Visiting Los Angeles—or, depending on how jaded you might feel, simply living there—can evoke an experience so surreal it borders on the dreamlike. With countless iconic films and TV shows shot within its city limits, every stroll down its streets carries a strange familiarity, as though you're walking through scenes you've only ever seen onscreen. Even as new storefronts, towering billboards, sleek buildings, and dazzling lights redefine each corner, there’s an undeniable sense of déjà vu that lingers. And some landmarks, like the Hollywood Sign, the TCL Chinese Theater, or the Getty Museum, transcend their physical presence to act as gateways into other worlds.
Consider, for instance, the Griffith Observatory—the most-visited public observatory in the world. A beloved destination offering unparalleled views of the sprawling city below and glimpses through its historic 12" Zeiss Refracting Telescope, this site has been immortalized in countless films. On its grounds stands a bust of James Dean, honoring the observatory's role in "Rebel Without a Cause," but modern audiences may recognize it more readily as the setting for the iconic "Planetarium" scene in the Oscar-winning "La La Land."
For many cinephiles, the Griffith Observatory serves as a bridge between reality and fiction—a place where our world collides with imagined futures. It is here that the first T-800 Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) arrived on May 12, 1984, tasked with finding and eliminating Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). Personally, I admit to being utterly terrified of Terminators (read all about it here), which is why every visit to the Griffith Observatory leaves me on edge. The breathtaking panorama of Los Angeles below evokes not just awe but also the chilling image of the T-800 gazing upon the city, preparing for his deadly mission before swiftly dispatching a punk-rock thug played by Bill Paxton.
The significance of the Griffith Observatory extends far beyond the original "Terminator" film. It reappears throughout the franchise: as the battleground in the video game "Terminator 3: The Redemption"; as Kyle Reese and Star's hideout in "Terminator Salvation"; as the arrival point for an alternate-timeline T-800 in "Terminator Genisys"; and even in several comic book adaptations. Its prominence underscores its status as a cornerstone of cinematic lore.
Yet the observatory's influence isn't confined to the "Terminator" universe alone. Over 170 films have featured its distinctive architecture and solitary perch atop Mount Hollywood. One of my personal favorites is the 1999 remake of "House on Haunted Hill," where CGI enhancements transformed the observatory's exterior into the titular haunted mansion. Even the journey leading up to the observatory has been utilized creatively; the tunnel entrance along Mount Hollywood Drive famously doubled as the gateway to Toontown in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"
If you find yourself in Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is an absolute must-visit for any movie lover. Admission is entirely free (weather permitting, of course), allowing you to bask in its splendor without cost. While there is a fee for planetarium shows, nothing beats standing at the edge, scanning the cityscape like the T-800 himself—and perhaps channeling your inner punk while doing so.
