Milwaukee may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of movie settings, but a surprising number of hit movies and cult classics have been set or made in Milwaukee. Filmmakers usually have a good reason when they choose this city as a backdrop. From the city’s blue-collar authenticity to its historic architecture, sports culture, and famed musical heritage, Milwaukee is an ideal backdrop for storytelling.
Join us as we select a few cinematic gems linked to Milwaukee and look at one of the city’s most internationally well-known exports, Happy Days. And if you will be in MKE, do consider joining us for a Milwaukee City Tour — there’s no better way to see the city through the eyes of a local!
The Blues Brothers (1980)
With its car chases and soul-stirring, one-of-a-kind soundtrack, The Blues Brothers serves as a heartfelt tribute to Midwestern music culture and Milwaukee plays a significant role. Although the film is mainly set in Chicago, it makes use of several Milwaukee landmarks. The most iconic example? The climactic concert scene was filmed at the now-demolished Milwaukee Arena.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Wisconsin’s connections. The legendary blues musician Cab Calloway, who portrays Curtis in the film, was a familiar face in Milwaukee’s vibrant jazz scene during the mid-20th century. Additionally, Milwaukee has been home to several renowned musicians, including Les Paul and Steve Miller. When The Blues Brothers hit theaters, locals took pride in embracing it as part of their musical heritage — a lively celebration of the region’s matchless sound and effortless cool.
The Straight Story (1999)
David Lynch is not typically known for creating heartwarming films, but The Straight Story is a notable exception. Based on the true story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who drove a lawnmower from Iowa to Wisconsin, the film culminates in Milwaukee, where Alvin reconciles with his brother.
Unlike Lynch’s usual darkly surreal landscapes, this film embraces the beauty of the Midwest, using real locations to enhance its authenticity. Richard Farnsworth’s Oscar-nominated performance makes this a must-see film.
Wayne’s World (1992)
Wayne’s World is officially set in Aurora, Illinois, but one of its most iconic scenes takes place in Milwaukee. When Wayne and Garth make their way to a concert, they unexpectedly find themselves backstage with none other than Alice Cooper. Instead of a quick meet-and-greet, they receive an impromptu history lesson about the name of Milwaukee, which Cooper reveals comes from the Algonquian word meaning “the good land.” This moment is a perfect mix of absurdity and humor, and Cooper’s deadpan delivery is simply perfect.
Mr. 3000 (2004)
No movie captures Milwaukee’s obsession with baseball like Mr. 3000. Starring Bernie Mac as a cocky former player who is forced out of retirement, the film showcases American Family Field (formerly known as Miller Park) in all its glory. Unlike many sports movies that use generic stadiums, this one fully embraces its setting, featuring the iconic slide of Bernie Brewer. The plot is inspired by real-life stat corrections in baseball history, where players’ records were unexpectedly altered after retirement.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Although Bridesmaids includes detours to Las Vegas and Chicago, Milwaukee plays a central role in the life of Kristen Wiig’s character, Annie. Her failed bakery, Cake Baby, is inspired by real bakeries in Milwaukee, such as Simma’s. The film features an awkward romance that unfolds at a charming local diner, and several Milwaukee streets are visible in key scenes. The airport meltdown scene? It was filmed at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport.
Public Enemies (2009)
Milwaukee’s past is steeped in crime lore, making it a fitting backdrop for Public Enemies, the John Dillinger biopic starring Johnny Depp. While much of the film covers Dillinger’s bank-robbing spree across the Midwest, Milwaukee plays a crucial role in his downfall. The Milwaukee County Historical Society, with its grand Beaux-Arts architecture, stands in for a 1930s bank, adding authenticity to the film’s period setting.
Dillinger himself had real ties to Milwaukee. In 1933, he was arrested outside a Milwaukee boarding house while visiting his girlfriend, Evelyn Frechette. Though he later escaped from an Indiana jail, this moment marked the beginning of the end for the infamous outlaw. Depp reportedly spent time studying Milwaukee’s history before filming, adding to the film’s attention to detail. If you like true crime stories, you’ll surely enjoy our Milwaukee Haunted History Tour, a spooky investigation of the city’s dark side.
Special Mention: Happy Days and Milwaukee’s Pop Culture Legacy
No discussion of Milwaukee in pop culture is complete without Happy Days. Though it aired from 1974 to 1984, the sitcom transported viewers back to a fictionalized 1950s Milwaukee, following the life of Richie Cunningham and his friends. While filmed on Hollywood sets, the show featured Milwaukee references throughout, from the Cunningham family’s address (North Grant Boulevard) to Arnold’s Drive-In, loosely inspired by real Milwaukee diners.
And then there’s the Fonz. Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, played by Henry Winkler, became one of TV’s most iconic characters, turning his leather jacket and effortless cool into a cultural phenomenon. Milwaukee has fully embraced its connection to Happy Days, even erecting the Bronze Fonz statue along the RiverWalk in 2008. (You can see the statue on our Iconic Milwaukee Tour.)
Despite its nostalgic view of the 1950s, Happy Days shaped how generations perceived Milwaukee — a city of friendly neighborhoods, jukebox diners, and motorcycle-riding rebels with hearts of gold. Even now, for many, Milwaukee will always be where the Fonz rules supreme.
Ready to come and see MKE for yourself? There’s no better introduction to the city than our Iconic Milwaukee Tour. But we offer a lot more than sightseeing tours. Check out our full selection of Guided Tours and Experiences in Milwaukee.