Timeline showing iconic films set in Chicago. Created by the authors. Image Courtesy of Kathryn H. Anthony, Fernando Nebot Gómez, and Yashasvini Rao
Chicago is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Its sparkling lakefront, dramatic skyline, diverse ethnic neighborhoods, and gritty industrial sites have long captured the attention of locals and visitors alike, including Hollywood movie producers. Here the city often serves as not only a backdrop, but also as a starring role–almost as important as the characters themselves.