John Wick Filming Locations
John Wick is an action-thriller movie that follows the former hitman John Wick seeking revenge on those who killed his dog Daisy – his late wife’s last gift. The movie was released in October 2014 by Lionsgate.
Actors starring in the movie are Michael Nyqvist, Willem Dafoe, Bridget Moynahan, Alfie Allen, and, finally, Keanu Reeves as the protagonist John Wick. Moreover, the movie was directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch.
Interestingly, when it came out, it gained huge popularity, but also critical appraise, who called it one of the best action films of 2021. Its success led to the John Wick franchise with three sequels and two spin-offs. Namely, the franchise includes John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), video games and comic books. The newest sequel, John Wick: Chapter 4 was released in March 2023.
John Wick is a perfect mix of explicit violence, choreography and carefully selected filming locations. The movie, like many others,such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Filming Locations, used many of New York’s landmarks! Let’s check out some of the amazing John Wick filming locations you can visit!
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John Wick Filming Locations in Manhattan
The most important borough of NYC that many refer to as the city comprises some of the most popular sites. They include Times Square, Central Park, and Wall Street situated in the Financial District. The movie managed to include the best of Manhattan, both its 20th-century and newer construction. If in need of a good shot of Lower Manhattan, taking a ferry to Brooklyn might be a good option.
Financial District
Four buildings in the Financial District were used as filming locations! The interior shots of the fictional Continental Hotel were filmed at Cunard Building. Interestingly, the ground floor has a vaulted ceiling painted with sea motifs. Alongside the facade, it was designated as an NYCs landmark! Another NYC landmark is The Beaver Building, used for the hotel’s exterior shots. The triangular building is shaped like a flatiron, and no, it’s not the same as The Flatiron Building! Just a few minutes away is the impressive skyscraper Maritime Exchange Building shown as Tarasov’s building. Another imposing building is certainly Surrogate’s Court which was used for Red Circle Club’s exterior shots. The historic Beaux Arts building is decorated with collonaded columns and 54 sculptures.
Times Square
The busiest neighbourhood in NYC is most likely the most energetic 8 blocks of New York. Live music performances, theatre shows, huge digital billboards, you name it. One of the best world attractions is also the site of the annual NYE ball drop event. Moreover, Times Square is also home to The Edison Ballroom, a banqueting hall that opened in 1930. Namely, the venue was perfect for the interior shots of the Red Circle Club. It underwent restoration in 2008, but the banqueting hall situated at 240 West on 47th Street still preserved its original art-deco style.
SOHO
This trendy neighbourhood located in Lower Manhattan is filled with artists’ lofts and art galleries. However, what SOHO is best known for are fancy designer boutiques, a variety of shops, and street vendors. Besides shopping, SOHO is also one of the best dining spots in New York with a lot of restaurants, cafes and bars. One such is Jimmy Rooftop Bar in ModernHaus SOHO. Namely, this rooftop bar on 27 Grand St acts as Viggo’s Penthouse Roof. Besides the pool which is the star of the parties held at Jimmy’s, the view of Manhattan is as seen in the film – truly breathtaking. From the tallest building in NYC, One World Trade Center, to the Empire State Building and the view of New Jersey.
Central Park
Not only is Central Park the most famous urban park in the world, but it is also the most filmed location in the world. This green oasis stretching across Mid Manhattan offers plains, woodlands, lakes, and sports fields. It also has theatre venues, an art gallery and a castle. One of the most popular spots is certainly Bethesda Terrace which overlooks the lake and Bethesda Fountain. The terrace which appears in a very intense scene of the movie is famous for its ceiling decorated with 16,000 tiles. Moreover, this spot is especially popular because of local musicians giving live performances.
John Wick Filming Locations in Brooklyn
The most populous borough in New York has numerous sites to offer. Some of them include the amusement park, beach and famous boardwalk in the Coney Island neighbourhood. Then, Prospect Park, is great for a picnic or a stroll along the cherry esplanade in the adjacent Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Bridge. What’s more, all three bridges crossing the East River and connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn were used as filming locations.
Williamsburg Bridge
The bridge shining in the distance when John and his wife are walking on the waterfront is called Williamsburg Bridge. Namely, the bridge connects the Williamsburg neighbourhood in Brooklyn with the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Interestingly, upon its completion in 1903, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Furthermore, on the Brooklyn side, Williamsburg Bridge has a separate pedestrian walkway from the bike lane. And it’s also less crowded than the Brooklyn Bridge! As for the scene, it was filmed on the promenade at Schaefer Landing Park.
Brooklyn Bridge
Of course, filming in New York and not showing the absolute hallmark was not possible! So, yes, John is driving on the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the top activities when visiting the Great Apple. It is also best to go from Brooklyn because you get the best views of Manhattan. Therefore, one entrance to the bridge in Brooklyn is the one at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place. Another way to get a good view of Manhattan while taking it slow is by visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park. Namely, the park has a long promenade, picnic spots, many restaurants and several sports grounds.
Manhattan Bridge
The scene where John meets Marcus was filmed under the Manhattan Bridge at Main Street Park in Brooklyn. Here, you can find the pebbled beach, Jane’s carousel, and some great views of Manhattan. But, for the best photo of the Manhattan Bridge, head to the intersection of Washington and Water Street. The location is always filled with people snapping the “Manhattan Bridge Framing the Empire State Building” shot. That’s not all that can be found in the DUMBO neighbourhood. Check out the Time Out food market or at least its rooftop, and of course, try out pizza places!
St Xavier Church
Moreover, St Xavier Church lent its interior to the Orthodox temple or ‘Little Russia’. The Roman Catholic church is situated at 225 6th Avenue, in the Park Slope neighborhood. The church was built in 1904 in the Gothic Revival style. Although the church in the scene appears in dimmed light, its colourful columns and stained glass windows are still visible. However, two other churches were used to portray the exterior scenes. Namely, it was the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles and Williamsburgh Savings Bank in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Navy Yard
A fighting scene between Wick and Tarasov was filmed at dry dock 6 of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This former naval shipyard with a rich history is experiencing the biggest expansion since the one during WWII. Namely, the shipyard that created ships like USS Missouri has been redeveloped into a centre of urban manufacturing. Interestingly, they offer guided tours of this park to get the visitors acquainted with its history. They talk about important events like its founding in 1801, Civil War, WWII and becoming an industrial park beaming with new businesses.
John Wick Filming Locations in Queens
The largest borough in New York is an overlooked one because of its more popular neighbour Brooklyn. But, Queens offers museums, theatres, a variety of restaurants, and a tennis centre. All of these combined can be found in Flushing Meadows Corona Park whose main attraction is Unisphere. And as for the movie, some of the first scenes were filmed here.
Calvary Cemetery
The first scene of the movie showing New York’s skyline was filmed at Calvary Cemetery. It is situated in Woodside and Maspeth neighborhoods in Queens. The cemetery that was consecrated in 1848 is divided into Old/First, Second, Third and Fourth Cavalry. In addition, the scrap metal dealer in the movie is Pine Non Ferrous at 3440 Laurel Hill Blvd in Flushing. Since then, Kosciuszko Bridge opened in 2017, replacing the old bridge, and changing the background of the movie scene.
John Wick Filming Locations in Long Island
Long Island is the part of New York known for wide-open spaces, sandy beaches, authentic villages and mansions. Namely, two filming locations can be found on this island that stretches from Brooklyn and Queens and is a part of NYC’s metropolitan area. Firstly, a glass villa in Mill Neck was used as John Wick’s luxurious villa. This 7,251 square-foot villa, built in 1971, contains six bedrooms and waterfront views. Moreover, the scene where John is driving his Mustang at an old airport is actually Republic Airport located at East Farmingdale.
