South Carolina has been the backdrop for many famous movies and movie scenes over the years. More than 100 feature films and another 100 made-for-television movies have been filmed in the Palmetto State. Looking back at the list of diverse films made here over time, here are some of our favorites:
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
The highest earning film of the year, Forrest Gump was filmed, in part, in South Carolina. Significant scenes of this fan favorite were filmed in and around Beaufort.
2. Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)
The sequel to "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" was released in 1995. The comedy blockbuster starred actor Jim Carey as a pet detective. Parts of the movie were filmed in Edisto Island and in Green Pond, South Carolina.
3. The Big Chill (1983)
College friends reunite in South Carolina after a friend commits suicide. It turns into a weekend of retrospect and partying as the group mourns their long lost friend. The Big Chill was filmed in Beaufort. If you take a tour of the coastal city then you'll ride right by the house where it all took place.
4. Deliverance (1972)
In one of the most disturbing movies ever made, four men head to the wilderness to canoe down a river prior to it being dammed. Their experiences during the trip will send uncomfortable vibes resounding through your body. Parts of "Deliverence" were filmed in what is now Lake Jocassee — before it was turned into a reservoir.
5. Cold Mountain (2003)
In the film, "Cold Mountain," an injured soldier in the Confederate Army travels home to be with the woman he loves. The film earned seven academy award nominations at the 76th Annual Academy Awards. It was filmed in various locations in South Carolina, including Charleston.
6. Days of Thunder (1990)
Starring both Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, along with Randy Quaid, Robert Duvall, and real-life race car drivers Rusty Wallace, Neil Bonnett, and Harry Gant. The film got a lot of praise for many of its action scenes, which were filmed in Darlington.
7. The Notebook (2004)
Set in the 1940s, "The Notebook" tells the story of a young couple falling madly in love, as read from a notebook in present day. It was filmed in various parts of the Lowcountry and the Grand Strand, including that famous row boat scene which was captured at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner.
8. Radio (2003)
"Radio" is based on a true story of an Anderson, South Carolina, coach and a special young man, James Robert "Radio" Kennedy. The film rang true to South Carolinians, many of whom already knew the story. Parts of the film were shot on location in Anderson and Walterboro.
9. Sleeping With The Enemy (1991)
Julia Roberts runs away from an abusive husband living in Cape Cod, all the way to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Of course, running was the last thing that could help her. Scenes from "Sleeping With The Enemy" were filmed in Spartanburg, Clinton, and Abbeville.
10. Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
The highest grossing film of 1995 was filmed in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. One of the best scenes took place on the old Cooper River Bridge in Charleston. The movie stars Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson.
Of these ten feature films, which are your favorites? Know of other movies filmed in South Carolina? List 'em in our comments!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!