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.
Movies
“Roofman” (2025) | Channing Tatum stars in this true story about an escaped convict who ends up living in Toys R Us and attends Crossroads Presbyterian in the Queen City.
“Christy” (2025) | Shot across the Queen City and Gastonia in the fall of 2024, this film follows former boxer Christy Martin, played by Sydney Sweeney.
“The Hunger Games” (2012) | The film follows Katniss Everdeen as she competes in a televised, deadly competition, and many scenes were shot in Shelby and Charlotte — including the Knight Theater and Charlotte Convention Center.
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (2023) | See if you can spot areas in Charlotte, Concord, and York, SC as Margaret navigates life after moving from the city to the suburbs.
“Shallow Hal” (2001) | Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black star in this film about inner beauty, and Freedom Park’s beauty can be spotted in several scenes.
“Logan Lucky” (2017) | Best friends, played by Channing Tatum and Adam Driver, plan a heist during a NASCAR race — of course, they visit Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Coca-Cola 600.
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (2021) | A Lake Norman house was used to depict the home of Tammy Faye Bakker in this biopic about the televangelist.
“The Patriot” (2000) | Chester, Historic Brattonsville in McConnells, Rock Hill, and York, SC served as the backdrop for many scenes in this film about a man’s journey during the American Revolution.
“Sully” (2016) | Tom Hanks plays pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger as he recounts the “Miracle on the Hudson” plane landing — a flight bound for Charlotte. Filming locations in Charlotte include American Airlines’ Charlotte Douglas International Airport training facility.
Bonus: You can see the plane on display at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006) | NASCAR sensation Ricky Bobby fights to remain racing’s top star, and races through Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“Days of Thunder” (1990) | Charlotte Motor Speedway is in the spotlight as a young stock car driver gets his chance to compete at the top level.
Shows
“Top Chef” (2026) | Season 23 of the acclaimed cooking competition will be shot in Charlotte and Greenville, SC — showcasing Southern hospitality, regional history, agriculture, and up-and-coming culinary stars.
“The Hunting Wives” (2025) This Netflix series is all about scandal and drama set in East Texas — but shot in Charlotte and along Main Street in Mooresville.
“Love is Blind” (2024) | Season six of the Netflix reality show followed 30 singles working to find true love — the Uptown skyline made several appearances, along with a plethora of local businesses.
“Homeland” (2011-2020) | Claire Danes starred as a CIA officer — set in Washington, DC, and northern Virginia, the Queen City was chosen as the film set for the first three seasons for its adaptable architecture and tax credits.
“Banshee” (2013-2016) | While the show is set in the fictional town of Banshee, Pennsylvania, areas along Mooresville, Huntersville, and Mt. Ulla were used to film the series + sound stages were built in warehouses along Reames Road in Charlotte.
Honorable mention
These classic films were shot close to Charlotte — we couldn’t leave them 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) | The picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway serves as the backdrop for this story about frontier trappers protecting the daughters of a British Colonel in the midst of the French and Indian War.