I’ve spent years visiting film locations, and Savannah has become one of my favorite spots to track down movie scenes.
The city’s historic squares and moss-draped streets have caught Hollywood’s eye for decades.
More than 11 major films were shot right here, from Forrest Gump to recent releases like The Idea of You.
Why do filmmakers love this place? The architecture tells stories on its own.
You get period-perfect buildings, beach access at nearby Tybee Island, and those iconic Southern backdrops.
I’m going to walk you through every major movie filmed here, show you exactly where each scene was shot, and help you plan your own tour of these locations.
Whether a film buff or just planning a trip, you’ll know exactly which movies filmed in Savannah GA and how to find their spots.
Major Films Shot in Savannah and Tybee Island
These films span decades and genres, proving Savannah’s versatility as a filming destination. Each production took advantage of different aspects of the city’s character.
From period pieces that needed authentic historical settings to modern romances seeking Southern charm, directors found what they needed here.
Let me show you what made each location perfect for its film.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks sat on that famous bench in Chippewa Square for some of cinema’s most memorable scenes. The bench became an instant landmark after the film’s release.
You can’t sit there anymore, though. The production team placed it temporarily for filming. Traffic and crowds made keeping it there impossible.
Today, you’ll find the actual bench at the Savannah History Museum. I recommend visiting to see this piece of movie history up close. They display it with context about the film’s production.
This remains one of the most requested stops when people ask about movies filmed in Savannah GA. The square itself still looks exactly like it did in 1994.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
Clint Eastwood brought John Berendt’s bestselling novel to life here. The book documented real events and real people from Savannah’s society circles.
The Mercer-Williams House served as a primary location. You’ll recognize it instantly if you’ve seen the film. Forsyth Park and Bonaventure Cemetery also feature prominently throughout.
This production really leaned into Savannah’s mysterious atmosphere. The Spanish moss, the historic homes, the cemetery scenes all create that Gothic Southern mood.
I find this one fascinating because it blends fact with fiction. The locations aren’t just backdrops. They’re actual places where the real story unfolded.
Glory (1989)
This Civil War drama brought together Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Matthew Broderick.
The film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units.
Production teams used the Georgia State Railroad Museum for multiple scenes. The Mercer-Williams House appears here too. Both locations provided authentic period settings.
Period dramas need the right look, and Savannah delivered. The architecture hadn’t changed much since the 1860s. That authenticity shows on screen.
The Last Song (2010)
Nicholas Sparks brought his romance novel to Tybee Island for this production. Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth starred as young lovers in this beach story.
The Tybee Island pier appears throughout the film. Most beach scenes were shot on the island’s public beaches. You can visit these exact spots today.
Here’s something cool: the production built a wedding chapel for the film. It’s still standing on Tybee Island, and you can actually book it for real weddings.
How many movie sets let you do that?
Lady and the Tramp (2019)
Disney’s live-action remake opens with a shot of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. That stunning twin-spired church sets the film’s romantic tone right away.
The production used multiple Savannah landmarks. Georgia State Railroad Museum appears again. Wright Square made it into several scenes.
They even filmed the famous spaghetti scene near Factor’s Walk.
I love that Disney chose these real locations instead of building sets. The city’s charm adds something you can’t fake on a soundstage.
The Longest Yard (1974)
Burt Reynolds starred in this sports comedy about prison football. It was one of the earliest major Hollywood productions to film in Savannah.
The memorable chase scene runs through Forsyth Park down to River Street. If you walk that route today, you’re following Reynolds’ exact path.
This film helped put Savannah on the map as a filming location. Productions saw how well the city worked on screen.
Magic Mike XXL (2015)
Channing Tatum brought his sequel here for several key scenes. The Savannah Convention Center stood in as the fictional convention venue.
This comedy made over $120 million at the box office on a modest budget. The Savannah locations added Southern flavor to the road trip story.
Strip club interiors and party scenes were shot at local venues. The production team transformed these spaces for filming.
Baywatch (2017)
Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron brought this action-comedy remake to Tybee Island. The beaches stood in for Florida locations in the original TV series.
Multiple local spots appear throughout. They used a medical center for interior scenes. The marina provided boat and water sequences.
Tybee Island’s beaches look great on camera. That’s why filmmakers keep coming back for projects needing coastal settings.
Something to Talk About (1995)
Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid starred in this romantic comedy about a Southern family. Six Pence Pub on Bull Street served as a key location.
Good news if you want to visit: the pub is still open. You can grab a drink in the same spot where Roberts filmed her scenes.
The production split filming between Georgia and South Carolina. But the Savannah scenes capture that small-town Southern feel perfectly.
May December (2023)
This recent drama stars Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. It shows that Savannah continues attracting major productions and A-list talent.
The film crew shot at Lafayette Square, Broughton Street, and the Starland District. They also used local coffee shops and restaurants as locations.
I find it interesting how this modern story uses historic settings. The contrast between old and new Savannah adds visual depth.
The Idea of You (2024)
Anne Hathaway leads this romantic comedy, the newest major production filmed here. It wrapped recently and shows Savannah’s ongoing appeal to Hollywood.
The historic sites provide a romantic atmosphere for this love story. Filmmakers continue choosing these locations because they work so well on screen.
This proves that movies filmed in Savannah GA aren’t slowing down. The city remains a hot spot for productions across all genres.
Planning Your Movie Location Tour
I recommend basing yourself in the Historic District if you want easy access to most filming locations. You can walk to many sites from there.
Self-guided tours work great for this. Most locations are public spaces or visible from the street.
Here’s what I suggest:
- Start at Chippewa Square, then walk to Forsyth Park. From there, head to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Make your way down to River Street and Factor’s Walk. End at the Savannah History Museum to see the Forrest Gump bench.
- For Tybee Island locations, you’ll need to drive. It’s about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. The beaches are all public access.
- Guided tours focusing on movie locations are available through several companies. These tours provide insider details about productions and access to some private locations. You can book them through visitor centers or online.
- I suggest combining film sites with other attractions. The Mercer-Williams House offers tours that discuss both its history and its appearances in movies filmed in Savannah GA. Many locations served multiple purposes beyond being film sets.
- Mornings provide the best light at Chippewa Square for photography. Forsyth Park looks stunning during golden hour. Avoid River Street on cruise ship days if you want fewer crowds.
- Weekday mornings are your best bet for popular spots. Tourists arrive later in the day. You’ll get clearer photos and a better sense of what filmmakers saw in these locations.
Conclusion
I’ve shown you the range of movies filmed in Savannah GA, from Civil War dramas to romantic comedies. The city works for every genre because it offers such varied locations.
You get historic squares, beaches, Victorian architecture, and Southern atmosphere all in one compact area. These spots are accessible to visitors, not hidden behind gates.
You can walk the same streets, sit in the same squares, and visit the same beaches where Hollywood shot major productions. I think that’s what makes this special.
The magic that attracted filmmakers is still there waiting for you. Plan your trip, bring your camera, and experience these locations firsthand.
You’ll understand why directors keep choosing Savannah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Visit the Actual Forrest Gump Bench in Savannah?
Yes, the original bench is on display at the Savannah History Museum. It was removed from Chippewa Square after filming due to crowds and traffic concerns. You can view it inside the museum during regular hours.
What Makes Savannah Attractive to Film Productions?
Georgia offers strong tax incentives and film rebates. The city provides preserved historic architecture, varied locations from beaches to Victorian squares, and production-friendly local support that makes filming easier and more cost-effective.
Are There Guided Tours of Movie Filming Locations?
Several companies offer guided movie location tours that include behind-the-scenes stories and access to key sites. You can book through visitor centers or online. Self-guided walking tours are also easy to plan yourself.
Which Tybee Island Beaches Were Used in Films?
Tybee Island’s main public beach and pier appear in The Last Song for most beach and boardwalk scenes. Baywatch used multiple sections of the beach. All filming locations remain publicly accessible today.
Has Savannah Been Used for Any Television Shows?
Yes, several TV productions have filmed in Savannah, though movies remain more common here. TV shows typically need longer-term locations and different logistics. The area continues attracting both film and television projects regularly.
