10 Movies Shot in the Same Location, But Told Different Stories

Iconic Movie Sets That Have Been Used in Multiple Films

Hollywood has long been a hub for iconic film locations, with many famous landmarks and sets appearing in multiple movies. These reused spaces often become part of cinematic history, adding a layer of familiarity and nostalgia to the films that feature them. From well-known buildings to unique interiors, these sets have played a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of several beloved films. Below are some notable examples of movies that have used the same set as another film.

Die Hard and Speed – Fox Plaza

One of the most recognizable movie buildings is the Nakatomi Plaza from Die Hard. This location serves as the central setting for the entire film, where John McClane (Bruce Willis) battles Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his gang. The building, known as Fox Plaza in real life, is the corporate headquarters of 20th Century Fox, the studio behind both Die Hard and Speed.

In Speed, the same Fox Plaza appears at the beginning of the film, where a SWAT team sweeps the lobby. This reuse of the same location highlights how practical and cost-effective it can be for filmmakers to repurpose sets.

Aliens and Batman – Action Lane Power Station

The Action Lane Power Station in West London was used for two very different movies. In Aliens, James Cameron transformed the industrial building into a futuristic alien nest. The structure was painted silver and modified to fit the sci-fi aesthetic of the film.

Later, Tim Burton used the same location for Batman, turning it into the Axis Chemicals plant where the Joker (Jack Nicholson) falls into the vat of chemicals. This demonstrates how versatile and adaptable certain locations can be across different genres.

A Nightmare on Elm Street and Pretty in Pink – John Marshall High School

High schools often follow a similar layout, making them ideal for repeated use in films. John Marshall High School in Los Angeles was featured in both A Nightmare on Elm Street and Pretty in Pink.

In A Nightmare on Elm Street, the school serves as the backdrop for Freddy Krueger's terrifying nightmares. In Pretty in Pink, it’s the setting for Andie’s high school experiences, showcasing how the same location can be adapted for vastly different stories.

Billy Madison and X-Men – Parkwood Estate

The Parkwood Estate in Ontario, Canada, is a striking example of a location that has appeared in two very different films. It was first used as the home of Billy Madison (Adam Sandler) in Billy Madison.

Later, it was transformed into the Xavier Institute in X-Men, becoming one of the most recognizable school buildings in cinema. The estate’s grand architecture made it a perfect fit for both the comedy and the superhero genre.

Saw III and Scary Movie 4 – The Parody Bathroom

The infamous bathroom from the Saw franchise is one of the most memorable horror settings. In Scary Movie 4, the crew recreated the same bathroom as a parody of the original film.

Surprisingly, the set was so accurate that the Saw III crew decided to reuse it for a flashback scene. This shows how well-crafted sets can serve multiple purposes, even when the original intent was comedic.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Se7en – Quality Café

The Quality Café in Los Angeles was a popular film location before it closed in 2006. It was used in several movies, including Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Se7en.

This small diner became a key setting for both films, proving that even modest locations can play a significant role in storytelling. Its availability for filming also highlights how certain spots become go-to choices for directors.

Blade Runner and The Artist – Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building in Los Angeles is an architectural gem that has appeared in two iconic films. In Blade Runner, its winding staircase was featured in a foggy, futuristic setting.

Decades later, the same staircase appeared in The Artist, a black-and-white film about the transition from silent to talkie movies. The building’s timeless design made it a perfect fit for both films.

Spider-Man 1-3 and Star Trek: Into Darkness – Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills has been used in multiple films, including Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy and J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek: Into Darkness.

In the Spider-Man series, it served as the Osborne Mansion, while in Star Trek: Into Darkness, it was transformed into a futuristic hospital. This demonstrates how a single location can be reimagined for different narratives.

Sherlock Holmes and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – Hatfield House

Hatfield House in England was used in both Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Sherlock Holmes. In Tomb Raider, the mansion’s exterior and corridors were featured as-is.

In Sherlock Holmes, the same location was dressed up with period-appropriate decor to match the film’s setting. The library was used in both movies, showing how certain elements of a location can remain consistent across different adaptations.

Ghostbusters and The Mask – Fire Station No. 23

Fire Station No. 23 in Downtown Los Angeles was the headquarters for the Ghostbusters in the original film. The building’s exterior and interior were prominently featured throughout the movie.

Years later, the same location appeared in The Mask as an auto-body shop. Jim Carrey’s character walks through the same space, making it a familiar sight for fans of both films.