You might not think Florida when you think Hollywood (though there is a Hollywood, FL), but these classics were all shot in the Sunshine State. With comedies, dramas, and even a couple of big-budget action flicks, there’s a good chance one of your favorites is here!
1. Edward Scissorhands
Long before Twilight, this 1990 gem with Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder told the story of a blossoming romance between an average girl and an unreasonably handsome outcast. The intentionally nondescript suburbs featured in this Tim Burton classic are actually real locations in Lutz, Lakeland, and the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
2. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
When the Autobots are exiled and prepare to board the Xantium, the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, FL, takes center stage.
3. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
This goofy comedy that launched Jim Carrey to superstar status was set and filmed in Miami, FL. It features the Pro Player Stadium (home of the Miami Dolphins) and Villa Vizcaya, a 1916 mansion-turned-museum in South Miami.
4. 2 Fast 2 Furious
The second installment in the action franchise (now on number 7) was shot all over Florida, featuring scenes in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Hollywood (Florida), and even Sylvester Stalone's private mansion in Miami.
5. Caddyshack
This cult classic is a favorite of golf fans and comedy fans alike. Scenes on the course were filmed at the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Davie, FL (currently Grande Oaks Golf Club), and the dinner scene was shot at the Boca Raton Hotel and Club in -- you guessed it, Boca Raton, FL.
6. The Bodyguard
This 1992 thriller/romance was Whitney Houston's first film, and it was partly shot in Miami, FL. Residents will recognize the iconic Fontainebleau Hilton Resort in Miami Beach, FL.
7. Magic Mike
This 2012 flick starring Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey tells the tale of a young male stripper in Tampa, FL. This city, along with St. Petersburg, Ybor City, Tarpon Springs and Tierra Verde, can be seen in the film. Fun fact: Tatum himself was a young male stripper in Tampa, FL.
8. Cocoon
Ron Howard's touching and poignant 1985 science fiction film was shot in and around St. Petersburg, FL,
9. True Lies
The epic bridge escape in this 1994 blockbuster with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis was filmed at the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys.
10. Midnight Cowboy
This 1969 Academy Award-winning drama concludes with a bus trip down Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, FL.
11. Cape Fear
This terrifying tale of revenge was set in North Carolina, but its most memorable scenes were shot in Florida. Locations include Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades and Hollywood (yes, the one in Florida).
12. The Waterboy
Here's another comedy that takes advantage of Florida's love affair with sports. This outrageous Adam Sandler production may be set in Louisiana, but Floridians can spot EverBank Field in Jacksonville, the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Spec Martin Stadium and the Stetson University campus in DeLand and Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
13. My Girl
For many '90s kids, My Girl is the ultimate tearjerker. It's set in Pennsylvania but filmed in Sanford, Bartow, Ocoee, Mirror Lake and Plant City, FL.
There are so many classics we had no idea were filmed in Florida! Were any of your favorites here? Let us know any we may have missed.
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