Top 10 most-Googled film locations include 2 Oregon spots, according to tech company data

There’s no shortage of surveys that purport to tell us bits of trivia about favorite foods, places, destinations, etc. The sources of these rankings vary wildly, with some seeming fairly legit, and others that sound on the iffy side.

Given that, it’s not surprising that yet another press release, this one a list of the what it says are the most-Googled film locations, has landed in our email inbox.

The source is EarthWeb, which the press release says “helps you discover the best research guides and resources for tech and online privacy. Their mission is to help you simplify processes and make informed buying decisions.”

The press release goes on to describe the methodology behind this Top 10 roundup: “The data was gathered with keyword analysis software on ahrefs.com using the keywords ‘film location.’”

Maybe you’re wondering just what ahrefs.com is. Us, too. The website says it’s a multinational startup headquartered in Singapore, that creates “online SEO tools and free educational materials for marketing professionals.”

So, what are these most-Googled film locations? And are there any Oregon ones in there?

To answer the second question first, yes, Oregon locations do show up, and in the Top 10, no less. High up in the No. 2 slot, for example, is “The Goonies” film location, in Astoria.

The 1985 movie, which filmed in and around Astoria, remains so popular, and such a tourist draw, that June 7 has been declared an Astoria holiday, known as “Goonies Day.”

This Goondocks.org website link has a list of activities associated with the holiday.

In the No. 8 spot is “The Shining” film location, with tips on where to find locations, including Timberline Lodge, on Mount Hood, which was used for exterior shots of the fictional, and very scary, Overlook Hotel.

What else made the Top 10? Here’s the list:

No. 1: “It’s a Wonderful Life” film location. Where to find the location? Seneca Falls, New York (the movie’s fictional Bedford Falls was apparently inspired by Seneca Falls). “It’s a Wonderful Life” was originally released in 1946, and has gone on to become a holiday viewing staple.

No. 2: “The Goonies” film location. Where to find the location? Astoria, Oregon.

Oregon film tourism trend brings visitors to communities where movies and TV shows filmed

No. 3: “Jurassic Park” film location. Where to find the location? Hawaii (Kauai and Oahu), Costa Rica. The first “Jurassic Park” movie opened in 1993.

No. 4: “The Equalizer 3” film location. Where to find the location? Amalfi Coast, Italy. Bonus points if you knew that there were three “The Equalizer” movies, and that the third one came out in 2023.

No. 5: “Saltburn” film location. Where to find the location? Oxfordshire, England, and other parts of the United Kingdom. “Saltburn” played in some theaters in late 2023, and streams on Amazon Prime Video.

No. 6: “Resident Alien” film location. Where to find the location? Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada. According to the press release, in the TV series, “Resident Alien,” Ladysmith doubles as the fictional town of Patience, Colorado.

No. 7: “Couples Retreat” film location. Where to find the location? Bora Bora, French Polynesia. “Couples Retreat” was released in 2009.

No. 8: “The Shining” film location. Where to find the location? Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon (exterior shots); The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado (which inspired Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining”). The movie was released in 1980.

Popular Oregon Film Trail stops include locations associated with ‘Grimm,’ ‘Twilight, and more

No. 9: “Pale Rider” film location. Where to find the location? Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho. “Pale Rider” was released in 1985.

No. 10: “Dirty Dancing” film location. Where to find the location? Lake Lure, North Carolina; Mountain Lake, Virginia. “Dirty Dancing” was released in 1987.

— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

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