The Hoosier capital has been the backdrop for everything from sports dramas to romance and racing thrillers. Films like Hoosiers, Going All the Way, and Winning all shot scenes in Indy, and you can still visit many of the landmarks that appeared on screen.
This guide highlights the top movies filmed in Indianapolis, the specific locations you can visit, and why Hollywood has chosen Indy as a filming destination.
Famous Movies Filmed in Indianapolis
Hoosiers (1986)
This basketball classic was filmed across Indiana, but the most famous scenes were shot in Indianapolis at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Butler University’s campus. The championship game sequence cemented the venue as one of the most iconic sports movie locations in the country.
Basketball movies to tip off the Butler Basketball season | The Butler Collegian
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, this romantic drama is famously set in Indianapolis. While the majority of the film was shot in Pittsburgh and Amsterdam, the movie faithfully features many places and themes from the city. Fans visit Indy today to see the real-life inspirations for the story, including the famous "Funky Bones" art installation at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which was a key visual reference for the filmmakers.
Going All the Way (1997)
Starring Ben Affleck and Rachel Weisz, this drama was filmed entirely in Indianapolis. Key filming locations included Fountain Square, the Red Key Tavern, Union Station, and neighborhood streets that remain recognizable to locals.
Winning (1969)
This racing drama starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward featured real Indy 500 footage from 1966 and 1968. Scenes filmed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway blend Hollywood storytelling with authentic racing history.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Although set in Chicago, parts of this action blockbuster used Indianapolis locations to stage battle scenes. Local backdrops were adapted for the film’s explosive sequences.
An American Crime (2007)
This unsettling drama tells the true story of Sylvia Likens, a tragic case that took place in Indianapolis. While difficult to watch, it remains one of the most infamous stories tied to the city.
Famous Indianapolis Filming Locations
Hinkle Fieldhouse – Championship game in Hoosiers
Fountain Square – Featured in The Fault in Our Stars and Going All the Way
Red Key Tavern – Local bar seen in Going All the Way
Union Station – Downtown landmark in Going All the Way
Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Real Indy 500 footage in Winning
These spots are still open to visit today, giving film fans the chance to see Indianapolis movie history firsthand.
Why Hollywood Chooses Indianapolis
While Indiana is not a top filming state, Indianapolis offers authenticity, affordability, and landmarks that work well for both local stories and big screen adaptations. From basketball and racing to romance and drama, Indy has been a versatile backdrop for filmmakers.
Want more film connections? Check out our Movies Filmed in Bloomington or explore our Hidden Gems in Indiana for places that feel movie-ready.
