Tennessee in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just about an hour’s drive from Knoxville, has served as the breathtaking backdrop for several films and TV shows. Visitors can explore the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a scenic loop that winds through lush forests and past historic cabins featured in productions like “The Hunger Games.” Hiking the moderately challenging Rainbow Falls Trail to a 80-foot cascading waterfall offers a tangible connection to the natural beauty that filmmakers sought to capture. The changing colors of autumn make this an especially magical time to visit, as the smoky mountain haze and fiery foliage create a cinematic palette that’s hard to rival elsewhere.
Moving west to Memphis, the Lorraine Motel stands as a poignant and powerful landmark that’s been immortalized in documentaries and dramatizations about the civil rights movement. Now part of the National Civil Rights Museum, this site allows visitors to walk through the very rooms and exhibits that chronicle the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the social struggles depicted in numerous films and series. The museum’s blend of historical narrative and multimedia presentations brings to life the complex human stories that have echoed through Tennessee’s history and culture, making it more than just a film location but a profound place for reflection.
In Nashville, the vibrant heart of country music and television production, the Ryman Auditorium invites visitors to feel the reverberations of countless live performances captured on screen. About a 10-minute drive from downtown, this historic venue has hosted everything from early Grand Ole Opry broadcasts to scenes in TV shows like “Nashville.” Touring the auditorium, visitors can admire the iconic pew-style seating and intricate woodwork that contribute to its warm, intimate atmosphere. Evening concerts reveal why filmmakers and producers choose this site: the acoustics and history make it a priceless cultural icon, especially alive after sunset when the city lights twinkle beyond its walls.
Just south of Nashville, in Franklin, the Carter House offers a rare look at a Civil War battlefield that has appeared in historical dramas and documentaries alike. Situated about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, this well-preserved site tells the story of the Battle of Franklin through guided tours of the house and the surrounding grounds, where visitors can stand amidst the trenches and earthen fortifications. The site’s unique preservation of war-era architecture and battlefield scars provides a tangible, immersive experience for those interested in how history is brought to life on screen. Early spring, with its budding dogwoods and milder weather, offers a serene contrast to the turbulent past reenacted here.
Traveling south to Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium has not only drawn tourists but also served as a setting for family films and series that emphasize nature and conservation. Located on the downtown riverfront, a stroll through the Ocean Journey and River Journey buildings reveals diverse aquatic habitats from the Amazon to the Appalachian Mountains. The interactive exhibits and behind-the-scenes tours give visitors a sense of the aquarium’s role in education and entertainment, explaining why filmmakers use it to anchor stories about wildlife and human connection. Visiting in the cooler months often means fewer crowds, allowing a more intimate encounter with the exhibits.
In the heart of east Tennessee lies Knoxville’s Market Square, a lively historic district seen in numerous TV shows and indie films for its charming blend of old and new architecture. A short walk from the University of Tennessee campus, Market Square buzzes with open-air cafes, boutique shops, and street performances. Filmmakers are drawn here for its authenticity and vibrant street life, which adds genuine urban energy to any production. Evening visits reveal glowing lights and bustling patios, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere featured on screen.
Finally, the Natchez Trace Parkway, stretching through southern Middle Tennessee near cities like Columbia, has long been a favorite for filmmakers seeking a quintessentially American scenic route. The Parkway’s gentle curves along rolling hills and dense woods have appeared in historical films and road-trip narratives. The section near the Henry Horton State Park, about 40 minutes from Nashville, offers easy hiking trails, picnic spots, and overlooks perfect for capturing that cinematic feeling of open road adventure. Early morning fog or late afternoon golden light enhances the landscape’s natural drama, making it an unforgettable visit for those who want to step into a cinematic Tennessee journey.