Michael Jackson's Thriller (1983) – Filming Locations
Horror / Music / Thriller · Directed by John Landis · Starring Michael Jackson, Ola Ray
A night at the movies turns terrifying when Michael and his date are attacked by zombies. Released at the height of Thriller’s success, the short film redefined the music video, broke racial barriers, and became the first inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry.
Where was Michael Jackson's Thriller filmed?
- Los Angeles, United States — East Los Angeles, Los Angeles – Opening scenes with Michael Jackson and girlfriend driving through neighborhood. The iconic opening sequences were filmed on actual residential streets in East Los Angeles, establishing the suburban setting for the narrative.
- Los Angeles, United States — Pasadena, Pasadena – Car breakdown and zombie chase scenes through suburban streets. Pasadena's residential areas provided the setting for the famous chase and zombie sequences filmed on actual neighborhood streets and sidewalks.
- Los Angeles, United States — Downtown, Los Angeles – Graveyard and zombie choreography sequences. Downtown Los Angeles locations were used for the graveyard scenes and the main zombie dance choreography that became iconic in music video history.