Given the fictional nature of movies, it can be hard to believe that the central parts of a plot are even realistic. Surely, there have been moments when you wondered if something seemingly normal in a dramatic Hollywood film actually exists in real life. Well, believe it or not, some do! While we can’t promise ground-breaking plotlines, these activities let you relive your favourite films, injecting a little joy into your life.

1. Write to Juliet or become a Secretary of Juliet

Movie: Letters to Juliet (2010)
Location: Verona, Italy

Every person on Earth is likely well-acquainted with The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, with or without having read the well-known Shakespearean piece. Despite being fictional, tourists from all over the world flock to a particular spot in Verona, Italy.

Besides the famed Juliet’s balcony and the statue of the heroine herself, the charm of the attraction also comes from the Club di Giulietta or Juliet Club, inspired by the 2010 rom-com, Letters to Juliet.

In the film, a small group of volunteers identifying themselves as the Secretaries of Juliet pen answers to thousands of letters from all over the world, providing romantic advice. Despite the fictional movie, this charming club is very much real and alive!

If you’re looking to hear a wise word or two from the Secretaries of Juliet, the Juliet Club serves to indulge your needs. You can also take a trip to Verona and volunteer as a secretary to help keep the legend of the star-crossed lovers alive.

2. Get married at The Plaza Hotel

Movie: Bride Wars (2009)
Location: New York City, USA (or a luxury hotel in your city)

Being quite the landmark in New York, The Plaza Hotel serves as the backdrop to several Hollywood movies, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

Similarly, in the popular rom-com Bride Wars, The Plaza served as the main venue surrounding the movie’s plot. Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway’s characters “battle” and sabotage each other’s weddings after they both unintentionally secured wedding dates on the same day.

If you, like them, dream of having a fancy hotel wedding, you could replicate a similar experience in a luxury hotel in your city. Unless, of course, you could afford the fortune of having a Plaza wedding, plus successfully securing a date due to high demand.

3. Throw an immersive murder mystery party

Movie: Game Night (2018)
Location: Anywhere

Any good party planner knows that no idea is overly outrageous when you are committed enough. Don’t quote me on that, though.

After watching Game Night for the first time, I discovered (to my joy and delight) companies that provide private and immersive themed parties. This was a mind-blowing concept for me to grasp, as up to that point, I thought party planners were only hired exclusively for big-scale events!

While I assume most people would rather plan a small party on their own, this type of service provides convenience and an immersive experience for all attending guests. These party planning companies also typically offer actors to create a close-to-realistic mystery game night.

Fancy a night of solving a murder mystery with your friends? Avoid the tedious party planning by hiring a murder mystery crew (so that your party doesn’t go awry like in the movies).

4. Take a spin on the Tea Party ride at Coney Island

Movie: Uptown Girls (2003)
Location: Coney Island, New York City, USA (or any theme park/playground)

The teacup ride scene from Uptown Girls is monumental during a young girl’s growing years. Its recent rise in popularity on TikTok proves just as much. The giant teacup that Molly and Ray rode on is actually the Tea Party ride in Luna Park, Coney Island.

However, travelling to Coney Island is not a necessity for this experience, unless you are concerned about being precise. Any amusement park nearby should satiate your inner child’s need for a thrilling ride.

Even so, an amusement park might not even be necessary for a similar experience. You can replicate this at local playgrounds with a similarly structured playground equipment called the Merry-Go-Round. Do be careful with spinning too fast though, as it can be nausea-inducing!

5. Join a circus

Movie: The Greatest Showman (2017)
Location: Circus schools or volunteering for circuses

The glorification of PT Barnum may be a bit much, but the soundtracks throughout the movie may be adrenaline-inducing enough that you start imagining yourself as part of a circus.

Ironically, as a young child, you may have sulked past the point of threatening your parents about running off to join a circus. Colour present-me intrigued, because apparently, this is something you can very much try doing.

Circus schools are a thing, by the way, if you dream of making a career in the industry. But, if your curiosity doesn’t go that far, many circuses welcome volunteers backstage where you can get a glimpse of the inner workings behind the shows.

6. Board the “Darjeeling Limited”

Movie: The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Location: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), India

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) or the “Toy Train” is the inspiration behind the Wes Anderson comedy-drama piece starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman. That spiritual journey through India that you’re longing for? Maybe it’s via the DHR.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the DHR is still in operation today and connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling. A ride on the train is highly coveted among tourists for its scenic landscapes, as it takes passengers from one breathtaking stop to another.

However, as it is not a luxurious sleeper train, do not expect to be on the train for days on end like the three main characters in The Darjeeling Limited.

7. Buy a star and name it after a loved one

Movie: A Walk to Remember (2002)

Landon Carter purchasing a star and naming it after Jamie has to be one of the most romantic gestures a high school boy could do. I still hold the same sentiment after rewatching A Walk to Remember as a young adult.

Much like the ease of sending a letter to Club Juliet, buying and naming a star is as simple as making an online visit to the International Star Registry’s website and buying a star.

If you’re running out of unique gifts to present your loved ones during special occasions, perhaps this is your sign to do something out of the ordinary. Pull a Landon Carter on them, especially for that astronomy-loving special person of yours. Plus, it makes a good excuse for future visits to a local observatory or to camp out under the stars.