We’ve talked a lot about “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” definitely the movie that best showcases the culture and beauty of Savannah. But over 75 other movies have been filmed in Savannah since 1915. Here are several others you might enjoy watching to help you get in the mood to experience Savannah next April:

Forrest Gump (1994) – starring Tom Hanks, Gary Sinese, Robin Penn Warren and Sally Field

This highly-succesful movie won six Oscars, including “Best Picture” and “Best Actor” for its star Tom Hanks. The movie opens with Forrest waiting for a bus at Savannah’s Chippewa Square. (The bench where he sat was a movie prop and is now in the Savannah History Museum.) A feather flutters by a church steeple—the nearby Independent Presbyterian Church.

Something to Talk About (1995) - starring Julia Roberts, Dennis Quaid and Robert Duvall

Julie Roberts plays a woman from a small town who discovers her husband (Dennis Quaid) has been unfaithful. Several scenes were shot in Savannah, including the famous scene where Julia’s character Grace confronts her husband outside a bar. (The bar is the Sixpence Pub on Bull Street.)

Glory (1989) - starring Denzel Washinginton, Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick

This story of African-American troops during the Civil War has many scenes filmed in Savannah and on Jekyll Island, including party scenes shot at The Mercer House. Many scenes were also filmed at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum. This is a highly-regarded film that won three Oscars, including Denzel Washington’s win for Best Supporting Actor.

The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) - starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charleze Theron

Robert Redford produced and directed this feel-good golfing story, set in 1930’s Savannah. Matt Damon plays a down-and-out golfer, who regains his former success with the help of a mystical caddy played by Will Smith. Several scenes were filmed in Savannah. Other nearby filming locations included Hilton Head, Jeykll Island, Charleston, and Kiawah Island.

The General's Daughter (1999) – starring John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Woods and James Cromwell

In this military mystery based on a best-selling book by Nelson Demille, John Travolta plays a military undercover detective called in to investigate the gruesome death of the daughter of the base commander. Several scenes were filmed in Savannah and on Tybee Island, including a location at The Crab Shack, a well-known restaurant (my favorite) on the way to Tybee Island.

Forces of Nature (1999) – starring Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck

Scenes for this chick-flick comedy (a variation of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”) were shot all over Savannah. Ben Affleck plays a man flying to Savannah for his wedding. He encounters the wacky Sandra Bullock character, and after his plane has an accident, he travels to Savannah with her by car.

The Gingerbread Man (1998) – starring Kenneth Branagh, Robert Downey Jr., Daryl Hannah, and Robert Duvall

Based on a story by John Grisham and directed by Robert Altman, this thriller didn’t get good reviews, but many scenes were shot in Savannah and on Tybee Island. British dramatic actor Branagh is cast as a Savannah lawyer.

Learn more about Savannah on the big screen:

Internet Movie Database (IMDB) - detailed information on movies and television series filmed in Savannah

Savannah's Filmography - extensive list of films shot in Savannah

Savannah Movie Tours - a 90-minute bus tour that passes by 68+ movie locations and shows movie clips

Movies Made in Savannah - specific filming locations for several movies

Join us for The Great Slow Travel Gathering - Savannah, Georgia - April 4 to 6, 2008.

Kathy

How 'bout that?
I need to check out these movies and see how much I recognize.

I love both Forrest Gump and Something to Talk About. I don't know how I missed the chick-flick Forces of Nature. (or did I see it and it was very forgetable?)

Savannah is 'the south'. I think that is why is is such a great place to film movies.
Get out the popcorn!