From classic films to newer releases, Hollywood has taken advantage of South Carolina’s breathtaking seascapes, shady paths lined with trees, 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.
TV Shows
“Outer Banks” (2020-present) | Although the series follows teenage best friends hunting for treasure along the North Carolina coast and beyond, much of it was filmed here in the 843. Keep an eye out for several recognizable Lowcountry buildings, landmarks, businesses, and brands. Fun Fact: While filming, the show regularly calls for locals to join as extras.
“The Righteous Gemstones” (2019-2024) | The HBO series is loaded with Holy City locations. Keep your eyes open — the show also looks for locals to fill the background as extras.
“Mr. Mercedes” (2017-2019) | A suspenseful mystery was filmed in and around Charleston for three seasons.
“Vice Principals” (2016-2018) | This comedy series features North Charleston, Dorchester Road, Daniel Island, and two local high schools among its several Tri-County filming locations.
“Army Wives” (2007-2013) | This drama is about life on a military base and highlights multiple North Charleston spots, including the Old Navy Base.
“North and South” (1985) | This is the story of two friends struggling to maintain their friendship as tensions build before the American Civil War. Some notable Lowcountry locations include Boone Hall Plantation and The Battery.
Movies
“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, the majority of the movie was made right here in Charleston. Keep an eye out for Magnolia Cemetery.
“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.
“The Notebook” (2004) | Easily one of the most famous movies ever made in Charleston, browse the full list of local filming locations for this tearjerker.
“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 done in Romania.
“The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys” (2002) | This story is set in 1970s Savannah, GA, but was filmed in and around Charleston and throughout the Carolinas.
“The Patriot” (2000) | You’ll spot several Holy City locations in this historical drama that is set during the American Revolution, including Randolph Hall, The Cistern, and Cypress Gardens.
“White Squall” (1996) | This movie takes you on an adventure as teen boys learn discipline, teamwork, and survival on a sailing voyage that takes some rough turns. Parts of this movie were filmed in Beaufort and Charleston counties.
“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?
“Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls” (1995) | Filmed in the Palmetto State, Texas, and even Canada, this comedy is the sequel to “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.” The story follows Ace Ventura (Jim Carrey) on his quest to find a very important and rare white bat.
“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 here in SC, this two-and-a-half-hour movie was also filmed in Utah, Montana, Georgia, Maine, and California.
“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.
Filmed just outside of Charleston
“Honeymoon From Hell” (2016) | Not only was this movie made in the Palmetto State (along the coast in Myrtle Beach), but it also 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.
“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 at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
“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. Gooding Jr. and Alfre Woodard both won NAACP Image Awards for their portrayals in the movie, which was filmed partly in Walterboro.
“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.
“The Big Chill” (1983) | Downtown Beaufort is the backdrop for part of this movie, which takes you along for a reunion of a group of former college friends after the funeral of another of their college friends.
“The Great Santini” (1979) | This film was based on a Pat Conroy novel, and stars Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner, and Michael O’Keefe. It is the story of a young man trying to earn his Marine pilot father’s approval, and was shot just down the road in Beaufort.
