Florida is known for its hot sun, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful landscapes. But did you know it’s also been the home of several movies? Let’s take a look at some old and new movies that have been filmed in the Sunshine State.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
A cult classic, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, starring Jim Carrey, went on to spawn a franchise, consisting of two more films and a TV show. It was filmed in Miami on a budget of $15 million.
Spring Breakers
This comedy crime film focuses on four girls on spring break and the drug dealer who leads them down a downward spiral. Set and filmed in St. Petersburg, Florida, it stars James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine, and Gucci Mane.
Pain & Gain
Based on true events, Pain & Gain was filmed in Miami and directed by Michael Bay. It has since been the subject of controversy, with the people involved in the real-life events disputing the movie’s version of facts.
Caddyshack
Caddyshack follows the story of a Golf caddie seeking a scholarship, giving us a classic sports comedy movie. Making $60 million at the box office, filming for this movie was split between Florida and Los Angeles.
Moonlight
Winner of an Academy Award for Best Picture, Moonlight is a unique coming-of-age drama that focuses on protagonist Chiron at three different stages in his life. It was filmed entirely in Miami, Florida, and was a box office and critical success.
The Punisher
Based on the comic books of the same name, The Punisher stars Thomas Jane as an undercover FBI agent on his last job before retirement. The distinctive urban scenes of this movie were shot in Tampa, Florida.
Bad Boys
Michael Bay’s feature directorial debut, Bad Boys, is a buddy cop movie about Miles Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) investigating $100 million worth of Mafia heroin. Although New York was considered, filming took place in the downtown Miami area.
Dolphin Tale
Inspired by the true story of a dolphin called Winter, this family drama is filmed at the same aquarium he was rescued at, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, was also shot there.
Cocoon
When residents of a retirement home trespass by swimming in a neighboring pool, they are shocked to discover that the resident aliens have charged the water with life force. Filmed in St. Petersburg, this movie was a commercial and critical success.
2 Fast 2 Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious is the sequel to the hugely successful movie, The Fast and the Furious. It continues the story of Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker) when he is offered a deal by his former boss at the FBI. Filming took place in Miami and the surrounding areas.
Any Given Sunday
This sports drama follows the fictional Miami Sharks as they struggle to make the playoffs of the Affiliated Football Franchises of America, a far cry from their former glory. Filming for Any Given Sunday took place in both Miami, Florida, and Irving, Texas.
Wild Things
A high school guidance counselor is accused of rape, but nothing is as it seems. It’s up to detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) to untangle the mystery in a gripping neo-noir thriller, filmed on location in South Florida.
Monster
Monster tells the true story of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who was convicted of luring men in to murder them and steal their belongings. A chilling movie that will stick with the viewer, for which filming took place in Casselberry, Florida.
Porky’s
Porky’s is a sex comedy about a group of high school students who seek revenge on a nightclub owner after he stops their efforts to help their friend lose his virginity. Set in Florida, this movie is filmed on location around the state.
Matinee
This comedy film focuses on producer Lawrence Woolsey (John Goodman) and his increasingly bizarre efforts to promote his latest horror movie. Apart from the street scenes, Matinee was filmed around Florida and received critical acclaim.
Ocean’s Twelve
Ocean’s Twelve is the sequel to the successful heist comedy Ocean’s Eleven. It picks up where the first one left off, when Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) demands that the crew return the money they stole, plus interest. The majority of shooting was split between Florida and Las Vegas, with other locations including Amsterdam, Chicago, and Paris.
The Florida Project
The Florida Project is a slice-of-life film about a young child and her mother living in a budget motel. This is in stark contrast to the nearby Walt Disney World, highlighting the struggles of the locals. As you would expect, The Florida Project was filmed in Florida, with unauthorized shots being taken at Disney itself.
Recount
Recount is a political drama that examines the 2020 Florida recount between George Bush (Brent Mendenhall) and Al Gore (Grady Couch). It spans from the election on November 7 to the Supreme Court ruling on December 12. Filming took place in Jacksonville and Tallahassee.
The Waterboy
Adam Sandler stars in this 1998 sports comedy movie as Robert Bobby Boucher Jr., a waterboy for the University of Louisiana’s football program. Stuttering and socially inept, he lives with his overprotective mother. Although it is set in Louisiana, filming mainly took place in Central Florida and Orlando.
Just Cause
A liberal Harvard professor and former lawyer are persuaded to investigate the murder conviction of a black man accused of raping and murdering a white girl. It’s a race against time as the electric chair looms. Filming took place in and around Florida.
Hoot
Hoot follows a group of children trying to stop a construction site from destroying the habitat of a burrowing owl. This family comedy, featuring live burrowing owls, was primarily filmed in Florida, with some additional scenes later shot in Los Angeles.
Jeepers Creepers
Jeepers Creepers sees Trish (Gina Philips) and Darryl Jenner (Justin Long) being pursued by a sinister truck driver. It soon becomes clear that he is not quite human and will only stop once he has what he wants. Central Florida is the filming location for this horror flick.
Edward Scissorhands
Johnny Depp stars as the titular character, who happens to be the ageless creation of an inventor. He is welcomed by most of the neighborhood and quickly grows close to Kim (Winona Ryder). This gothic romance was filmed in the Tampa Bay Area.
Miami Vice
Based on the TV show of the same name, Miami Vice follows detectives Sonny (Colin Farrell) and Rico (Jamie Foxx), as they go undercover to investigate drug crimes. Filmed in South Florida and the Caribbean, it has since gone on to become a cult classic.
Marley & Me
Newlyweds John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston) find new happiness when they adopt a puppy. The movie spans the whole of Marley’s life, making for a heartwarming comedy filmed on location in Florida.
Magic Mike
Magic Mike is the stage name of Mike Lane (Channing Tatum), a stripper who takes newbie Adam (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing. A critical and commercial success, Magic Mike was filmed in Tampa and Los Angeles.
