Long before Newport Beach became a world class coastal destination, it was already drawing the attention of filmmakers. In the 1910s, Hollywood discovered what visitors still experience today. An undeveloped coastline, calm bays, dramatic shorelines, and abundant natural light made Newport Beach an ideal setting for cinematic storytelling. 

From silent era spectacles to modern classics, Newport Beach has continued to appear on screen for more than a century. Here are 10 films filmed in Newport Beach or its immediate surroundings, highlighting the destination’s enduring role in cinematic history. 

Cleopatra (1917) 

The most ambitious silent film production of its time, Cleopatra transformed Newport Beach’s undeveloped coast and bay into ancient Egypt, staging massive water scenes with dozens of barges and hundreds of extras. Filmmakers were drawn to Newport Beach for its wide-open shoreline, calm waters, and dramatic natural light, which allowed large scale scenes to be filmed without built sets. Today, visitors can explore the Newport Harbor area and surrounding beaches that once served as the backdrop for this cinematic spectacle, experiencing the same coastal beauty that first captivated Hollywood. 

Sherlock Jr. (1924) 

This silent era classic highlights early Hollywood’s reliance on real world locations, with scenes credited to the Newport Beach area. Filmmakers favored the destination for its versatile landscapes, which could easily stand in for multiple settings. Today’s visitors can experience that same versatility by moving from beach to bay to town, all within a short distance. 

College (1927) 

This Buster Keaton silent comedy stands out for its physical humor and athletic sequences, including rowing scenes filmed along Newport Beach waterways. The destination’s calm bay and coastal setting made it an ideal location for water-based filming during the silent era. Visitors can still experience this side of Newport Beach by walking along the harbor, renting kayaks, or enjoying waterfront paths that reflect the same leisurely pace captured on screen. 

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) 

Although set overseas, parts of this Academy Award winning film were shot in and around the Balboa Peninsula, where open land and coastal terrain doubled for distant landscapes. Newport Beach’s undeveloped areas made it a practical filming location at a time when realism was becoming increasingly important. Visitors today can walk the Balboa Peninsula and imagine how these spaces once transformed for the screen. 

To Have and Have Not (1944) 

Starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, To Have and Have Not holds a special place in Newport Beach’s cinematic history. During filming in 1944, the two actors called Newport Beach home while shooting scenes in Crystal Cove, a historic coastal area known for its iconic beach cottages and unspoiled shoreline. The destination’s maritime setting and relaxed seaside atmosphere made it a natural fit for the film’s story and helped cement Newport Beach’s connection to classic Hollywood. Bogart later returned in 1950 to film The Breaking Point, using Balboa Harbor and surrounding coastal locations, further reinforcing Newport Beach’s role as a backdrop for authentic on screen storytelling. 

The Breaking Point (1950) 

Filmed in Newport Harbor, The Breaking Point brought a grittier realism to life on the water, showcasing working boats and the rhythms of the harbor. Newport Beach was selected for its authentic maritime environment, which added credibility and texture to the story. Visitors can still observe this working harbor today, where fishing boats, sailboats, and yachts coexist just as they did on screen. 

Love Story (1970) 

Known for its emotional storytelling, Love Story incorporated coastal scenes that added warmth and visual contrast. Newport Beach offered a picturesque setting that conveyed romance and escape. Today, couples continue to visit the destination for seaside strolls, ocean views, and intimate dining experiences that echo the film’s tone. 

A Few Good Men (1992) 

While filmed across Southern California, scenes credited to Newport Beach reflect the destination’s continued role as a backdrop for major studio productions. Its polished coastal environment and recognizable Southern California lifestyle made it a natural fit. Visitors can explore nearby shopping districts and coastal neighborhoods that capture this era of Newport Beach on screen. 

Jerry Maguire (1996) 

Filming in and around Fashion Island helped showcase Newport Beach as a modern, upscale coastal destination during the 1990s. The area’s open-air design and ocean views reinforced the film’s Southern California setting. Today, Fashion Island remains a central gathering place for shopping, dining, and taking in the coastal atmosphere seen on screen. 

Summer of 8 (2016) 

Shot entirely on location in Newport Beach, this coming-of-age film reflects the destination’s contemporary beach culture and youthful energy. Filmmakers chose Newport Beach for its authentic coastal lifestyle and walkable neighborhoods. Visitors can experience this same spirit today through beach days, boardwalk strolls, and local hangouts across the city. 

Explore more moments from each decade and discover Newport Beach’s history through the interactive timeline at 120YearsOfWelcome.com.