universal warner bros tour

Universal Studios vs Warner Bros (Hollywood, LA): Which Film Studio to Visit & Why

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without visiting some of its famous film studios. But which one to choose – Universal Studios Hollywood or Warner Bros Studio Tour?

We recently visited both of LA’s most famous film studios – Warner Bros and Universal Studios Hollywood. In this guide, we compare the two giving you a good overview of the main things you can see and do at each place and what the main differences are.

That way, you know what to expect and can choose the one that looks the most interesting to you, or the one that best fits your LA itinerary.

Spoiler alert: Visiting Universal Studios or Warner Bros are two totally different experiences. So if you have time, we highly recommend you do both. You can even get a combination ticket for both studios .

But if you have to pick just one, there are quite a few things you may want to know before deciding which one to visit. There are big differences in price, but also in what you get to see, how much time you need, etc. Find out!

Tickets & Prices

Let’s start with one of the biggest deciding factors on which place to visit – the ticket prices of the Warner Bros Studio Tour vs Universal Studios in LA.

Good to know: Visiting Warner Bros Studios is significantly cheaper (further below, you will learn why there is such as big difference in price).

At the moment of the last update, a regular ticket for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood costs $70. Whereas the prices of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets vary per day and per season. Even on the cheapest dates, a regular adult ticket here costs about twice the price compared to Warner Bros.

Also, at Universal Studios, you can upgrade to an ‘Express’ ticket or even opt for a VIP experience , which is obviously, a lot more expensive.

Parking: Parking at Warner Bros Studios costs $15 and it’s located just at the entrance. Parking at Universal Studios costs $30-60 per day depending on how close to the entrance you park. In most cases, you’ll have to walk about 5-10 minutes to the entrance.

For families: Warner Bros has small discounts for children between 5 and 10 years old (children under the age of 5 are not allowed on their studio tours!). At Universal Studios, infants can visit for free, and kids between 3 and 9 get a small discount. In both cases, discounts for children are just a few dollars.

TIP: Both – Warner Bros and Universal Studios Hollywood – are among the most popular things to do in Los Angeles. To save time and money, book your tickets in advance! That way, you just walk straight to the entrance and can skip the lines at the ticket desk (or have to wait for hours for the next available tour). Also, if you can, visit Universal Studios on a weekday and ideally outside of the school holidays.

Good to know: You can book tickets for both studios on various websites and the prices are normally the same everywhere. We booked all our tickets via GetYourGuide and recommend them for several reasons. First, the booking process is simple and takes just a few clicks. Second, you pay the price that you see, so there are no extra sales taxes or other costs added at check out. And finally, they normally offer free cancelation up to 24 hours before your visit, so it’s very simple to cancel or amend your visit times if you have to.

What to Expect & How Much Time Do You Need

Both – Universal Studios Hollywood and Warner Brothers Studios in Los Angeles – are working film studios. In both cases, you can see some film sets and the actual studios where movies are being made. However, that’s also pretty much where the similarity ends.

Universal Studios Hollywood is first and foremost a theme park where a studio tour is just one of the many activities on offer. Whereas Warner Bros Studios are exclusively movie studios, so everything you see and do here is focused around their film sets.

Further below, you can read more about each place and what exactly you can see and do there. But first, some practical information about how much time you need at each place.

Universal Studios Hollywood ticket is valid for the whole day, and indeed, you can easily spend an entire day here. The studio tour itself takes just 1 hour. The rest of the time is spent on various rollercoaster rides and some shows.

Unless you upgrade to an ‘Express’ ticket or opt for a VIP experience , a visit here includes lots of queuing (just like any other theme park, really).

Whereas Warner Bros Studio Tour takes only around 3 hours , and the tickets can be booked for various time slots throughout the day. You start with a guided tour of the studios which takes about 1 hour. You then spend about 1 hour at some of their most famous film/sitcom sets and the rest of the time exploring costumes and vehicles from famous movies, plus various Harry Potter-themed experiences.

If you rush through everything, you could probably visit in about 2 hours. And if you take it easy, you can spend a bit more time. All in all, you should plan 2.5 to 3.5 hours for a visit to Warner Bros Studios.

While both studios are very popular, it feels significantly busier at Universal Studios than at Warner Bros. This has several reasons.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a huge theme park, so there are simply many more people who can visit the park at any given time. Also, most people spend the entire day here and try to do as many of the most popular attractions as possible.

Wait times at the most popular rides during the peak hours of the day can often exceed 1 hour. If you want to avoid this, try to visit on weekdays in the low season, or upgrade your tickets that allow skipping the lines (you can see the prices for both – regular and express tickets when you choose your travel dates).

Whereas at Warner Bros Studios , the visits are timed, and they all start with an introductory film and a 1-hour guided tour of the film studios. This part is where you go with a guide and the number of seats in a vehicle is limited. When you book your ticket , you choose a specific time slot, so there is hardly any wait involved.

Once the guided tour is finished, you do the rest at your own pace. You may have to wait a few minutes to take pictures of yourself sitting on the ‘Friends’ couch or similar, but it’s not comparable to the wait times at Universal Studios.

Our experience: We visited both – Warner Bros Studios and Universal Studios Hollywood during the peak holiday season right after New Year. While it was crazy busy at Universal Studios, it was rather quiet at Warner Bros Studios. The longest wait at Warner Bros was to order lunch at their cafe, and it was literally less than 5 minutes.

Whereas at Universal Studios, we were glad to find an attraction or a restaurant where we ‘only’ had to queue for half an hour. Many popular rides had waiting times of 40-60 minutes, and some even required to make timed reservations for the queue via their app.

Shopping & Dining

Both studios have a few dining options and both have gift shops where you can find all kinds of movie-themed souvenirs.

Universal Studios are much bigger, so you will find countless restaurants, cafes, and food stands. They also have souvenir shops at each attraction and pretty much all around you.

Warner Bros. has a cafe at the entrance and also a small restaurant at the studio where you stop for a self-guided tour of ‘Friends’ and other film sets.

Good to know: Souvenir and food prices at Warner Bros Studios are significantly lower than at Universal Studios. Just to give you an idea. Our kids wanted to buy Harry Potter wands. They were about 30-40% cheaper at Warner Bros than at Universal Studios (and yet quite a lot cheaper on Amazon – often a small fraction of the price we paid at the studios).

What to See & Do at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood  is a theme park/film studio. As a visitor, you spend most of your time at the theme park which seems to get bigger and bigger every year.

In the past, the whole experience was much more focused on film studios and shows, whereas now there are more and more rides and attractions. Just recently, they discontinued a few of their film-themed shows and are planning to build yet another rollercoaster on that location…

Still, the main reason to visit Universal Studios Hollywood is their world-famous  studio tour . It’s something unique to Hollywood and is not available in any other Universal Studios theme parks in the U.S.

This studio tour takes about 1 hour and brings you to the actual film studios. On a standard studio tour, you remain seated inside an open-air bus and drive through various film sets and even studios, but you don’t step out of the vehicle at all.

On this tour, you pass several iconic movie sets from War of the Worlds, Jaws, or Psycho (Bates Motel). In addition, you ‘take part’ in some exhilarating high-speed chases, 3D experiences, etc.

You can find more information about this online, but I recommend that you just go and experience it for yourself. It’s much better and more surprising that way.

Good to know: If you want to explore the studios deeper, you can only do it with a VIP ticket . Among many other perks, it includes a visit to the Universal Backlot which is not open to the general public.

Further, be sure to also see the  WaterWorld show. The movie was a total flop, but the show is really good. It’s been the most popular show at Universal Studios Hollywood for decades. Oh, and prepare to get very wet (even in a so-called no-splash zone).

Other attractions that are probably worth your time the most include The Simpsons Ride and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The best ride here is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey , but also the Flight of the Hippogriff can be fun if you like rollercoasters.

Some of the ‘wildest’ rides are located on the lower lot of the studios. We highly recommend Transformers: The Ride-3D experience, the Jurassic World Ride , and the Revenge of the Mummy Ride . And the most recent addition – Super Nintendo World – is fun too.

With younger kids, concentrate on the upper loft and don’t miss The Secret Life of Pets , Despicable Me Minion Mayhem , and Super Silly Fun Land .

TIP: Check if there are any shows or extra activities on the day when you visit. When we were there, they had a wonderful light show at Hogwarts Castle.

READ ALSO: Tips for Your First Visit to Univeral Studios Hollywood

What to See & Do at Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood

Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood are the actual studios where movies are being made. While at Universal Studios, you mostly drive through the old film sets that are not used anymore, here, you drive through a working studio and might even spot a famous actor.

Plus, you also get out of the vehicle and walk around some movie sets and might even be able to visit an actual studio (an empty one).

They have several tour options available. The Studio Tour is the most popular option that most people do. This is also what we did and what is described below. If you are more interested in the Hollywood classics from the 1900-1970s, you may want to opt for their ‘Golden Age of Hollywood’ tour instead.

As said, the Warner Brothers studio tour is the most popular option and the one we did. So in this article, we focus on that.

This tour is divided into three parts, out of which only the first one is guided. After a short introduction, a guide will take you to the  film studios . This takes about 1 hour.

Our tour involved a short walk through a ‘New York City street’ where we could also enter one of the buildings. We then also visited one of the stages inside. Usually, tours also stop at the famous Friends couch at the fountain in a tiny patch of greenery that serves as NYC’s Central Park… Ours didn’t because of the torrential downpour at that moment (yes, it does rain in LA (like once a year :)).

The second part of the tour is self-guided. You visit the studios with the reconstructions of the  original film sets  from ‘Friends’, ‘The Big Bang Theory’, and others. You can also see costumes from movies, design your own Batmobile, or fly on the Harry Potter broomstick.

This studio is now purely used for tourists and you can take as many pictures as you like. They also have a professional photographer to take pictures of your group (and you can purchase them if you like).

There is also a ‘Friends’-themed gift shop and Central Perk café where you can get some small snacks or have lunch. You can even have your coffee or lunch inside Monica’s kitchen or on the Friends’ couch if you like.

This part of the tour can take as long or as short as you like, but you should probably count about an hour for a relaxed visit. We spent 1.5 hours here including lunch.

The last part of the tour is also self-guided and you’ll probably need about half an hour here. It’s a bit like a museum where you can see various costumes and vehicles from Warner Bros. Studios’ blockbuster movies.

They also have a big section dedicated to Harry Potter films. You can see his tiny bedroom under the stairs, make a magic potion, or sit under the Sorting Hat. You’ll also find attributes from the Fantastic Beasts movies, and so much more.

Just before you leave, you also get to hold a real Oscar statuette and take a picture with it if you like.

At the exit, you’ll find a big gift store where you can buy all kinds of WB movie-themed souvenirs. There is a Starbucks café here as well.

Which Hollywood Studios are Better Suited for Families

Quite frankly, younger kids will not be able to appreciate (or have the patience) for the Warner Brothers Studio tour. In addition, as already mentioned before, children under the age of 5 are not even allowed at Warner Bros.

Universal Studios Hollywood is definitely a better option for families with younger children since there is so much to do for all ages. That being said, there are quite a few rides where small kids are not allowed. Some rides offer a ‘child switch’ room where one adult can wait with the kids until the other one rides and then switch around without having to wait in line again.

We visited Warner Bros and Universal Studios with our teenagers and they really enjoyed both experiences. At Warner Bros Studios, it sure helped that they all had seen Friends and The Big Bang Theory, and – of course – Harry Potter, Batman, etc. Universal Studios theme park is also a paradise for teens since there are so many cool rides for that age group.

Conclusion: Warner Bros. Studios OR Universal Studios Hollywood

So now that you know what to expect, you probably already realize that both places are very different and each is worth a visit for different reasons.

If you are still doubting which film studios to visit in Los Angeles – Universal Studios or Warner Bros – here are a few things to consider:

If you are short on time and can only visit one of the two studios, opt for Warner Bros Studio Tour. It’s cheaper, it only takes a couple of hours, and you get to see real working film studios and film sets. If you want to get behind the scenes and get a better idea of how movies are made, this tour is also a much better option than Universal Studios.

However, if visiting actual film studios is not the main focus and you are just looking for a fun day, then Universal Studios Hollywood is a better option. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you can stay inside the park from early morning to late evening and get to experience not just their iconic studio tour, but also many amazing rides and attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood is also a better choice for families with young children.

Our recommendation: Visit both! As you can see, both – Warner Bros Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood offer completely different experiences. Even the actual studio tours are very different. So if you have the time, try to visit them both. See below for more details on how you could plan your itinerary if you only have a day.

How to Visit Universal Studios & Warner Bros Studios in 1 Day

Ideally, you visit the two film studios on two different days and make the most out of the expensive Universal Studio tickets. But if you only have a day and don’t mind the budget, it is also possible to visit both – Warner Bros and Universal Studios – in one day.

In that case, get this combination ticket for both studios , and start with Warner Bros as early in the morning as you can. Then spend the rest of the day at Universal Studios. At Universal, do the studio tour first (that’s one thing you really shouldn’t miss), and then choose a few other shows or rides depending on your interests and the time that you have.

The reason to start at Warner Bros is that they have shorter opening hours and work with timed entry slots. Whereas at Universal Studios, your ticket is valid for the whole day and you can stay until late in the evening. Their opening hours vary per season and day of the week, etc, but in any case, Universal Studios stay open much later than Warner Bros Studios.

Good to know: As you can see on the map below, the two studios are located just 3 miles – less than 10 minutes driving distance – from each other.

TIP: If you stay at one of the hotels near Universal Studios , you could just take a taxi/Uber to Warner Bros and back. This would save you parking fees at both places. In the evening, you can simply walk to your hotel.

READ ALSO: Los Angeles in 3 Days: Best Places to See & Itinerary

So, this is our guide for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood and Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and hopefully, inspires you to visit both places. After all, the film industry is what made LA world famous, so no visit to the city would be complete without checking out at least one of the biggest film studios.

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the studios in advance and enjoy your visit!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: San Diego Itinerary

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This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sunday 12th of February 2023

I want to go to the studios where I can meet Jessica Alba. 😀😀

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Ha ha, good luck, Michael!

Tuesday 7th of February 2023

This is my first time in LA and I was not sure how these studios compare. I think I have a much better idea now. We are not interested in rollercoasters and similar so we decided to just visit Warner bros. Thanks!

Wednesday 8th of February 2023

Glad to help, Erik. Have a great time in LA!

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?

Posted on Published: June 29, 2019  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

Categories North America , California , Travel

There are four major Hollywood studio tours that you can go on in and around Los Angeles : Warners Bros., Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studio Tours.

It’s really not necessary to do all of them , especially on the same trip. There’s quite a bit of overlap between each studio tour, and the ticket prices can really add up.

Throughout my visits to California, I’ve managed to visit all 4 Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles (and some more than once!).

Here’s my in-depth reviews of all the major Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. This is what to expect from each one so you can decide which is the best studio tour in los Angeles for you!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Why Should You Go On A Hollywood Studio Tour?

Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles are a great way to gain an “ all-access” pass to the biggest backstage lots in California .

They give you a chance to go behind the scenes on some of your favourite movies and TV shows.

You’ll get to see the sets and props, and learn about the magic of making movies. And, if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to either see a live film set or a celebrity at work . 

Let’s just say, visit a movie set is a quintessential Los Angeles activity … p.s. see my L.A. guide here .

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You ?

The best Hollywood studio tour for you will depend on three main factors :

• Your favourite films and TV shows

The studio tours vary in budget and tour length. The price ranges between $55 to $110 / ticket . And the tour can last anywhere between one to three hours .

But your favourite movies and TV shows are the most important factor when deciding which studio tour in Los Angeles to go to. If you haven’t watched anything the studio has produced, you’ll be less interested in what you’re seeing and learning about.

Best Studio Tours In LA: Overview

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Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Universal Studios is a bit of a unique studio tour in Los Angeles. The studio tour can only be accessed if you buy a ticket to the entire theme park .

This also puts the studio tour at a much higher price point compared to the others around Los Angles. But, on the other hand, it is an ENTIRE day of activities instead of a few hours.

The tour itself is only 60 minutes but there are no shortage of other rides and shows to see once you’re in the park.

Quick Information & Links

Total Time : 1 hour (not including wait time in line) Admission : $109 -$119* (includes access to the entire park, price varies depending on the season) Book Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood . Parking : Starts at $32* (General Parking)

*Updated January 2024

Movies Referred To/ Filmed Here:

You should check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Jurassic Park
• Fast and the Furious
• Jordan Peele’s horror epic, NOPE

Pros Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

You are on the LARGEST film and TV studio in Hollywood and the world! You get to drive by some of the most iconic sets in all movie history.

You drive-by the sound stages, new and old sets.

But this is still a ride in a theme park so they’ve added some more ride-like adventure elements to make things more exciting, unlike any other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles.

At times you feel like you’re in the movie rather than just seeing where one was filmed!

And it’s not all for show either, they do still use these sets to film. In fact, this was the only Hollywood studio tour where I caught a live taping , so it’s still possible to see!

One thing’s certain though, you won’t be bored for a second on this tour even if you don’t happen to see an active film set during your tour. 

P.S. Make the most of your time at Universal Studios and book an Express Line ticket through Viator here . It gives you one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction at the park !

Cons Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

It’s the least personal studio tour in Los Angeles. You’re on a tram the entire time for 60 minutes straight, with about 30 other people!

As I said, this tour is sometimes more of a ride than a studio tour (so it’s both a pro and a con!).

At times, the tour felt very streamlined , because most of it is. You still have a guide, but he’s following a script on a set path so it’s the same tour every time (unlike the others which have a bit more variance based on your guide).

The tram is on a set course and there are timed animatronics and effects throughout the tour.

Value For Money – Movie Location Los Angeles

I will admit, you get pretty good value for your money with your tickets to Universal studios. But that’s only if you wanted to visit the theme park.

If you were already planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, then the studio tour is a must-do ride! 

But if you don’t like theme parks, and your only interest is the Hollywood studio tour, I wouldn’t recommend paying for the entire theme park just for the tour.

You might also be interested in reading…

• How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation

Logistics: What To Know Before You Go

A tram leaves about every 30 minutes for the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour so the line builds up pretty quickly. I’d prioritize this as one of your first rides of the day.

As I said, don’t expect reality with this one, they do show you real sets but it’s also still a ride. So you’ll get a lot of gimmicky routines created specifically for this tour. 

Also, some advance warning, you might get wet at certain points during the ride. If you’d prefer to not get wet, try to sit in the middle of the row.

Book Universal Studio Tours Tickets In Advance Through Viator

Book General Admission tickets →

Book Skip the Line Express Tickets →

Book the VIP Experience on Viator (giving your exclusive access to off-limits areas of the park) →

For more Los Angeles organized tours from Viator, click here .

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio is actually in Burbank California , but it’s close enough to Los Angeles.

Warner Bros. studio tour takes you on a tram around different parts of the studio, with only around 12 guests at a time on the tour.

So unlike Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, it’s a lot more personal and you’re only on the tram to get from place to place (because their lot is HUGE!).

You drive by sound stages and countless outdoor sets. But you’ll get off and walk around a bit, even walking in some sets if you’re lucky. So you should be prepared for some walking on this studio tour in Los Angeles!

Total Time : ~3 hours (1 hour guided, 2 hours unguided). Leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 3:30 Admission : 70$* Parking : 15$* Website

What Was Filmed Here (Sets You Might See!)

Check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

• Harry Potter
• Gilmore Girls
• Back to the Future
• The Big Bang Theory
• Pretty Little Liars

So Much More Than A Studio Tour

Over the years, the Warner Bros. studio tour has grown. It’s no longer just a backlot tour, now, that’s just one part of it…

Museums, Props, Sets, & Photo Ops At Warner Bros. Studio

Tickets to the Warner Bros. studio tour also includes interactive museums where you’ll want to take all the pictures you can!

You can interact with different sets from your favourite movies and TV sets, like Friends, the Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter! on the magic of movies, costume

There’s also an entire exhibit on the DC universe with all superheroe and villain props. They have Aquaman’s lair, Wonder Woman’s study, Superman’s office, and the Batman’s bat cave.

And finally they have an in-depth exhibit on all things filmmaking. Staring with the writing process and finishing with the special effects of movie making.

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets With Viator

General Admission tickets →

Pros Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

They are constantly updating the Warner Bros. studio tour – that means you can even go back the next time you’re in Los Angeles, I’ve already gone back twice!

There was some over lap with the sets and information, but very little. A lot had been updated and added to the tour. And I’ve already noticed that they’ve added a lot more content since I’ve gone!

Also, the guided portion of the tour will rarely be the same. For starters, where you go will all depend on what they’re filming at the time. So not only can it change over the years, but it can change within the hour!

It’s also a very personal tour with only being 12 people on the tram. You can also all your questions about movie magic!

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Cons Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

With all the new additions to the tour every year, I’ve noticed the guided portion has become less and less…

The guided tour portion is only hour , and then two hours are a self guided tour through the museums.

But it’s the guided portion of the tour that’s always fresh and what brings me back! I’m a bit disappointed that the museums seem to have taken over the tour now, making the tour a bit more gimmicky and less about touring real sets and sound stages…

How to See San Diego in One Day

Bring government I.D. when you visit, and make sure to arrive early!

You have to go through security and there might be a lineup. They suggest arriving 30 minutes in advance.

Don’t worry about getting lost on your way to the studios (if you’re driving there)! I followed the instructions we were given on how to get to the visitor’s centre, but my GPS brought me to the wrong gate. No need to panic if this happens to you too! The patrol was very understanding (I’m sure this happens all the time) and told us exactly where to go.

If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot across the street from the visitor’s centre (paid, of course). The studio is in a pretty secluded area, but there’s a Starbucks in the visitor’s centre .

You can book Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets in advance on Viator here .

Paramount Pictures Hollywood Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures is really interesting because it’s the last Hollywood studio still in Hollywood (well in Los Angeles). 

So it’s only about a 15-minute drive from Hollywood Blvd. FYI, Warner is in Burbank, and Sony is in Culver City.

It was very similar to Warner Bros. Hollywood studio tour in terms of the scale of the studio. They have several sound stages, a water tank, and a totally customizable New York set.

Like the other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles, there’s a museum portion of the tour with props. Paramount Pictures one had a lot of “ unwanted ” props (those that could only be used once for the film they were designed for).

There was A LOT of props from the Transformers franchise, but there were also Star Trek, Gladiator, and Dream Girls props.

Time : 2 hours * They leave every 30 minutes from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Admission : 65$* Parking : $22 – (used to be cash only)* Website

What Was/ Is Filmed Here

• The Godfather
• OG King Kong (In Set 19)
• Breakfast at Tiffanys
• Forrest Gump

Pros Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour In Los Angeles

The best part about the Paramount Pictures Hollywood studio tour tour was the small size of the group. There’s a max of 7 people on the tour (you’re in an 8 seater golf cart).

The tour also provided earphones to be able to perfectly hear your tour guide at all times, so they didn’t have to shout at you! There can be a lot going on on sets with a lot of noises, so the earphones were definitely appreciated.

I also liked that they provided visuals for what you were looking at during the tour. Our tour guide carried around an iPad showing examples of what a specific set was used for over the years. So instead of looking at a giant green screen, they showed us how that green screen was used in different films.

Cons Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures studio tour taught me a few things about Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles…

First, the quality of the tour really depends on your tour guide – they can make or break your visit. And unfortunately, you won’t really know who you’re going to get beforehand.

Unfortunately for me, my tour guide at Paramount Pictures wasn’t the best. There’s so much history to this Hollywood studio that I ended up lost most of the time because I didn’t know who or what he was referring to, I guess the references were also a bit ahead of my time…

Paramount Studio tour also really showed me how important it is to have seen (or at least heard of) the films or shows the studio produced. 

So if you’re a fan of classics like I Love Lucy, Alfred Hitchcock, or the original King Kong then Paramount Pictures studio tour is a must for you!

For me, Paramount Pictures studio tour was a bit of a mixed bag. I really see the potential of this tour though, but I think you have to be a really big movie buff to enjoy Paramount Pictures studio tour.

The visitor parking is across the street from the main gates. Be wary of the address on Google Maps, it brought me to the wrong gate.

When I visited, parking was cash only, so it’s always good to be prepared. There’s an ATM you can use at the end of the tour if you need (apparently no one does cash back in the area…).

Like the other tours, you have to show I.D. and go through security, so they ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour . But, in case there’s no wait at all, there’s a mini-exhibit you can visit to pass the time before your tour starts. 

Make sure to bring water and food, there’s really not much in the area. But drinks aren’t allowed on the tour itself, so leave it in the car!

SONY Studio Hollywood Tour

SONY Hollywood studio tour ended up being my favourite studio tour . We were only about 5 people on this tour, so it was very personal. But I don’t know if this was the max, or that fewer people happened to sign up for it.  

I know online there are 25 spots per time slot. I don’t know if that’s the typical tour size on a busier day, or if they would always split you up into smaller groups once you get there.

There are famous cars on display from movies and shows (like Breaking Bad and Ghostbusters). They also have a prop museum at the start of the tour. There’s even an Oscar and an Emmy award you can see (and even hold!). 

Time : 2 hours * Leaves 4 times a day: 9:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Admission : 55$* Parking : Free Valet Website

What Was Filmed Here

• Breaking Bad
• Wheel of Fortune
• Ghostbusters
• The Goldbergs

Pros Of The SONY Studio Tour

SONY is a MUCH smaller studio than the other three Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. That means you don’t even need a tram to get around, we walked everywhere (so you should also be prepared to walk!). This made it easier to take appreciate it all and take pictures!

I also absolutely loved our tour guide, he was by far my favourite out of all the ones we had on any tour. It didn’t seem like he simply memorized a script. It was as if he lived and breathed SONY and films in general. I would’ve believed it if he’d told us he grew up on set.

We also got the chance to walk on to a sound stage from one of my favourite TV Shows – The Goldbergs. And our guide brought us onto a working foley stage (where they create extra sounds for movies). 

If a sound or foley stage isn’t available to see, you are guaranteed to see either the Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy set . They film on opposite days, so you’ll always be able to see one of them.

But the best perk of all is… You get your picture taken on the set of either Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, which they’ll print out and give to you as a souvenir… FREE OF CHARGE! ! Seriously when is anything ever free these days…

Cons Of The SONY Hollywood Studio Tour

As I mentioned, there’s no tram for the SONY Hollywood studio tour. Although the studio isn’t as large as the others, you have to be prepared to walk quite a bit.

Another sort of pro and con is that it’s 80 % outdoors . So you really want to go when it’s decent weather. And be prepared to be in the sun!

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Long Beach California

Value For Money – Hollywood Studio Tours In Los Angeles

I think you get a lot of value for your money at SONY studio tour. It’s the cheapest out of any of the Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles and they give you some nice freebies (like parking and a photo souvenir!).

The scale of the studio might be smaller than the other three major studios, but there’s still a lot to see. And despite the lack of big blockbuster sets, they make up for it in different ways (like seeing the inside of a game show set, and a foley stage).

Like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures studio tours, they ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to go through security. 

If you drive there, they offer FREE valet parking in the Overland lot. 

The studio is very much out of the way, so plan your meals and snacks in advance. All they had at the studio was a vending machine .

Don’t expect to see large outdoor sets like from Warner Bros. or Paramount, SONY is a lot smaller, so most of their sets are on sound stages. So if you’re interested in the big New York outdoor sets, SONY isn’t for you!

Overview, What’s The Best Studio Tour In Los Angeles?

Like I said before, Universal Studios is the most expensive, but you do get an entire days worth of activities. But if your intent is to learn about movie magic, the other three are better choices. 

If you have time for more than one, you don’t need to see both Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. There’s quite a bit of overlap between the two. Instead, choose one of those, and then either Universal or SONY as your second option.

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In L.A.? Hotel Recommendations

Finding a place to stay in Los Angeles can be quite overwhelming – it’s HUGE!

I stayed at the Sofitel and would highly recommend it. It was in a safe area, and across the street from the Beverly Hills mall (which proved to be very convenient). It was also within walking distance to some local restaurants you need to try – like the Kings Road Cafe! See room rates & availability here .

If you want to stay on the beach outside of the city life instead, we stayed at The Georgian in Santa Monica and couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the city. This was a beautiful art deco hotel that is begging you to go there! It’s a minutes walk to the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. See room rates & availability here .

For more accommodation options in Los Angeles, click here . Interested in longer stays in L.A. check out Plum Guide here .

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Last update on 2024-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

You've gotten me excited about my next trip to Los Angeles. I've done the Universal tour and the Warner Bros tour, so I may do what you suggested and do Paramount and Sony next.

You're right about Universal's tour being more of a ride from what I remember. However, it was cool to see sets from The Good Place, Jaws, and Psycho. Being on the tram the whole time was a little different, and my experience was a bit thrown off because I hadn't expected Universal, CA to have such similar rides to Universal, FL, and I loved how Universal, FL made it really seem like you were on a set walking through various cities. Definitely not the same as CA. I think I was there for about 2 hours and was done. The weather was weird where it was kindof warm at first, but then turned super cold while I was in line for a ride, so I was done sooner than I expected.

I absolutely loved the Warner Bros tour. The guide was super nice and knowledgeable. I almost died when I saw the Gilmore Girl house and Luke's Diner. Of course I took pictures at the Central Perk. To me, the prop museum was a tad boring, but still overall decent. The tour was partially walking and partially riding. There were so many moments where I was like...."this looks familiar" and had to think of where the set had been used. Super cool. I highly recommend it.

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

That's awesome!! Definitely I enjoyed that the Warners brothers was mixed with walking and a tram ride you were able to get so much further that way - and the lot is HUGE! It really is cool seeing sets from your favourite TV shows and movies! I really liked the SONY tour but it was definitely a lot smaller than Warner bros!

Sunday 19th of February 2023

Hi Meghan, great article. Easy to read and allowed me to choose the studio we should visit in the short time we will be in L.A. Thanks you.

Monday 20th of February 2023

That's awesome to hear! Glad I could help :D :D

How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation | Afternoon Tea Reads

Thursday 1st of October 2020

[…] sure which one to visit? Read my overall review of each studio tour to help you […]

Monday 1st of July 2019

Wow what a great list of tours to choose from! I personally don't like these types of things however I think your post will be super useful for those who do!

Thanks! I hope it will be :)

I’ve done the Universal tour but it was like 20 yrs ago! I really want to go back and do all these studio tours. I’m film mad me 😃💕

Oh wow, you really should I'm sure a lot has changed since then. It's a movie geeks dream :)

Breaking News

Classic film lovers: See James Dean’s apartment and more on new TCM tour at Warner Bros.

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In 2021, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour created new interactive exhibits focused on the company’s recent history, unveiling areas dedicated to the DC Comics universe and the “Harry Potter” franchise.

This week, the popular Studio Tour in Burbank is doubling down on its more distant past.

Warner Bros. is now offering a Turner Classic Movies-branded version of its studio tour that will bring guests to previously off-limit areas of the lot, including vintage animation buildings, a mini rose garden and an apartment that once housed James Dean. The 90-minute tram portion of the jaunt — about 30 minutes longer than the studio’s standard tram excursion — will allow guides to go deeper into the history of the studio’s catalog to deliver factoids related to such films as “Casablanca,” “My Fair Lady,” “Rebel Without a Cause,” “Auntie Mame” and many more.

“We’re off the leash,” says Brad Taylor, a 15-year tour guide veteran with Warner Bros., noting that the TCM excursion will include time for guides to chat with visitors about their favorite films.

“We get to talk to the guests and really hang out with people who have the same passion that we do,” Taylor says. “I find that ‘classics’ guests are less about behind-the-scenes and more, ‘I can’t believe this is where we are.’ It’s just the look on their faces when they realize ‘Casablanca’ filmed here, or James Dean stood right here.”

The launch of the TCM tour arrives during the network’s 30th anniversary and close to 12 months after classic film fans were given a scare. In June, Warner Bros. announced that layoffs would hit TCM, including some of the network’s top executives, prompting concern from prestige directors such as Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson and Martin Scorsese. After garnering national attention, key cuts were reversed and Warner Bros. sought to assure fans that TCM would continue to be handled with care.

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TCM network hosts — Eddie Muller, Jacqueline Stewart, Ben Mankiewicz, Alicia Malone and Dave Karger — recorded new video segments for the outing. The tour will take guests into the lot’s Property House, an area not visited by the standard tour. Here, visitors can get glimpses of materials for a full set, including items for a complete Oval Office setting, but expect guides to highlight vintage items, such as a throne from the Errol Flynn pirate film “Captain Blood.”

Danny Kahn, vice president-general manager of the studio tour, says there have been numerous requests over the years from guests to delve a little deeper into the studio’s animation history. That’s why the TCM tour will for the first time take visitors to an area of the lot once known as “Termite Terrace,” which from 1955 to 1964, says Taylor, housed the animation department, a building with a sloped roof designed to capture sunlight. Animation legend Chuck Jones, says Kahn, had an office in the Termite Terrace area in the 1990s despite Warner’s moving animation production elsewhere.

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Aug. 3, 2023

Another unique tour locale is the exterior of the Dean apartment. When Dean resided there during filming of “East of Eden,” it was actually across the street from the lot, the apartment nesting above a pharmacy. But gradual studio expansion has led to the area now being on Warner Bros. property.

“That was an actual drugstore with apartments, and the studio rented it for him,” Kahn says. “I think it was to keep an eye on him and keep him on a short leash.”

The tour will also give tram riders a look at executive life at the studio, allowing them to briefly walk around a rose garden. The manicured spaces once held a tennis court as well as offices and personal screening rooms for the likes of studio mogul Jack Warner, with many of the structures dating to the 1920s. “It’s a really historic area of the lot that hasn’t really changed a lot in all these years,” says Kahn, noting the area is still in use by studio principals. “Jack Warner, when he ran the studio, privatized the first floor. That was a massage parlor that he had beneath his office.”

TCM Classic Films Tour

Where: The Warner Bros. Studio, 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank 91505

When: Most days, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $95 for adults; $82 for children. A SoCal resident discount is available for $75

Info: (818) 977-8687 or wbstudiotour.com

Staples of the tour, such as a journey around the backlot city streets, a visit to the “Friends” set and cafe and recent additions highlighting the studio’s modern franchise films are included in the TCM trek, as is a pre-tour reception with beverages and pastries. All told, expect the tour to last about 3½ hours. A tour spokesperson says the first TCM-branded outing is scheduled for Wednesday, with trams expected to depart daily after that date. Adult tickets are $95, but there is a Southern California resident discount available for $75.

“It feels so good to have TCM here,” Kahn says. “People understand that the TCM brand is synonymous with classic film.”

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Combined Shape .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} region-beach-cities-lax region-downtown region-hollywood region-valley region-westside .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Budget Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read Hidden Gems of Los Angeles Log in Search Search Things to Do Attractions & Tours The Guide to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Explore the legendary backlot, Central Perk, Fantastic Beasts, DC Universe, and more!

Book Your Studio Tour

The signature Studio Tour includes the Storytellers Showcase, the backlot, Stage 48: Script To Screen, and the Action and Magic Made Here finale. Allow three hours: 1 hour for the guided studio tour, and 2 hours for self-guided. Studio Tour tickets are priced at $69 per adult (ages 11 and up), $59 for children (ages 5-10), and $57 for SoCal residents (ages 5+).

Additional tour options include:

• Classics Tour - A must for fans of Golden Age Hollywood, this themed tour focuses on award-winning movies and TV shows that were shot on the iconic backlot from the studio's early days through the 1970s. (3 hours inclusive of guided + self-guided)
• Studio Tour Plus - Includes an expanded 2 hour guided tour + 2 hour self-guided, welcome reception, and lunch at Central Perk Café.
• Deluxe Tour - The ultimate Warner Bros. experience spans six hours (3 hours guided, 1 hour fine dining lunch, 2 hours self-guided & shopping) and includes a visit to the famed Property Department.

Online tickets are highly recommended and available at wbstudiotour.com/tickets . Walk-up tickets are limited and not guaranteed.

Visitor Info

The Studio Tour is open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Closed June 13-14.

The Warner Bros. Studio Store is open to the public (no ticket needed) and offers exclusives from Hollywood classics to DC and wonderful kids toys, plushies and apparel. The store is open daily 10am to 7pm, closed June 13-14.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank 91505 (818) 977-8687 www.wbstudiotour.com

Discover LA Newsletter

Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Review: Is It Worth The Money?

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: September 9, 2020

UPDATED: October 20, 2023

Touring a TV and movie studio simply has to be on your travel itinerary when visiting Los Angeles for the first time. But which of the four major studios should you choose? Well, this first hand review will give you a rundown of what you can expect if you plump for the  Warner Bros  studio tour.

By the end of this unbiased review, you will know if Warner Bros is the perfect studio tour for you. On the other hand, you could end up certain you need to choose one of Sony, Paramount or Universal instead.

Hollywood movie studio tours are not cheap and take up a considerable portion of the day. Unless you’re a HUGE film fan, we’d recommend picking only one tour before spending the rest of your time and money on the other  awesome things to do and see in Los Angeles .

As avid movie fans ourselves (but not quite in the HUGE bracket) we chose Warner Bros because our research led us to believe it was the “purest” movie studio.

Each studio tour has its pros and cons which we’ll get into later, before giving you our opinion on whether Warner Bros is worth the money.

Let’s find out if Warner Bros is your golden ticket!

Warner Bros Studio Factfile

City : Los Angeles (Burbank) State : California

Also Known As : Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. / WB

Founded : 1923 Founders : Harry, Jack, Albert and Sam Warner

Subsidiaries :  DC Films, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros Pictures, Castle Rock, Cartoon Network Mascot : Bugs Bunny

How To Get To Warner Bros Studio Tour In Hollywood

Warner Bros Studio tour is located in Burbank, Los Angeles. The easiest way to find it on a map is by looking to the North West corner of Griffith Park.

LA is huge and traffic is renowned for being congested. If you have your own vehicle and don’t mind driving across the city, there is an underground parking garage right beneath the WB building.

No matter if your hotel is in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills or Hollywood, your most efficient route is to drive up Cahuenga Boulevard. Take the right turn at Barham Boulevard which transitions into W. Olive Ave. Turn right onto West Riverside Drive and right onto Warner Boulevard. Follow signs for tour parking.

Note : Driving in LA is not a lot of fun so consider arriving by other means if you’re not the most confident driver!

If you don’t have your own vehicle or you’d prefer to leave it parked at the hotel, you’ll need to use the metro and/or Uber or Lyft.

• Cheapest option  – Metro B Line (Red) stops at Universal City/Studios. This is the closest you can get by Metro and your options are either walk 2.4 miles or take a Lyft/Uber.
• Most convenient option  – Simply have a Lyft/Uber pick you up wherever you are in LA. But this will cost more!

Getting Around The Studio Complex

The tour is well organized, they’ve been doing it a long time and have cracked the ‘guest arrival efficiency’ code. You will wait in a lounge type area for your designated time slot before beginning the tour.

A brief welcome movie in an intimate cinema setting introduces you to the day ahead, then it’s straight on with meeting your guide and hitting the road.

You will be transported around the Warner Bros studio tour by 9-10 seater electric powered carts. However, there are plenty of walking parts where you can stretch your legs so no need to worry about being cramped up for a few hours.

You are not allowed to wander off on a rogue mission to find famous people and the guides will keep a close eye on your group. 

It is important to remember this is a working studio, which means there could be several tv shows and movies being filmed at the time of your tour. Correct etiquette is non-negotiable!

Driving from San Francisco to San Diego? Don’t miss these 23 unforgettable  Pacific Coast Highway road trip  stops along the way.

Warner Bros Studio Tour FAQ’s

How Long is the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

Expect the tour to take approximately 3 hours. That includes 2 hours guided tour and 1 hour self guided at Studio 48 at the end of your tour.

Can You Take Pictures on the Warner Bros Tour?

You can take photos but only at certain allocated times. Your guide will inform you at every stop and in between whether or not photography is permitted but video is not permitted at any point of the tour.

Which Movies Are Associated With Warner Bros?

We can’t list every film from such a historic and comprehensive catalogue but some more recent movies include The Matrix Trilogy, The Hobbit (and LOTR under New Line Cinema), Batman (including Dark Knight Trilogy), Harry Potter, Inception, Sherlock Holmes, The Hangover, 300, Twister, The Departed, Mad Max, Oceans 8, 11, 12 & 13 … and the distinguished list goes on!

What Is Included In The Warner Bros Studio Tour?

So now you know how to get there, let’s dive into exactly what you can expect from this world famous studio tour.

One of the most important things to remember from this review is no two tours are the same. Each time slot throughout the day will plot a different route through the studio grounds.

That means what we saw on our tour will not be identical to what you will see on yours!

Backlots & Soundstages

Warner Bros is home to 10 backlots and 30 sound stages. But what are backlots and soundstages exactly?

Backlots are permanent exterior buildings used for outdoor scenes in movies and tv shows. Think the old west or New York buildings.

One example is the alleyway where Tobey Maguire hangs upside down as Spiderman to kiss Mary-Jane. That same alley and brick building surrounding has also been used in other major blockbuster movies.

Once widely used in cinema, the use of backlots quickly diminished as movies began shooting with actors physically on location and as CGI technology advanced.

Sound stages (or just Stages) are huge sound-proof warehouse like buildings where many of the major movies film scenes that are not on location. Entire sets are constructed inside these buildings and can stay in place for as long as necessary.

The entire series of Friends was filmed inside studio 24 and Saito’s castle scenes from Inception were filmed inside Stage 16. We won’t give any more away!

On the outside of every Stage building is a plaque showing each of the movies and TV shows filmed inside that particular Stage.

You will be able to go inside and walk around one Stage to view the set of a currently running TV show.

On our visit we went inside the full sized apartment of ‘Lucifer’.  We were also told that Denzel Washington was on the premises shooting scenes for a movie.

Old Movie Props

Old movie props might not sound exciting but when you get there you will see why it is one of the best stops on the Warner Bros studio tour.

Remember the 2 faded red leather chairs from the Matrix? The neon Comedy Club sign from Joker? How about the armor worn by Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe in the Last Samurai? 

All of these and (so much!) more can be found inside the prop storage building. We were even lucky enough to see the building next door with its shutter open.

What was inside?

Only Phoebe’s taxi from Friends and Austin Powers’ Shaguar!

You are guaranteed to see props from some of your favorite movies when you walk around this building.

Many will be a surprise because who really knows which movie studio produced their favorite movies?!

DC Universe Exhibit

Any superhero fans out there? At Warner Bros it’s best if you’re team DC and not team Marvel!

One of your first stops will be to walk around DC’s Aquaman and Wonderwoman exhibits. The majority of displays are costume design and accessories, such as Diana Prince’s Lasso and Arthur Curry’s armored suit.

Although not overly exciting, this part of the tour does allow you to appreciate other elements of what makes movies so engaging.

Who ever looks to see who the costume designer was in the end credits?

But when you stop to think about it – costumes, weapons, design etc are vital to every movie!

Hmm, Mark has some work to do in the gym to emulate Jason Momoa holding the trident.

The Wizarding World

Another stop on the Warner Bros studio tour is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. You will walk a one way route around all things Hogwarts, Dumbledores Army, Newt Scamander and Grindelwald.

Now, we implore you not to get too excited, this is not like the Harry Potter tour in London where you can see full sets.  We wouldn’t recommend choosing Warner Bros based solely on your love for the Harry Potter franchise!

What you do get to see is authentic props like Dobby the House Elf and the sorting hat, plus real costumes worn by most of the main characters.

All of your favorite wizards outfits are on display and it is kind of fun to imagine the actors being there in person … o r putting on one of the costumes yourself, picking up a wand and shouting ‘Expelliarmus’.

However, the most interesting part for us personally was being able to see some of the original storyboards. It’s fascinating to see how the drawings compare to the end product on screen.

Maybe you were wondering why we didn’t mention Batman in the earlier DC Universe section? Well, that’s because there’s an entire Batcave dedicated to the caped crusader!

Personally, we loved the Christopher Nolan / Christian Bale Dark Knight trilogy, so getting to see the tumbler and Batpod was pretty cool!

The room is very dark and looks more like a strange car showroom with purple lights but information plaques do have individual lights for reading.

Also inside the Batcave are replicas of the Neutron Bomb from DKR, and older Batmobiles like the Bathammer from Clooney, Keaton and Kilmer eras.

Even the Batsuit Christian Bale wore is on display!

Stage is 48 is called Script to Screen, which means you get an insight into what happens at pre-production, production and post-production stages of making a movie.

This is another aspect of filmmaking that often gets overlooked by the average movie watcher.

But consider editing, sound, casting, green screens for CGI etc – a movie cannot be made without these elements.

This section of the Warner Bros studio tour is self guided and interactive. The best thing you can do is ask questions and explore every part of production.

You could rush through in 10 minutes or easily spend an hour looking at storyboards and creating costumes for a movie. It is the first time you are able to slow down and read everything.

You can also ride Harry Potters Firebolt broom or Batmans Batpod with a green screen behind. A guide will instruct you to ‘turn left’ or ‘cast a spell’ as you watch yourself on a monitor.

This is of course being filmed and you can buy a video souvenir but they are not cheap and we personally did not buy one.

It’s hard to get into character when you don’t have the full Batsuit on shouting WHERE’S THE TRIGGER at Bane in your deepest and harshest voice (with a peg on your nose)!

For us, the best (and only real unmissable) part of Studio 48 is the sound engineer insight called ‘art of sound’.  A guide will explain to you how sound was composed in space for the movie Gravity, it’s a truly fascinating and intriguing part of the tour.

Oh, and you can hold a shiny Oscar, like Mark winning his Best Actor award from the 1950’s.

Central Perk

Fans of TV show Friends will enjoy the entire authentic set of Central Perk cafe.

You can take a seat on the famous sofa, order coffee from imaginary Gunther and maybe even pretend that you are also being paid US$ 1 million per episode!

With a total of 236 episodes, Friends has to be regarded as one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, right?! Classic feel good background noise at worst, engaging emotional rollercoaster at best!

It is one of the only American sitcoms that used to get replayed over and over again growing up in the UK but is still widely adored.

Netflix even paid over US$ 100 million for rights to stream re-runs between 2014 and 2019. Not bad for a show that finished all the way back in 2004. #timeless

Big Bang Theory

Moving swiftly onto another show where you can imagine earning a cool million per episode is one of America’s favorites: Big Bang Theory.

Big Bang is the longest running multi camera sitcom in history with almost 280 episodes across 12 seasons.

Imagine how much time each of the main actors playing Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Penny and Howard spent filming in front of live audiences at Warner Bros!

Much like the Central Perk set, Big Bang sets Caltech Cafe, the Elevator and Apartment 4a can all be explored as part of the tour in Studio 48.

Tour Guides At Warner Bros

We’ll take a wild guess you consider yourself a bit of a TV and movie buff? We thought so too, but we were wrong.

Our tour guide set the benchmark for being considered a bona fide movie buff. Shout out to Erik, this guy lived for it!

These giant world beating movie studios want to give the best possible experience for those who travel from around the world to get behind the scenes of their favorite TV shows and movies.

The guides have to be fantastic, it is as simple as that.

Our advice to you is speak up whenever you have a question about anything. Ask away and your guide will enjoy responding!

Warner Bros Studio Tour Price

Warner Bros offers what is widely regarded as the best pure movie lovers tour out of all the studios in LA. We didn’t tour the other studio so can’t give a definitive agree or disagree on that claim.

If you truly love TV and movies, the price here won’t matter too much because you’re going to pay it anyway!

An adult ticket for the Warner Bros studio tour will set you back a fairly hefty sum of US$ 69 .

Which is the Best Studio Tour in LA?

Now you know what to expect and the price of Warner Bros, it’s important you know the most pertinent information about each of the competition.

There are 4 major movie studios to choose between in Los Angeles.

What are the most important aspects for you to consider when choosing which studio you want to visit?

Is it price, which movies they made, location (ease of access), what you will see or something else entirely?

We created this Warner Bros, Sony, Paramount and Universal comparison table to look at pros, cons and differences of each tour and to help you determine if Warner Bros studio tour is the one for you.

Warner Bros vs Sony vs Paramount vs Universal Studio Tours

Is warner bros studio tour worth your time and money.

Warner Bros is worth your money as long as you have some interest in Harry Potter, Batman, DC universe characters, friends or Big Bang Theory. Consider choosing one of the other studios if none of that sounds exciting!

Let’s take a quick look at what we liked, didn’t like and how much we would pay for this tour.

What Was Hot

• The sheer scale and magnitude of the Warner Bros studio grounds.
• We thought it would be more about sets and backlots but thoroughly enjoyed the costumes, props and production aspects.
• Our guide was extremely knowledgable about the industry and always had informative answers to questions.
• The tour is longer than any other studio offers (for the basic package).
• Parking the car was not a problem thanks to the multi-story underground parking lot. 

What Was Not

• Tours leave every 30 minutes from 8.30am – 3pm so it can at times feel a little like you’re on a conveyor belt of tourists. You will run into a number of other tour groups throughout.
• The tour slightly lacked a personal touch overall and would benefit from a few freebies or take homes.
• Paying for parking adds a further US$ 15 to the overall ticket price and we think that is a bit harsh as tickets are already expensive enough.
• In certain exhibits (such as DC Universe and Wizarding World) the tour group moves too quickly which makes it difficult to read all information boards.

It is definitely worth mentioning the GO Los Angeles card for those of you who intend to do more tourist attractions on your visit to Los Angeles.

You can seriously save money with this card but only if you get busy!

You have two options:

• Explorer Pass – 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 ATTRACTIONS (value & savings increase the more attractions you do). Click to see options .
• All Inclusive Pass – 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 DAY pass (value & savings increase the more days you do). Click to see options .

Warner Bros studio tour is included in all pass options. You could potentially save a substantial amount of money by including this tour with others in Los Angeles.

What Is A Fair Price?

We personally thought the Warner Bros studio tour was worth US$ 69 each. We probably would have paid up to around 80-90 dollars but any more and we would have written it off.

It’s not every day you get to go behind the scenes of a movie studio, especially when you’re a big fan of movies.

You have to set a reference point, like paying 10 bucks for a beer at a Dodgers ball game or US$ 100+ on a meal out in Beverly Hills and entrance to Warner Bros won’t seem so high!

If you love movies and have a morning or afternoon spare on your Los Angeles itinerary, we think the Warner Bros studio tour could be the one for you.

It certainly didn’t disappoint us.

Buy Tickets For Warner Bros Studio Tour

Are you sold on Warner Bros?

You can book your tickets right now with two options offering the same price:

• Get Your Guide

If you choose to take a tour of Warner Bros Studio in Hollywood, we hope you have a fantastic time!

Read More California Guides …

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We hope this review helped you decide if the Warner Bros Studio Tour is for you!

Did you go to Universal, Sony or Paramount and how was it?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit to LA in the comments below.

That’s All, Folks !

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

2 thoughts on “Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Review: Is It Worth The Money?”

They tell you to get there a half hour early, our tour time was 1100, we waited until after 1140 for the video to begin

Thanks for sharing your experience, Terry. The FAQ’s page on the Warner Bros Hollywood Tour site does state “plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour” so you can find a parking spot, check in and pass through the security checks before your time slot. Hope you enjoyed the tour!

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Warner Brothers Studio Tour

It may not be as popular as some other studio tours in Los Angeles, but this is actually one of my favorite places to visit as a film fan.

That's why I decided to write this post about the experience, including details about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour such as how to get tickets, ways to save money on admission, the best things to see here, and tips for planning your trip to the studio.

• Plan Your Visit
• Attractions
• Tickets and Tours
• Ways to Save
• Other Studio Tours
• Tips From Locals and Travelers

PLAN YOUR VISIT

This section will help you plan your visit with directions to Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood, the best times to visit, and security measures to keep in mind.

How to Get Here

Warner Bros. Studio is located just North of the Hollywood sign at 3400 Warner Blvd. in Burbank, California, and it's known as one of the busiest working studios.

The closest bus stops are just a few blocks away on W Olive Avenue, and they are serviced by lines 501 and 549.

Alternatively, you can also take the Metro Red line to North Hollywood station and take the 501 bus from there.

Needless to say, the Starline combo ticket which includes transportation to and from the studio is another easy option.

If all else fails, you can always use a rideshare service or drive up on your own – but it is important to note that parking will cost $15 per vehicle.

Best Times to Visit

Since they offer timed tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you can rest assured that pretty much any time is a good time to visit.

That said, it should be noted that the tv studio is open daily from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm with tours available throughout the day.

The time you arrive will depend on what type of tour route you take, and you can find more information about this in our studio tours section .

Security Requirements

There are a few things visitors should keep in mind before they head to Warner Bros. Studio.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warner Bros. Studio Tour (@wbtourhollywood)

• A Driver’s license.
• A State ID card.
• A valid passport.
• Children must be 8 years of age or older. All visitors aged 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
• While some parts of the tour may be photographed, others will be off-limits to photography. Your tour guide will let you know when you can take pictures. Video is not allowed.
• There is no official dress code, but it is recommended to dress comfortably, as you will likely be doing quite a bit of walking.
• You will need to pass through a metal detector before entering the studio. Bags will also be subject to screening.

THINGS TO SEE AT WARNER BROS. STUDIO

Some of my favorite films of all time were shot at Warner Bros. Studios in Hollywood. There are a lot of notable sets and sound stages on the backlot, and if you've ever seen even one WB movie, there's a good chance you'll recognize at least one location.

In this section, I will cover details about some of the more notable attractions, such as the Central Perk Café and Monica's Apartment, that you can behold while taking the tour.

Exterior Sets

Discover some of the most notable filming locations at Warner Bros. Studio by exploring their exterior sets.

Here are a few sites to look for while you’re here:

• Building 61, Embassy Courthouse
• Hennesy Street
• New York Street
• Midwest Business Street

The Wizarding World

This exhibit includes a variety of interesting costumes and props used in both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

Visitors can expect to see things like the sorting hat, Dobby the House Elf, and outfits worn by Queenie, Tina, Newt, and other popular characters.

You can also see original storyboards that were used during the filming process!

Batman Vehicles

Fans of the Batman film franchise will cherish the opportunity to see some of the more notable vehicles from the past 30 years of most iconic films.

Some of the more notable items on display include the original Batmobile from Batman (1989) , The Tumbler/Batpod from The Dark Knight (2008) , and Joker’s car from Suicide Squad (2016) .

Many of these vehicle designs went on to inspire cartoons and comic books in the Batman universe, so it’s definitely a must-see attraction if you’re a fan of the superhero.

DC Universe

After you’re done checking out Batman’s vehicles (or perhaps before), head to this exhibit covering some of the other popular DC characters who have made an appearance in Warner Bros. films.

Currently, this exhibition includes two sections: one devoted to Aquaman and the other focused on Wonder Woman.

Visitors will have an opportunity to see several props and costumes used during filming for each movie, including the outfits worn by both popular superheroes!

Central Perk Cafe

Visit the cafe friends boutique where the Exclusive Friends (1994) cast once hung out and take a seat on the couch to re-enact a scene during a small screen test.

This set is a working replica, which means you can actually record a scene while you’re here.

There is also an actual cafe on site that sells coffee and a variety of items related to the hit tv shows.

HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS?

Depending on which tour you take, the cost will run between $69 - $79 per adult or $59 - $69 per child, though there is a deluxe tour for $299/person.

There are currently three tours you can take, each with a different focus.

Don’t forget that some of these tours are available with either combo tickets or Los Angeles tourist passes. Check our ways to save section for more details.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

This is the main tour offered at Warner Bros. Studios in Hollywood.

Visitors are given a 2-hour guided tour around the studio and 1 hour of exclusive merch to explore the area on a self-guided tour.

Guests can expect to see various backlots and soundstages, as well as popular attractions like DC Universe: The Exhibit, The Big Bang Theory sets, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

These tours are offered in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. There are also ASL tours available upon advanced request.

This tour receives a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews - affiliate disclosure ).

• Ticket Prices: $70/Adults | $60/Children | $58/LA Residents
• Tickets are $3 more when purchased on-site
• Availability: Daily from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

NOTE: This tour is included at a lower price with the Go Los Angeles Card. Make sure to read our ways to save section for additional information.

Studio Tour PLUS

Yes, there is actually an extended version of this tour that is an hour longer, and it also includes lunch at the Central Perk Cafe!

• Ticket Prices: $150/Adults | $129/Children | $126/LA Residents
• Duration: 4 hours
• Learn more about this option .

TCM Classic Films Tour

If you're tired of the showy, amusement park rides that some studio tours have become, you'll be happy to hear that Warner Bros. has begun offering a special tour based on the TCM network, which is well known for being a bastion for fans of classic films.

While this tour ultimately visits a lot of the same locations included on their traditional studio tour, it is a longer tour that includes a 90 minute trolley drive around the backlot in a specialized cart.

Unlike their main tour, this service will cover more of the history of Warner Bros. and some of the notable films that have been shot on the backlot from the early days of the studio until the 1970s.

Visitors can expect to see sites such as the cafe from Casablanca and Midwest Street, a set that has been used for several films such as Rebel Without a Cause and The Music Man .

The tour, conducted by expert tour guides, lasts for 1 hour, and you’ll be given another 2 hours for a self-guided tour with access to the Warner Bros. Archive.

Immerse yourself in the cinematic world, tracing the footsteps of Harry Potter and exploring iconic back-lot sets like the Casablanca cafe, all while gaining insights into studios' production requirements.

With camera and lens, you're not just witnessing entertainment but also becoming part of the ceremony of the magic made here at Warner Bros.

• Ticket Prices: $95/Adults | $82/Children | $75/LA Residents
• Availability: Daily at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 ½ hours

Deluxe Studio Tour

This is an extended version of their main tour which includes a lot of additional activities, like exploring the real central perk set and getting a revealing look at special effects.

Visitors who take the deluxe studio tour will see the costume department and the property department, and they will be treated to lunch at Warner Bros. Commissary Fine Dining Room.

Deluxe tickets also include access to an exclusive private screening room for a short presentation about the history of the studio.

• Ticket Prices: $300 per person
• Availability: Mon - Fri at 9 am & 10 am
• Duration: 6 hours
• Includes free lunch

WAYS TO SAVE

In this section, we will cover some of the best ways to save money on tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

We will provide details about tourist passes, combo packages, and other available deals.

Tourist Attraction Passes

There are a few tourist passes that offer admission to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

While some services allow you to pay one flat price for a variety of different activities, others offer a specific deal on popular attractions.

These passes also usually offer skip-the-line privileges at some locations, making it easy to save time while exploring Los Angeles

• Go City Los Angeles Pass
• Starline Attraction Pass

Pass holders can expect to save anywhere from 20-55% off regular admission prices depending on the type of pass you purchase.

In addition to covering the price of this studio tour, these passes may also include the following activities and attractions at no additional cost:

• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Sony Pictures Studio Tours
• TCL Chinese Theatre Tour
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Aquarium of the Pacific
• Dolby Theatre Tour
• Knott's Berry Farm
• Madame Tussauds

If you plan on visiting even just a few of these locations while in the city, using one of these passes could save you a lot of money.

Read our post covering Los Angeles tourist passes for more information.

Combo Tickets

There are a few different combo packages available which include the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

These services typically include 2-3 activities for one flat price, providing a deal on the overall cost of tickets.

Tiqets Combos

This company frequently offers combo deals on popular activities in Los Angeles, like visiting Warner Bros. Studios to explore the Hollywood magic, and they're currently providing the following deal:

• Ticket Prices: $96.99/Adults | $82.98/Children
• Includes admission to Madame Tussauds
• Includes the standard Warner Bros Studio Tour.

This is an excellent alternative for visitors who don’t feel like paying for an entire tourist pass just to get a good deal on tickets to the studio tour.

How long does the Warner Bros Studio tour last?

The Warner Bros Studio tour, featuring a storytelling showcase and new studio store, spans three hours.

What is the difference between the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in London and the Harry Potter Exhibits at Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood?

The Harry Potter tour in London displays real sets, while the Hollywood Warner Bros Studio reveals secrets of movie-making magic.

How far is Warner Bros Studio from Universal Studios?

The drive between Warner Bros Studio and Universal Studios is a flick-long journey.

What is the difference between the Harry Potter exhibits at Warner Bros. Studio and the Wizarding World of Universal Studios Hollywood?

Harry Potter exhibits at Warner Bros delve into movie magic, while Universal Studios immerses visitors in the wonders of the wizarding world.

What should I wear on the Warner Bros. Studio tour?

Dress comfortably for the Warner Bros Studio tour.

Reviews and Tips From Locals and Travelers

If I'm being honest, I have to admit that this isn't the most popular studio tour in Hollywood. Even so, it's definitely a hit with some film and television fans, and there are a lot of interesting things to see on the backlot.

To quote LeVar Burton, "you don't have to take my word for it!" Our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook is full of travelers and locals who have either been on these studio tours themselves, or are frequently asking questions about them.

Here are a few of the better reviews and notes that our group members have made about the Warner Bros. Studio Tour:

Most people who swear by this studio tour have little to say about it, and while it's helpful to see that some guests enjoyed their experience on the back lot, it's much more helpful to hear about the journey.

William's comment is the perfect example of describing the experience. After multiple trips to Los Angeles, he has seen and done a lot of fun things, but still considers his tour of Warner Bros. Studios to be his favorite of the bunch.

Now that's high praise!

It should be noted that this is an active studio, and some shows are still filmed here during the week. If you're a fan of television, this is an especially good studio tour, because it includes a lot of attractions related to Warner Brothers tv shows.

For more helpful suggestions or reviews, make sure to check our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook, and consider leaving a comment of your own!

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Universal Orlando Resort is working on its “most terrifying attraction yet.” 

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment will bring guests face to face with legendary monsters from Universal’s silver screen as well as new characters like Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the Florida resort revealed in a press release Thursday.

And unlike with Halloween Horror Nights , this experience will live on all year long at the resort’s highly anticipated new theme park, Universal Epic Universe , opening next year.

Here’s what horror fans should know about the coming attraction and the rest of Epic Universe’s Dark Universe.

What is the Dark Universe at Epic?

Dark Universe is one of five new lands being created for Epic Universe. 

This one is set as the eerie village of Darkmoor, home to Frankenstein Manor and all sorts of creepy creatures.

How scary will it be?

Universal is aiming for just the right amount of scary in this brainchild of Universal Creative and Universal Pictures.

The resort said Dark Universe will offer “family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity.”

What rides will Dark Universe have?

Dark Universe will feature two rides.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is set inside Frankenstein Manor. Guests are invited to watch Dr. Victoria Frankenstein work on “twisted experiments,” just like her great-great-grandfather, “but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters,” according to Universal. “Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.

Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” The attraction begins on the edge of Darkmoor, where guests meet a mystic seer who “warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves,” Universal said.

Horror has a new name in Las Vegas. What we know about Universal's plans for the city

What else can guests do in Dark Universe?

Guests can meet monsters in a meet-and-greet setting or spot new and old ones roaming the village.

For a fee, guests can also undergo a monstrous transformation of their own with the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience .

When hunger strikes, guests can sink their teeth into bites from three different eateries: Das Stakehaus , The Burning Blade Tavern , and Dr. Lacey’s Cottage food stand. 

What else is going to be at Epic Universe?

Four other worlds are being created for Universal Epic Universe.

• Celestial Park will be a cosmic world that also serves as the gateway to the park’s other worlds.
• How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk will bring fans into the mythical dragon-filled world of DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures’ beloved “ How to Train Your Dragon” franchise . 
• Super Nintendo World will feature both a Super Mario Land, like at Universal Studios Hollywood , and Donkey Kong Country, a first for the U.S.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will blend “1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,” according to Universal. Universal Orlando Resort is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley .

What month will Epic Universe open?

Universal hasn’t revealed an exact opening timeframe yet, only that it will be sometime in 2025.

Oscar Contenders From First Half of 2024 (So Far), From ‘Dune: Part Two' to Zendaya

Posted: June 30, 2024 | Last updated: June 30, 2024

Oscar Contenders From First Half of 2024 (So Far), From ‘Dune: Part Two’ to Zendaya

The buzz on potential Oscar contenders from the first half of 2024 seems quieter than usual. Nonetheless, stars such as Zendaya, Cannes winner Jesse Plemons and Hollywood's new "hit man," Glen Powell, will be among those hoping to stay afloat in the awards conversation until the end of the season.

Significant financial successes from the top of the box office charts are worth celebrating. Warner Bros.' sci-fi epic sequel, "Dune: Part Two," could become the seventh movie nominated in all seven technical categories, following its 2022 predecessor. Pixar's big comeback, "Inside Out 2," might vie for more than just a spot in the best animated feature category.

This year also features several one-offs -- films hoping for one or two mentions in a year likely to be dominated by legacy studios and streaming giants. As we approach this year's midpoint, Variety is listing possible awards contenders in 20 of the 23 Oscar categories that could be in the running by the end of the year.

[Editor's Note: To discuss the most significant number of movies, a film is only highlighted in one category.]

Amazon MGM's "Challengers," directed by Italian auteur Luca Guadagnino, boasts an impressive turn from Zendaya in a femme fatale role that could bring the 27-year-old her first Oscar nod. If it can sustain until the fall season, it might also contend for original screenplay or a best picture slot.

Yorgos Lanthimos's anthology film "Kinds of Kindness" may not be everyone's cup of tea, but that's typical for the Greek filmmaker's audacious outings ("The Favourite," "The Killing of a Sacred Deer"). After debuting at the Cannes Film Festival, the black comedy garnered a best actor trophy for Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons ("The Power of the Dog"). Depending on whether he campaigns for lead or supporting actor, Plemons could earn his second nod. However, anything outside of Plemons might be too tall of an order.

Netflix is also in the running with the animated adaptation of the Japanese superhero "Ultraman: Rising" and, more notably, Richard Linklater's dark rom-com "Hit Man." The streamer acquired the film at TIFF in 2023, resulting in another big win for star Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the script adapted from the Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth. Netflix will work to keep it on voters' minds throughout the year, aiming for at least some Golden Globes traction.

Box office receipts fuel awards campaigns, which is why we might see efforts from studios with franchise movies such as DreamWorks Animation's "Kung Fu Panda 4," 20th Century Studios' "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," and WB's "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," among the top 10 domestic grossers so far.

However, money isn't everything. Sony's "The Garfield Movie," featuring Chris Pratt as the world-famous Monday-hating cat, has accumulated an impressive $207 million globally. But that won't be enough to overcome the film's critical panning and mount an Oscar campaign.

What happens when a movie doesn't get audiences in the door? Is the 81% Rotten Tomatoes score enough for Universal Pictures to push for recognition for David Leitch's action-ode to stunt performers, "The Fall Guy"? Or perhaps a Golden Globes push in the comedy races for stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt? It's worth it, especially for sound and editing, and with a stunt Oscar on the horizon.

The first official best picture rankings will be posted on Monday, July 1.

** Not all listed crew members are official. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its various committees ultimately decide on credits.

View the full Article

International Feature: ‘The Devil’s Bath’

While no official country selections have been made yet, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala's Austrian hopeful "The Devil's Bath," which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and won the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution, could be a strong contender for the International Feature prize.

Acquired by IFC Films, the film follows Agnes in 18th-century Austria as she begins to have evil thoughts while preparing for marriage. As Jessica Kiang for Variety beautifully stated in her review : "If the story is so pitilessly bleak you may want to look away, the filmmaking craft is so compelling that you can’t."

"The Devil's Bath" marks another standout entry in what promises to be a stellar year for the horror genre.

Documentary Feature: ‘Frida’

Not to be confused with the 2002 drama "Frida" that earned Salma Hayek a Best Actress nomination, Carla Gutierrez's animated documentary aims to follow in the footsteps of "Flee" (2021), which became the first movie to be nominated in the animated, documentary, and international Feature categories.

Premiering at Sundance, where it won the Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award, this magical and engaging portrait of the iconic Mexican artist, told through diaries, letters, essays, and interviews, has the potential to be a multi-hyphenate contender in the awards race. It's a gorgeous and compelling achievement.

Also in the discussion: "I Am: Céline Dion" (Amazon MGM); "Power" (Netflix)

Original Song: ‘Jeezu’ from ‘The Book of Clarence’

Writer-director Jeymes Samuel's sophomore feature effort, following "The Harder They Fall," showcases the talents of Doja Cat, Kodak Black, and Adekunle Gold with the foot-tapping song "Jeezu" in Sony Pictures' "The Book of Clarence."

It's rare for such an audacious endeavor to have a January release. Modest reviews and tepid box office might impact its Oscar chances, but the contemporary music set against a biblical backdrop offers a unique twist.

Alongside a bold performance by Lakeith Stanfield, Samuel collaborates with prominent Black music artists to maintain the film's integrity. Any of the tracks from the movie, such as "Hallelujah Heaven," could be considered for awards. However, rap and hip-hop have often come up short at the Oscars, despite wins like Eminem's "Lose Yourself" from "8 Mile" and Three 6 Mafia's "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from "Hustle & Flow."

Original Score: ‘Young Woman and the Sea’

Talented composer Amelia Warner has shown promise as a future Oscar-nominated musician, with notable works in "Mary Shelley" and "Mr. Malcolm's List." She delivers the best musical cues of her career in the crowd-pleasing sports drama "Young Woman and the Sea," directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Daisy Ridley.

With a big name like Jerry Bruckheimer as a producer, Disney will ensure the film is part of its awards roster later in the year, positioning the music as a key element in its feel-good moments.

Also in the discussion: "Challengers" (Amazon MGM); "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "Inside Out 2" (Pixar)

Visual Effects: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

We've been here before with the "Planet of the Apes" franchise.

For over 50 years, the visuals have impressed audiences, bringing awe and wonder with its depiction of highly intelligent apes, especially with the 2011 reboot. Though the well-reviewed trilogy has been financially successful, the visual effects Oscar has remained elusive.

20th Century Studios, now under Disney, hopes to change that with well-received continuations that could finally earn the franchise its overdue recognition.

Also in the discussion: "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "The Fall Guy" (Universal Pictures); "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" (Warner Bros.)

Sound: ‘Stopmotion’

How the horror genre isn't recognized continuously in the sound categories is beyond my comprehension. IFC's mix of live-action and adult animation (not meeting the 75% threshold to be considered in animated feature, unfortunately) boasts an eerie, often spine-tingling aural work that almost feels like it's infiltrating your DNA.

While the indie company can do its best to get the Academy voters to recognize this story about an animator who struggles to control her demons, a concentrated effort on the artisans could be enough to get it minimally in the awards race.

Also in the discussion: "The Bikeriders" (Focus Features); "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" (20th Century Studios)

Makeup and Hairstyling: ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’

Living in the shadow of a technical masterpiece like "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), which won six Oscars, is challenging. However, "Furiosa" rises to the occasion with its epic scope, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy stepping into Charlize Theron's iconic role as the titular character. The transformative makeup on Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth's unrecognizable portrayal of Warlord Dementus ensures the film will likely make the Oscar shortlist for makeup and hair design.

Also in the discussion: "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "Kinds of Kindness" (Searchlight Pictures); "Young Woman and the Sea" (Walt Disney Pictures)

Film Editing: ‘We Grown Now’

I love "We Grown Now." Writer-director Minhal Baig's bold and beautiful story of two young boys who discover the joys and sorrows of growing up in a public housing complex in 1992 is a sensitive distant cousin to another Oscar-embraced fantasy-esque coming-of-age film, "Beasts of the Southern Wild."

It encompasses textured editing from Stephanie Filo, already recognized at last year's Film Independent Spirit Awards, giving the film its ultimate heartbeat. Sony Pictures Classics picked it up, and if enough voters discover it, it would be a fine and very worthy addition to the awards race.

Also in the discussion: "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "The Fall Guy" (Universal Pictures); "Thelma" (Magnolia Pictures);

Costume Design: ‘One Life’

Director James Hawes's British biopic tells the poignant true story of humanitarian Nicholas Winton, portrayed exquisitely by Anthony Hopkins, who recalls his efforts to save groups of Jewish children before World War II.

Among the familiar genre of Holocaust-themed films, the memorable costumes of this drama stand out. Costume designer Joanna Eatwell, a two-time Emmy nominee for "Wolf Hall" and "Carnival Row," brings her finest attention to detail, significantly contributing to the film's artistry.

Also in the discussion: "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" (Warner Bros.); "Kinds of Kindness" (Searchlight Pictures)

Cinematography: ‘I Saw the TV Glow’

Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun's surreal horror film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, showcases a visually compelling aura thanks to cinematographer Eric K. Yue. While the indie circuit is more likely to embrace elements from the genre (you can too, Academy), it's remained on my mind with its powerful meditation on the trans experience, and an often hypnotic framework that shows beauty through terror.

Also in the discussion: "Civil War" (A24); "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "We Grown Now" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Production Design: ‘Civil War’

Alex Garland's divisive but poignant look at a dark vision of the future in the U.S. gathers some strong contenders, notably star Kirsten Dunst's remarkable turn. However, she faces an uphill battle with a competitive landscape ahead.

But that places the film's technical merits, such as creating a dystopian America by production designer Caty Maxey, which centers on a frightening and believable nation filled with bombed-out buildings and abandoned cars. It acts as another central character.

Also in the discussion: "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" (Warner Bros.); "Wicked Little Letters" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Animated Feature: ‘Inside Out 2’

The box office success of Pixar's "Inside Out 2" continues to dominate headlines and offer hope to a worried Hollywood industry. It positions Pixar as a strong contender in the animated feature category, a status it hasn't held since its last win for “Soul” (with Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Encanto” winning in 2021). This potential comeback story could generate significant excitement in the race, and all Kelsey Mann's film needs to do is maintain its current positive momentum. It should be easy-peasy.

Also in the discussion: "Frida" (Amazon MGM); "Kung Fu Panda 4" (DreamWorks Animation); "Ultraman: Rising" (Netflix)

Adapted Screenplay: ‘Hit Man’

It's been a while since Richard Linklater was in the awards discussion. A three-time screenplay nominee for "Before Sunset," "Before Midnight" and "Boyhood," his darkly comedic rom-com presents his most entertaining effort in years. Adapted from Skip Hollandsworth's article and co-written by rising megastar Glen Powell, Netflix will be positioning the film for some awards attention after picking it up at last year's Toronto festival.

Can the Writers' Branch embrace something as quirky and comedically-leaning as this? The Golden Globes voters will likely find it enticing.

Also in the discussion: "Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.); "Inside Out 2" (Pixar); "Young Woman and the Sea" (Walt Disney Pictures)

Original Screenplay: ‘Evil Does Not Exist’

"Evil Does Not Exist," the follow-up feature to writer and director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi's best picture-nominated "Drive My Car," is incredibly profound. It creates richly complicated characters within its eco-thriller setting.

The Japanese auteur is a master of ensuring none of his characters are one-note and trusts his audience to engage with the fable, regardless of background and geographic location. The winner of the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the Janus Films acquisition has already played a part in the awards circuit last year, submitted for BAFTA consideration (where it was ignored). Perhaps they can mount a revival tour for the worthy drama.

Also in the discussion: "The Bikeriders" (Focus Features); "Challengers" (Amazon MGM); "We Grown Now" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Supporting Actress: Anjana Vasan

The opening night movie at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Sony Pictures Classics' romp is a delight thanks to the performances of Oscar winner Olivia Colman, Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley and breakout star Anjana Vasan.

This British period version of "Mean Girls" is anchored by Vasan's subtle and well-constructed portrayal of Gladys, a police officer skeptical of the vulgar letters that are "terrorizing" one of the town's citizens. Vasan lights up the screen, and while she may be a longshot for a nomination, her performance will hopefully lead to more opportunities in dynamic roles.

Also in the discussion: Helena Bonham Carter ("One Life"); Maya Hawke ("Inside Out 2"); Emma Stone ("Kinds of Kindness")

Supporting Actor: Richard Roundtree

Magnolia's small but mighty action flick "Thelma," starring 94-year-old June Squibb and featuring Richard Roundtree in his final on-screen performance, has garnered a legion of die-hard fans. Roundtree, who died in October at 81, delivers a charming performance as Ben, a friend of the titular electric-scooter-riding grandma who embarks on an adventure to find her lost grandson.

Posthumous acting nominations are rare in the Oscar space. Only two have been recognized in the supporting actor category: Ralph Richardson for "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" (1984) and Heath Ledger, who won for "The Dark Knight" (2008). Both received acting mentions alongside technical nominations for their movies. "Thelma" may struggle in those spaces despite worthy consideration for editing, sound and original score.

Despite this rarity, Roundtree's performance is worthy of consideration and could garner some mentions from critics' awards.

Also in the discussion: Willem Dafoe ("Kinds of Kindness"); Tom Hardy ("The Bikeriders"); Josh O'Connor ("Challengers")

Actress: Lily Gladstone

The afterglow of Oscar recognition for an actor coming after a win or near-win has benefited many actors. Consider back-to-back nominees such as Jennifer Lawrence ("Silver Linings Playbook" and "American Hustle"), Denzel Washington ("Fences" and "Roman J. Israel, Esq.") and Colin Firth ("A Single Man" and "The King's Speech").

Lily Gladstone, who made history as the first Native American nominated for Best Actress for "Killers of the Flower Moon," is back in the running for her role as Jax, a woman caring for her niece after her sister's disappearance. Although the role is small, it will receive strong support from Apple, which has a manageable slate this year and can provide the drama with a focused campaign. Additionally, if Gladstone secures an Emmy nomination for her performance in Hulu's miniseries "Under the Bridge," it will keep her competitive in a category filled with worthy performers.

Also in the discussion: Kirsten Dunst ("Civil War"); Regina King ("Shirley"); June Squibb ("Thelma"); Zendaya ("Challengers")

Actor: Jesse Plemons

Jesse Plemons is poised for a well-deserved acting nom run for his role in Yorgos Lanthimos' dark anthology "Kinds of Kindness." The film features Plemons in three distinct vignettes: as Robert, a man controlled by his boss (Willem Dafoe); as Daniel, a policeman whose wife (Emma Stone) returns under strange circumstances after a research trip; and as Andrew, a devoted cult follower.

Plemons' rise in Hollywood is the stuff of dreams for any aspiring artist. The Texas-born actor has built a remarkable career, starting with hit TV series like "Breaking Bad" and moving on to memorable film roles in "Game Night" (2018), "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" (2020) and "The Power of the Dog" (2021), which earned him his first Oscar nomination for supporting actor, alongside his real-life partner Kirsten Dunst.

Plemons could be a strong contender in the acting race, depending on his categorization. His standout scene in Alex Garland's post-apocalyptic "Civil War" will further bolster his chances. However, the film's narrative structure might pose a challenge, as the Oscars are less inclined to embrace anthologies compared to the Emmys.

Also in the discussion: Kingsley Ben-Adir ("Bob Marley: One Love"); Anthony Hopkins ("One Life"); Glen Powell ("Hit Man")

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Denis Villeneuve brings his talent to the "Dune" franchise again with the second installment. The first film in the series made history when it became the sixth movie to be nominated in all seven technical categories. It stands a strong chance of repeating this success. With a previous directing nomination for “Arrival,” Villeneuve's vision in "Dune 2" is among his finest work yet.

In the history of the Oscars, only two trilogies — "The Godfather" and "The Lord of the Rings" — have had all their entries nominated for best picture. "Dune 2" aspires to join this elite group, with "Messiah" on the horizon, carrying the hopes of the science fiction genre and aiming to secure its place in cinematic history. However, as many may recall, in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," Peter Jackson was left out of the director lineup. Hopefully, Villeneuve won't suffer the same fate.

Also in the discussion: Minhal Baig ("We Grown Now"); Luca Guadagnino ("Challengers"); Ryusuke Hamaguchi ("Evil Does Not Exist");

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Warner Bros. and Legendary Set Denis Villeneuve Event Film for 2026, Next MonsterVerse Movie for 2027

By Katcy Stephan

Katcy Stephan

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Warner Bros . has announced a slew of changes to their release schedule, most notably slotting an untitled event film from Legendary and “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve for Dec. 18, 2026 in IMAX.

Following the massive success of “ Dune : Part Two,” Villeneuve  entered into talks with  Legendary  for an adaptation of Annie Jacobsen’s Pulitzer Prize finalist “ Nuclear War: A Scenario .” It’s not yet clear if that project will land in this new release slot.

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Legendary is also working with Villeneuve to develop a third “Dune” film. “Dune: Part Two,” starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson, earned $282 million domestically and $711 million worldwide. It was the top-grossing film of 2024 before Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” dethroned it this week.

Elsewhere on the Warner Bros. release calendar, an untitled Monsterverse film has also been slated for March 26, 2027. The latest film in the franchise, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” was released in theaters March 29, opening to a huge $80 million at the box office, marking the highest opening of director Adam Wingard’s career and the second-highest of the franchise.

An animated film from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Locksmith, previously set for the same date, has been removed but remains on the slate of upcoming projects and is dated for July 23, 2027.

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First Universal theme park in Europe to generate '£50bn of economic benefits for UK'

Universal's proposed theme park in Bedford is to open 365 days a year and contain 500 hotel rooms and a dining area open to non-ticket holders.

Business presenter @iankingsky

Wednesday 26 June 2024 13:45, UK

New details have been unveiled for Universal's first UK theme park - including plans for the attraction to be open 365 days a year.

Universal Destinations & Experiences - which is owned by Sky's parent company Comcast - has bought land near Bedford as it plans to build Europe's largest theme park with millions of visitors per year, as well as a 500-room hotel and dining area.

Economic benefits

Universal's economic impact analysis, produced in line with HM Treasury guidelines on economic appraisal and published today suggests the attraction will generate nearly £50bn of economic benefits for the UK.

It said the net economic contribution of the potential project for the UK was forecast to be £35.1bn over the construction period and first 20 years of operation.

Up to a further £14.1bn was expected to be generated in extra taxes for the exchequer over the same period.

The analysis suggests the project will generate 20,000 jobs during the construction period which, at its peak, will see 5,000 workers on the site.

Once operational, it is expected to create an initial 8,000 new jobs, rising over time. The company has made a commitment to pay the living wage to employees.

'The best location we've ever seen'

Universal has acquired almost 500 acres for the site, which is just south of Bedford between Kempston, Wootton, Stewartby and Wixams, with an option to buy up to a further 60 acres.

The new park, which would have a construction period of around six years, would be built on land once occupied by Kempston Hardwick brickworks, once the world's largest brickworks in terms of output, which closed in 2008 and which was demolished in September 2021.

"I can tell you it's going to be a world-class park with all experiences that people will love based upon the most popular films, video games and stories that people have enjoyed for decades," said Page Thompson, the company's president in charge of new ventures.

"We've spent the last decade looking all over Europe and the United Kingdom for locations, and we think this is the best location we've ever seen."

Universal Destinations & Experiences currently has five theme parks around the world - in the United States, Japan, China and Singapore.

Disneyland Paris, which with the associated Walt Disney Studios Park is currently Europe's biggest theme park, attracts around 15 million visitors per year.

New details

"Our phase one plans consist of a theme park, a 500-room hotel and a dining area that people can come to even if they don't have a theme park ticket," Mr Thompson told Sky News.

"Over time, I would expect the number of hotels to grow.

"Our intention is that this park would be open 365 days a year, just like all of our other major theme parks.

"We have a whole series of special events, like our Halloween Horror Nights and carnival parties... and it just allows us to attract people throughout this time."

Universal said evidence from its other theme parks suggested that for every job supported within the parks at least 1.5 further jobs could be supported in the supply chain and neighbouring parts of the economy - leading to its expectation of a net additional 20,000 jobs.

Plenty of competition

The investment is not without risks and not least because of its scale.

Of Europe's 20 most visited theme parks, four - Legoland Windsor, Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park - are in the UK, all owned by the former FTSE-100 giant Merlin Entertainments. Their combined visitor numbers annually come to around half of what Universal is targeting.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

There is also plenty of competition.

Locally, not far from the proposed Bedfordshire site is the Harry Potter Experience at the Warner Bros studio tour near Watford, while there is Woburn Safari Park to the immediate north and Whipsnade Zoo to the immediate west of Luton .

There is no shortage of quality options for family days out. Further afield Europe already has more than 1,000 theme and amusement parks, many of them owned by Merlin, renowned for its astute management.

The weather issue

A third factor, potentially, is the weather. This is something that already handicaps a lot of theme parks in northern Europe, such as Liseberg in the Swedish city of Gothenburg, the Tivoli Gardens in the Danish capital Copenhagen and the original Legoland, in the Danish city of Billund, which close for some or all of the winter. So does Phantasialand, one of Germany's biggest and most popular attractions.

Universal Destinations & Experiences, however, is thought to be undeterred by the English weather and points to the fact that the weather is not always perfect in other parts of the world in which it operates, most notably China and Japan.

The Paris experience

The company also appears undeterred by the experience of Disney in Paris.

The original Euro Disney was loss-making for many years - partly due to mismanagement and partly due to a misunderstanding of what European and particularly French consumers were looking for - and it has only really been since it was fully consumed by the Walt Disney Company, in 2017, that it has been effectively run.

Transport challenges

Another big risk is the transport links. Universal Destinations & Experiences - the name was changed last year from Universal Parks & Resorts to better reflect the kind of services customers will be offered in future in both the physical and virtual worlds - has selected the site primarily for its rail and road links to London and, with one in three visitors expected to come from overseas, for its proximity to Luton Airport.

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Yet those links are not currently up to handling the kind of visitor numbers Universal Destinations & Experiences is expecting.

The M1, the main road link to London, is frequently congested around the Luton turn-off at junction 10 and the road links from there to the site in need of improvement.

Accordingly, Universal Destinations & Experiences will be seeking government incentives to invest in local road and rail links.

Support could also come from East West Rail, the proposed new main line railway connecting East Anglia and South Wales, the first phase of which is a line between Oxford and Cambridge and for which a new station at Kempston Hardwick - whose existing station backs onto the land the park would operate - has been proposed.

The planning process

Riskiest of all, perhaps, is the planning process. Local businesses and MPs are supportive while both Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor and Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, have been briefed on the project. Planning proposals have been submitted and Universal Destinations & Experiences has held talks with Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils.

However, Mr Thompson confirmed that Universal Destinations & Experiences is seeking planning permission via a so-called special development order - which would take the decision out of the hands of the local authorities and instead leave the final decision on planning consent with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

A roll of the dice

So this is a big roll of the dice by Universal Destinations & Experiences.

The investment - the first phase of which will be several billion pounds - will take many years to pay off while thrill-seekers should probably not expect the resort to be up and running much before the end of the decade.

However, starting with a blank sheet of paper as it opens its first European venue, Universal Destinations & Experiences has the opportunity to bring something genuinely new not just to the UK but to Europe.

The name change made by the business last year reflects the fact that, in future, the business expects to be offering branded entertainment, culinary, gaming and consumer product experiences that go a lot further than the traditional theme park and resort offerings.

There could even be experiences at the resort which have yet to be conceived. It could be quite the ride.

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‘1992’, one of ray liotta’s final films, sets late summer release with lionsgate; snoop dogg boards as ep, netflix shines light on 1994 as great year for film; what got left on cutting room floor.

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Staying on the “4s”, 1994 pales in comparison to the seminal year of 1974, which saw the release of such films as: Coppola’s doubleheader of The Godfather Part II and The Conversation, Chinatown , Mel Books’ Blazing Saddles & Young Frankenstein , Tobe Hooper’s classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre , the 007 pic T he Man With The Golden Gun, The Longest Yard – the one with Burt Reynolds – The Taking of Pelham 123 , Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Thunderbolt And Lightfoot, Lenny , Spielberg’s The Sugarland Express , the disaster triple bill of Airport 1975, The Towering Inferno & Earthquake , and the Blaxploitation classic Foxy Brown with Pam Grier? Now, that was a year that Hollywood will be hard pressed to duplicate,.

Here are Netflix’s 1994 choices:  

A mechanically gifted but socially inept nerd makes bulletproof skivvies that enable him to take his rightful place in the pantheon of crime fighters.

DIRECTOR:  Mike Binder. CAST:  Damon Wayans, David Alan Grier, Jason Alexander, Jon Polito, Robin Givens

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:   August 19, 1994, Sony

DIRECTOR:  Kevin Smith. CAST : Brian O’Halloran, Jason Mewes, Jeff Anderson, Kevin Smith, Lisa Spoonauer, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Scott Mosier, Scott Schiaffo

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  October 19, 1994, Paramount

DUMB & DUMBER

A lovesick fool and his rambunctious best friend get caught up in a criminal scheme after they attempt to return a briefcase to its rightful owner.

DIRECTOR:  Peter Farrelly. CAST:  Jeff Daniels, Jim Carrey, Lauren Holly

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  December 16, 1994, New Line

A 12-year-old boy living in a dangerous neighborhood hatches a plan to outsmart a group of criminals to protect himself and his sister.

DIRECTOR:  Boaz Yakin. CAST : Giancarlo Esposito, N’Bushe Wright, Sean Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:   August 24, 1994, Paramount

THE HUDSUCKER PROXY

Simple mail clerk Norville Barnes falls into good — or bad? — luck when he becomes the CEO of a successful business.

DIRECTOR:  Joel Coen, Ethan Coen. CAST : Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman, Tim Robbins

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  March 11, 1994, Warner Bros.

After a male fertility doctor loses a research grant, his colleague convinces him to test their wonder drug by implanting himself with an embryo.

DIRECTOR:  Ivan Reitman. CAST :Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Emma Thompson 

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  November 23, 1994, Universal

THE LITTLE RASCALS

A group of pint-sized mischief-makers stir up shenanigans in their small town in this kid-friendly comedy inspired by the classic “Our Gang” series.

DIRECTOR:  Penelope Spheeris. CAST : Travis Tedford, Bug Hall, Brittany Ashton Holmes, Kevin Jamal Woods, Zachary Mabry, Ross Bagley, Sam Saletta

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  August 5, 1994, Universal

LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL

When his neighbors are killed by a DEA agent, a hired assassin becomes the reluctant guardian of a young girl who begins to follow in his footsteps.

DIRECTOR:  Luc Besson. CAST : Gary Oldman, Jean Reno, Natalie Portman

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  November 18, 1994, Sony

MAJOR LEAGUE II

After success spoils Cleveland’s division-winning baseball team, owner Roger Dorn signs an arrogant all-star to shake things up from behind the plate.

DIRECTOR:  David S. Ward. CAST : Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, David Keith, Dennis Haysbert, Tom Berenger

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  March 30. 1994, Sony

MURIEL’S WEDDING

A misfit escapes life by listening to ABBA ditties and dreaming about marriage, but when she leaves her hometown, her fantasy starts to come to life.

DIRECTOR:  P. J. Hogan. CAST :Bill Hunter, Daniel Lapaine, Rachel Griffiths, Toni Collette

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  Fall, 1994, Paramount

Thirteen-year-old Vada makes an unforgettable trip from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, hoping to find out more about the mother she never knew.

DIRECTOR:  Howard Zieff. CAST : Anna Chlumsky, Austin O’Brien, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  February 11, 1994, Sony

NATURAL BORN KILLERS

Mickey and Mallory Knox embark on an interstate crime spree that triggers a violent pursuit and garners high ratings for a tabloid TV star.

DIRECTOR:  Oliver Stone. CAST : Juliette Lewis, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Sizemore, Woody Harrelson

Facing financial strains and pressure from his wife, a newspaper editor must choose between a prestigious new job and a career-defining story.

DIRECTOR:  Ron Howard. CAST :Glenn Close, Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid, Robert Duvall

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  March 18, 1994, Universal

REALITY BITES

In this irreverent romantic comedy, a small circle of friends suffering from postcollegiate blues must confront the hard truths of real life.

DIRECTOR:  Ben Stiller. CAST : Ben Stiller, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, Winona Ryder

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  February 18, 1994, Universal

THE RIVER WILD

A turbulent vacation turns deadly when two fugitives kidnap a whitewater rafting guide and her family, forcing them down the dangerous river.

DIRECTOR:  Curtis Hanson. CAST : David Strathairn, John C. Reilly, Joseph Mazzello, Kevin Bacon,  Meryl Streep, Stephanie Sawyer

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  September 30, 1994, Universal

SERIAL MOM 

A sweet mom. A loving wife. A devoted homemaker. Beverly Sutphin embodies suburban perfection except for one tiny flaw: her penchant for murder.

DIRECTOR:  John Waters. CAST : Kathleen Turner, Matthew Lillard, Ricki Lake, Sam Waterston 

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  April 13, 1994, Universal.

STREET FIGHTER

Intrepid Col. William Guile takes on a malevolent warlord who kidnaps a busload of Guile’s Allied Nations relief workers and holds them for ransom.

DIRECTOR:  Steven E. de Souza. CAST :Damian Chapa, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kylie Minogue, Ming-Na Wen, Raul Julia, Wes Studi

INITIAL RELEASE DATE:  December 23, 2994, Universal

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