Ever paused a movie and thought, wait, I've walked past that bench?
If you're searching for movies filmed in Savannah, GA, you probably want to know exactly which films used your favorite square, park, or beach, and where you can stand in that same spot today.
I dug through film records and local guides so you don't have to guess. Inside, you'll find 15 famous movies shot here, from Forrest Gump to The Idea of You, plus a bonus list of other productions, a simple day-trip plan, and a guide to real spots you can visit right now.
No fluff, just facts you can trust and use on your next trip.
Savannah has quietly become one of Hollywood's favorite Southern backdrops, and these 15 films prove exactly why.
Why Is Savannah a Popular Filming Location?
Savannah draws filmmakers because it can play almost any era without much extra set work. Its historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and oak canopies fit stories set in the 1800s just as well as ones set today.
The city's public squares and landmarks, like Chippewa Square and Forsyth Park, offer instant charm and a ready-made backdrop, so crews spend less time building sets. Nearby Tybee Island adds ocean views and beach scenes without leaving the county.
Georgia also offers strong tax credits for film and TV production, which keeps costs down for studios.
The city also hosts the SCAD Savannah Film Festival every year, which keeps Savannah connected to the film world even between big productions.
Between the look, the location options, and the savings, directors keep coming back to Savannah year after year.
What Movies Were Filmed in Savannah, GA?
Some notable movies filmed in Savannah and the surrounding area include Cape Fear (1962), The Longest Yard (1974), Glory (1989), Forrest Gump (1994), Something to Talk About (1995).
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), The General's Daughter (1999), The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), The Last Song (2010), Baywatch (2017), Lady and the Tramp (2019), Gemini Man (2019), The Menu (2022), May December (2023), and The Ideaof You (2024).
Filming locations range from historic squares and museums to cemeteries, coastal areas, private properties, and nearby Tybee Island. Some films were shot extensively in the area, while others used Savannah for only a few scenes.
15 Movies Filmed in Savannah, GA
Here's a closer look at each film and exactly where it was shot.
1. Cape Fear (1962)
Gregory Peck stars as a lawyer whose family is targeted by a vengeful ex-convict played by Robert Mitchum.
The thriller uses Savannah as a major backdrop, with scenes filmed around Wright Square, City Hall, and the Armstrong Kessler Mansion on Bull Street.
The production also used a houseboat at Isle of Hope Marina. Savannah's historic architecture suited the film's Southeast Georgia setting, and several of these locations can still be viewed today.
2. The Longest Yard (1974)
Burt Reynolds plays a disgraced former football player who is forced to organize a prison team. Savannah appears during a memorable chase sequence that runs from Forsyth Park toward River Street.
The contrast between Savannah's picturesque streets and the film's prison setting added visual tension to the scene.
Both locations remain accessible to visitors, making it possible to retrace part of the movie's route.
3. Glory (1989)
This Civil War drama follows the all-Black 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. Matthew Broderick portrays Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who leads the regiment.
Savannah locations include areas near West Jones Street, the Roundhouse Railroad Museum, Battlefield Memorial Park, and River Street.
The city's historic surroundings helped recreate the film's period setting, while River Street doubled as a Boston parade route.
4. Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump, who recounts his life story while sitting on a bus bench. Savannah's Chippewa Square became the setting for the movie's best-known bench scenes.
The square's timeless appearance helped create the small-town atmosphere needed for the story.
The original bench used during filming is now displayed at the Savannah History Museum, while Chippewa Square remains open to visitors.
5. Something to Talk About (1995)
Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid star in this romantic comedy-drama about a marriage facing serious problems.
Parts of the movie were filmed in Savannah, including a memorable appearance by Six Pence Pub on Bull Street.
The pub became recognizable for its Southern character and red telephone booth. It remains a notable stop for visitors interested in seeing one of the film's Savannah locations.
6. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
Clint Eastwood directed this crime drama based on the real-life case surrounding Savannah antiques dealer Jim Williams.
Because the story is closely tied to Savannah, much of the film was shot in the city. Filming included the Mercer-Williams House, Forsyth Park, and Bonaventure Cemetery.
These locations connect the movie to the real Savannah setting behind its story, with some sites still available for visitors to see.
7. The General's Daughter (1999)
John Travolta plays an investigator investigating the murder of an Army general's daughter. Savannah locations were used to create the film's fictional military setting.
Scenes were filmed at Savannah State University and Wormsloe Historic Site.
Wormsloe's long oak-lined entrance provided a distinctive backdrop for the fictional Army base and remains one of the area's recognizable historic landscapes.
8. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Will Smith and Matt Damon star in this Depression-era sports drama set in Savannah. The story follows a struggling golfer who receives guidance from the mysterious Bagger Vance.
Although much of the golf footage was filmed in South Carolina, the production also used Savannah and Jekyll Island locations.
The Jekyll Island Club Resort appears among the filming locations, adding historic architecture to the film's period setting.
9. The Last Song (2010)
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth star in this Nicholas Sparks romance about a teenager reconnecting with her father during a summer on the Georgia coast.
Much of the production took place on Tybee Island. A wedding chapel was constructed specifically for the film, and additional scenes were filmed at Wormsloe Historic Site.
Tybee Island's beach-town atmosphere helped create the relaxed coastal setting associated with the story.
10. Baywatch (2017)
Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron lead this comedy adaptation of the popular lifeguard series. Savannah's coastal surroundings were used to recreate the look of a California beach setting.
Tybee Island's beach and pier feature prominently, while Estill Hammock Marina was used for water scenes.
The locations gave the production broad coastal views without requiring filming on the actual California coast.
11. Lady and the Tramp (2019)
Disney's live-action adaptation of Lady and the Tramp brought its classic story to several recognizable Savannah locations.
The production used Wright Square, Factor's Walk, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Georgia State Railroad Museum also appears in the film.
Savannah's historic architecture helped create the early-20th-century atmosphere required for the story, while these locations remain popular places to visit.
12. Gemini Man (2019)
Will Smith plays two versions of the same character in this science-fiction action thriller directed by Ang Lee.
The story follows an aging assassin who becomes the target of a younger clone of himself. Savannah scenes were filmed around Isle of Hope, Wright Square, and Johnson Square.
Isle of Hope's oak-lined roads and marsh scenery provided a quieter backdrop that contrasted with the film's action sequences.
13. The Menu (2022)
Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy star in this dark thriller about guests attending an unusual dinner on a remote island. The production used coastal locations around the Savannah area.
Filming included areas around Tybee Island, Horsepen Point, and a dock near the Savannah Convention Center.
The area's isolated coastal atmosphere helped create the secluded setting central to the story.
14. May December (2023)
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore star in this drama about an actress who travels to research a family involved in a past scandal.
Although the story is associated with Camden, Maine, the production filmed in Savannah and Tybee Island.
Locations included Hutchinson Island and Estill Manor. The area's marshes, waterways, and distinctive coastal scenery helped recreate the atmosphere required for the story.
15. The Idea of You (2024)
Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine star in this romantic drama about an unexpected relationship between a single mother and a much younger pop star.
Although Atlanta served as the main production location, Savannah was used for several scenes.
Filming took place around the historic district, including Forsyth Park and Chippewa Square. Savannah's streets and historic architecture provided a visually distinctive setting for the film's romantic scenes.
Which Savannah Movie Locations Can You Visit?
Several Savannah filming locations are accessible to visitors, including public squares, parks, museums, historic sites, and coastal areas.
Chippewa Square is associated with Forrest Gump, Forsyth Park appears in several productions, and the Georgia State Railroad Museum has been used for movie scenes.
Private homes and active residential areas have different access rules, so visitors should view them respectfully from public areas rather than entering private property.
For a movie-focused trip, public squares and historic attractions are the easiest locations to combine in one walking route.
Other Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Savannah
Beyond this list, dozens more productions have used Savannah as a backdrop over the years.
Movies Filmed in Savannah
A few more titles put Savannah on screen without making the top 15.
- Magic Mike XXL
- Ford v Ferrari
- The Peanut Butter Falcon
- Devotion
- Gifted
- Dirty Grandpa
TV Shows Filmed in Savannah
Television crews have found the city just as camera-ready as film crews.
- The Girl From Plainville
- Cobra Kai
- The Underground Railroad
- Council of Dads
- Southern Charm Savannah
Where Can You See Savannah Movie Locations?
These are the real spots behind Savannah's biggest movie scenes, all open for a visit.
Chippewa Square: This is where Tom Hanks sat for Forrest Gump's bench scenes. The square still has its famous statue and lush oak canopy.
Mercer-Williams House Museum:Made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this private home offers guided tours daily. It sits on Monterey Square.
Forsyth Park: This large green space appears in Cape Fear, The Longest Yard, and The Idea of You. Its fountain is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Bonaventure Cemetery:Featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this cemetery overlooks the Wilmington River. It's free to visit and open most days.
Georgia State Railroad Museum:This site appeared in Lady and the Tramp and Glory's training camp scenes. Visitors can tour the roundhouse and old rail cars.
Wormsloe Historic Site: Used as an Army base in The General's Daughter and later in The Last Song, this colonial estate has a famous mile-long oak avenue. Walking trails lead to the tabby ruins.
Conclusion
Savannah has appeared in films ranging from Forrest Gump and Cape Fear to The Last Song, The Menu, and The Idea of You.
Its historic squares, coastal scenery, and distinctive architecture continue to make it a memorable filming backdrop.
Visiting these locations lets movie fans connect familiar scenes with real places across the city and nearby areas.
If you're planning a Savannah trip, add these movies filmed in Savannah GA locations to your itinerary and see your favorite filming spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What movie was filmed entirely in Savannah?
Most productions filmed in Savannah use the city alongside other locations rather than shooting the entire movie there.
What movies were filmed in Savannah but set somewhere else?
Movies such as The General's Daughter and Lady and the Tramp used Savannah to represent fictional or period-specific settings.
What famous scenes were filmed in Savannah?
The most recognizable include Forrest Gump's bench scene at Chippewa Square and coastal scenes from Baywatch on Tybee Island.
Are Savannah movie locations open to the public?
Many public filming locations are accessible, but private homes and restricted properties may not be open to visitors.
What movie was filmed at Tybee Island?
The Last Song and Baywatch are among the movies that used Tybee Island's beaches and coastal locations.
