School of Rock House — Horace Green Exterior, Staten Island

The exterior of the prestigious Horace Green Prep School in School of Rock (2003) was filmed at Wagner College on Staten Island, New York. The college's stately campus buildings doubled perfectly as the uptight private school where Jack Black's Dewey Finn, a failed rock guitarist, impersonates a substitute teacher and secretly transforms his class of sheltered preppy kids into a rock band. The film's joyful celebration of rock and roll as liberation — 'One great rock show can change the world' — made it an instant classic.

School of Rock was a surprise hit that grossed over $130 million worldwide and cemented Jack Black's status as a rock comedy icon. Richard Linklater directed with a loose, improvisational style that let the child actors (many of whom actually played their instruments) shine. The film's setlist — featuring AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Cream, and The Ramones — served as a gateway to classic rock for a generation of kids.

Wagner College is a private liberal arts college on Grymes Hill, one of Staten Island's highest points, offering panoramic views of the New York harbour and lower Manhattan. The campus is open to visitors but is an active college, so respectful visits are encouraged. The battle of the bands finale was filmed elsewhere, but the campus exteriors are the film's most recognisable location.