• Movies filmed in Malibu have highlighted the breadth of landscapes throughout the destination, making it an ideal location for filmmakers of all stripes.
  • Films and television shows from the 1940s all the way to Stranger Things have taken advantage of the beauty of Malibu as a backdrop to their stories.
  • Looking for some of the views you’ve seen on the big screen? We’ll tell you about some of the favorite Malibu movie locations.

The diversity of Malibu’s environments makes it a stunning locale for a vacation – in one geographically-contained trip, you can hike the Santa Monica Mountains, surf some of the best waves in the country, and relax on pristine beaches.

Such a range of “looks” isn’t just a boon for visitors, however. It’s also been the siren’s call that has brought Hollywood to the coast and led to a seemingly endless list of movies filmed in Malibu.

The entertainment industry has been woven into Malibu’s DNA since the Malibu Colony’s heyday in the 1940s. Then, as now, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars came to the coast for beachside escapes and private vacation homes, ideal settings to stay, play, and unwind. Before long, those leisurely retreats often became backdrops for work as well: by 1946, the film industry’s presence had become more permanent. That year, 20th Century Fox purchased what is now Malibu Creek State Park, where it filmed scores of productions over the next three decades.  

Got a favorite movie that was shot here? Find the Malibu filming location and visit for a fun photo opportunity. Here are some of our favorites:

A wooded sign post in Malibu Creek State Park
Image courtesy of Malibu Creek State Park

M.A.S.H.: Before the long-running, acclaimed television show, there was the 1970 film version of a medical unit during the Korean War with Donald Sutherland and Elliott Gould. Home base for that unit was, in real life, Malibu Creek State Park. Malibu Country Club’s golf course made appearances when the doctor’s needed a little extra stress relief, as well.

Stranger Things: While the California scenes in the fourth season of the Netflix favorite were actually shot in Albuquerque, the surfing and beach scenes in season three were all filmed along the Malibu coastline.

The Notebook: While much of the film was shot in Charleston, South Carolina, its most memorable romantic moment unfolds at El Matador State Beach, just 12 miles west of Malibu Beach Inn. The dramatic cliffs and secluded shoreline provided the cinematic backdrop the filmmakers were looking for. Today, visitors still make the pilgrimage to recreate the scene, often reciting the film’s unforgettable line: “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.”

Planet of the Apes: The original 1968 classic is best remembered for its unforgettable final scene, where Charlton Heston’s character discovers the Statue of Liberty partially buried in the sand, realizing he’s been on Earth all along and that humanity’s fate is sealed. That iconic cinematic reveal was filmed at Westward Beach, part of Point Dume. Beyond its famous ending, much of the rest of the film was also shot in Malibu Creek State Park. 

The Big Lebowski: Point Dume is a favorite location for film shoots, which isn’t a surprise: the scenic views of the Pacific, the excellent surfing-style waves and the expanse of golden sand scream coastal vibes in the most relaxed manner. When The Dude makes his way to a bonfire party along the coast in this 1998 cult favorite, he’s at Jackie Treehorn’s mansion, but Jeff Bridges himself is along those stunning Point Dume shores.

The Karate Kid: No, the crane kick is not a Malibu-based invention, but when Daniel learned the move from Mr. Miyagi, they were on Leo Carrillo State Beach, about 15 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway from the front doors of the Inn. If you’re going to go replicate the kick during a stay here, make sure to stretch first.

Grease: How do you start a film about high schoolers in the California sunshine? On a beach, of course. And Leo Carrillo State Beach was the perfect establishing shot to set the mood for this musical favorite. (Carrillo has been a favorite filming location for Hollywood over the years, to the point where some have taken to calling it “Movie Beach.”)

Two images, one of a seagull on a beach, and El Matador Beach, used for movies filmed in Malibu like The Notebook

Hollywood may be miles to the east, and movie studio lots may be scattered across Los Angeles, but Malibu has long been one of the industry’s favorite backdrops. From sweeping beaches and rugged canyons to cliffside estates, the landscapes of movies filmed in Malibu have helped bring countless stories to life. Staying at Malibu Beach Inn places you at the heart of that cinematic legacy, with many of these iconic filming locations just minutes away. Whether you’re revisiting your favorite movie moments or discovering them for the first time, Malibu invites you to step into the scene.

Written by: Robert Spuhler

Edited by: Brenna Darling de Cruz

Featured Image via Envato