The sole survivor of a pier shoot-out tells the story of how a notorious criminal influenced the events that began with five criminals meeting in a seemingly random police lineup.
Korean Friendship Bell, South Gaffey Street, San Pedro Arts and Cultural District, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90733, United States of America
Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel, 601, South Palos Verdes Street, Little Italy, San Pedro, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90731, United States of America
Scene: (smuggling boat attack occurs at 1500 Barracuda St, San Pedro, CA 90731)
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Tompkins Street, Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, Richmond County, City of New York, New York, 10305, United States of America
San Pedro Municipal Building, 638, South Beacon Street, San Pedro Arts and Cultural District, San Pedro, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90731, United States of America
Scene: (exteriors: San Pedro police station, final scene)
JO Pass Trail, Tulare County, California, United States of America
Decatur County, Kansas, United States of America
California
The twisty neo-noir – built around the legend of the unseen Keyser Soze – unfolds around the harbour of San Pedro in Los Angeles, whose docks, warehouses and police stations frame one of cinema’s great unreliable stories.
Where was The Usual Suspects filmed?
The Usual Suspects was filmed around San Pedro and the harbour of Los Angeles.
Every Usual Suspects location, explained
1
San Pedro harbour
The film’s central boat attack and much of the action used the port and warehouses of San Pedro in Los Angeles.
2
The police stations
The interrogation and lineup scenes used LA locations, with Los Angeles City Hall standing in for a New York station.
3
The harbour warehouses
The smuggling and shootout scenes used the industrial waterfront of San Pedro.
4
Los Angeles landmarks
The film uses downtown Los Angeles and its harbour throughout.
Planning a visit
San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles – the film’s harbour setting – are a real, atmospheric waterfront at the heart of the story.
The Usual Suspects Fun Facts
1
A harbour thriller The film centres on a boat attack in the harbour of San Pedro, Los Angeles.
2
'The greatest trick...' The film’s line about the devil convincing the world he doesn’t exist became legendary.
3
A famous twist The reveal of Keyser Soze is one of cinema’s most celebrated endings.
4
Spacey won an Oscar Kevin Spacey won Best Supporting Actor for the film.
5
The lineup scene The comic police-lineup scene became iconic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Usual Suspects filmed?
Around San Pedro and the harbour of Los Angeles.
Where is the boat attack filmed?
In the harbour of San Pedro, Los Angeles.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles are accessible.
Who is Keyser Soze?
The film’s mysterious, legendary crime figure – the heart of its famous twist.
