When it comes to capturing the magic of the silver screen, the Volunteer State has served as a devoted backdrop for scores of landmark pictures over the last 75 years. Nestled in the heart of the southeastern United States, Tennessee is renowned for its unique blend of picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities and a rich cultural heritage that has become somewhat of a hotbed for the art of storytelling.

Tennessee’s Allure

More than 200 years of statehood tells the tale of conflict, struggle and compromise, which is why Tennessee has been the storyline for corruption, speed and betting for many directors and scriptwriters. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of its urban centers, the region’s locale and the Tennesseans themselves infuse many movies with authentic Southern charm.

Known for its warm hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty and a deep-rooted musical legacy that has given birth to genres like country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll, it’s little wonder that Tennessee has become a haven for artists and creativity.

A Cinematic Playground

As diverse and picturesque as the landscapes are, so too are the cinematic masterpieces that have been shot within state borders. Whether it’s the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the allure of the Tennessee River or the vibrant streets of Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville, each film on this list encapsulates the essence of Tennessee, weaving its unique flavor into the narrative and leaving an indelible mark on the silver screen.

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

The groundbreaking crime drama, directed by Norman Jewison, tells the story of a murder investigation in which out-of-towner, African American detective Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) becomes embroiled. Based in the fictional town of Sparta, Mississippi, the movie tackles head-on the subject of racial tensions, prejudices and preconceptions.

In fact, Poitier had his own reservations about heading south of the Mason-Dixon line to film, but in spite of this, Jewison chose to shoot a portion of the movie in Dyersburg and Union City, Tennessee. The chemistry between Tibbs and the town’s white police chief, Bill Gillespie, played by Rod Steiger, is what propelled the movie to win five Academy Awards, including best picture.

In the Heat of the Night is a powerful and thought-provoking film that delivers a gripping and suspenseful narrative and proves how powerful the medium can be in leaving lasting impressions on society.

Cast Away (2000)

Although set predominantly on a remote island in the South Pacific and shot on the Fijian island of Modriki, the story begins with dedicated FedEx executive Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) and his girlfriend at their home in Memphis, Tennessee. Other scenes were filmed on-location at FedEx home facilities in the city.

Cast Away is a captivating survival drama directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks who delivers, arguably, his magnum opus. Noland learns to adapt and survive in the harsh and desolate environment with only his enduring buddy Wilson, a volleyball, for company.

The movie presents a gripping portrayal of the physical and emotional challenges he faces, as he grapples with loneliness, resourcefulness and the will to survive against all odds.

The Evil Dead (1981)

The cult classic horror flick from Sam Raimi has become famed for its low-budget success and innovative filmmaking techniques. The movie has garnered a dedicated fan base and remains a landmark in the horror genre to this day.

The film follows a group of college friends who venture into the secluded woods of Morristown, Tennessee to spend a weekend at an old, seemingly abandoned cabin. Little do they know that they have stumbled upon an ancient and malevolent presence lurking within the cabin’s confines.

Due to its unique blend of horror, humor, and over-the-top gore, and a captivating performance from Raimi’s childhood friend Bruce Campbell, The Evil Dead has cemented its place in cinematic history.

21 Grams (2003)

An emotionally charged drama from Alejandro González Iñárritu, perhaps best known for The Revenant, Birdman and Babel, is an intense dismantling of grief, redemption and the interconnectedness of our lives. Its nonlinear narrative structure and stellar performances from Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benicio Del Toro demand multiple viewings in order for it to be fully appreciated.

21 Grams was shot in New Mexico and Memphis, Tennessee which provide the perfect juxtaposition of open plains and developed metropolis.

The Green Mile (1999)

Tom Hanks makes another appearance on this list but the standout performance in The Green Mile comes from Michael Clarke Duncan, who plays John Coffey, a gentle and enigmatic inmate with mysterious healing powers. Directed by Frank Darabont, the movie is an adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name and is set in the fictional Cold Mountain Penitentiary in Louisiana during the mid-1930s.

Filming took place in Shelbyville and at the old Tennessee State Prison and it was a critical success, receiving 4 Academy Award nominations in 2000. The Green Mile delves deep into themes of humanity and compassion in the face of injustice and is an evocative telling of an emotional tale.

As can be seen from the broad range of styles featured in this small list, Tennessee has no shortage of inspiration. What will be the next Tennessee movie on your watchlist?