Ottawa is a unique and vibrant city that attracts crowds of tourists every year. Visitors explore its historic sites, museums, parks, and exhibition halls, participate in guided tours, and enjoy the cultural atmosphere. However, besides tourists, Ottawa also draws filmmakers who see its historic architecture, streets, and urban landscapes as ideal cinematic locations. Over the years, numerous feature films, documentaries, and television series have been filmed in the capital of Canada. More details on ottawa-trend.com.
Batman & Robin (1997)
The blockbuster Batman & Robin is a widely popular film released in 1997. Many Ottawa residents recognized familiar locations when the movie hit theaters. Although filmed in multiple American cities, as well as in Vienna, Austria, some key scenes were shot in Canada’s capital, Ottawa.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
Originally titled February, this 2015 Canadian-American horror film follows two young girls stranded at their boarding school after their parents forget to pick them up. The film’s alternate title, February, reflects the cold winter setting in Ottawa, where the movie was filmed. The lead roles were played by Emma Roberts and Kiernan Shipka.
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)
Netflix’s first feature film shot in Ottawa, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House is a gripping thriller that debuted in 2016. The plot revolves around an elderly writer who hires a caregiver due to health issues. The young woman, Lily, quickly adapts to her new job but becomes unsettled when the writer calls her Polly—the same name as the protagonist of her book. Curiosity leads Lily to secretly read the manuscript, uncovering a tragic story. She soon suspects that Polly’s fate was real and that her remains may still be in the house. The film stars Ruth Wilson in the lead role.
Trailer Park Boys: Don’t Legalize It (2014)
This film showcases Ottawa’s most famous landmarks, as the main character travels to the capital to protest a new government law that threatens his business. The film features well-known Canadian actors, including John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, and Mike Smith.
Penthouse North (2013)
Although set in New York City, Penthouse North was filmed in downtown Ottawa. The crime thriller follows a young photojournalist who loses her sight after a tragic accident in a war zone. She falls into depression and isolates herself, relying on her boyfriend for support. However, her sister’s husband, a former police officer, becomes suspicious of her partner’s intentions. The film stars Michael Keaton and Michelle Monaghan.
Mr. Nobody (2009)
Starring Jared Leto, Mr. Nobody gained worldwide acclaim. Filmed across multiple locations, the movie includes scenes shot in Ottawa. The film explores first love, space travel, immortality, and the consequences of irreversible choices, making it a complex yet fascinating piece.
Sacrifice (2011)
Filmed at Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market, Sacrifice is an action thriller about an undercover cop entangled in the drug trade while being responsible for protecting a young fugitive’s sister. The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Christian Slater.
The Sum of All Fears (2002)
While most of The Sum of All Fears was filmed in Montreal, key scenes were shot in Ottawa’s Diefenbunker, a Cold War-era nuclear bunker. The political thriller follows a young analyst racing to prevent a nuclear war between Russia and the United States. The movie stars Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman.
On the Road (2012)
Based on the classic novel by Jack Kerouac, On the Road is an adventure drama partly filmed near Ottawa. The story follows a young New York writer struggling to move on after his father’s death. His life changes when he meets Dean Moriarty, a charismatic ex-convict, and his beautiful wife Marylou. The trio embarks on a journey in search of freedom, adventure, and self-discovery. The film stars Kristen Stewart.
House at the End of the Street (2012)
Although set in Woodshire, Middle America, this 2012 horror film was entirely shot in Ottawa, particularly at Algonquin College and Metcalfe. The story follows a mother and daughter who move to a new town, purchasing a home at the end of a street. The daughter soon learns that the house holds a dark secret—a girl once murdered her entire family there. However, her new friend, Ryan, conceals a terrifying truth about his connection to the tragedy. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence.
TV Series: L’Gros Luxe – La Vie Compliquée de Léa Olivier
Based on popular French-language young adult novels by Catherine Girard-Audet, this French-language TV series was filmed in Ottawa’s most iconic locations, including:
- A private school
- Petrie Island
- Cumberland
- The Glebe
The show brings a vivid portrayal of Ottawa, offering a cinematic glimpse into the city’s charm.
