The Queen City is no stranger to the magic of Hollywood. From Charlotte Motor Speedway’s track to the forests of the Piedmont, the Charlotte area has served as the backdrop for an impressive resume of popular and acclaimed films — some of these movies may be on your watch list right now.
Get the popcorn. We’re diving into the movies filmed in your backyard.
The Hunger Games (2012)
Plot: A teenage girl takes her sister’s place in a televised competition where children fight to the death.
Filming locations: Shelby and Charlotte — including the Knight Theater Charlotte Convention Center
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023)
Plot: Eleven-year-old Margaret navigates new friends when her family moves from the city to the suburbs.
Filming locations: Charlotte, Concord, and York, SC
Shallow Hal (2001)
Plot: A shallow man falls in love with a woman’s inner beauty.
Filming locations: Concord and Charlotte — including Freedom Park
Logan Lucky (2017)
Plot: Best friends plan a heist during a NASCAR race.
Filming locations: Concord — including Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Coca-Cola 600
The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)
Plot: A bio-pic on the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker.
Filming locations: Charlotte, Concord, and Lake Norman
The Patriot (2000)
Plot: A father joins the Colonial militia during the American Revolution to defend his family.
Filming locations: Chester, Historic Brattonsville in McConnells, Rock Hill, and York, SC
Sully (2016)
Plot: Pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger recounts the “Miracle on the Hudson” plane landing.
Filming locations: Charlotte — including American Airlines’ Charlotte Douglas International Airport training facility
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Plot: NASCAR sensation Ricky Bobby fights to remain racing’s top star.
Filming locations: Charlotte and Concord — including Charlotte Motor Speedway
Days of Thunder (1990)
Plot: A young stock car driver gets his chance to compete at the top level.
Filming locations: Lake Norman and Charlotte Motor Speedway
Bonus: These classic films were shot too close to leave off the list.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Plot: A girl spends her summer retreat falling in love with the camp’s dance instructor.
Filming locations: Asheville and Lake Lure
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Plot: Frontier trappers protect the daughters of a British Colonel in the midst of the French and Indian War.
Filming locations: Blue Ridge Parkway
