Florida is one of the most recognizable and summery places in America. It is synonymous with endless beaches, tropical aesthetic, colorful cities, swamps, theme parks, and exotic wildlife. The Sunshine State simply has a look unlike anywhere else, and filmmakers have wisely taken advantage of its uniqueness. Florida has been the backdrop for everything from crime stories and comedies to fun adventures and thrillers. The movies on this list capture the many different sides of Florida, from the ritzy high rises of Miami to the ominous wetlands of the Everglades.
1. The Florida Project (2017)
This movie doesn’t focus on relaxing beach days or fun bachelor parties. Instead, it shows the ordinary, and at times tragic, nature of everyday life in Florida. The Florida Project is set in Kissimmee, on the outskirts of Walt Disney World; it follows a little girl growing up in poverty alongside a desperate mother. Many scenes take place at the seedy budget motel where they live. The movie shows a side of Florida that tourists rarely see. The constant sunny skies and palm trees contrast with the film’s heavier themes.
2. Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight shows an intimate side of one of Florida’s most famous cities: Miami. The movie follows a young man through different stages of his life. We watch him explore concepts of identity, family, and belonging. Instead of focusing on the glamorous version of Miami, it zooms in on various neighborhoods, beaches, and communities that are overlooked. The city’s vibrating energy, ocean views, and warmth add to the movie’s impact.
3. Scarface (1983)
No movie perfectly reveals the excess and vibrance of 1980s Miami quite like Scarface. Though a substantial amount of the movie was actually filmed in Los Angeles, it also included several Florida shots. The film is a peek into the city’s thriving nightlife, luxury homes, drug- culture, and palm-lined streets. The story focuses on crime and ambition, but it also captures a specific version of Miami. The ‘80s was a major transitional period for the big South Florida city. The movie painted Miami as a place of glamour, danger, and excitement.
4. The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show is a love letter to Florida’s planned communities, particularly the ones that are perfectly manicured and almost Disney-esque. Filmed in the coastal town of Seaside, the movie is a constant flow of pastel houses, perfectly maintained streets, and the picture-perfect landscaping in the Florida Panhandle. The perfection of Truman’s world is at first beautiful before adding to the unsettling and artificial atmosphere. It does a great job of showing Florida’s unique architecture and oceanside style.
5. Dolphin Tale (2011)
Dolphin Tale really leans into the family-friendly vacation side of Florida. It is set in Clearwater and features beautiful beaches, lots of marine life, and the Gulf Coast’s relaxed vibes. Inspired by a true story, it beautifully connects Florida’s residents with the marine creatures just offshore. If you love Florida and the animals that call it home, this is a must watch.
6. Key Largo (1948)
Key Largo takes audiences into Florida’s southernmost region: the tropical Florida Keys. While some exterior footage was shot there, the majority of the movie was filmed on Warner Bros. sets, as was common for the time. Humphrey Bogart plays a veteran who goes to Key Largo. As a hurricane approaches, he finds himself stuck inside a hotel with a group of gangsters. The isolated island really contributes to the trapped feeling, with threatening weather and water surrounding the characters. The movie shows an older version of the Keys, way before they became a major tourist destination. It combines palm trees, tropical heat, and the beauty of South Florida to create the sensation that danger could be lurking just about everywhere.
7. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is one of the most recognizable Florida movies. The memorable comedy is set in Miami and takes full advantage of the tropical aesthetic, eccentric personalities, and quirky locations. The humor is the over-the-top style Jim Carrey grew famous for. Every shot, from the typical beaches to the city streets, depicts Florida’s strange and playful side.
8. Spring Breakers (2012)
A movie called Spring Breakers surely couldn’t be shot anywhere other than Florida. This one shows the wild, party side of the Gulf Coast. The movie follows a group of college students during spring break, giving filmmakers an excellent excuse to shoot famous beaches, bikini-clad youth, nonstop nightlife, and the party culture Florida is so well known for. It was shot in and around the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area, so audiences get genuine Florida imagery. While the story is deliberately exaggerated, it captures the craziness that has made Florida a top spring break destination. The neon colors and coastal setting feel like one big, slightly dangerous party.