Louisiana has one of the most unique identities in the United States. It is one big mix of French influence, Southern traditions, humid swamps, decadent food, and special culture. Filmmakers have long been drawn to the state’s distinctive elements (and at one time, tax benefits). They’ve used locations like New Orleans and the bayous to tell stories filled with mystery, romance, horror, or adventure. These movies capture the many different sides of Louisiana.
1. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Disney’s The Princess and the Frog is one of the most famous movies set in Louisiana. Set in 1920s New Orleans, the film is a love letter to the city. It celebrates the music, food, architecture, and traditions. The animation manages to capture the charm and personality of the region. It shows jazz-filled streets, Creole food, community celebrations, and the mystery of the bayou. It is the colorful, storybook version of New Orleans.
2. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Interview with the Vampire uses New Orleans as the setting for a dark and gothic story. And no other setting would have been as suitable. The city’s historic homes, nearby plantations, old cemeteries, and spooky vibes make it feel like a natural home for vampires. Because the vampires’ lives span centuries, audiences get to see both modern day New Orleans and the 1790s version. The film shows the beauty of New Orleans but ultimately embraces its darker and more mysterious side. It is certainly one of the most well-known movies filmed in Louisiana.
3. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Based on Tennessee Williams’ famous play, A Streetcar Named Desire truly captures the atmosphere of New Orleans. The movie is dramatic, exploring passion, family conflict, and struggles within the city’s neighborhoods. Strangely, much of the movie wasn’t even filmed in the city, as the production used soundstages, but the story is deeply rooted in Louisiana culture. The cramped apartments, overbearing heat, streetcars, and music all contribute to a specific New Orleans vibe. It tells one of the most important stories associated with New Orleans.
4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button uses New Orleans as a major part of its story, following a man who remarkably ages backward. In the movie, audiences can see the city’s beautiful French architecture and eclectic neighborhoods. Audiences get to see different decades, watching the city evolve in the process. Hurricane Katrina also becomes part of the movie’s story, tying Benjamin’s life even more closely to Louisiana. Because New Orleans feels timeless, it really fit the story well.
5. Easy Rider (1970)
Easy Rider follows two bikers traveling across America, which includes memorable scenes filmed in Louisiana. The movie is ultimately about how the U.S. changes culturally in the late 1960s. Its Louisiana scenes showed a different side of the South during a time of major social change. The characters end up in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras, where crowded streets, festivities, costumes, and music abound. Without the Louisiana portion, the film wouldn’t have been the same.
6. Green Book (2018)
Green Book takes place partly in Louisiana during a road trip through the South. The movie explores heavy themes of race and cultural differences while spending time in different Southern towns. Regions of Louisiana helped create the setting for the emotional journey, which was ultimately about an unlikely friendship.
7. The Skeleton Key (2005)
The Skeleton Key is a supernatural thriller that takes full advantage of Louisiana’s mysterious atmosphere. Set in the bayous of Terrebonne Parish, the film shows old plantation homes and small meandering waterways. It focuses heavily on Hoodoo and Southern supernatural rituals. The setting plays a big role in building the movie’s ominous tone and shows why Louisiana is one of the most popular locations for ghost stories.
8. Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Beasts of the Southern Wild might feature the most beautiful shots of Louisiana of any movie on this list. It captures the spirit of Louisiana’s Deep South, exploring poverty, culture, and the resilience of coastal communities. Set in a fictional bayou area, the film digs into the challenges of life in the state’s most southern regions. The landscape is wild; it feels emotional and almost dreamlike, which helps support the movie’s fantasy elements. It is an extremely unique tale of Louisiana and the people who make it special.