South Carolina’s picturesque landscapes, historic charm, and coastal beauty have made it a prime filming location for Hollywood. From romantic dramas to thrilling war films, the Palmetto State has served as the backdrop for many iconic movies.

  1. The Notebook (2004)

Few movies capture Southern romance quite like The Notebook. This beloved film, based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, was filmed primarily in South Carolina. Locations include Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner, which provided the setting for the famous canoe scene, and Charleston’s historic American Theater, where Noah and Allie share a magical date night.

  1. Forrest Gump (1994)

Although Forrest Gump takes viewers on a journey across the country, many of its most recognizable scenes were filmed in South Carolina. The town of Varnville stood in for Forrest’s hometown of Greenbow, Alabama, and Hunting Island State Park provided the stunning setting for the Vietnam War sequences. Additionally, Beaufort’s iconic bridges and streets make several appearances throughout the film.

  1. The Patriot (2000)

This Revolutionary War epic starring Mel Gibson was largely filmed in South Carolina, where actual battles of the war took place. Historic sites in Charleston, Cypress Gardens, and Edisto Island helped bring the 18th century to life. The Middleton Place plantation also played a key role in portraying the Southern countryside during the era.

  1. Cold Mountain (2003)

While set in North Carolina, Cold Mountain used South Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and Charleston’s historic streets to recreate the Civil War-era South. The state’s lush forests and preserved antebellum architecture provided the perfect backdrop for this war-time love story.

  1. Dear John (2010)

Another Nicholas Sparks adaptation, Dear John, was filmed in Charleston and Sullivan’s Island. The breathtaking Lowcountry scenery, including the Isle of Palms and the College of Charleston, made for a dreamy and picturesque setting for this romantic drama.

  1. Radio (2003)

This heartwarming sports drama, based on a true story, was filmed in Anderson, South Carolina. The movie tells the story of James Robert “Radio” Kennedy, a young man with disabilities who forms a close bond with a high school football coach. Anderson’s T.L. Hanna High School served as the real-life setting for much of the film.

  1. The Big Chill (1983)

A cult classic, The Big Chill was filmed at a private residence in Beaufort, South Carolina. The movie, which follows a group of college friends reuniting after the death of a friend, used the Lowcountry’s scenic coastal backdrop to create a nostalgic and intimate atmosphere.

  1. Deliverance (1972)

While much of Deliverance was filmed in Georgia, portions of the movie were shot along the Chattooga River, which forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina. The river’s rugged terrain and wild rapids helped create the film’s haunting and suspenseful tone.

South Carolina’s diverse landscapes and historic charm continue to attract filmmakers looking for the perfect cinematic setting. Whether it’s the romantic streets of Charleston, the tranquil beauty of the Lowcountry, or the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Palmetto State offers a stunning backdrop for storytelling. Next time you watch one of these films, keep an eye out for the unmistakable beauty of South Carolina!

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