‘Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!’ and 9 other off-the-wall movies filmed in San Diego

by Debbie L. Sklar • Times of San Diego

Poster from the 1978 film *Attack of the Killer Tomatoes*! (Photo via Wikipedia Commons)

Killer tomatoes, fugitives, and paranormal happenings?

Even though San Diego and its neighboring cities aren’t typically associated with movie-making, they’ve surprisingly provided the backdrop for some truly bizarre and unexpected films.

For example, it’s well known that the films Top Gun and Anchorman were shot here, but what about those that flew under the radar? From cult classics to forgotten oddities, here’s a look at 10 off-the-wall productions.

1. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)

This movie is exactly what it sounds like—a low-budget horror spoof about killer tomatoes attacking humans. Filmed at UC San Diego and Balboa Park, this campy cult classic is pretty absurd with bad effects and over-the-top humor. It’s San Diego’s most infamous B-movie that still draws viewers.

2. The Stunt Man (1980)

This dark comedy-thriller starring legendary actor Peter O’Toole follows a fugitive who stumbles onto a movie set and gets roped into performing dangerous stunts. The Hotel del Coronado and La Jolla’s Children’s Pool provide backdrops for this chaotic, mind-bending film.

3. South of 8 (2016)

A gritty Indie crime thriller, South of 8 imagines a near-future version of San Diego taken over by criminals. Using real locations including Ramona and downtown, it shows the city in a dystopian light, far from the sunny beaches and palm trees it’s known for. Filmed in Ramona and several San Diego neighborhoods.

4. Friend of the World (2020)

Filmed in black and white, this post-apocalyptic indie film follows a filmmaker and a military general trapped in a bunker after an unknown disaster. With its surreal dialogue and weird atmosphere, it’s considered by many as one of the strangest films ever shot in San Diego. Filmed at various locations in San Diego County.

5. The Watermelon (2008)

This off-beat indie comedy-drama tells the story of a man who inherits a mysterious property. While the film takes place in a fictional California beach town, the charm of Encinitas and Ocean Beach gives it a distinctly San Diego feel.

6. The Big Mouth (1967)

If you love the classic Jerry Lewis slapstick comedy, The Big Mouth follows a man who accidentally discovers stolen diamonds, leading to a series of ridiculous chases. Several key scenes were filmed at SeaWorld San Diego when it was a new attraction.

7. Almost Famous (2000)

Inspired by director Cameron Crowe’s teen years in San Diego, Almost Famous follows a young music journalist on tour with a Rock ‘n Roll band. Some of the film’s most nostalgic moments take place on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, helping to give it that ‘70s vibe. Also filmed at Sunset Cliffs.

8. Freaky Friday (1976)

Forge the Lindsay Lohan version, the original Freaky Friday starred Jodie Foster as a teen who somehow swaps bodies with her mom, Barbara Harris. One of its most famous scenes—a chaotic water-skiing competition—was filmed in Mission Bay.

9. Paranormal Activity (2007)

The now-legendary found-footage horror film was shot almost entirely inside a private home in Rancho Peñasquitos. With a budget of only $15,000, it became one of the most profitable horror movies ever produced. No Hollywood stuff, just a regular San Diego home with lots of scary shadows.

10. Traffic (2000)

Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic is a tense drama about the drug trade, featuring a star-studded cast and numerous storylines. Many of the film’s top moments were shot in San Diego, as well as downtown, and scenes at the Rancho Bernardo Inn and Balboa Park. The city’s mix of urban and suburban locations was said to have added realism to the intense, Oscar-winning film.

San Diego’s Hidden Film History

As you can see from cult classics and experimental thrillers to offbeat comedies and horror gems, San Diego County has certainly played host to a surprisingly weird mix of movies.

The next time you’re wandering through Balboa Park, swimming in Mission Bay, or grabbing a coffee on Ocean Beach, just remember — you might be standing in the middle of a former movie set.

Debbie L. Sklar is a long-time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age, visit here.

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