Over the years Savannah has gone beyond the “hostess city of the south” to become one of the top filming capitals in the country.
From movies to television shows from some of the biggest companies in Hollywood, Savannah has become a mecca for film. While the best-known is Forrest Gump, the stories told in Savannah make our city even more special.
One of the most famous stories that has come out of Savannah is the true story told in the novel, and eventually film, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Originally published in 1994, this tells the real-life story of a murder and trial from the 1980’s that happened in Savannah. Released in 1997, Clint Eastwood produced and directed the movie, filmed in Savannah. Filming utilized the historic Mercer House, where the main character Jim Williams lived. The other locations in the city used were the British Pub Churchill’s, and shots of Bonaventure Cemetery and the “Bird Girl” statue were used to open the film. As a true story out of the city, it was only natural to film the adaptation in Savannah and utilize some of the most iconic locations in the city.
Another film that is not widely known to have filmed in Savannah is the 1989 war film Glory.
Starring Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington this film depicts the story of Robert Gould Shaw leading the first all-black volunteer company during the Civil War. This film also utilized the Mercer House for party scenes. Other prominent locations were spread throughout Georgia, but Glory brought easily the most talented cast this city has ever hosted.
One of the most notable modern movies, filmed in Savannah is Magic Mike XXL. This was the sequel to the 2012 hit starring Channing Tatum and this film set out to top the first. The sequel tells the story of the guys going on a road trip to Myrtle Beach to have one last grand performance. The primary location used for filming in the city was a gentleman’s club on Montgomery Cross RD, where they had the club and dance scenes. With a budget of $15 million, the sequel brought in $120 million, making it one of the most profitable films made in Savannah.
Easily the funnest film made fully in Savannah is the live-action version of Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.
This was fully filmed in our city. The opening shot shows the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Other locations for this Disney live-action story that were utilized were Johnson Square, Wright Square, and the Georgia Railroad Museum. Production also used back alleys on River Street for the iconic spaghetti scene. Found on Disney+ this classic new tale not only brings new life to the story, but also highlights Savannah.
A lesser known, but well acclaimed, film made here in Savannah is The Peanut Butter Falcon. The movie was the highest-grossing independent film of 2019. Starring Shia LeBeouf this film tells the story of a boy with down syndrome. He runs away from his care home to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler. The directors spoe of their love for Savannah and its people. They casted locals to give the film a more authentic feel. For a local, and grounded feeling story made in Savannah, The Peanut Butter Falcon is the film to watch.
The biggest upcoming film coming out later this year, is Halloween Ends.
This is the concluding chapter to the David Gordon Green trilogy. It follows Michael Meyers and Laurie Strode 40 years after the original Halloween. Starring Jaime Lee Curtis and James Jude Courtney this film will take place four years after Halloween Kills.
Over several decades Savannah has become the go to filming location of the south. With historic homes, pubs, and beautiful squares the city is perfect for telling any story. Beyond the homes and squares, storytellers are also choosing to use the museums and streets in the city to bring their tales to life. Savannah is sure to continue to amaze audiences.
