Let’s face it, there are countless movies about, or filmed in, South Carolina, but the list of spectacular films with storylines featuring the Palmetto State isn’t quite as long. We’ve narrowed down seven of the top feature films that showcase our beloved South Carolina in one way or another. Put these on your bucket list and enjoy!
1. "Radio" (2003)
Filmed primarily in downtown Walterboro and on the campus of USC, this feature film is a semi-biographical story of a coach (Ed Harris) who schools an entire community on compassion. The center of the lesson is based on real life SC resident James Robert "Radio" Kennedy whose self esteem is lifted up by the synergy and affirmation of the community.
2. "The Notebook" (2004)
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams team up for a romantic drama whose storyline begins in 1940 on Seabrook Island in South Carolina — and if we tell you where the story ends, then we'll just be giving too much away. If you haven't seen (or read) "The Notebook," then this is a can't-miss story line that features the Palmetto State.
3. "The Patriot" (2000)
Most of "The Patriot" takes place in rural Berkeley County as the main character, a colonist (portrayed by Mel Gibson) who is loyal to the British finds himself pulled into the Revolutionary War after determining his family is in danger. The screenwriter claimed Gibson's main character was a composite of four famous South Carolinians: Andrew Pickens, Francis Marion, Daniel Morgan and Thomas Sumter.
4. "The Big Chill" (1983)
Beaufort is no stranger to major feature film productions. But "The Big Chill" was about college friends who reunite in this gorgeous winter home in South Carolina fifteen years after graduation to mourn the loss of one of their own after he committed suicide. Much laughter and tears ensue in this drama set and filmed in Beaufort.
5. "The Lords of Discipline" (1983)
Based on a novel by Pat Conroy, and widely belived to be a stark portrayal of his time at The Military College of South Carolina (The Citadel), "The Lords of Discipline" was so controversial that not one military school in the U.S. would allow filming on their campus. They felt the content of the movie, which features hazing of younger cadets, was too over-the-top. In the end, the movie was filmed primarily abroad, although a few small scenes were filmed at various locations around Charleston.
6. "Magic Mike XXL" (2015)
You may find it hard to believe the storyline for "Magic Mike XXL" involves a strip club in Myrtle Beach. For real. Although MB has to share the spotlight with Savannah when the entourage heads south for a short while, they do head back to Myrtle Beach.
7. "Doc Hollywood" (1991)
What's more romantic than a doctor on his way to live the big life in Hollywood whose car breaks down in rural South Carolina - where he falls in love, stays a while and then must decide if he really wants to spend the rest of his life in rural South Carolina (vs Hollywood)? That's an EASY decision for me, by the way! Watch the movie to see what Doc Hollywood does in the end.
What’s your favorite movie that features South Carolina in some way? Feel free to add to the list and continue the discussion below.
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