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

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 

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

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.”

‘The Dark Knight’ – Hong Kong

2008 | 2 hr 32 min | 94% on Rotten Tomatoes 

Mainly set in the fictional city of Gotham, “The Dark Knight” does have some real-world locations. In fact, it was briefly set in Hong Kong. This specific scene happens when the character Lau is captured from a Hong Kong high-rise by Batman. The actual building where this was filmed is 2 IFC in the Central District of Hong Kong Island, near several Blueground apartments that overlook Victoria Harbour. 

If that wasn’t enough to get you prepped for a move to Hong Kong, we have one more way. Sing it with us now: Na na na na na na na na…Batman! 

‘Jane The Virgin’ – Miami

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

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 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

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. 

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ – Singapore 

2018 | 2 hr 1 min | 91% on Rotten Tomatoes

Starting a new adventure in Singapore? Fire up the smart TV in your Blueground apartment and get to know your hometown on the small screen. “Crazy Rich Asians” is a Hollywood romantic-comedy set almost entirely in Singapore. 

As the story unfolds, you’ll see famous sites like the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Raffles Hotel, Sentosa Island, and Singapore’s Chinatown neighborhood. It stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Awkwafina and is based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan. 

‘Vertigo’ – San Francisco

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

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

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!