Savannah's Silver Screen: Unveiling the Famous Movies Filmed in Our Backyard
Hey there, movie buffs! Ever wondered which famous flicks were shot right in our own backyard? Savannah, Georgia, with its rich history, enchanting architecture, and that oh-so-charming Southern charm, has been the backdrop for a plethora of blockbusters and critically acclaimed movies. So, grab your popcorn and let's dive into the fascinating world of famous movies filmed in Savannah! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and famous movies filmed in savannah.
Savannah's Starring Role: A Brief History
Before we delve into the movies themselves, let's rewind a bit. Savannah's film industry began to take off in the late 20th century, thanks to its generous tax incentives and diverse landscapes. From antebellum mansions to picturesque parks, this coastal city has served as a versatile filming location for numerous movies and TV shows. Now, let's shine the spotlight on some of the most notable famous movies filmed in Savannah!
Forrest Gump (1994)
Kicking off our list is a true American classic, Forrest Gump. This beloved film, based on Winston Groom's 1986 novel, follows the life of the titular character, played by Tom Hanks, as he witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century United States. Savannah served as the perfect backdrop for several key scenes, including the iconic bench where Forrest shares his box of chocolates philosophy.
Fun fact: The bench is still there, located at Chippewa Square, and has become a popular tourist attraction. However, the actual bench used in the movie is now housed at the Savannah History Museum.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
Based on John Berendt's best-selling true-crime novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a captivating tale of murder, mystery, and Southern eccentricity set in Savannah. The movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, stars John Cusack and features an array of stunning Savannah locations, including the Mercer House, the location of the real-life murder that inspired the book.
Did you know? The film's score, composed by Johnny Mercer, was nominated for an Academy Award.
The Last Song (2010)
This romantic drama, based on Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name, tells the story of a troubled teenager, Ronnie Miller (Miley Cyrus), who moves to a small beach town in Georgia with her father (Greg Kinnear) for the summer. Savannah and its surrounding areas served as the perfect setting for this heartwarming tale of love, loss, and redemption.
Interesting tidbit: The movie was filmed at various locations in and around Savannah, including Tybee Island, Wormsloe Historic Site, and the historic district of Savannah itself.
The Blind Side (2009)
This inspiring sports drama, based on Michael Lewis' non-fiction book of the same name, follows the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager who is taken in by the Tuohy family and eventually becomes an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick. Although set in Memphis, Tennessee, many scenes were filmed in Savannah, with the Tuohy family's home and several other locations standing in for their Memphis counterparts.
Trivia: Sandra Bullock won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the film.
The Book Thief (2013)
This powerful World War II drama, based on Markus Zusak's best-selling novel, tells the story of a young girl, Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse), who finds solace in stealing and reading books amidst the horrors of Nazi Germany. Although set in Germany, many scenes were filmed in Savannah, with the city's historic district standing in for several German locations.
Little-known fact: The movie was shot entirely in Savannah, with local residents and businesses playing a significant role in bringing the story to life.
Hidden Figures (2016)
This inspiring biographical drama tells the true story of three brilliant African-American women—Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe)—who served as the brains behind one of NASA's greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Although set in the 1960s, several scenes were filmed in Savannah, with the city's historic district and other locations standing in for various NASA facilities and Hampton, Virginia.
Did you know? The film was a massive success, grossing over $230 million worldwide and receiving numerous award nominations, including three Academy Awards.
Savannah's Silver Screen: A Lasting Impact
As you can see, Savannah has played a significant role in the film industry, serving as the backdrop for numerous blockbusters and critically acclaimed movies. The city's unique charm, diverse landscapes, and rich history have made it an attractive filming location for directors and producers alike. So, the next time you're watching a movie or TV show, keep an eye out for those familiar Savannah sights!
Final thought: Have you had the chance to visit any of these famous filming locations in Savannah? Share your experiences and favorite movie moments in the comments below! Until next time, happy viewing!