These are the best movies and shows filmed or set in New Jersey

In recent years, New Jersey has become a popular choice for filmmakers seeking diverse locations and a unique atmosphere. The state's urban and suburban landscapes, picturesque shorelines, and historical sites offer a versatile canvas for storytellers.

Lets take a deep dive into films and shows people had no idea took place in New Jersey.

The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this iconic crime film showcases scenes filmed in and around Paterson. The state's urban landscapes provided a gritty authenticity to the portrayal of the Corleone family's world.

Joker (2019)

Joaquin Phoenix's mesmerizing performance as the Joker was set against the backdrop of Gotham City, a fictional representation of various real-world locations, including Newark and Jersey City. The sequel, due out in 2024, also filmed in Belleville.

Friday the 13th (1980)

The iconic horror franchise with Jason Voorhees is another Jersey staple. The Blairstown Diner was featured in multiple scenes and celebrated its heritage with a spooky day for Oct. 13, 2023.

The Irishman (2019)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this epic crime film features scenes shot in Paterson and other New Jersey locations. The state's industrial history and urban landscapes served as a fitting backdrop for the film's narrative.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

While set all over the world (and universe) a pivotal scene of "Avengers: Endgame" takes place in New Jersey. When Tony Stark and Captain America travel back in time they visits a military base in NJ to retrieve the Tesseract. Speaking of the MCU...

Ms. Marvel (2022)

Kamala Khan had a special place in Jersey City. We documented the scenes shot in Jersey City you can visit, and spoke to local students about the show.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christopher Nolan's epic conclusion to the Dark Knight trilogy included scenes shot in Newark, transforming the city into Gotham for key sequences in the film.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

This Academy Award-winning film, starring Russell Crowe, filmed several scenes on the Princeton University campus, capturing the essence of the renowned institution and its surroundings.

The Sopranos (1999–2007)

A groundbreaking television series that became a cultural phenomenon, "The Sopranos" extensively used New Jersey locations, portraying the state as a character integral to the narrative. Iconic spots like Holsten's in Bloomfield and Satin Dolls in Lodi (used as the Bada Bing strip club) became synonymous with the show's identity.

Mean Girls (2004)

While not primarily set in New Jersey, this teen comedy features a memorable scene shot at Montclair High School. The film's witty humor and social commentary resonate with audiences to this day.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

While the dystopian world of the Hunger Games is fictional, the film's arena scenes were shot in Oakland and Ringwood, providing a captivating and lush backdrop for the intense competition.

Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)

This critically acclaimed HBO series, set during Prohibition, extensively used Atlantic City's iconic Boardwalk and other New Jersey locations. The series provides a compelling portrayal of the political and criminal landscape of the time.

House (2004–2012)

While primarily set in Princeton, this medical drama starring Hugh Laurie was filmed in various locations in and around Los Angeles. However, the show's connection to New Jersey adds a unique flavor to the storyline.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Best movies and TV shows with a New Jersey connection