As we stay home to help flatten the curve, don’t forget to look for Princeton U on the screen. The campus, as well as the town, is so iconic and full of history that directors around the world bring their film sets to the area. Plus, it’s quite beautiful so that doesn’t hurt either. Catching Princeton in some of our favorite films is a fun way to catch glimpses of the top destination while enjoying some of this downtime.

A Beautiful Mind

(2001)

Length: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Iconic Sights: Rockefeller College and Holder Hall at Princeton University

Where to Watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Hulu

A loosely based story of John Forbes Nash Jr (played by Russel Crowe), the award-winning mathematician, Nobel Laureate in Economics and Abel Prize winner. Early in his career he stood on the brink of international acclaim, but soon found himself falling down a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery. The movie won four academy awards and is well praised by critics.

A still from the movie a beautiful mind

Photo via MovieLoci.com

 

Runner Runner

(2013)

Length: 1 hour, 31 minutes

Iconic Sights: Nassau Street, Ivy Inn and Princeton University Book Store

Where to Watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Prime

A thriller based on Princeton graduate, Richie Furst (Justin Timberlake), who cracks an online poker game and comes face-to-face with an online-gambling tycoon who makes Richie his protégé. Immense wealth and power don’t bring happiness as Richie loses his entire tuition to online gaming, and ends up working with the FBI to bring down his new mentor. Based on a true event.

A photo from the filming of runner runner

Photo via trentonian.com

 

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

(2009)

Length: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Iconic Sights: Several areas around Princeton University, including a dormitory, courtyard and lecture hall. As well as Princeton University Chapel and Dillon Gymnasium

Where to Watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Prime, Hulu

Science fiction action film based on the Transformers toy line, and the sequel to the 2007 film Transformers. Two years after Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his Autobot friends saved Earth, he faces a new challenge: college. The Autobots are trying to make a home for themselves on Earth when an ancient Decepticon rises up to wreak vengeance.

a still from the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Photo via wpst.com

 

I.Q.

(1994)

Length: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Iconic Sights: Princeton University as well as around the town

Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon Prime, iTunes

American romantic comedy about Ed (Tim Robbins), a mechanic and Catherine (Meg Ryans), a Princeton doctoral candidate. The two fall in love thanks to the Catherine’s uncle, Albert Einstein. Believing that the key to Catherine’s heart is his IQ, Ed passes himself off as a physicist with the help of Einstein.

A still from the movie I.Q.

Photo via knox.villagesoup.com

 

Admission

(2013)

Length: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Iconic Sights: Princeton University campus

Where to Watch: YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Prime

A romantic comedy-drama about Princeton University admissions officer Portia (Tina Fey), who gets some news that catches her off guard: John (Paul Rudd), Portia’s former college classmate and high school principal, has surmised that his student is the son that Portia secretly gave up for adoption. She goes through a journey that puts her career at risk, but finds some romance along the way.

A still from the movie admission

Photo via craftdmoviecritiques.com

 

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Several other films were shot in Princeton so if you have a favorite, let us know in the comments! And for more top destinations at home, check out some of our top virtual tours around Mercer County here.