35 College Campuses Where Hollywood Movies Were Secretly Filmed

6. Columbia University: Ghostbusters

Columbia University, nestled in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, has long been a favorite of filmmakers seeking an Ivy League aesthetic combined with the energy of New York City. Its stately neoclassical buildings, grand staircases, and iconic Low Library steps have served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films. Ghostbusters famously used Columbia’s campus for its fictional university scenes, while Spiderman (2002) depicted Peter Parker’s college life here. Other notable films shot at Columbia include The Nanny Diaries, The Mirror Has Two Faces, and Love Story. The university’s blend of historic grandeur and urban vibrancy makes it a versatile setting, capable of portraying both classic academic prestige and the fast-paced dynamism of a big city. Whether standing in for an elite institution or simply capturing the essence of intellectual ambition, Columbia continues to be a go-to location for directors crafting stories that merge academia with cinematic storytelling.