If you’re a fan of Friends and Hocus Pocus, you might be in for a delightful surprise. These two iconic pieces of pop culture, although from very different worlds—one a beloved sitcom and the other a classic Halloween movie—share a surprising connection that has fans buzzing. A recent Instagram post from PopCulture uncovered this fun fact, shedding light on a detail that many viewers missed over the years. So, let’s dive into this unexpected link between Friends and Hocus Pocus and uncover the magic behind the iconic fountain that ties them together!
The Iconic Fountain: A Link Between Friends and Hocus Pocus
When you think of Friends, one of the first things that comes to mind is the famous opening credits, where the gang splashes around in a fountain in Central Park. It’s an unforgettable image, right? But what if we told you that the same fountain also makes a memorable appearance in Hocus Pocus? Yes, you read that right! The fountain that you associate with the opening of Friends also features in the classic Halloween movie.
In Hocus Pocus, the fountain appears in the backdrop of a scene set in the charming, fall-colored town of Salem, Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Friends takes you to New York City, where the same fountain graces the background of the group’s opening credits, as they dance around and enjoy the carefree moments of friendship. This startling revelation was shared by the PopCulture Instagram account, which posted side-by-side comparisons of the two scenes, drawing attention to the fountain and its surroundings.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting: The fountain is not actually located in either New York or Salem. It doesn’t even sit on the East Coast. In fact, it’s tucked away in a studio lot on the West Coast, at Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California. So, while viewers may have mistaken the location for Central Park’s Cherry Hill Fountain, it turns out that the water feature is a Hollywood creation!
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The Surprising Truth About the Location of the Fountain
While fans of Friends may have believed that the fountain was a real landmark in New York City, the truth is that the show was mostly filmed on a soundstage at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles. The outside of Monica and Rachel’s apartment, and many other exterior shots from the show, were filmed on sets that were replicated to look like the West Village of New York.
On the other hand, Hocus Pocus was largely filmed in Salem, Massachusetts, with many of the movie’s most iconic locations being actual historic spots within the city. The fountain may not reside in Salem, but several other places in the movie are indeed real and can be visited by fans today.
Real Locations Fans Can Visit from Hocus Pocus
For Hocus Pocus fans, the charm of Salem is undeniable. The city features several memorable spots that played key roles in the film, and they’re still standing today, preserved as part of the town’s rich history. One of the most notable locations is Rope’s Mansion and Garden, which doubles as Allison’s gorgeous white house in the film. Built in 1727, this stunning mansion remains a must-visit spot for Hocus Pocus enthusiasts, as it looks almost exactly the same as when Allison walked down its grand staircase in a flowing ivory gown.
But it’s not just Allison’s house that fans can experience. The execution site of Winifred, Sarah, and Mary—the Sanderson sisters—was filmed at Pioneer Village, a historical outdoor museum in Salem that replicates the 17th century. Visitors can explore the museum and stand in the same place where the sisters met their demise.
Other notable locations from the movie, like the Dennison house and Max and Allison’s school, can also be found in Salem. However, these are private properties now, and fans can only view them from the street. It’s a bittersweet experience for Hocus Pocus devotees, but it’s still a fun way to relive the magic of the movie!
The Friends Building You’ll Never Find in New York
While Friends fans might have been led to believe that the exterior shots of Monica’s apartment building were filmed in New York, the reality is quite different. The actual location of the apartment building shown in the opening credits and throughout the series is a set designed to look like the West Village. However, many fans were thrilled to learn that the iconic orange couch from the opening credits, as well as the fountain, were filmed on a lot in Burbank, California.
Though you won’t be able to visit Monica’s apartment in New York, you can still enjoy the locations that Friends used to create that unforgettable NYC atmosphere in various tourist spots around the world. The magic of Friends was, after all, a combination of clever set design and a bit of Hollywood trickery.
The Enduring Legacy of Friends and Hocus Pocus
Both Friends and Hocus Pocus have stood the test of time, becoming cultural touchstones that continue to capture the hearts of fans around the world. Friends still holds a special place in the hearts of viewers who can’t get enough of the gang’s hilarious antics and iconic one-liners. Meanwhile, Hocus Pocus is a Halloween tradition for many, with its nostalgic charm and unforgettable performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.
The shared fountain between these two beloved pop culture gems is a reminder of the unexpected ways in which Hollywood has woven together the threads of different stories. Whether it’s a fountain in Burbank or a city street in New York, these locations have become ingrained in the memories of fans—serving as a bridge between two very different worlds but uniting them with one thing in common: the magic of nostalgia.
This fun discovery has brought fans of both Friends and Hocus Pocus together in a way no one could have imagined. From the mystery of the fountain’s location to the real-life spots fans can visit in Salem, it’s clear that the magic of these iconic films will continue to enchant us for years to come.
