#40: The Graduate
Set Piece: United Methodist Church
Location: La Verne, California
Production Budget: $3 million*
In the iconic 1967 flick The Graduate, Dustin Hoffman’s character makes a daring move to stop his love interest from marrying another guy. That pivotal church scene? It was shot in a real-life chapel: the United Methodist Church in La Verne, California. Since then, the church has seen its fair share of “Graduate” enthusiasts dropping by to soak in the cinematic history.

Today, the church still hosts regular services and weddings, welcoming visitors to experience its timeless charm. With an Oscar win for “Best Directing” and blockbuster earnings of $104.9 million (equivalent to $805 million today), The Graduate remains a beloved classic that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.