The University of British Columbia was founded in 1908 and stands as the province’s oldest institution of higher learning.
The main Vancouver campus is home to multiple facilities and boasts both beach and mountain views. Its grounds and buildings are often cast in movies for aesthetic, architecture and campus-feel.
RELATED: 14 Movies You Didn’t Know Filmed at Simon Fraser University
Here are 18 movies that you didn’t know were filmed on the UBC campus.
The Adam Project (2022)
Ryan Reynolds stars in The Adam Project, a sci-fi adventure where he plays a time-traveling pilot who teams up with his younger self to confront his past and save the future.
In the scene where he goes back in time to find his father, who is a professor, a lecture hall is used. Along with the outside of the Chemistry Building, and some of the outside area.
Fifty Shades Freed (2018)
In Fifty Shades Freed, the production team transformed the Pharmaceutical Building into Northwest Hospital & Medical Center for filming the intense hospital scenes where Ana recovers after her kidnapping and shooting by Jack Hyde, staying true to the events in the book.
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Psychological and supernatural/sci-fi thriller The Butterfly Effect starring Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart used various buildings and spaces around UBC.
The Geography building was used as a classroom; the Martha Piper Plaza was used as a University path, a former building was used as the University Quad, the exterior of Chemistry Building, D-Block was used for a sorority; the Walter C. Koerner Library was used as the University Plaza and the Rose Garden was used for Kayleigh’s wedding.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
The dramatic horror thriller The Exorcism of Emily Rose used three buildings at UBC: Buchanan Tower, the H.R MacMillan Building and the Douglas Kenny Building.
Fantastic Four (2005)
The first Fantastic Four movie starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon and Kerry Washington used the Leon and Thea Koerner University Centre at UBC as the recovery centre after the space station incident.
She’s the Man (2006)
Mixed comedy, romance and sports movie She’s the Man starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum used the UBC Thunderbird Stadium as Illyria Stadium for the prep school.
Good Luck Chuck (2007)
The rom-com Good Luck Chuck starring Dane Cook and Jessica Alba used the Cecil Green Park House and grounds at UBC for the wedding scenes.
88 Minutes (2007)
The serial killer mystery 88 Minutes starring Al Pacino filmed in Vancouver and Seattle. It used multiple buildings at UBC including: the Martha Piper Plaza as the University of Northwest Washington, the Health Sciences Parkade as University Parking, the Walter C. Koerner Library as the exterior Health Sciences Centre, the Life Sciences Centre as the interior Health Sciences Centre, and the Buchanan Building as the University Quad.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
The Day The Earth Stood Still starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly also used the Leon and Thea Koerner University Centre as a command centre.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine starring Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber used the Buchanan Tower at UBC as the African Fortress.
The Company You Keep (2012)
The dramatic thriller The Company You Keep starring Robert Redford, Brit Marling, Stanley Tucci, Shia LaBeouf, Susan Sarandon, Nick Nolte, Chris Cooper, Anna Kendrick and Julie Christie used multiple spots around UBC.
It used the Chemistry Building, D-Block as both the University of Michigan Law School and the University of Chicago. It also used the Student Union Building for a cafeteria scene and the Martha Piper Plaza as a road to the University of Michigan.
Tomorrowland (2015)
The action-adventure-fantasy and family movie Tomorrowland starring George Clooney used the Main Mall, between Crescent and Memorial, at UBC as the 1964 World’s Fair.
Movies Featuring The Chan Centre for Performing Arts
Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
The comedy-musical Josie and the Pussycats starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson and Tara Reid used it as the MegaRecords Command Centre and for party scenes.
Catwoman (2004)
The standalone Catwoman feature from DC Comics starring Halle Berry used it as a club called Scene 83.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
The sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer also used it for a dance party scene.
If I Stay (2014)
The teen drama If I Stay starring Chloe Grace Moretz used it as a performance hall.
Movies Featuring The Museum of Anthropology
The 6th Day (2000)
The building was used as a hospital in The 6th Day starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It was also featured in:
- Intersection (1994) starring Richard Gere & Sharon Stone
- Masterminds (1997) starring Patrick Stewart
- Passengers (2008) starring Anne Hathaway.
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