Get ready for a wild ride through New Jersey, where crime and comedy collide in Riff Raff, the upcoming film directed by Dito Montiel. Starring an all-star cast including Jennifer Coolidge, Gabrielle Union, Pete Davidson, Ed Harris, and Bill Murray, the film blends sharp humor with high-stakes crime in a way that only New Jersey’s dynamic landscapes can deliver.
Premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Riff Raff is set to hit theaters on February 28, 2025, bringing its darkly comedic, fast-paced energy to audiences worldwide. But where exactly was this high-octane crime caper filmed? Let’s take a cinematic tour through the streets, suburbs, and waterfronts of New Jersey where Riff Raff came to life.
Bayonne, New Jersey
Why It Was Chosen: Bayonne’s blue-collar roots, industrial backdrop, and tightly packed neighborhoods made it a perfect setting for Riff Raff’s crime-fueled antics. The town’s waterfront character and gritty authenticity helped bring the film’s world to life.
What to Do in Bayonne?
✔️ Walk Along the Bayonne Waterfront – Explore the scenic views of Newark Bay, the Kill Van Kull, and New York Bay, which give Bayonne its unique character.
✔️ Visit Stephen R. Gregg Park – A hidden gem along the Hudson River, great for a peaceful escape from the city.
✔️ Discover the Bayonne Bridge – One of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, connecting New Jersey to Staten Island.
🎬 Filming Fun Fact: Bayonne’s industrial areas and historic neighborhoods provided key backdrops for Riff Raff’s most intense scenes.
Mahwah, New Jersey
Why It Was Chosen: The film needed a quiet, upscale suburban setting, and Mahwah, nestled in the Ramapo Mountains, was the perfect fit. The production used private homes in Mahwah, likely for residential and interior scenes.
What to Do in Mahwah?
✔️ Hike Through Ramapo Valley County Reservation – Enjoy stunning trails, waterfalls, and scenic lakes in one of New Jersey’s most beautiful nature preserves.
✔️ Visit the Mahwah Museum – Learn about local history and the township’s transformation over the years.
✔️ Take a Drive Along Scenic Route 202 – A beautiful countryside road trip just outside the chaos of the city.
🎬 Filming Fun Fact: Mahwah’s luxurious homes and quiet streets provided a perfect contrast to the crime-heavy action of the film.
Additional Filming Locations in New Jersey
Beyond Bayonne and Mahwah, Riff Raff was filmed across several New Jersey towns, each adding its own unique touch to the film’s crime-comedy aesthetic.
📍 Clark, New Jersey – A classic suburban setting that could serve as a safe house, a hideout, or an unexpected crime scene.
📍 Mountainview, New Jersey – A lesser-known gem with scenic roads and quiet neighborhoods, perfect for intimate or suspenseful moments.
📍 Plainfield, New Jersey – Known for its historic architecture and diverse neighborhoods, likely used for urban crime sequences.
📍 City of Orange, New Jersey – A vibrant location known for its mix of historic and modern cityscapes, ideal for fast-paced city action.
🎬 Filming Fun Fact: The film utilized multiple counties in New Jersey, including Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Union, giving it an authentic Northeast feel.
When Was Riff Raff Filmed?
Filming began in September 2023 and continued through late 2023. By November 2023, production was in full swing across multiple New Jersey locations.
Best Time to Visit New Jersey’s
Spring (April – June): Perfect for exploring Bayonne’s waterfront and hiking Mahwah’s mountain trails.
Summer (July – September): Great for enjoying parks, city festivals, and taking scenic drives through New Jersey’s countryside.
Autumn (October – November): Experience beautiful foliage in Ramapo Valley Reservation and enjoy the crisp air along the New Jersey waterfront.
Winter (December – February): A quiet time to visit and experience New Jersey’s cozy suburban charm and historic towns.
How to Get to the Riff Raff Filming Locations?
By Air: Fly into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for easy access to Bayonne, Mahwah, and surrounding locations.
By Car: Renting a car is the best way to explore New Jersey’s film locations at your own pace.
By Train: NJ Transit trains connect New York City to various New Jersey filming sites, making it a convenient trip from the city.
Final Thoughts
With its mix of gritty crime, sharp comedy, and unforgettable characters, Riff Raff brings the energy of New Jersey’s diverse landscapes to the big screen. Whether you’re exploring Bayonne’s industrial streets, Mahwah’s quiet suburbs, or the lively cities of Orange and Plainfield, this film gives fans a chance to experience the locations behind the action.