🎬 Classic & Cult: Movies Filmed in Charleston, SC

History, Haunts, & Hahas!
Jan 26
2 min read

Charleston’s cinematic presence dates back decades, from action blockbusters to quiet romantic dramas. With its historic streets, plantations, marshlands, and coastal panoramas, the Holy City has doubled for everything from fictional towns to colonial battlefields. Here’s a curated list of notable films shot in Charleston and where they were filmed.

❤️ The Notebook (2004)

Probably the most famous movie filmed here, this beloved romantic drama based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel used multiple Charleston locations — Boone Hall Plantation, Cypress Gardens, the American Theater, and Wadmalaw Island’s Martins Point Plantation stand.

🇺🇸 The Patriot (2000)

This Revolutionary War epic starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger used historic Charleston locales like Middleton Place, Cypress Gardens, and the College of Charleston campus to evoke 18th‑century battlefields.

💌 Dear John (2010)

Another Nicholas Sparks adaptation, Dear John filmed romantic and emotional scenes across beaches like Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and kept the College of Charleston in focus.

⛵ Cold Mountain (2003)

Although largely set and filmed outside South Carolina, key scenes in Cold Mountain were shot around the College of Charleston campus and Cypress Gardens, adding authentic Southern atmosphere.

😂 Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995)

Jim Carrey’s comedy adventure used Botany Bay on Edisto Island — part of the broader Charleston region — as its jungle and “African” village settings.

🔥 Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

Iconic scenes in this action classic were filmed on the former Cooper River Bridge and at a North Charleston set where a subway station was built specifically for the movie.

🔪 Halloween (2018)

The modern Halloween revival used Charleston locations like Military Magnet High School (prison courtyard scenes) and houses around Old Windermere to represent Midwest streets.

🕊️ The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)

Filmed on location in northern downtown Charleston, this coming‑of‑age drama brought residential neighborhoods into focus alongside its quirky storyline.

⛳ The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

Scenes were shot at Kiawah Island’s famed golf course and Edisto Island plantations, capturing the Lowcountry’s landscapes as the backdrop for this sports‑themed drama.

⚓ Other Notable Mentions

Philadelphia Experiment (1984) used USS Yorktown at Patriot’s Point.
White Squall (1996) included scenes at the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard.
Black Knight (2001) showcases Charleston’s historic streets in an anachronistic comedy.

🎬 Why Charleston Is a Film Favorite

With its blend of historic districts, waterways, plantations, and coastal scenery, Charleston offers filmmakers a ready‑made cinematic palette that can stand in for any number of story worlds — from period pieces to thrillers to beach romances.