Jul 10, 2025 - News

Films that put Columbus on the big screen

Alissa Widman Neese

A scene from "Air Force One," the 1997 action movie. Actor Gary Oldman confronts actor Harrison Ford by holding a gun to his neck while holding a white phone. — Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford during a famous scene from the 1997 film "Air Force One," which included shots of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base south of Columbus. Photo: Columbia Pictures/Getty Images

"Superman" flies into theaters this week, putting Cleveland at the center of the cinematic world. But we can't let them have all the fun.

Why it matters: Big movies bring big money to Ohio. Film tax credits and a rising reputation have put the state on Hollywood's radar in recent years.

The big picture: Columbus has yet to host a blockbuster on the same scale as Cleveland, but it's no film desert. We often play a supporting role.

Inspired by the new Ohio Goes to the Movies program we highlighted last week, here's a list of films you may not realize had local ties:

✈️ "Air Force One" (1997)

Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base served as the Ramstein Air Base in Germany in this Oscar-nominated action movie starring Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman.

🏛️ "Traffic" (2000)

The Ohio Statehouse was a federal courthouse for some scenes in this Oscar winner starring Michael Douglas about America's war on drugs.

🎓 "Little Man Tate" (1991)

The university for gifted students that 7-year-old Fred Tate attends featured landmarks from a few Ohio colleges, including OSU's Wexner Center.

🍎 "Teachers" (1984)

The old Central High School — present-day COSI — was the setting for this dark dramedy set in Columbus.

🫢 "Speak" (2004)

A Lifetime movie with a cult following that launched Kristen Stewart's career was filmed at Eastmoor Academy. The film is an adaptation of a young adult novel.

💪 "Aftermath" (2017)

Arnold Schwarzenegger loves Columbus, so it's no surprise he starred in a locally shot movie — which even included a cameo by former Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

🎥 "I Am Wrath" (2016)

This revenge film starring John Travolta was based in and mostly filmed in Columbus, showcasing iconic locations like the Statehouse, the Short North and Buckeye Donuts.

🥽 "Ready Player One" (2018)

While not filmed here, this sci-fi flick Ohioan Steven Spielberg directed was set in Columbus in the year 2045, so it gets an honorable mention.

We'll check back and see how it holds up in 20 years.

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