From classic films to newer releases, Hollywood has taken advantage of South Carolina’s breathtaking seascapes and historic city streets on more than one occasion. Pop some popcorn and grab a blanket — we’re going to catch the Lowcountry on the big screen.
🎥 Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)
Filmed in South Carolina, Texas, and even Canada, this 1995 comedy is the sequel to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. This story follows Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) on his quest to find a very important and rare white bat.
🎥 Dear John (2010)
This Nicholas Sparks romance novel turned Blockbuster hit was a very big deal from the time filming started until it hit theaters just before Valentine’s Day in 2010. Starring Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum, this romantic drama features Edisto Island, Sullivan’s Island, and several other Charleston spots.
🎥 Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
John McClane is back for another adventure. But this time, Bruce Willis is stuck playing a game of Simon Says with the bad guy and he has the help of his new pal and sidekick, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Can you spot the Cooper River Bridge in this action flick?
🎥 The Notebook (2004)
Easily one of the most famous movies ever made in Charleston, you can find a full list of local filming locations for this tearjerker here.
🎥 Honeymoon From Hell (2016)
Not only was this movie made in South Carolina (along the coast in Myrtle Beach), but it tells the tale of Alice Flagg. Her story takes place on Pawleys Island, where she is buried. The movie was originally called The Legend of Alice Flagg and stars Adam Hagenbuch, Catherine Hicks, and Cameron Richardson.
🎥 Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)
Eddie Murphy plays eight — yes, eight — characters in this sci-fi comedy sequel. The movie was filmed in California and just outside of Lake City, SC.
🎥 Cold Mountain (2003)
Starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renée Zellweger, this Civil War era movie follows a wounded soldier’s journey home to Cold Mountain, NC. Although the movie is set in the Carolinas and some of it was filmed in Charleston, a large part of the film was actually done in Romania.
🎥 The Prince of Tides (1991)
Based on the novel by writer and SC legend Pat Conroy and directed by Barbra Streisand, this film follows the Wingos, a South Carolina family growing up on a tidal plain. This movie was filmed in NYC, on Fripp Island, in Beaufort, and in Charleston.
🎥 Halloween (2018)
After 40 years, Jamie Lee Curtis returned as her iconic character, Laurie Strode, to confront Michael Myers. While some of the street scenes were filmed in Chicago, a majority of the movie was made right here in Charleston. Keep an eye out for Magnolia Cemetery.
🎥 The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)
Released in June 2002, the story is set in 1970s Savannah, GA, but was filmed in and around Charleston and throughout the Carolinas.
🎥 Forrest Gump (1994)
This movie needs no introduction, but did you know it won six Oscars? In fact, Tom Hanks went home with every Best Actor award during awards season. While a large portion of this movie was filmed in South Carolina, this two and a half hour movie was also filmed in Utah, Montana, Georgia, Maine, and California.
🎥 Radio (2003)
This 2003 movie is about Radio, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., and a high school coach, played by Ed Harris, who takes the young man under his wing. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Alfre Woodard both won NAACP Image Awards for their portrayals in the movie, which was filmed partly in Walterboro, SC.
🎥 The Great Santini (1979)
Another film based on a Pat Conroy novel, this movie stars Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner, and Michael O’Keefe. It is the story of a young man trying to earn his alpha-male Marine pilot father’s approval and was shot in Beaufort, SC.
🎥 The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
This star-studded movie features Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Jack Lemmon, and Will Smith in the titular role. It takes place during the Great Depression and follows a golfer trying to get his game back on track after WWI. The movie was directed by Robert Redford and partly filmed on Kiawah golf course.