San Francisco is one of the most culturally diverse cities in California, featuring some of the most unique and visually stunning landscapes America has to offer. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the city's iconic steeped roads, the city has a lot to offer and has an aesthetic like no other.
It is because of this cultural significance and unique aesthetic, that makes it a great backdrop for a film of almost any genre to take place in. And the character that the city brings only enhances the story. With this in mind here are the 10 best films set in San Francisco.
Venom (6.7)
2018's Venom, starring Tom Hardy marked the titular symbiote's second time on the big screen. And while this version was much more faithful to the source material, it still proved to be divisive.
The iconic city is featured prominently throughout the film and serves as a backdrop to the alien's rampage of destruction. Venom was a huge success at the box-office and went on to gross more than $800 million worldwide, and already has a sequel on the way.
Always Be My Maybe (6.8)
The Netflix produced romantic comedy Always Be My Maybe sees two former childhood friends thrown back into each other's lives when one returns to their home town (San Francisco) to set up a new restaurant.
The film takes the tropes you'd expect from a romantic comedy and twist them for the 21st century. The film went on to receive critical praise, thanks largely to its sharp script and excellent chemistry between its two leads.
Basic Instinct (7.0)
1992's Basic Instinct is one of the most iconic movies of the decade, and one of the quintessential erotic-thrillers. Set in San Francisco a detective crosses the path of a seductive novelist while investigating a murder.
The controversial film became famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) for its groundbreaking sexual content, including an unexpected performance from Sharon Stone. Basic Instinct 2 was released 14 years later and failed to capture the spirit of the original.
Ant-Man (7.3)
Although New York is typically the stomping ground of many Marvel superheroes, Ant-Man resides in San Francisco. The city is featured prominently throughout the film (and its sequel) and the city's unique aesthetic is put to full use.
The film struggled to get off the ground, with some behind the scenes drama, including Edgar Wright walking away from the project. But despite these problems, Ant-Man is one of the funniest characters Marvel has produced and a welcomed addition to the Avengers roster.
Blue Jasmine (7.3)
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Woody Allen Blue Jasmine sees a high flying New York socialite forced to move in with her working-class sister in San Francisco.
The culture shock she experiences leads her on a journey of self-discovery as she reconnects with her roots and leaves her old life behind. The film marks one of the highlights of Cate Blanchet's esteemed career, with her excellent performance winning her an Oscar in 2014.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (7.6)
2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes chronicled the start of the end of mankind, serving as a prequel to the iconic Planet of the Apes. Using groundbreaking motion capture technology the Apes were brought to life like never before.
The Apes run riot across the city of San Francisco, with the city's iconic bridge, used to great effect in the film's climax. Featuring Andy Serkis as Ceasar, he delivers one of the best performances of his career, cementing himself as the king of motion capture.
Dirty Harry (7.7)
Dirty Harry is without a doubt one of Clint Eastwood's greatest movies and most iconic roles. The maverick cop to end all maverick cops broke the rules and took the law into his own hands like never before.
The film's influence continues to be felt today, with many movies trying (and failing) to recapture the magic of the movie. The film went on to spawn a franchise with four sequels released over the next 17 years, but the original remains the best.
Zodiac (7.7)
Based on real events Zodiac sees the infamous Zodiac serial killer on spree, leading to mass panic and a huge investigation. Based in San Francisco the killer's cryptic cipher puzzles were published in the San Francisco Chronicle, and when the trail went cold it was left to a cartoonist to continue the investigation.
Featuring an all-star cast, the dark thriller retells the story with stunning detail, recounting the police blunders and oversights that led to the film's climax.
Harold and Maude (7.9)
Harold and Maude remains one of the most unique dark comedies ever produced and sees a couple drawn together, despite their sizable age difference. Harold's twisted sense of humor sees him obsessed with death, and constantly staging fake suicides.
Despite not being a commercial success upon its release it gained a cult-followed over its lifespan and is now regarded s a classic movie, and one of the all-time great dark comedies.
Vertigo (8.3)
Vertigo is one of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest thrillers and sees a police detective in over his head as he is sent to investigate an old friend's wife. Set in San Francisco the movie is a brilliant time capsule of the age and shows the diversity and beauty of the great city.
The gorgeous cinematography enhances the city's features, from its sloped roads to its stunning bays. The stylish thriller's influence continues to be felt today and features an iconic dream sequence that stands shoulder-to-should with Hitchcock's best works.