If you’re a movie lover visiting L.A., a stop at Universal Studios Hollywood is an absolute no-brainer. Not only is the park jam-packed with rides and attractions that make you feel like you’re inside the silver screen — looking at you, dinos from Jurassic World – The Ride! — but movies (and TV shows) are literally filmed here. It’s what makes Universal Studios Hollywood unlike any other theme park.
You can hop on the World-Famous Studio Tour to explore Hollywood history, where classic horror movies and contemporary action flicks alike are filmed, and you can snap a photo with characters from some of your favorite movies, who you’ll find wandering around the park.
The thing that’ll make your visit to Universal even better is brushing up on some featured films before you even visit! We’ve rounded up the must-see movies that film buffs need to (re-)watch before stepping through the arch. You’re welcome.
To Best Experience the Rides & Attractions, Watch…
“Waterworld” (1995)
Seeing this otherworldly spectacle on screen will make you appreciate the real-live effects of the WaterWorld stunt show even more. It takes place in the post-apocalyptic future. The polar ice caps have melted and the world is entirely, as this film title suggests, water. Humans now live on makeshift metal structures called atolls, and a brave few are on a quest — and fight — for the last patches of land on the planet.
To learn more, check out Discover Universal’s guide to the WaterWorld stunt spectacular.
“The Mummy” (1999)
“The Mummy” is a perfect film, so it’s not like you really need a reason to give it a watch. But if your loved one needs some convincing, use your pending visit to Universal as an excuse. Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride launches you directly into the franchise at 45 mph, leaving you so thrilled you’ll think you’re really in King Tut’s tomb.
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004)
We think you’d be remiss if you didn’t brush up on your “Harry Potter” films before stepping into Hogsmeade, but if we had to chose just one film to recommend, we’d chose “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” In addition to Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to the wizarding village, which is introduced in the third movie. There, you can dine at the Three Broomsticks, fill your pockets with sweets from Honeydukes, and grab a mug of Butterbeer, which’ll feel so much more fun if you’ve just watched the movie. Or, you could just go ahead and watch all eight “Harry Potter” films. We wouldn’t be mad.
“The Simpsons Movie” (2007)
Yes, “The Simpsons” TV show has been on since 1989 — and you should definitely binge some episodes before you visit Springfield, U.S.A. But don’t sleep on the movie adaptation of the beloved series! In it, Springfield finds itself on the brink of complete destruction, and it’s up to the town’s most chaotic family to save the day. Catching this adventure will amplify the already adrenaline-pumping experience that is The Simpsons Ride.
Want a deep-dive on the “Simpsons” fun at Universal Studios Hollywood? Check out Discover Universal’s guide to Springfield, U.S.A.
“Transformers” (2007)
The larger-than-life action series comes alive at Universal in the form of Transformers: The Ride-3D. To give you an idea: imagine the mind-blowing special effects of the Transformers series, plus flight simulation. Yup. Having a franchise rewatch top-of-mind will only make you appreciate the high-tech effects even more.
“Despicable Me” (2010)
Super Silly Fun Land is absolutely crawling with Minions, from the merch at the Super Silly Stuff store, to the Felonious Float at Despicable Delights. Visit their domain with their shenanigans top of mind with a rewatch of the first iteration of the Despicable Me franchise from Illumination.
“Jurassic World” (2015)
This water tour of the famed dinosaur haven will be even more thrilling post-watch. While the ride is technically inspired by the franchise reboot — including “Jurassic World”(2015), “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”(2018) and“Jurassic World Dominion” (2022) — we would never turn down a rewatch of the originals, too. Come on, those ‘90s looks are iconic.
“The Secret Life of Pets” (2016)
On Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets — The Ride, you get to join Max, Gidget, and the whole gang of pets on a whirlwind trip through New York City. Based on the film franchise of the same title, many actors from the celeb-studded “The Secret Life of Pets” cast voice their characters on the Universal Studios Hollywood attraction. Brush up with a rewatch of the films and you’ll recognize many of the pets’ voices on this utterly delightful ride.
To Best Experience the Studio Tour, Watch…
“Jaws” (1975)
No trip to Universal is complete without the iconic Studio Tour, and no Studio Tour is complete without a recent “Jaws” rewatch. The tram has stopped on the Amity Island set since the mid-70s, and includes a face-to-face encounter with the great white himself. Psst: The beast lunges at the right side of the tram, so sit on that side to get as close as you can to those infamous chompers.
“Psycho” (1960)
Another absolute must, even if you aren’t visiting Universal anytime soon. The Bates Motel, featured in the iconic horror flick, has been a stop on the tour since 1964. You’ll even get a peek at Norman Bates himself — which’ll be so much creepier if you’ve got all the eerie details from the horror movie in recent memory.
“Earthquake” (1974)
You might not know this one, but you’ll be dying to watch it after the Studio Tour. In the action thriller, a catastrophic earthquake hits L.A. The corresponding tram stop features a 2.5 minute sequence of an 8.3 earthquake hitting a subway station — and it gets real. Even for West Coasters.
“Back to the Future” (1985)
One of the most recognizable backlot sets is Courthouse Square — a.k.a., downtown Hill Valley from the “Back to the Future” trilogy. The set includes the iconic clocktower that, when struck by lightning, sends Marty McFly back to 1985. If that was confusing, you’re overdue for a (re)watch of this classic ‘80s Universal picture.
“War of the Worlds” (2005)
Another action flick to put on your list! You’ll get to take a peek at the actual film set for this movie: a massive, outdoor plane set, where Steven Spielberg shot for three days. An actual airplane was chopped up and hauled onto the Universal lot, where it remains for movie lovers to visit to this day.
“King Kong” (2005)
Based on the Peter Jackson remakes of the iconic Hollywood flick, King Kong: 360 3-D takes you directly into the depths of Skull Island. Even if gigantic, irate apes aren’t exactly your thing, it’s worth it to watch the mind-blowing special effects for yourself.
“Nope” (2022)
Without giving anything away, the bulk of the sci-fi thriller takes place on a California horse ranch, just adjacent to a kitschy, Western theme park. That park, called Jupiter’s Claim, was meticulously reconstructed, and is now a stop on the Studio Tour — in fact it premiered the same day “Nope” hit theaters. To the uninitiated, it might just look like a theme park. But real Peele fans know it’s so much creepier than that. Be the latter.
To Best Experience Character Meet & Greets, Watch…
“Some Like It Hot” (1959)
You’re bound to have a run-in with Marilyn while visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. The mythology of Marilyn has become larger than and less connected to the actual Marilyn, so take the chance to see why people fell in love with her in the first place. You’ll learn why she’s such a Hollywood icon with a viewing of “Some Like It Hot,” the Oscar-winning, boundary-pushing comedy. And, if you want more, try “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”(1953) next.
“Shrek” (2001)
“Shrek” is one of those movies that’s ostensibly for kids, but it’s hilarious to folks at any age. You’ll get a chance to snag a photo with Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey at Universal, so come prepared with your favorite movie quotes in mind. For us, it’s gotta be a tie between “Ogres are like onions,” and the old standby, “That’ll do, donkey. That’ll do.”
“Scooby Doo” (2002)
There are so many versions of Scooby Doo you could watch — from the original animated show from the ’70s to the upcoming “Velma” series. But we love the early aughts film starring ‘90s horror flicks in unbelievably goofy wigs. Then, when you see Shaggy and Scooby with the Mystery Machine at Universal Studios Hollywood, you’ll be extra psyched. Zoinks!
Whew, got enough on your must-watch list? Good. That should keep you busy until you step foot into the theme park. But if you think there’s a movie we missed, let us in the comments below! We’re always down to add to the viewing queue.