When it comes to movies, most people think of Hollywood.  Some even think of the Big Apple when it comes to filming locations.  But did you know these films were shot right here in Western New York?

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Over the last few decades, Hollywood filmmakers have been branching out more and more when it comes to locations to shoot their films.  And with its early 20th-century architecture, and resemblance to its big brother Manhattan downstate, Rochester has become a popular choice for filming.

Check out these 10 films you might not know were shot in Rochester, New York.

*Film description from IMDB.com

1. White Elephant (2022) - Shot in Rochester in 2021  *

The tail of an ex-marine enforcer must battle his conscience and code of honor when he is forced to do things for the mob.

2. Lady In White (1998) - Shot in Rochester in 1986.

This one was shot throughout the region with scenes filmed in Rochester, Lyons, Phelps, Buffalo, Newark, South Bristol, and Canandaigua.

3. Fair Haven (2016) - Shot in Rochester in 2014.*

Featuring former 'Dukes of Hazard' star Tom Wopat, it's the story of a young man who returns to his family farm, after a long stay in ex-gay conversion therapy, and is torn between the expectations of his emotionally distant father, and the memories of a past, loving relationship he has tried to bury.

4. Drunk Bus (2020) - Shot in Rochester in 2019*

A directionless, young campus bus driver and a security guard strike up a strange friendship. You can spot local landmarks High Falls and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in this one.

5. The Tomorrow Man (2019) - Shot in Rochester in 2019*

Shot in Rochester, Lyons, and Henrietta.  You can catch a glimpse of local BBQ joint Sticky Lips in this one.  It's the story of a man who spends his life preparing for a disaster that may never come. Ronnie Meisner spends her life shopping for things she may never use. These two people will try to find love.

6. The Alphabet Killer (2008) - Shot in Rochester in 2006*

This one is based on the true story of the double initial killings - The Alphabet Murders - which are an unsolved series of child murders that occurred between 1971 and 1973 in Rochester, NY.  Scenes were filmed in East Rochester from December 2006 through January 2007.

7. The Aggression Scale (2012) - Filmed in Rochester in 2011*

Four heavily armed hitmen and two unusual teenagers go to war over $500,000 of stolen cash.

8. Terror at Blood Fart Lake (2009) - Filmed in Rochester in 2008*

A straight-to-video release, it tells the story of a group of college kids who head off to their friend's cabin at 'Blood Fart Lake' for a high-octane sex weekend.  Turns out they get more than they bargained for.

If you have an hour and 14 minutes that you don't mind wasting, feast your eyes on this cinematic masterpiece here. Scenes were shot in Rochester and Canandaigua.

9. Book of Evil (2018) - Filmed in Rochester in 2017*

A horror novelist gets a call from his publisher warning him that he's only got until the end of the night to complete his latest work. As paranormal events start unfolding around him, Stan finds all-new inspiration, and danger, while completing his stories.

10. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) - Filmed in Rochester in 2013.

I got to witness this one being filmed firsthand, as I was working in a building on Main Street in Rochester at the time, and the action was being shot right outside my window eight stories down. The only scenes shot in the city were on East Main Street, and you can see some of the action being captured in the clip below

I was able to snap some pictures of an amazing chase scene from my office window, check them out here.

The Amazing Spider Man 2 - Rochester, NY

Gallery Credit: Credit - Nik Rivers

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