Table Of Content
- Lights, Camera, Action! Get Ready to Explore the Cinematic Wonderland of Birmingham, Alabama!
- Borat – US Box Office: USD$128,505million
- 42 – US Box Office: USD$95.00million
- Hooper – US Box Office: USD$78.00million
- Almost Christmas – US Box Office: USD$42,158million
- A Perfect World – US Box Office: USD$31.130million
- Woodlawn – US Box Office: USD$14.39million
- The River – US Box Office: $11.49million
- Mom’s Night Out – US Box Office: USD$10.429million
- Let There Be Light – US Box Office: USD$7.23million
- Run the Race – US Box Office: USD$6.42million
- Six Pack – US Box Office: USD$1,946,418million
Lights, Camera, Action! Get Ready to Explore the Cinematic Wonderland of Birmingham, Alabama!
Lights, camera, action! Prepare to be transported into a world of movie magic right here in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. If you’re a movie buff on the prowl for some excitement, or simply tired of your usual weekend plans, then we’ve got a thrilling suggestion for you.
Why not embark on an adventure to the very locations where Hollywood productions have come to life? Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to take you on a journey like no other!
Key Takeaways:
- Birmingham, Alabama may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of blockbuster movies. However, this vibrant city has an intriguing cinematic history waiting to be uncovered.
- Exploring movie filming locations can breathe life into your favorite films, making you feel like part of the action.
- Discovering the magic behind the movie-making process allows you to appreciate the artistry and creativity that goes into crafting a memorable cinematic experience.
Imagine strolling through the same streets that your favorite actors once graced. Picture yourself standing on the very spot where dramatic scenes unfolded, or spotting a landmark that instantly sparks memories of a beloved film. The thrill and awe of visiting movie filming locations is like no other. It’s a chance to step into the shoes of your favorite characters, bringing the silver screen to life in a whole new way.
Now, you may be wondering, what makes exploring movie filming locations in Birmingham, Alabama so special? Well, let’s just say it’s a place where glory and charm intertwine. From its picturesque landscapes to its unique landmarks, Birmingham serves as the perfect backdrop for movie magic.
You’ll find yourself captivated by the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and warm Southern hospitality. It’s like getting two experiences in one: immersing yourself in the world of movies while also discovering the hidden gems of this lively city.
As you venture from one filming location to another, you’ll be amazed by the behind-the-scenes stories that unfold. Did you know that iconic scenes from a cult classic were shot right here? Or that a critically acclaimed film transformed a street corner into a bustling metropolis?
These little nuggets of movie trivia will make you appreciate the intricate details that make films memorable and give you plenty of conversation starters for your next movie night.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, put on your explorer hat, and get ready to make some cinematic memories. Birmingham, Alabama is calling your name, and it’s time to answer the call.
Discover the thrill, excitement, and magic that comes with visiting movie filming locations. Get ready to write your own blockbuster adventure, one frame at a time.
Lights, camera, action! Dive into the world of movies filmed in Birmingham, Alabama and let your inner movie buff run wild. Explore the listicle below and embark on a journey through the city’s cinematic wonders. Lights, camera, adventure awaits!
Borat – US Box Office: USD$128,505million
Director: Larry Charles
Main Cast:Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian, Luenell, Chester
Release Date: 22 November 2006
Filming Locations: Glod, Romania (Kazakhstan); Moroieni, Romania (Kazakhstan); Romania (Kazakhstan); Castel Film Studios, Bucharest, Romania; Virginia, USA.
Main Plot: As Kazakhstan’s sixth most well-known person and a prominent journalist, Borat Sagdiyev works as a TV reporter for a popular program. His government sends him to the United States from his native country in order for him to film a documentary on American society and culture. For the purpose of learning American humor, Borat enrolls in a course in New York City. Borat learns how gorgeous these women are in the person of C while watching Baywatch on television. Pamela Anderson, a Californian actress from Malibu, played J. Parker. In an effort to win her love and bring her back to his country, he decides to take a road trip across the country to California. On their travels, Borat and his producer come upon a nation full of unusual and fascinating Americans—real individuals caught up in genuine chaos with hilarious results.
Famous quotes:
Borat: “You telling me the man who try to put a rubber fist in my anus was a homosexual?”
Borat: “He is my neighbor Nursultan Tuliagby. He is pain in my assholes. I get a window from a glass, he must get a window from a glass. I get a step, he must get a step. I get a clock radio, he cannot afford. Great success!”
Borat: “What’s up with it, Vanilla face? Me and my homie Azamat just parked our slab outside. We’re looking for somewhere to post up our Black asses for the night. So, uh, bang bang, skeet skeet, nigga. Just a couple of pimps, no hos.”
Borat: “This is my country of Kazakhstan. It locate between Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and assholes Uzbekistan.”
Borat: “My wife is dead?”
Borat: “High five!”
Borat: [referring in thought to woman speaking in feminism group] “I could not concentrate on what this old man was saying.”
Sequel: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Fun Fact about Borat:
- Borat is based on a Russian doctor whom Sacha Baron Cohen once met. He admitted that the doctor was completely hilarious, but this was unintentional.
42 – US Box Office: USD$95.00million
Director: Brian Helgeland
Main Cast: Chadwick Boseman, T.R. Knight, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie
Release Date: 12 April 2013
Filming Locations: Engel Stadium, Chattanooga, TN; Rickwood Field – 1137 2nd Avenue W, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA; Macon, Georgia, USA; Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Main Plot: In 1946, Jackie Robinson was a baseball player for the Black League who refused to accept racism. Branch Rickey is a Major League baseball team executive and has a daring scheme in mind. To achieve this goal, Rickey breaks the unspoken color line by hiring Robinson and making him the first modern African American to play in the Major League. This will be a major challenge for Robinson and his family to overcome because of the constant racial harassment they will face from both players and fans, both on and off the field. Jackie, who is fighting against his nature to be able to bear such torture without complaining, discovers unexpected allies and sources of hope as he continues his journey.
Famous quotes:
Jackie Robinson: “You want a player who doesn’t have the guts to fight back?”
Branch Rickey: “No. No. I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back. People aren’t gonna like this. They’re gonna do anything to get you to react. Echo a curse with a curse and, uh, they’ll hear only yours. Follow a blow with a blow and they’ll say, “The Negro lost his temper.” That “The Negro does not belong.” Your enemy will be out in force… and you cannot meet him on his own low ground. We win with hitting, running, fielding. Only that. We win if the world is convinced of two things: That you are a fine gentleman and a great baseball player. Like our Savior… you gotta have the guts… to turn the other cheek. Can you do it?”
Jackie Robinson: “You give me a uniform… you give me a, heh, number on my back… and I’ll give you the guts.”
Fun Fact about 42:
- Jackie wasn’t always such a straight arrow; when his family moved to Pasadena, California, he joined a neighborhood gang and began acting out. Finally, his mentors assisted him in seeing the error of his ways.
Hooper – US Box Office: USD$78.00million
Director: Hal Needham
Main Cast: Burt Reynolds, Jan-Michael Vincent, Sally Field, Brian Keith
Release Date: July 28, 1978
Filming Locations: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Santa Susana Field Laboratory, Santa Susana, California, USA; Laramie Street, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios – 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA; Stough Park, Burbank, California, USA
Main Plot: The character played by Burt Reynolds, Sonny Hooper, who is becoming too damaged to continue being Hollywood’s top stuntman, agrees to work as the stunt coordinator for a high-profile action film with a demanding director (Robert Klein) and an uninformed star. The film’s plot revolves around Sonny Hooper’s struggle to keep his position as Hollywood’s top stuntman (Adam West). Hooper is about to perform his greatest feat in the history of the movie and is prepared to put an end to the physical abuse. Still, cocky young stuntman Ski Chinski (Jan-Michael Vincent) wants to steal the show with his more technologically advanced and scientific stunt techniques. Hooper is about to perform his greatest feat in the history of the movie.
Famous quotes:
Unnamed: “Well, if you wanted to make somebody look like an asshole, boy, you did. That was you.”
Burt Reynolds:“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 — six against twelve.”
Jan-Michael Vincent: “Seven.”
Burt Reynolds: “Seven against twelve. Well, that’s a little uneven. Looks like you guys ‘ll have to go back to Houston and get some more guys.”
Burt Reynolds: “I’m gonna find the guy who invented Xylocaine and kiss his ass on Hollywood and Vine.”
Fun Fact about Hooper’s:
- A.J. Bakunas, a stuntman who doubled for Burt Reynolds, made history when he completed the highest jump without using a parachute. The distance was 232 ft.
Almost Christmas – US Box Office: USD$42,158million
Director: David E. Talbert
Main Cast: Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, Mo’Nique
Release Date: 11 November 2016
Filming Locations: Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Covington, Georgia, USA; Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA; Newnan, Georgia, USA
Main Plot: A retired automotive engineer called Walter Meyers (Danny Glover) lost his wife Grace (Rachel Kylian) eleven months ago. He invites his four adult children and the rest of the family to his home for a holiday celebration now that the season has arrived. Walter knows that if his children Christian (Romany Malco) and Evan (Jessie Usher) can spend five days together under the same roof with daughters Cheryl (Kimberly Elise) and Rachel (Gabrielle Union), it will be a Christmas miracle. As his kids’ show, Walter recognizes it will be tough to celebrate Christmas without his wife. Cheryl, the oldest kid, and a dentist, arrives for the holidays with her foolish husband, Lonnie (J. B. Smoove). This former professional basketball player instantly strikes up a bond with a young grocery store employee named Jasmine (Keri Hilson). Christian, his second child and eldest son struggles to spend time with his family and run for office. Christian invites his campaign manager to do more. Rachel, his youngest daughter, and third child struggle to support herself and her daughter after a divorce and law school.
Famous quotes:
Walter: “This is our first holiday without your mother. Just five days we ought to act like a family.”
Aunt May: “But the liquor is in the dining room.”
Cheryl: “If I close my eyes, I can see mom in here like it was yesterday.”
Fun Fact about Almost Christmas:
- The scene in which Walter is asked if his family will be coming to visit for Christmas did not make it into the final cut of the film, despite the fact that it was included in the trailer for the film.
A Perfect World – US Box Office: USD$31.130million
Director: Clint Eastwood
Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, T.J. Lowther
Release Date: 24 November 1993
Filming Locations: Martindale, Texas, USA; Steiner Ranch – 896 Sayers Road, Bastrop, Texas, USA (exterior scenes); Beaufort, South Carolina, USA; Huntsville, Texas, USA; Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Main Plot: A little boy named Philip (played by T.J. Lowther), who is impressionable and young, is kidnapped by Butch (played by Kevin Costner), a state prisoner who has escaped from a Texas jail. During the course of their journey through the American Southwest together, the prisoner and his victim develop a surprising bond. This occurs despite the fact that law enforcement agents are gradually closing in on them. Red Garnett, a dedicated Texas Ranger played by Clint Eastwood, is obligated to pursue Butch even though he knows the outlaw has a good heart to both defend the law and protect the child.
Famous quotes:
Red Garnett: “This is not a “penal escape situation”, this here happens to be a manhunt. And no talking in circles is gonna fix all that. “Never underestimate the kindness of the common man, Phillip.”
Butch Haynes: “I need a time machine with a loud radio to take me where I’m going.”
Terry Pugh: “You’re a fucking crazy man.”
Butch Haynes: “And that’s a fact. I believe you’re getting the hang of this.”
Fun Fact about A Perfect World:
- According to Liam Gaughan of Collider in 2021, “A Perfect World doesn’t lionize its characters or give an easy answer. It portrays a slice of reality, and the imperfect humans compelled to inhabit it. Eastwood’s films are typically criticized for their political baggage.
Woodlawn – US Box Office: USD$14.39million
Director: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin
Main Cast: Caleb Castille, Sean Astin, Jon Voight, C. Thomas Howell
Release Date: 16 October 2015
Filming Locations: Legion Field – 400 Graymont Avenue W, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Bush Middle School – 1112 25th Street, Ensley, Alabama, USA; Hueytown, Alabama, USA
Main Plot: Tony Nathan, portrayed here by Caleb Castille, enrolled in Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama, along with other African-American students in 1973, when the state of Alabama passed a law that required the desegregation of all public schools in the state. As violence and unrest spread throughout the city, Woodlawn football coach Tandy Gerelds, portrayed by Nic Bishop, decides to let Sean Astin’s character address his team. Nathan, a star athlete, and his teammates and other community members undergo a spiritual awakening directly from his message of love and hope. Having said that, it motivates individuals to fight the hatred that permeates their surroundings by taking action.
Famous quotes:
Bear Bryant:“When I get beat, it’s gonna happen occasionally, I like to get beat by an opponent worthy of my respect.”
Hank Erwin: “I’m asking you to choose Jesus. Can you do that? Will you do that? With me, right now!”
Hank Erwin: “Maybe God is testing us. He wants to know that our commitment is real; not just to win football games.”
Hank Erwin: “I think that sometimes before you can have new dreams in this life the old ones have to be taken away from you.”
Hank Erwin: “When you play for yourself you can be great. But when you play for something higher than yourself, that’s when something extraordinary can happen.”
Fun Fact about Woodlawn:
- Audio samples of people praying “The Lord’s Prayer” were submitted by churches all around the United States and were combined to create this moving group recording. Although forty-two thousand voices were required, just about a thousand additional were available. Inspired by the film, nearly 30,000 individuals said the Lord’s Prayer at the 2015 Harvest Crusade in Anaheim, California. However, their recordings were not used in the making of this film.
The River – US Box Office: $11.49million
Director: Mark Rydell
Main Cast: Mel Gibson, Sissy Spacek, Shane Bailey, Becky Jo Lynch
Release Date: 11 January 1985
Filming Locations: Gate City, Virginia, USA; Laurel Run, Hawkins County, Tennessee, USA; Church Hill, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee, USA; Hawkins County, Tennessee, USA
Main Plot:
A farming family fights harsh storms, and a bank threatens to reclaim their land and other obstacles to rescuing and keeping it.
Tom and Mae Garvey live with their two kids on the farm Tom’s family owns in east Tennessee. Many of their neighbors are having a hard time. Due to a recession, land prices have gone down. Because their farmland is near a river, it often floods. Joe Wade, who grew up in the neighborhood and runs the local milling company that sets grain prices, is using a local senator and a local bank to buy up riverfront homes cheaply so he can build a dam that will flood the Garveys and other riverfront properties. The barrier would make electricity, and it would also give Joe’s farmland water. Tom doesn’t like Joe because he was with Mae. Joe’s moves behind the scenes and other problems on the farm make it hard for the Garveys to keep their land. Tom is set on living on the ground where his ancestors lived.
Famous quotes:
Joe Wade: “Sooner or later there’s gonna be too much rain, or too much drought, or too much corn… I can wait.”
Mae Garvey: “Watch out, Tom! Beth, get in the truck! Tom! Are you hurt?”
Lewis Garvey: “Dad! Beth says we’re gonna get a million dollars for all this corn!”
Fun Fact about The River:
- The Garvey family represents the way of life that made America work: continuity of generations, the passing on of traditions, knowledge, and skills from fathers to sons, from mothers to daughters – a way of life in which every member of the family is unique and necessary for the survival of all, according to Mark Rydell that is a tribute to the movie.
Mom’s Night Out – US Box Office: USD$10.429million
Director: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin
Main Cast: Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton, Trace Adkins
Release Date: 9 May 2014
Filming Locations: Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Pelham, Alabama, USA
Main Plot: Friends Allyson (Sarah Drew), Sondra (Patricia Heaton), and Izzy (Andrea Logan White) are desperate for a night off from their obligations regarding childcare, so they are making plans for a girls’ night out. However, they have to rely on their partners to keep an eye on the children for a period of three hours so that they can indulge in activities such as dressing up, engaging in conversation with adults, and eating off of real plates rather than out of paper bags. Naturally, everything that could possibly go wrong did go wrong, which resulted in a night that was unforgettable for everyone involved.
Famous quotes:
Author: Rick Riordan: “You’ve probably met moms like that. You say, “Yeah, I scored a goal in the soccer game last night.” And she says, “Oh, that’s nice. All fourteen of my children are the captains of their teams, and they make straight A’s and can play the violin.” And you just want to smack her.”
Author: Jessica Alba: “All moms need confidants who are in their shoes and can relate to what they’re going through. You need a night out together to be who you are, and not feel like you have to be the career woman, wife and mommy all at once. After all, we’re not superwomen.”
Author: Leroy Hood: “If a startup stays in Microsoft, it does not have a chance, because all it tries to do goes against what Microsoft is about.”
Fun Fact about Mom’s Night Out:
- Although Randy McDowell (Hank) and Trace Adkins (Bones) grew close, when Bones headbutted him, it wasn’t so much staged as it was actual. After that, Randy got a mark on his forehead.
Let There Be Light – US Box Office: USD$7.23million
Director: Kevin Sorbo
Main Cast: Kevin Sorbo, Sam Sorbo, Daniel Roebuck, Donielle Artese
Release Date: 03 November 2017
Filming Locations: Alabama, USA; Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Cooper Green Mercy Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Lyric Theatre, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Avondale Park, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Main Plot:
A pastor and Sol Harkens argue. After winning, Harkens celebrates his book. She won’t accompany him home while double-fisted. Harkens drinks to forget his defeat. His publicist phones as he drives home to plan events. Driving home drunk from a party, he crashes into a construction site. He hallucinates his late son David in a carnival-like light tunnel. His son tells him to let God’s love flood him when he wakes up. After 4 minutes of clinical death, he tells Katy that he saw his son. Doctors think the visions are adrenaline-induced.
After Katy checks on him, he finds a priest and former mobster in a church. He’s rebaptized after hearing about the resurrection. After frequent visits from his ex-wife, he chooses to remarry to reconnect with his boys. She agrees to marry him, but she has cancer, and it’s too late for therapy. Sean Hannity invites Dr. Harkens after hearing his story. Harkens launches “Let There Be Light” He feels the world would be more united if everyone shined at night. On the event’s night, the entire earth illuminates from space. Katy dies in Sol’s arms as the Harkens perform Christmas tunes.
Famous quotes:
Beth Michele: “I’m not walking away from you. Ever. There’s no way that will happen. Do you want to know why, Gabby? I’ve never felt this way before about anyone. The moment I think about you, I smile. When you’re near me, I feel calm. I can relax. I can be myself. I feel acceptance. You let me be me. I know I’m crazy sometimes, but with you it’s okay. God, Gabby, it’s so hard to put all of this into words because sometimes there are no words. You’ve shined a light on me, exposed me, left me bare. I’m not embarrassed, though, because I feel free.”
Peter De Vries: “How I hate this world. I would like to tear it apart with my own two hands if I could. I would like to dismantle the universe star by star, like a treeful of rotten fruit. Nor do I believe in progress. A vermin-eaten saint scratching his filth for heaven is better off than you damned in clean linen. Progress doubles our tenure in a vale of tears. Man is a mistake, to be corrected only by his abolition, which he gives promise of seeing to himself. Oh, let him pass, and leave the earth to the flowers that carpet the earth wherever he explodes his triumphs. Man is inconsolable, thanks to that eternal “Why?” when there is no Why, that question mark twisted like a fishhook in the human heart. “Let there be light,” we cry, and only the dawn breaks.”
Fun Fact about Let There Be Light:
- The title of this movie is also the name of its producer (“Let There Be Light Productions”). The company’s main office is in Sheffield, England.
Run the Race – US Box Office: USD$6.42million
Director: Chris Dowling
Main Cast: Tanner Stine, Kristoffer Polaha, Evan Hofer, Kelsey Reinhardt
Release Date: 22 February 2019
Filming Locations: Bessemer, Alabama, USA(Bessemer Academy); University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Leeds, Alabama, USA
Main Plot: Zach Truett, a standout football player in high school who is vying for a college scholarship and a ticket out of town, enjoys success on the field. As a result of Zach’s significant knee injury, he will not be able to participate in the track and field competition; as a result, Zach’s brother has put on his running shoes and is ready to go. Zach appears to have one bright light despite the setback: later, he has a connection with a young nurse who works at the hospital. This has seemed to be the one positive development in Zach’s life.
Famous quotes:
Hermann Maier: “I’m quite excited to think that I will run the Olympic race here next year.”
Shannon Miller: “I’m a competitor. I really enjoyed the race more than just going out and running to run.”
Alberto Juantorena: “I run in practicly every single road race in my country, 5k, 10k just to promote the sport.”
Ovid: “The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if Science Fiction will never run out of things to wonder about until the human race ceases to use its brain.”
Fun Fact about Run the Race:
- In between scenes of Zach and his father talking about his record in the diner, Zach’s father’s hands continually move around in different positions.
Six Pack – US Box Office: USD$1,946,418million
Director: Daniel Petrie
Main Cast: Kenny Rogers, Diane Lane, Erin Gray, Barry Corbin
Release Date: 16 July 1982
Filming Locations: Acworth, Georgia, USA; High Falls State Park, Jackson, Georgia, USA; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Dixie Raceway, Woodstock, Georgia, USA; Georgia, USA
Main Plot: When Brewster, a race car driver played by Kenny Rogers, stops at a gas station in Texas, he discovers that his race car has been entirely destroyed when he returns to it. He goes after the perpetrators, who turn out to be a band of orphans with a passion for working on cars, led by a young girl named Breezy (Diane Lane) and her older brother Doc (Anthony Michael Hall). But Brewster finds out that the local sheriff (Barry Corbin) has coerced the children into carrying out his illegal orders, and as a result, the racing car driver chooses to hire the poor orphans as his pit crew.
Famous quotes:
Swifty: “Kick his ass, Brewster! Don’t take that shit from this fungus faced toad sucker!”
Terk: “I’d tell that little punk that he shouldn’t be talking to me like that if I were you.”
Brewster Baker: “He’s right, Swifty. Be polite, Mr. Logan here’s a very sensitive man.”
Fun Fact about Six Pack:
- Kenny Rogers had to finish all of his sequences by March 19 of that year since his concert tour kicked off on March 21. As a result, after Rogers had finished his shots in front of the camera, other cast members had to film any additional required response shots.
