Visit the Places Movies Were Filmed in Tennessee

Get ready, movie buffs and travel enthusiasts! You may not think of Tennessee when it comes to Hollywood magic, but the Volunteer State has played a starring role in countless films, from big-budget blockbusters to heartwarming indie gems. The diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and charming small towns have provided the perfect backdrop for stories of every kind. So, grab your popcorn, and let's take a cinematic road trip through Tennessee, discovering where some of your favorite scenes truly came to life.

Movies Filmed in Nashville & Surrounding Areas

The Matrix (1999)

While largely filmed on soundstages in Australia, this groundbreaking sci-fi film shows Nashville's distinctive skyline for a brief but memorable moment. Specifically, the city's downtown skyline served as a backdrop during the opening chase scene featuring Trinity, providing a small but recognizable glimpse of Music City in this iconic blockbuster.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Fans of Greek mythology and fantasy will recognize a very specific Nashville landmark in this adventure film. The Parthenon replica in Centennial Park served as a key location, providing a stunning stand-in for the real Parthenon in Athens as Percy and his friends seek one of the pearls.

Nashville (TV Series, 2012 - 2018)

While not a feature film, the highly popular TV series "Nashville" played an undeniable role in putting Music City and, by extension, Tennessee's film potential, on the map. Running from 2012 to 2018, this drama about country music stars deeply embedded itself in Nashville's real-life locations, showcasing iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluebird Cafe to a global audience.

Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009)

Miley Stewart's return to her Tennessee roots was appropriately filmed in several real-life locations in the Nashville area. Scenes were shot in Nashville itself, as well as Columbia, Franklin, and Smiley Hollow in Ridgetop, which provided the setting for the movie's climatic concert and carnival scenes.

The Country Bears (2002)

This musical family film, inspired by the Disney theme park attraction, brought some of its charming, furry fun right to Tennessee. While much of it was soundstage work, some scenes, including those capturing that small-town feel, were filmed in Franklin, Tennessee.

The Green Mile (1999)

This poignant Stephen King adaptation utilized the imposing exterior of the Tennessee State Penitentiary in Nashville to represent the fictional Cold Mountain Penitentiary. Additionally, parts of the film were shot in Shelbyville, Tennessee, adding to that classic Southern feel. Though the Tennessee State Penitentiary is no longer accessible or open to the public, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, TN offers historic and paranormal tours that are sure to captivate.

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)

Prepare for a heartfelt journey with "Coal Miner's Daughter," the iconic biopic about Loretta Lynn! While Loretta grew up in Kentucky, her incredible story and country music roots have deep ties to Tennessee. This powerful film, starring Sissy Spacek in her Oscar-winning role, captured the true spirit of her life with scenes filmed around Hurricane Mills at the famous Loretta Lynn's Ranch.

Nashville (1975)

Robert Altman's iconic musical drama, appropriately titled "Nashville," was extensively filmed throughout the city it portrays. It captures the essence of the country music scene and the political climate of the time, utilizing various real-life locations in Nashville, including Centennial Park and the Tennessee State Penitentiary.

The Jungle Book (1994)

Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book" reportedly utilized the natural beauty of Spencer, Tennessee for some of its lush jungle scenes. The dense forests and natural landscapes of these areas, including Fall Creek Falls State Park and Ozone Falls in East Tennessee, could easily stand in for the exotic settings of Rudyard Kipling's timeless tale.

Hallmark's The Bridge (2015) & A Little Women's Christmas (2024)

If you love festive charm, you'll adore seeing Franklin, Tennessee, star in Hallmark's A Little Women Christmas. Its picturesque, historic downtown served as the perfect backdrop, with many of the actual businesses and shops becoming part of the film's magic. Another beloved Hallmark movie set in Franklin, The Bridge, specifically featured a story based on the local independent bookstore Landmark Booksellers. The film made great use of downtown Franklin and surrounding Williamson County neighborhoods, even venturing out to Camp Widjiwagan on Old Hickory Lake.

Holland (2025)

This upcoming Prime Video release, partially set in Clarksville, Tennessee, includes street scenes filmed in the city.  Keep an eye out for familiar Clarksville sights when this film hits screens!

Movies Filmed in Memphis & Surrounding Areas

The Firm (1993)

Based on John Grisham's thrilling novel, "The Firm" heavily features Memphis, Tennessee. The film showcases many iconic Memphis locations, perfectly capturing the city's architectural charm and vibrant culture as Tom Cruise's character navigates a dangerous conspiracy.

Walking Tall (2004)

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson brought the true story of McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser to life. While the film's story is set in Pusser's home county, much of "Walking Tall" was filmed in and around Adams, Tennessee, giving audiences a taste of authentic rural Tennessee life. You can even visit the Buford Pusser Museum in Adamsville to dive deeper into the real story!

Hustle & Flow (2005)

Dive deep into the gritty, soulful heart of Memphis with "Hustle & Flow". This acclaimed drama, which even snagged an Oscar for Best Original Song, was entirely filmed in Memphis, Tennessee. It beautifully showcases the city's vibrant streets, unique neighborhoods, and rich musical spirit, truly immersing you in the local hip-hop scene and the struggles of its characters.

Castaway (2000)

While Tom Hanks' character spends much of "Castaway" on a deserted island, the film's opening and closing sequences bring him back to civilization, with some pivotal scenes filmed in Memphis. This includes his work life at FedEx, which is headquartered in the city.

In the Heart of the Night (1967)

This groundbreaking crime drama, set in a racially tense Mississippi town, utilized locations in both Dyersburg and Union City, Tennessee, to bring its story to life. Specifically, cotton fields and the exterior of Endicott's house were filmed in Dyersburg.

ELVIS (2022)

While this hit film starring Austin Butler is set in Graceland, Memphis, and tells the story of Elvis Presley's life, the production of "ELVIS" was mostly filmed in Australia. However, the art direction and sets were painstakingly designed to meticulously recreate those iconic Memphis locations, including Graceland, ensuring audiences felt truly immersed in Elvis's world.

Movies Filmed in East Tennessee

The Evil Dead (1981)

If you're a horror movie fan, you might be surprised to learn that the chilling cabin from this cult classic was found right here near Morristown, Tennessee. The isolated, rustic nature of the area provided the perfectly eerie backdrop for all those supernatural terrors.

Days of Thunder (1990)

For fans of NASCAR, "Days of Thunder" roared into Bristol, Tennessee, to capture the high-octane excitement of racing. The film prominently features the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway, showcasing the intensity and atmosphere of a real NASCAR race.

Water for Elephants (2011)

This romantic drama, set in the world of a Depression-era circus, found its perfect vintage railway setting at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga. The historic trains and tracks provided an authentic backdrop for the film's traveling circus scenes.

Leatherheads (2008)

George Clooney's football comedy also utilized the authentic charm of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga for its train scenes. The museum's vintage locomotives and cars offered a perfect fit for the film's 1920s setting.

42 (2013)

The biographical film about baseball legend Jackie Robinson, "42," captured the spirit of America's pastime at Lookouts Stadium in Chattanooga. The historic ballpark provided a fitting setting for recreating the early days of integration in professional baseball.

Hallmark's Love in the Great Smoky Mountains (2023)

Hallmark's Love in the Great Smoky Mountains (2023) was, of course, shot amidst the stunning beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. They even filmed at beautiful spots like Abrams Falls in Cades Cove, Fall Creek Falls State Park, and even downtown Knoxville, truly immersing viewers in the region's magic.

A Christmas in Tennessee (2018)

Hallmark's A Christmas in Tennessee (2018) brought its holiday cheer to Knoxville, Tennessee where the spirit of a true Tennessee Christmas was thoroughly captured. Set in the fictional town of White Pines, Tennessee, this Hallmark film shows viewers how charming and festive a Christmas in Tennessee can be. 

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors (2015) & Christmas at Dollywood (2019)

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors is a touching biographical film about Dolly Parton's childhood. While also filmed in Georgia, it included introductory and closing scenes filmed at Dollywood in Sevier County, Tennessee, with Dolly Parton herself on location, adding an authentic touch to her own story. Christmas at Dollywood (2019) was both set and filmed at the beloved theme park, showcasing its incredible Christmas decorations, displays, and holiday spirit.

Whether you're a devoted film buff or simply looking for your next adventure, Tennessee's rich cinematic footprint offers countless opportunities to step right into the scenes of your favorite movies. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your imaginary clapperboard and start planning your own movie-inspired journey through Tennessee!