The film industry has an age-old connection with Alabama. The Cotton State’s stunning outdoors has been alluring to many production houses and directors since 1949.
We aren’t talking about famous movies like Forest Gump and To Kill a Mockingbird. Although these have Alabama-based plots, the film sets were fictional towns.
Nevertheless, there are myriad films with actual Alabama as their backdrops. The moviemakers shot a few scenes or entire movies in various cities and counties of this state. Some even won prestigious awards for their incredible screenplays and directions.
Here’s a roundabout of six famous movie titles with sets based in Alabamian land.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Runtime: 1h 48m
Car race enthusiast? Get ready for an adventurous ride while watching Talladega Nights by Adam McKay.
Some of the movie scenes showed the world-knownrealTalladega Superspeedway. This racetrack is located in Lincoln, Alabama, and is famous for its NASCAR racing. The plot of Talladega Nights imitates the world of NASCAR races.
The movie follows the exploits of Ricky Bobby, who strives to stay the No. 1 NASCAR driver throughout his career. His struggle began with the arrival of a French Formula One champion.
Will Ferrell was not just the lead character but also the co-writer of this sports comedy movie. He portrayed the role of Ricky Bobby, which added perfection to the storyline. Other key star casts include John C. Reilly, Leslie Bibb, and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Big Fish (2003)
Runtime: 2h 5m
Tim Burton’s direction centers around the reconciliation of father and son. The multi-starrer movie has many A-list actors, like Helena Bonham Carter, Albert Finney, Ewan McGregor, Marion Cotillard, and Jessica Lange.
The shooting of this fantasy drama movie took place in different Alabama destinations, including Montgomery, Tallassee, Wetumpka, and Prattville. The location, Jackson Lake Island, still has the set of the film’s fictional Spectre town. Today, it’s a famous Alabama tourist attraction.
The story develops in and around Ashton, connecting two generations as the son gets glimpses into his father’s past. Enjoy imaginative nature and central family ties – a classic Burton’s signature direction.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham (2013)
Runtime: 1h 27m
Based on the historical fiction book of the same name, The Watsons Go to Birmingham conveys a message of perseverance and resilience. It’s the kind of endurance people have while playing real money games on Alabama gambling sites.
The film portrays the journey of a close-knit Watson family that will transform their entire life. Something big happens during their summer road trip to Birmingham, Alabama.
The name says it all! The major parts of the movie show Birmingham, Alabama.
Gerald’s Game (2017)
Runtime: 1h 43m
Gerald’s Game is an adaption of Stephen King’s novel brought on the screen by Netflix. The psychological horror-thriller movie is about a couple trying to rekindle their marriage. The storyline will keep you on the edge of the seat throughout the film.
Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood played the characters of a married couple. Handcuffed to the bed’s frame, Jessie desperately struggles to escape after her husband dies unexpectedly. This unexpected situation ends their short vacation to a remote lake house in tragedy.
The production house used the Mobile Civic Center in downtown Mobile as a set for the entire movie. The director shot finale scenes at John A Campbell U.S. Courthouse and Mobile County District Courthouse. Besides, the film covered some scenes in Fairhope.
Borat (2006)
Runtime: 1h 24m
It’s a uniquely filmed outrageous mockumentary about a fictional Kazakh Ministry of Information reporter. The critically acclaimed movie depicts the story of the satirical character Borat Sagdiyev, played by Sacha Baron Cohen.
The protagonist travels throughout the USA to understand the lifestyle of the great country. One of Borat’s stops during the journey was in the Cotton State. There, he met an etiquette coach to learn Southern manners. The production house used Birmingham and Helena locations for those movie segments.
It’s a box office hit that earned Cohen a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy category. If you love quirky movies, this one is a must-watch!
Get Out (2017)
Runtime: 1h 44m
The critically acclaimed masterpiece earned four Oscar nominations and won one for the best original screenplay.
The plot of Get Out revolves around the weekend plan of a young African American at his white girlfriend’s family residence. The movie took a twist when an overly accommodating reception became awry.
This thriller-horror movie had sets in various Fairhope, Alabama locations. Ashland Place Historic District and Barton Academy in Mobile also served as a film set for some scenes. Writer and director Jordan Peele completed this movie in just 23 days.
Shifting the film set to Alabama was a last-minute call due to budget cuts. Was it worth it? Of course, yes!
The director fell in love with the cordial nature of Alabaimians. In a statement, Peele said people here are open, sweet, and movie buffs.
FAQs
- What movie was filmed in Alabama in 2023?
Four movies had Alabama sets in 2023, including The Shift, Bad Man, The Rivals of Amziah King, and Life of Chuck Adaptation.
- Which actors are from Alabama?
Some of the famous Alabama-born actors are Channing Tatum (Cullman), Martin-Green (Russellville), Walton Goggins (Birmingham), Johnny Simmons (Montgomery), Courteney Cox (Birmingham), and Michael Rooker (Jasper).
Wrap Up
The Heart of Dixie has etched a special place in the heart of the film industry. The viewers will also feel the same after a watch.
These movies will give you an experience of Alabama’s unique culture and sentiments that any Southern state native can resonate with. You won’t regret watching one of these flicks for the upcoming weekend.