Exploring Simi Valley’s Hollywood Connections

Hollywood’s Favorite Backdrop, Past and Present

From dusty Old West trails to Marvel blockbusters and award-winning indie hits, Simi Valley has played a starring role in film and television for decades. With its diverse landscapes, rich cinematic history, and unbeatable location within the Los Angeles 30-Mile Studio Zone, Simi Valley is more than just a pretty face on screen — it’s a production powerhouse.

In 2024 alone, the city hosted 426 production days, generating an estimated $11.1 million in economic impact. That’s 286 different productions — from TV dramas to commercials, feature films, and music videos — all tapping into Simi Valley’s unique blend of scenic beauty and film-friendly infrastructure. And 2025 is already on track to surpass those numbers.

“Simi Valley’s prime location, scenic landscapes, and strong industry partnerships make it a top choice for filmmakers,” says Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh. “Beyond the cameras and crews, film productions bring real benefits — supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.”

Let’s take a tour through some of the most famous productions filmed here — from the golden age of Westerns to today’s streaming favorites — and explore the place where movie magic meets small-town charm.

Corriganville: Where Hollywood’s Western Legacy Lives On

Before superheroes, sci-fi, and prestige TV came to town, Simi Valley built its cinematic reputation on the back of cowboy hats and stunt horses.

Founded in 1937 by stuntman and actor Ray “Crash” Corrigan, Corriganville Movie Ranch was a 2,000-acre film set disguised as a working ranch. Over the years, more than 3,500 productions filmed here, including classics like Fort Apache, The Lone Ranger, and The Cisco Kid.

TV favorites such as The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, Gunsmoke, and The Big Valley also made use of its rugged hills and hand-built Western streets.

Though many of the buildings from the western era have been lost to fire, Corriganville is still worth a visit. Now owned by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Corriganville Park is open to the public for hiking, with trail markers highlighting the exact spots where history — and Hollywood — were made.

Big-Screen Moments in Simi Valley

Simi Valley’s versatility means it can double for suburban neighborhoods, small-town main streets, far-flung battlefields, and even alien worlds. Here are some of the most memorable films shot in and around the city:

• Poltergeist (1982): Horror fans know the Freeling family home well; its exterior is still standing on Roxbury Street. The house made headlines when the home went up for sale in 2024, and again when it became available for short-term rentals in 2025.
• ¡Three Amigos! (1986): Comedy meets cowboy country in Simi Valley.
• Sneakers (1992): This cult classic found a home in Simi’s backdrops.
• Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992): Suburban chaos filmed right here in Oakridge Estates.
• The Big Lebowski (1998): Yes, the Dude abides here too.
• The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000): Prehistoric fun meets California hills.
• Joe Dirt (2001): David Spade’s offbeat road trip comedy made a pit stop in Simi.
• The Good Girl (2002): Written by The White Lotus creator Mike White, Jennifer Aniston’s indie drama filmed in local neighborhoods.
• The Cat in the Hat (2003): Simi’s architecture helped bring Dr. Seuss’ whimsical world to life.
• G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009): Action sequences near the historic Little House on the Prairie site.
• Captain America: The First Avenger (2011): WWII action sequences made use of local hills.
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): Quentin Tarantino used Simi Valley neighborhoods to recreate 1960s LA.
• Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022): The “IRS building” where Evelyn meets Deirdre? That’s 400 National Way in Simi.
• Reagan (2024): Fittingly, this biopic of the 40th President filmed in the Air Force One used by the Gipper himself. This historic aircraft’s permanent home is in the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

TV Classics and Streaming Hits

From family dramas to high-intensity procedurals, Simi Valley has been a go-to for TV productions for decades. Some of the shows made here include:

• Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983): The rolling fields where the Ingalls family lived and loved? Right here in Simi.
• CHiPs: Classic freeway scenes filmed during construction of the 118 Freeway.
• The Thorn Birds: The sweeping 1983 miniseries used Simi’s countryside for key moments.
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The original “Power Chamber” was filmed at the Brandeis-Bardin Institute.
• Criminal Minds: Multiple episodes have filmed at recognizable local intersections.
• Veep: The HBO comedy is the only series to film at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, for an episode in season 6.
• The Rookie: The hit ABC cop drama regularly films in suburban Simi neighborhoods.
• The Last Thing He Told Me: Apple TV+ thriller starring Jennifer Garner made use of the city’s homes and streets.
• 9-1-1: Lone Star: While set in Texas, much of the high-stakes action was filmed here, including at Simi Valley Town Center.
• Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: The Simi Valley episode of the rebooted series included a heartfelt remodel for the Turpin family.

Music Videos with a Simi Soundtrack

Multiple music videos have filmed in Simi Valley, adding to its cinematic appeal beyond movies and TV. Both The Smashing Pumpkins and Limp Bizkit have shot here, using Simi landscapes to set the tone for their hits.

From pop-punk parking lots to moody desert shots, Simi plays as well in three minutes as it does in two hours.

Why Hollywood Keeps Coming Back

Simi Valley’s film industry success isn’t just about looks — it’s about logistics, community, and collaboration.

• Location: Just 40 miles from downtown LA, it’s close enough for convenience, yet far enough to avoid the city’s congestion.
• Variety: Rolling hills, suburban streets, historic sites, and modern architecture all within a short drive.
• Infrastructure: Simi is the only Ventura County city with dedicated film stages, including Allied Studios, plus ranch properties like 76 Ranch.
• Streamlined Permitting: The city and Film Simi Valley work together to make shoots happen smoothly.
• Economic Impact: Productions support hotels, restaurants, equipment rentals, gas stations, and countless local businesses.

City Manager Samantha Argabrite sums it up: “Film projects of all sizes contribute significantly to the local economy… The financial impact extends beyond the set to help sustain jobs and essential City services.”

Visit Simi Valley and Step into the Movies!

Whether you’re hiking Corriganville’s trails, driving past the Poltergeist house, or spotting a new shoot in progress, Simi Valley offers a unique chance to see Hollywood magic up close.

The next time you’re here, keep your eyes peeled — you might just catch your favorite star in action.

Plan your trip and learn more about Simi Valley’s role in film at Film Simi Valley.