6 movies & shows to get you in the mood for your new city

Get a sense of your new hometown with these silver-screen and flat-screen favorites

Kevin Crain

By Kevin Crain

Woman watching TV with popcorn

Swapping cities or countries? There’s no better way to prep for your new home beforehand (or celebrate your move afterward) than to watch a flick or stream a show that’s set there. 

No matter why you’re relocating — for a new job, to be closer to family, or just for a change of scenery — Blueground makes it easy with our furnished apartments. Complete with fully equipped kitchens, fast Wi-Fi, and smart TVs. 

For your viewing pleasure, we’ve put together a handful of hits from the silver screen and flat screen that take place in Blueground cities. Aaaand action!

‘Black-ish’ – Los Angeles

8 seasons | 2014-2022 | 92% on Rotten Tomatoes 

view of LA city with Griffith Observatory

This sitcom starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross follows an upper-class black family living in the suburbs of Los Angeles. And while the Johnson family is fictional, the house they live in really exists in Sherman Oaks

Often tackling issues involving race and identity, the series mixes laughs and heartfelt moments as the Johnsons raise their kids in a mostly white, affluent neighborhood. After eight seasons, “Black-ish” came to an end in the spring of 2022. So you can binge all the episodes before (or after) moving to sunny Los Angeles

‘Before Sunrise’ – Vienna

1995 | 1 hr 45 min | 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

Vienna skyline

Richard Linklater’s film “Before Sunrise” chronicles the adventures of two backpackers — played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy — who spend a magical night together in Vienna.

In less than two hours you’ll get a whirlwind tour of Vienna. The film’s locations include several of the city’s famous coffeehouses as well as Wiener Riesenrad, Maria Theresien Platz, and Zollamtssteg Bridge. Love the movie but sad that it’s over? Don’t worry! There are not one but two sequels, “Before Sunset” and “Before Midnight.”

‘Jane The Virgin’ – Miami

5 Seasons | 2014-2019 | 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

miami skyline

Described as a “romantic comedy-drama and satirical telenovela,” the show stars Gina Rodriguez as the titular Jane Villanueva, a young woman who becomes pregnant after being artificially inseminated by mistake. Rodriguez’s performance in particular is incredible, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Comedy. 

Taking place in Miami, “Jane the Virgin” focuses on three generations of Latina women in the Villanueva family as they navigate complex relationships. And it’s all done with a playful, telenovela-inspired flair that will keep you guessing about what will happen next.  

‘Midnight in Paris’ – Paris

2011 | 1 hr 34 min | 93% on Rotten Tomatoes 

Paris skyline

Paris itself plays a big role in this fantasy comedy. Set throughout the City of Light, the movie features Owen Wilson as a writer who is on a trip with his fiancee, played by Rachel McAdams, when he’s transported back in time each night at midnight. 

Written and directed by Woody Allen, this film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards. It delves into questions about nostalgia and satisfaction with the present. Don’t have lots of time to watch it? Don’t worry. “Midnight in Paris” is surprisingly short, making it perfect for a weeknight viewing. 

‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ – New York City 

4 Seasons | 2017–Present | 89% on Rotten Tomatoes

month to month lease in NYC empire state building in the center of NYC city during sunset

It’s hard to pick just one from the thousands of shows and movies set in the Big Apple. For a more recent hit, check out “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” starring Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein. 

Taking place in the 1950s, this dramedy follows Jewish housewife Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who is living the perfect life in the Upper West Side when she discovers a talent for stand-up comedy. Soon afterward, she trades in her cushy life to chase her dream of making it big as a comic. The show has scenes filmed in famous NYC spots like Washington Square Park, Coney Island, and more. 

‘Vertigo’ – San Francisco

1958 | 2 hr 9 min | 93% on Rotten Tomatoes

sunrise over the skyline of San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge

There are tons of movies set around the Bay Area, but it’s hard to go wrong with “Vertigo,” Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful look at a San Francisco society woman who believes she’s being possessed by her deceased great-grandmother. 

You’ll see famous sites like the Presidio, the former Ernie’s Restaurant, and the old Fairmont Hotel. There are also scenes shot outside of the city that show off Northern California’s epic scenery, including giant redwoods.

Enjoy star treatment

housing in DC interior of apartment living space with couch television dining table and floor to ceiling windows

Blueground takes care of you like the A-lister you are. That includes flexible lease terms, premium linens, and reliable, five-star support during your stay. So pack the popcorn and make your move today!

Kevin Crain

Kevin Crain

Kevin Crain is a writer from Dallas, Texas. He’s dedicated to helping every Blueground guest live like a local and make their apartment feel like home. His favorite topics include active experiences, bucket list essentials, and hidden gems in cities around the world.