When you think of the glitz and glamor of the silver screen, Hollywood likely comes to mind. But Louisiana is often considered the “Hollywood South.”
Somewhat surprisingly, Louisiana is a global player as a movie and TV filming locations, with its diverse landscapes that make for great settings and tax incentives for film producers.
More than a great destination for filming, big-time actors and actresses have made positive remarks regarding Louisiana’s food, music and atmosphere in general.
See where scenes from films and shows were shot on the Louisiana Film Trail. What to know
If you’re a cinephile, or someone who simply enjoys a good movie, then be sure to check out the destinations along the Louisiana Film Trail.
Steel Magnolias (1989) (Natchitoches)
The movie “Steel Magnolias” was filmed in Natchitoches, and a good part of the movie takes place at M’Lynn Eatenton’s, played by Sally Fields, 1830s home in the fictional Chinquapin Parish. Visitors can enjoy a stay in the actual six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath Steel Magnolia House, located at 320 Jefferson St., which is the bed and breakfast where much of the movie was filmed, according to Explore Louisiana.
Interview with the Vampire (1994) (Vacherie)
A scene in “Interview with the Vampire” follows Louis, an unwilling vampire played by Brad Pitt, as he torches his sprawling manor, which upsets aristocratic vampire Lestat (Tom Cruise). The setting of the home is Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, where visitors can take tours and observe the restored, antebellum mansion, says Explore Louisiana.
Easy Rider (1969) (New Orleans)
During a scene in “Easy Rider,” Wyatt and Billy, played by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, wander through the street of New Orleans during Mardi Gras and find themselves in a French Quarter cemetery. This scene took place at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, and several tour companies offer tours of this site, according to Explore Louisiana.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) (New Orleans)
In “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” Brad Pitt plays Benjamin Button as he wakes up his father, Thomas Button, who is played by Jason Flemyng. Thomas drives them out to a lake where they watch the sunrise, while “Sunrise on Lake Pontchartrain,” composed by Alexandre Desplat, plays in the background. Visitors can watch a sunrise on Lake Pontchartrain and then take a trip to the Nolan House, at 2707 Coliseum St., which is where much of the film took place, says Explore Louisiana.
Duck Dynasty (2012-2017) (West Monroe)
“Duck Dynasty” follows the Robertson family as they navigate life and their family business in North Louisiana. Many scenes of this show feature the men of the family duck hunting in the state. In West Monroe, visitors can personalize a duck call at the Duck Commander Museum, and spot various species of ducks at the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge or the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area, according to Explore Louisiana.
Tremé (2010-2013) (New Orleans)
“Tremé” is an Emmy Award-winning HBO drama that’s set in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In this series, New Orleans native Wendell Pierce and a cast of costars rebuild their lives, and the series’ name refers to a historical New Orleans neighborhood. All over New Orleans, distinct and historical shotgun-style homes can be found, says Explore Louisiana.
Swamp People (2010–present) (Central and South Louisiana)
“Swamp People” is a reality TV show based in South Louisiana that focuses on the lives of alligator hunters within the Atchafalaya Basin swamps and bayous. Pierre Pat is a village a few miles south of Baton Rouge that is among the primary filming locations of the show. Other locations include Houma, Hammond, Bayou Sorrel, Thibodaux and Zwolle, according to Explore Louisiana.
NCIS: New Orleans (2014-2021) (New Orleans)
“NCIS: New Orleans” is a spinoff of the successful CBS network show. This series stars Scott Bakula as Special Agent Dwayne Pride, who investigates crimes involving military personnel. Iconic New Orleans locations are featured throughout the show, including Bourbon Street, Louis Armstrong Park, Cafe Du Monde, Jackson Square, Plaza Tower and New Orleans Motorsports Park, says Explore Louisiana.
More stops along the Louisiana Film Trail
At his annual tourism summit Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser unveiled a new movie trail in Louisiana, inviting visitors to see where films were shot in the state. Movie Trail
“12 Years a Slave” was filmed at Felicity Plantation in Vacherie.
“Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte” and “The Green Book” shot at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow.
“All the King’s Men” filmed at Louisiana’s State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
“Greyhound” was filmed at USS Kidd battleship site in Baton Rouge.
“A Christmas Wish” was filmed in Ponchatoula.
“Christmas in Louisiana” was filmed in New Iberia.
Baton Rouge Film Trail: These 6 films were shot in Louisiana’s capitol city
Pitch Perfect (2012): Manship Theatre at 100 Lafayette St.
Glory Road (2006): John M. Parker Agricultural Coliseum on LSU Avenue.
National Treasure: Edge of History (2022): Louisiana’s Old State Capitol at 100 North Blvd.
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989): Bedford Drive
The Highwaymen (2019): Old Governor’s Mansion at 502 North Blvd.
The Toy (1982): Downtown Baton Rouge
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What movies were filmed in Louisiana? Learn about the state’s film trail
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