Bank of America Building, 100, Federal Street, Financial District, Downtown Boston, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 02110, United States of America
Scene: (The building where Will goes for his last job interview.)
The beloved drama of a South Boston janitor with a genius mind is deeply rooted in Boston – its Southie bars, the Public Garden bench, the college halls – though, in a common movie trick, many of its interiors were actually shot across the border in Toronto.
Where was Good Will Hunting filmed?
Good Will Hunting was filmed in Boston (the exteriors and landmarks) and Toronto (many interiors).
Every Good Will Hunting location, explained
1
South Boston – Will’s world
Will’s neighbourhood used real South Boston and Dorchester, including the L Street Tavern bar.
2
The Public Garden bench
Sean’s famous ‘you don’t know about real loss’ speech was filmed on a bench in the Boston Public Garden.
3
The universities
The college scenes used Boston’s Harvard and MIT exteriors, with many interiors shot at the University of Toronto.
4
Toronto interiors
Classrooms, the ‘college bar’ and other interiors used Toronto locations, including its City Hall.
Planning a visit
Boston‘s Public Garden bench and the L Street Tavern in Southie are real, beloved fan stops, and the city’s Harvard and MIT anchor the film’s world.
Good Will Hunting Fun Facts
1
Boston outside, Toronto inside The film’s exteriors used real Boston, but many interiors were shot in Toronto.
2
The Public Garden bench Sean’s key speech was filmed on a Boston Public Garden bench, now a fan landmark.
3
Damon and Affleck's Oscar Matt Damon and Ben Affleck won Best Original Screenplay for their script.
4
The L Street Tavern Will’s local is a real Southie bar that still draws fans.
5
'How do you like them apples?' The line became one of the film’s most quoted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Good Will Hunting filmed?
In Boston (exteriors and landmarks) and Toronto (many interiors).
Where is the bench scene?
On a bench in the Boston Public Garden.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Public Garden bench and the L Street Tavern in Southie are popular fan stops.
Who wrote Good Will Hunting?
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who won an Oscar for the script.
