A Cinematic Escape: Movie Magic in Mississippi
A Cinematic Escape: Movie Magic in Mississippi
Mississippi has a long served as the setting for some of Hollywood’s biggest movies. For more than a century, movie makers have been bringing business to Magnolia State, showcasing the unique, eye-catching, and grand visuals of its landscapes and architecture. Iconic locations throughout the entire state have been featured on the Silver Screen, so there is sure to be a location even the most casual film fan will recognize. Here are 10 locations to look for on the big screen or to visit during a movie location tour of Mississippi.
The Mayflower Café | Jackson
This legendary downtown Jackson restaurant is today a favorite with locals and visitors. The capital city’s classic, Greek-inspired seafood and steak spot has known for its delectable cuisine since opening in 1935. The vintage dining room’s black-and-white checkered floors, cozy booths, and eclectic photo gallery walls were the setting for scenes in 2012’s The Help starring Octavia Spencer and Emma Stone, as well as Alec Baldwin and Whoopi Goldberg’s 1996 biographical crime drama Ghosts of Mississippi, which was based on events surrounding the 1994 trial of Byron De La Beckwith, who was convicted of the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers.
Brent’s Drugs | Jackson
Also in Jackson, the classic ’50s pharmacy, soda fountain, and diner Brent’s Drugs played a huge role in the movie The Help, based on Jackson native Kathryn Stockett’s novel of the same name. Set in Jackson, the vintage appeal of Brent’s formica countertops, turquoise banquettes, and original barstools were the perfect setting for Skeeter’s famous meeting with Hilly and her friends in the movie.
D’Lo Waterpark | D’Lo
Did you know that nearly every scene in the Coen brothers’ cult hit O Brother, Where Art Thou? was filmed in Mississippi? Fans of the movie might recognize D’Lo Water Park at the Strong River as the location where the sirens charmed Everett, Delmar, and Pete.
Downtown Canton | Canton
Canton was the site of Homer’s famous political rally in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, but the charming town also played a role in the blockbusters A Time to Kill and My Dog Skip. Notably, Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock stood on the Canton courthouse steps during filming of A Time to Kill, which was based on the novel by John Grisham.
Dunleith Historic Inn | Natchez
Several locations in Mississippi’s oldest city were featured in the 2014 movie starring the late Chadwick Boseman Get On Up. Though none of the movie was actually set in Mississippi, the pre-Civil War mansion known as the Dunleith Historic Inn, as well as the Stanton Hall & Carriage House Restaurant, The Malt Shop, and Bilbo’s Fish Market, are all locations featured in the film.
Bluff Park | Natchez
Natchez was the setting for 2021’s holiday Hallmark movie Every Time a Bell Rings. In the movie, three sisters reunite in their hometown of Natchez to discover that their late father planned a scavenger hunt for them to find their family’s wishing bell. The scenic Bluff Park overlooking the Mississippi River was a prominent location in the film.
Parchman Prison | Sunflower County
As a native son of Mississippi, many of best-selling author John Grisham’s novels are set in Mississippi. His 1994 novel The Chamber was no different. Its 1996 movie adaptation was filmed partially at Sunflower County’s Parchman Prison, also known as Parchman Farm and the Mississippi State Penitentiary, where the movie’s protagonist lawyer Adam Hall, played by actor Chris O’Donnell, fights to get his grandfather taken off death row.
Golden Nugget Casino | Biloxi
A 2021 drama featuring Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, and Willem Defoe, The Card Counter is based around gambling and the drama that ensues in the high-stakes world of card counting. Many of the movie’s scenes are filmed in a casino, and eagle-eye fans noticed that Biloxi’s Golden Nugget in Biloxi was the lucky locale.
Oxford Square | Oxford
Oxford’s picturesque downtown known as the Oxford Square is the backdrop for the classic black and white crime drama Intruder in the Dust. Even almost 70 years after its release date, you can still recognize the charming Square when watching.
Mississippi Governor’s Mansion | Jackson
Bruce Willis’s action heist movie A Day to Die, released in March of 2022, brought the drama to downtown Jackson with several action scenes featuring stunts, explosions, and special effects filmed right outside the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion on East Capitol Street.
Whether you’re a casual movie-goer or a serious film buff, there’s no shortage of cinematic experiences to have in Mississippi. Explore the best in arts and culture across our wander-worthy state by clicking here today.
