The 2019 romantic drama 5 Feet Apart captivated audiences around the world with its heart-wrenching portrayal of two teenagers, Stella and Will, who fall in love while battling cystic fibrosis (CF). A fundamental rule of their relationship? They must stay at least 5 feet apart to avoid cross-infection, a poignant and medically accurate detail that gives the film its title. As viewers were drawn into the emotional depth of the story, many began to wonder: Where was this powerful movie actually filmed?
While 5 Feet Apart is set in a fictional hospital called “Mercy Hospital,” much of the filming took place at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. This real-world medical facility played a critical role in grounding the story in authenticity and delivering a visually compelling backdrop for the characters’ struggles.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the filming locations behind 5 Feet Apart, including why the production team chose this hospital, how it enhanced the film’s realism, and what other filming sites were used throughout Arizona. We’ll also look at the importance of location in storytelling and how real hospital settings impact audience connection to health-related narratives.
The Real Hospital Behind ‘5 Feet Apart’: John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital
Location and History of the Filming Site
John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital, located at 2855 West Cactus Road in Phoenix, Arizona, is a full-service medical center that opened in 1964. As part of the HonorHealth network, the hospital serves the northern areas of the Phoenix metropolitan area with a wide range of services—including emergency care, cardiology, maternity, and behavioral health.
It is not, however, a specialized cystic fibrosis treatment center, despite the film’s narrative focus. The hospital was chosen not for its medical specialization, but primarily for its architectural layout, lighting, and flexibility for filming. Its modern corridors, wide waiting rooms, and well-structured medical wings provided the production design team with an ideal canvas to create the fictional Mercy Hospital.
Director Justin Baldoni and the production team made a conscious effort to use real hospital spaces rather than relying entirely on sets. For scenes involving patient rooms, nurse’s stations, hallways, and waiting areas, filmmakers secured permission to shoot on-site during non-peak hours to minimize disruption to patients and staff.
Authenticity Through Real Medical Environments
One of the film’s standout strengths is its commitment to visual realism. The use of an actual hospital lent considerable authenticity to the experience. From the sterile equipment in treatment rooms to the clinical fluorescent lighting in the hallways, every aesthetic choice helped simulate the genuine emotional and physical atmosphere of living with a chronic illness.
According to production designer Michael Perry, the team wanted the audience to feel immersed in the daily experiences of CF patients. Shooting in a functioning hospital supported this vision. Rather than building replicas of medical rooms on a soundstage, they utilized real patient rooms, ICU units, and outpatient treatment areas—some temporarily modified for continuity, but still rooted in reality.
Notable scenes filmed at North Mountain Hospital include:
- Stella’s daily routine check-ins with her CF nurse
- The pivotal hallway conversation where she explains the 5-foot rule to Will
- The ICU sequence after Stella’s lung transplant
- Will’s moments of introspection in waiting rooms and outdoor recovery areas
These settings contribute significantly to the film’s emotional gravity, reminding viewers that the challenges faced by the characters are not just fictional—they mirror real life for thousands of people with cystic fibrosis.
Why Arizona? Production Decisions and Creative Vision
While 5 Feet Apart is not set in any particular city (it avoids naming a state altogether), the choice of Arizona as the filming location was both logistical and aesthetic.
Tax Incentives and Filming Infrastructure
Arizona offers competitive incentives for film production. Though not as extensive as California or New Mexico, the state has worked to attract the film industry through relaxed permitting processes, cost-effective crews, and a variety of landscapes. The Phoenix area, in particular, boasts experienced local film crews and established infrastructure—making it an ideal location for a mid-budget film like 5 Feet Apart.
Additionally, filming in Arizona allowed the production to avoid some of the higher costs associated with filming in Los Angeles or other major film hubs, enabling the budget to be directed toward essential needs like medical consultants, special effects for hospital equipment, and on-set therapists to support young actors during emotionally taxing scenes.
Climate and Visual Aesthetics
Arizona’s bright, sunny climate was a deliberate contrast to the often somber mood of the film. The stark juxtaposition of sunlight streaming through hospital windows and characters confined by illness added visual tension. The natural light provided a cinematic advantage—soft yet vibrant—contributing to scenes where optimism and despair coexist.
For example, one of the most memorable scenes—the “first date” where Will and Stella skateboard in the hospital parking lot—leverages Arizona’s clear skies and wide-open exterior spaces. The golden-hour lighting during that sequence was naturally occurring, thanks to the location’s proximity to desert landscapes and low atmospheric interference.
Other Key Filming Locations in Arizona
While John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital served as the primary filming site, 5 Feet Apart was also shot at several other locations across the Phoenix metro area and beyond.
Hospital Exterior and Rooftop Scenes
Although most interior shots were filmed on-site, the exterior shots of “Mercy Hospital” weren’t of North Mountain Hospital itself. Instead, filmmakers used a combination of composite shots and digitally enhanced backdrops to create the fictional hospital façade. Some exterior hospital shots were filmed at alternative medical facilities or even repurposed office buildings near Scottsdale, designed to resemble clinical institutions.
However, one of the most emotionally charged scenes—Stella and Will’s rooftop meeting, where they briefly defy the 5-foot rule—was filmed on a set built on a soundstage in Glendale, Arizona. Despite not being shot on an actual hospital roof, the set incorporated views of Phoenix’s skyline and was enhanced with digital matte paintings to create the illusion of height and privacy.
Supporting Scenes and Urban Backdrops
Several scenes depicting school life, home environments, and outdoor recreation took place in suburban neighborhoods of Phoenix and Tempe. For example:
| Scene | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stella’s apartment scenes | Residential complex, Tempe | Modified for interior filming; exterior only |
| Will’s skateboard scenes | Metro walking paths & skate parks, Glendale | Used to convey his rebellious nature |
| School hallway scenes | Desert Vista High School, Chandler | Classrooms repurposed for brief academic shots |
These locations added diversity to the visual tone of the film, keeping the story grounded in everyday life, not just hospital walls.
Medical Accuracy and the Role of Real Hospital Environments
One of the film’s most commendable aspects is its dedication to portraying cystic fibrosis with clinical accuracy. To ensure authenticity, the production included medical consultants from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and worked with patients and doctors throughout the filming process.
Designing Hospital Scenes with Patient Input
Production designer Michael Perry and screenwriter Rachael Lippincott collaborated with CF patients to accurately depict how they navigate hospital settings. This included:
- The placement of IV poles and oxygen tanks
- Use of nebulizers, feeding tubes, and transplant checklists
- Visual markers such as colored wristbands and isolation signage
Shooting in a real hospital allowed actors to interact with actual medical equipment under supervision. Haley Lu Richardson, who played Stella, spent time shadowing CF patients at real treatment centers. She was particularly moved by the emotional weight of the hospital environment and found it easier to embody her character while walking through real patient wings, where she could observe routines and interactions firsthand.
Why Real Hospitals Impact Audience Perception
Audiences often pick up on subtle inconsistencies in set design—especially when it comes to medical facilities. Using a real hospital helped maintain credibility, particularly for viewers with personal experience with cystic fibrosis or other chronic illnesses.
According to audience feedback collected by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, many patients and caregivers appreciated the film’s accurate representation of isolation rules, treatment fatigue, and emotional vulnerability. Filming in a real hospital environment played a significant role in earning this trust.
How the Filming Location Reflects the Film’s Themes
The setting of 5 Feet Apart is far more than a backdrop—it’s integral to the film’s central themes of love, isolation, and the fight for autonomy. The clinical environment of the hospital underscores the tension between medical necessity and emotional fulfillment.
Confinement and Freedom in Medical Spaces
Within the confines of Mercy Hospital, every interaction is governed by rules: hand sanitizer dispensers at every turn, strict visitation hours, and, most significantly, the 5-foot rule. Yet, characters seek moments of freedom—skateboarding in empty lots, sneaking rooftop meetings, sharing secrets online.
The real hospital layout supported this dynamic dichotomy. Its long corridors and sterile rooms mirrored the restrictive nature of CF care, while its exterior terraces, gardens, and nearby urban spaces allowed for fleeting moments of independence. The physical architecture reinforced the narrative: even within a space of healing, the characters yearn for normalcy and connection.
Light and Space as Emotional Indicators
Cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi (not to be confused with the actor of the same name) made deliberate use of natural light and spatial depth in hospital scenes. Bright, wide shots in waiting rooms conveyed hope and openness, while tight close-ups in treatment units signaled claustrophobia and tension.
By filming in a real hospital with varied lighting conditions, the cinematography team could shift tone subtly and effectively. For instance, the contrast between the cool, white light of Stella’s hospital room and the warm, golden hues of the evening skate scene helps viewers emotionally transition from despair to possibility.
Comparison with Other Hospital-Based Films
Many films use fabricated hospital sets for dramatic effect. For example, Grey’s Anatomy is filmed on soundstages in Los Angeles, and The Fault in Our Stars used a combination of a real children’s hospital in Pittsburgh and studio sets.
In contrast, 5 Feet Apart took a bolder approach by embedding much of its filming in a working hospital. This not only enhanced realism but also brought unforeseen challenges—such as working around patient schedules, sound restrictions, and hospital safety protocols.
However, the result was a more convincing and intimate narrative. Unlike films where medical jargon can feel performative, 5 Feet Apart benefited from authentic context, which elevated its emotional impact.
The Legacy of the Filming Location
Since the film’s release, John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital has seen a slight uptick in visitors curious to see where key scenes were filmed. While the hospital doesn’t offer official tours related to the movie, local fans and film enthusiasts sometimes visit the public areas where filming occurred.
More importantly, the film has raised awareness about cystic fibrosis and hospital-based isolation protocols. Social media discussions, patient advocacy campaigns, and even hospital educational programs have referenced 5 Feet Apart as a tool for empathy and discussion.
HonorHealth, the hospital network that operates North Mountain Hospital, has also acknowledged the film’s positive impact on public awareness of chronic care environments. In interviews, hospital administrators emphasized that the portrayal encouraged more compassion for patients living with long-term illnesses.
Behind the Scenes: Challenges of Filming in a Real Hospital
Despite the benefits, filming in a real hospital presented several logistical hurdles.
Minimizing Disruption and Ensuring Privacy
Hospital management and the production crew worked closely to ensure that patient care remained the top priority. Filming typically occurred during late evenings or early mornings, avoiding peak treatment hours.
Privacy measures were strictly enforced. Cameras never entered active patient rooms without consent. Additionally, digital blurring was used in wide shots to protect the identities of anyone inadvertently filmed.
Equipment and Sound Challenges
Hospitals are not sound stages. Background noises—beeping monitors, intercom calls, elevator chimes—posed a challenge during audio recording. The production team used a combination of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and on-location sound dampening techniques to maintain audio quality.
Medical equipment also had to be treated with care. For scenes involving IV poles, ventilators, or oxygen machines, the crew worked with trained technicians to avoid damaging vital technology.
Final Thoughts: Why the Hospital Location Matters
The question “What hospital was 5 Feet Apart filmed in?” goes beyond mere curiosity—it touches on the film’s deeper commitment to authenticity, empathy, and storytelling integrity. John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital may not be widely known, but its role in the film is deeply symbolic.
By choosing a functioning, real-world hospital over a studio set, the filmmakers grounded their story in reality. This decision resonated with audiences, medical professionals, and patients alike—many of whom saw their experiences reflected with unprecedented accuracy.
Ultimately, the filming location wasn’t just a backdrop. It was a silent character in the story—imposing rules, offering spaces for connection, and reminding viewers of the fragile balance between life and illness. The tangible truth of the hospital environment made a powerful narrative even more real.
If you’ve ever watched 5 Feet Apart and felt a lump in your throat during a hospital hallway exchange, know this: that emotion was shaped not just by the actors and script, but by the very walls, lights, and air of a real Phoenix hospital that helped bring Stella and Will’s love story to life.
For film lovers, medical advocates, and those touched by cystic fibrosis, the legacy of 5 Feet Apart lives on—in the hearts of viewers, and in the corridors of a real Arizona hospital that played an unforgettable role in a cinematic journey of love, resilience, and five feet of hope.
Where was “5 Feet Apart” primarily filmed?
The movie “5 Feet Apart” was primarily filmed at the abandoned Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. This decommissioned hospital provided the authentic and somber atmosphere needed for the film’s central setting—St. Francis Hospital, where the main characters receive treatment for cystic fibrosis. The production team took advantage of the hospital’s vacant buildings, hallways, and unused medical rooms to create a realistic depiction of a long-term care facility without the logistical challenges of filming in an active hospital.
Though Lincoln Medical Center was the primary filming location, some exterior shots and supplementary scenes were filmed at other locations in the New York metropolitan area. The filmmakers sought interiors that maintained a genuine hospital aesthetic, including tiled floors, clinical lighting, and medical signage. By using a real hospital that had closed in 2010, the crew could control filming conditions and modify spaces without disrupting patient care, while also retaining the emotional weight conveyed by actual institutional architecture.
Why did the filmmakers choose an abandoned hospital for shooting?
Choosing an abandoned hospital like the Lincoln Medical Center allowed the production team complete control over the filming environment. Active hospitals present numerous challenges, including patient privacy, noise restrictions, and operational interruptions, which can hinder the filming process. By utilizing a decommissioned facility, the crew could shoot over extended periods, modify sets as needed, and create consistent lighting conditions without compromising the safety or comfort of real patients.
Moreover, the decaying, vacant state of the Lincoln Medical Center added a layer of visual authenticity to the film’s themes of isolation and chronic illness. The peeling paint, long empty hallways, and outdated medical equipment evoked a sense of realism that would have been difficult to replicate on a soundstage. These visual elements subtly supported the emotional depth of the story, reinforcing the characters’ struggles within the confines of their daily medical routines.
Is the hospital in “5 Feet Apart” a real medical facility?
The hospital portrayed in “5 Feet Apart,” called St. Francis Hospital in the film, is fictional and does not exist as an actual medical center. However, the production team used real hospital spaces—primarily the disused Lincoln Medical Center—to convincingly portray the institution. The name and specifics of St. Francis were created to serve the narrative, allowing writers and directors artistic freedom in shaping patient experiences and medical protocols.
While St. Francis Hospital isn’t real, its depiction benefits greatly from the use of an authentic hospital setting. The interiors used in filming retained original medical features such as examination rooms, nurse stations, and patient wings, which helped immerse the actors and audience in the hospital environment. This attention to physical detail gave the fictional hospital a credibility that enhanced the film’s emotional resonance.
What happened to the Lincoln Medical Center after filming concluded?
After the filming of “5 Feet Apart” concluded, the Lincoln Medical Center remained largely unchanged in its vacant state. The facility had already been closed since 2010, and while portions of the site have been considered for redevelopment, much of the building was still in disrepair at the time of filming and beyond. The city has debated renovating or repurposing the campus for community health services or affordable housing, but no major construction had begun immediately following the movie’s production.
Due to urban decay and legal complexities surrounding the property, the Lincoln Medical Center has continued to serve more as a symbolic location than an active one. Its use in “5 Feet Apart” brought renewed public attention to the site, sparking discussions about the adaptive reuse of abandoned public buildings. While filming provided a temporary purpose for the space, the long-term future of the facility remains uncertain, with ongoing community interest in its redevelopment.
Were any scenes filmed in actual working hospitals?
No major scenes in “5 Feet Apart” were filmed in active hospitals. The production team deliberately avoided disrupting real medical operations, opting instead for the abandoned Lincoln Medical Center to handle nearly all hospital-based filming. This decision ensured the safety of patients and healthcare staff while giving filmmakers the freedom to shoot on their own schedule and make necessary modifications to the set.
Some minor exterior shots or establishing visuals might have used signage or architecture from real medical facilities around New York for authenticity, but these were limited and non-intrusive. Overall, the filmmakers prioritized authenticity without compromising ethics or practicality, ensuring that every hospital scene in the film, while feeling real, was staged in a controlled environment where patient privacy and operational concerns were not at risk.
How did the filming locations contribute to the movie’s emotional tone?
The abandoned Lincoln Medical Center’s worn interiors and quiet, cavernous spaces played a crucial role in establishing the emotional tone of “5 Feet Apart.” The muted colors, sterile lighting, and labyrinthine corridors mirrored the psychological confinement experienced by Stella and Will, the two main characters battling cystic fibrosis. The authenticity of the location grounded the film’s emotional weight, making the characters’ isolation and romantic constraints feel more tangible to the audience.
Additionally, the dilapidated state of the building subtly underscored the challenges faced by underfunded healthcare facilities and long-term patients. While the story is fictional, the setting lent credibility to the characters’ lived experiences—struggling with illness in a place that, while once full of life, now felt forgotten. This atmospheric choice deepened the viewer’s empathy, ensuring the film’s themes of love, loss, and resilience were felt on both a personal and structural level.
Are fans able to visit the filming locations of “5 Feet Apart”?
The primary filming location, the abandoned Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, is not open to the public and visiting it can be dangerous and potentially illegal. The building is structurally unsound in areas and remains under city ownership, making unauthorized access a safety and legal concern. Despite its cinematic fame, the site has not been designated as a tourist attraction, and there are no official tours or public events related to the film hosted there.
However, fans can appreciate the location through behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and publicly shared photos from the production team. Some fan-led explorations and urban photography have documented the site externally, highlighting its cinematic transformation. For safety and legal reasons, it’s recommended that fans enjoy the film’s setting through these mediated forms rather than attempting to visit the building in person.