say diegetic musical numbers still count, but then I realized I saw Coco and was confused as to why people kept calling it a musical when the music in it is all diegetic. So. Uh. I may not have an opinion on this yet.) I've known about Candyman because I had friends who were obsessed with the Bloody Mary legend. The basic summoning ritual is the same, so mentions of the film popped up once or twice when I looked up urban legends. But I never even saw a clip of it till now. It looks so unsettling. So thank you for the recommendation! I hope I don't get nightmares.

[@coldcrashpictures]

Chicago is a fantastic city to obsess over. I visited twice in grade-school and I always knew I wanted to come back. Coincidentally, I grew up in South Florida, too! And yeah, I've got mixed feelings about my hometown, but I get super excited when I see that a movie is being filmed there, or a celebrity was born there, etc.

[@mayaan773]

omg I cant believe you live in Chicago!!

[@coldcrashpictures]

May S Heck yeah! Just out of curiosity, did you assume I lived anywhere specific?

[@ljp9402]

i assumed you lived in LA

[@coldcrashpictures]

I definitely gave LA a seriously try right after I graduated college, but I couldn't find decent work. I got a job as a temp but they only gave me 5 shifts in 5 months.

[@macstrong1284]

how the hell did you survive that long with that kind of situation??? im actually currently living in chicago and want to head out to LA soon but ive been fearful for that exact reason...

[@coldcrashpictures]

Someone was letting me crash at their place rent-free, so my expenses were basically just food and gas-money. Once I ran out of savings, I had to leave.

[@videogameboutique2196]

I could be wrong but i thought the movie, "Running Scared" with Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal was filmed in Chicago?

[@Wendy-je9zf]

I saw a high school production of proof at a theatre festival and it was brilliant one of my fave plays

[@lafregaste]

I have only re-watched "while you were sleeping", it's one of my Dad's favourite romantic movies, along side "you got mail". But I understand what you say about the other movies too. I think I'm gonna get Candyman to fully enjoy it.

[@capibaradeluxe9193]

I cannot find the "dont show me this channel" button. Gonna keep searching, wish me luck.

[@buickboy92]

Dude, The Relic! You should really do a Schlock & Awe video about the brilliance of this film. Love it. 👍

[@TheMediatorOfChaos]

Primal Fear is probably my favorite, but I really wouldn't call that a horror movie. Candyman was a great choice for that category.

[@zeusmasterson4117]

Trusty Patches I would call Primal Fear a thriller. I love that movie! Edward Norton was so excellent.

[@k.e.5886]

Sweet home Chicago...this is awesome😊 It didn't make the list but I went to college with one of the actors from Save the Last Dance, I think the last thing I've seen him in was an AT&T commercial which I hear pays pretty well.

[@shannoncrescent4422]

YAAAS. I've been saying this for years: Rob Gordon is my spirit animal. XD That is such an under appreciated movie and it made my day to see it on this list, let alone #1

[@captainexcabier]

My friends and I go every year to Anime Central, and we've started a new tradition of trying out different places for Chicago style pizza. Any recommendations?

[@coldcrashpictures]

Giordano's is my favorite. Followed by Lou Malnati's. Then probably Edwardo's. Homeslice is my favorite non-deep-dish pizza in the city. Get the "Party Boi," for the absolute CARPET of pepperoni.

[@darkerSolstice]

@@coldcrashpictures Lou's is best--they opened a location on Michigan Avenue before the world ended. Pizzaria Uno is good, too.

[@mediumjohnsilver]

“Stranger Than Fiction” is on my list of favorite Chicago movies.

[@lafregaste]

I think that t-shirt would be interesting to wear right now

[@Cubertfilm]

such a great channel with a great host - great voice - attractive - from Chicago - oh so close to perfection ! (the director should encourage less looking away from the camera).

[@jvondd]

So let me get this straight, one of the few musicals you actually like is Moulin Rouge, one of the tackiest and over-hyped movies ever made? As a former theater geek, I respect and enjoy musicals, but I could not stand Moulin Rouge for more than a few minutes. I'm really curious to hear what you liked about it.

[@ChoFrog09]

Yeaaaaaaah Chicago! You're even cooler to me now than I thought

[@idrabohm3678]

"Musicals aren't really my thing" I'm happy to say that future you thinks otherwise!

[@CheshirePhrog]

I'm a little surprised The Fugitive didn't make the list...

[@warrengday]

Excellent video as always. 1st minute awesome. Have you read High Fidelity the original novel the film is based on, if not, I thoroughly recommend..

[@coldcrashpictures]

Thank you! I haven't read the novel. Yet. I've always wanted to see how they transmuted the British elements over into the American Midwest.

[@tlpricescope7772]

Love “My Bodyguard” from the early 80s

[@lpr5269]

Why didn't they just tell jury story the right way in the Untouchables? The judge did switch the jury, but he did it before the trial started knowing that they had been bribed.

[@vampman87]

My favorite Chicago movies: The Untochables High Fidelity Blues Brothers I'd say "The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre," but that was shot in a Fox studio rather than actually in Chicago.

[@irishcoco725]

Amazing list!! Always delightful surprises... hi fidelity is in my all time top 5 too!

[@oobrocks]

U must c the Sting!

[@Inaworldoflove]

Nice video but the word wane is pronounced as the name Wayne, not like van with a W.

[@shxft8566]

Bro I was born in chi and I’m still in chi for 12 years now

[@yonnybriggs6435]

The Fugitive!!

[@whotoldyouthisurl]

this list is what list videos are supposed to be

[@Bigpete1970]

My father drove a truck, long distance deliveries and pick ups. He said Chicago had a way of making you feel welcome...sort of.

[@BethMaryHal]

I was about to make a joke about the 80s having a thing for Chicago... But then I realized it's mostly just John Hughes.

[@richardmaska1818]

My beef with the Blues Brothers as a Chicago native is the lack of music and/or performances by musicians who made their hay for Chess Records... no Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, Etta James or even Chuck Berry... ya know, the people and label who MADE Chicago blues worthy of a Blues Brothers in the first place.

[@monkeymouse]

You missed out my first two choices: "Nothing in Common" (a Garry Marshall film so no big surprise) and... an anime named "Riding Bean" which was clearly influenced by the Blues Brothers car chases.

[@lpr5269]

Nothing in Common was a good one.

[@ericveneto1593]

Have you seen enough movies set there to do a Boston list?

[@Zeldarw104]

Chicago in the house!!!!

[@cassiusro4826]

Had me at candy man

[@oobrocks]

U Do realize the jury was swapped...right?

[@carlossoto9136]

why not dark knight

[@Joachim_adrian]

I know that's what they did with Transformers 7:04

[@laurapeter3857]

How is Running Scared (1986) not on this list?

[@dumpstercub2902]

I'm watching EVERY movie on thus list

[@morgansanderson9923]

What of home alone

[@Swimdeep]

How can “The Sound of Music” not be a liked film? Are you human?

[@benjaminfaucon-mansuet5586]

I love the haircut though

[@shifffter8848]

my favorite

[@kgraves2269]

I love while you were sleeping despite its crazy premise.

[@coldcrashpictures]

Yeah, I’ll hear people say things like “That film would NEVER work if the genders were flipped,” and I’m just like “Yeah, it wouldn’t work if one of them was an alpaca, either... but we got what we got, and it’s goddamned delightful.”

[@alexledesma3595]

Blues Brothers not number one? Any true Chicagoan just stopped watching the video at that 2:45 minute mark.

[@jacklewis5452]

My Best Friend's Wedding.

[@dumpstercub2902]

1:57 PREACH

[@rainer_uncrowned]

Does the dark knight count?

[@lmnop29]

You're wrong about Ferris' Bueller but we forgive you.

[@oliviasmith8782]

What about love jones

[@wiser82]

Is that Peter Rallis at 1:20? Probs not but maybe

[@coldcrashpictures]

That's Matthew K. Lane and Jennifer Cheung.

[@Cat-fx3mh]

I live next to the family’s house in while you were sleeping

[@willcwhite]

Go Maroons!!

[@coldcrashpictures]

At my U of C orientation, an incoming 1st year asked the 4th-year panel what the UChicago mascot was, and they said "the phoenix" and "the maroons" at the same time.

[@trillioncrowns]

Number 1 (Thief)

[@jaybuzzton453]

Did you enjoy Little Shop of Horrors?

[@coldcrashpictures]

I liked it fine. I think it largely worked for me because they used the music more for comedic effect.

[@benjaminfaucon-mansuet5586]

And the vids