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Famous Movies & TV Shows Filmed in North Carolina

Did you know North Carolina is kind of a big deal in Hollywood? No joke—tons of movies and TV shows have been filmed right here. The mountains, forests, and cute small towns make the perfect backdrop for everything from epic action scenes to classic romance. If you're into movies and want to check out some famous filming spots, here’s your go-to guide.

1. The Hunger Games (2012) – DuPont State Recreational Forest

If you’re a Hunger Games fan (or just love Jennifer Lawrence), you have to check out DuPont State Recreational Forest. This is where they filmed a bunch of the arena scenes. The most iconic spot? Triple Falls—where Katniss finds Peeta camouflaged by the river. You can literally hike there and recreate the moment (minus the whole fighting-for-your-life thing).

2. Dirty Dancing (1987) – Lake Lure

Nobody puts Baby in a corner! If you love Dirty Dancing, then Lake Lure should be on your must-visit list. The famous lake lift scene? Yep, filmed right here. The original resort isn’t around anymore, but Lake Lure still celebrates with an annual Dirty Dancing Festival where you can practice the lift, dance like Baby and Johnny, and just geek out over the movie.

3. The Last of the Mohicans (1992) – Chimney Rock State Park

This one’s for the history buffs (or anyone who just loves a good adventure flick). The Last of the Mohicans was shot at Chimney Rock State Park, and the dramatic final battle was filmed near Hickory Nut Falls. The 404-foot waterfall is seriously breathtaking and worth the hike, even if you’re not reenacting an epic movie moment.

4. Forrest Gump (1994) – Blue Ridge Parkway

“Run, Forrest, Run!” Remember that scene where Forrest Gump is running across the country? Part of it was filmed along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Grandfather Mountain. Even if you’re not planning to run cross-country, the views here are next-level gorgeous, so it’s definitely worth the drive.

5. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) – Sylva

Even though Ebbing, Missouri, isn’t a real place, Sylva, NC, totally is. This little mountain town was the main filming location for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and you can actually visit the courthouse and downtown spots seen in the movie. The whole place has a really cool small-town vibe, so even if you haven’t seen the film, it’s worth a stop.

6. Nell (1994) – Fontana Lake & Robbinsville

Jodie Foster’s Nell was filmed in some of the most secluded, peaceful spots in Western NC—specifically around Fontana Lake and Robbinsville. The lake is super quiet and misty, which totally fit the film’s mysterious, emotional vibe. If you’re looking for a chill, nature-filled escape, this area is perfect.

7. The Fugitive (1993) – Bryson City & The Great Smoky Mountains

If you love action-packed thrillers, you’ll appreciate this one. Remember that crazy scene where Harrison Ford’s character jumps off a dam? That was filmed at Cheoah Dam near Bryson City. And the famous train wreck scene? That happened in Dillsboro, and the wreckage is still there for fans to check out. Definitely one of the coolest film locations to visit.

8. Bull Durham (1988) – Durham & Raleigh

One of the best baseball movies of all time, Bull Durham was filmed in—you guessed it—Durham! The historic Durham Bulls Athletic Park played a starring role, and you can still catch a minor league game there today. Some scenes were also filmed in Raleigh, making this a must-visit for sports movie fans.

9. The Green Mile (1999) – Blowing Rock & Shelby

This emotional Tom Hanks drama used several North Carolina locations, including the town of Blowing Rock and the old Shelby County Courthouse. The eerie, atmospheric vibe of these locations added to the movie’s haunting tone. Definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of classic dramas.

10. Iron Man 3 (2013) – Cary & Wilmington

Yep, an Iron Man movie was filmed in North Carolina! Iron Man 3 had several key scenes shot in Cary and Wilmington, including parts of the final battle. Wilmington, in particular, has been home to a ton of Marvel productions, so if you’re a superhero fan, it’s worth a visit.

11. Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003) – Wilmington

Okay, so not a movie, but Dawson’s Creek was HUGE in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Wilmington served as the fictional town of Capeside, and you can visit many of the show’s most famous locations, including the Icehouse restaurant and the famous docks where Dawson and Joey had all those deep talks.

12. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) – Charlotte & Concord

Shake and bake! While this NASCAR comedy starring Will Ferrell is set in Alabama, several racing scenes were actually filmed at Charlotte Motor Speedway and in the Concord area. If you’re a racing fan or just love ridiculous comedies, visiting these spots is a must.

13. The Conjuring (2013) – Wilmington

If you’re into horror, you’ll be excited to know that parts of The Conjuring were filmed in Wilmington. While the movie is set in Rhode Island, some of the interior scenes and key moments were shot in NC. Wilmington has been a hotspot for horror films, adding to its spooky reputation.

Visit North Carolina & Walk in the Footsteps of Hollywood

North Carolina has been in a lot of movies and TV shows. Whether you’re into romance, adventure, comedy, or spine-chilling horror, there’s a filming location here for you. Next time you’re road-tripping through the state, why not make a stop at one of these iconic spots? Who knows—you might even feel like a movie star yourself!