Top 5 Movies Filmed in Raleigh, North Carolina by US Box Office

Spread the love!

Lights, Camera, Raleigh: Unleash Your Inner Movie Star!

Lights, camera, action! Hollywood may have its own Walk of Fame, but you don’t need to head to the West Coast to get a taste of the glitz and glamour. Welcome to Raleigh, North Carolina, the hidden gem of movie magic! Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just looking for a unique adventure, you’re in for a reel treat.

Key Takeaways:

  • Raleigh, North Carolina has served as a backdrop for numerous movies, making it a must-visit destination for film enthusiasts.
  • Exploring movie filming locations not only provides a thrilling experience but also reveals the breathtaking beauty of Raleigh’s diverse scenery.
  • You never know, you might just stumble upon a film set and catch a glimpse of your favorite actors!

Imagine strolling down the very streets that your favorite actors once graced. Picture yourself reliving iconic movie moments, right where they were brought to life. It’s not just a journey through the big screen – it’s a chance to step into the shoes of the stars themselves.

When it comes to filming locations, Raleigh offers an eclectic mix of urban landscapes and serene natural beauty. From bustling downtown scenes to picturesque parks, this city has it all. You can wander through charming neighborhoods where heartwarming stories unfolded or marvel at the grandeur of historic landmarks that served as backdrops for epic adventures.

But visiting movie filming locations isn’t just about ticking off a checklist. It’s about immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of stories that unfolded in these very spots. It’s about discovering the magic that captivated millions on the silver screen and feeling like you’re a part of it all. And hey, who knows, with a little sprinkle of movie magic, you might just find yourself becoming the next big star!

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable journey. Raleigh, North Carolina is calling your name, and the movie sets are waiting to be explored. Unleash your inner movie star and embark on a reel adventure that will leave you starstruck!

Remember, while you’re on your movie-hopping escapade, don’t forget to fully soak in the charm and vibrancy of Raleigh itself. With an array of mouthwatering local delicacies to devour, awe-inspiring museums to explore, and outdoor sports to get active, there’s never a dull moment in this city.

Now go forth, my fellow adventurer, and let the movies guide your way. Raleigh awaits, ready to transport you into a world where dreams become a reality. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll be watching YOUR name roll across the silver screen.

Ready to live your Hollywood dreams? Start your journey by exploring the list of movies filmed in Raleigh, North Carolina below! Happy movie hunting, and may the popcorn be ever in your flavor!

Bull Durham – US Box Office: USD 50.89 million

Director: Ron Shelton

Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Trey Wilson, Robert Wuhl, William O’Leary, David Neidorf, Danny Gans, Tom Silardi, Lloyd T. Williams, Rick Marzan, George Buck, Jenny Robertson, Gregory Avellone, Garland Bunting, Robert Dickman, Timothy Kirk, Don Davis

Release Date: 15 June 1988

Filming Locations: Asheville, North Carolina, USA; Durham Athletic Park – 426 Morris Street, Durham, North Carolina, USA (Baseball Games); Burlington, North Carolina, USA (Burlington Athletic Stadium); Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Wilson, North Carolina, USA

Main Plot: The minor league has started, and players are getting prepared for the game, but for the two members of the said baseball team, a different game is offered by a baseball groupie who narrows her choices between the two. Annie Savoy had her first encounter and offered to Ebby Calvin Laloosh, who happened to be the wild neophyte pitcher with a wicked fastball, a sex-seeing relationship. Ebby accepted it and reasoned that it was part of his human beings. On the other hand, the veteran catcher of Durham Bulls of the Carolina League, which Ebby also play for, rebuked the offer and started to express her philosophies and perceptions about how a relationship must run. The three-way relationship has resulted in a wild game of love and changes everything in their lives as they choose.  

Famous quotes:

Crash Davis: This son of a bitch is throwing a two-hit shutout. He’s shaking me off. You believe that shit? Charlie, here comes the deuce. And when you speak of me, speak well.

Annie Savoy: The world is made for people who aren’t cursed with self-awareness.

Skip: You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!

Larry: Lollygaggers!

Skip: Lollygaggers.

Annie Savoy: These are the ground rules. I hook up with one guy a season. Usually takes me a couple weeks to pick the guy – kinda my own spring training. And, well, you two are the most promising prospects of the season so far, so I just thought we should kinda get to know each other.

Crash Davis: Time out. Why do you get to choose?

Annie Savoy: What?

Crash Davis: Why do you get to choose? I mean, why don’t I get to choose, why doesn’t he get to choose?

Annie Savoy: Well, actually, nobody on this planet ever really chooses each other. I mean, it’s all a question of quantum physics, molecular attraction, and timing. Why, there are laws we don’t understand that bring us together and tear us apart. Uh, it’s like pheromones. You get three ants together, they can’t do dick. You get 300 million of them, they can build a cathedral.

[Crash laughs]

Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: So is somebody going to go to bed with somebody or what?

Annie Savoy: Honey, you are a regular nuclear meltdown. You better cool off. Ha ha, ha ha!

[to Crash as he stands up]

Annie Savoy: Oh, where are you going?

Crash Davis: After 12 years in the minor leagues, I don’t try out. Besides, uh, I don’t believe in quantum physics when it comes to matters of the heart.

Annie Savoy: What do you believe in, then?

Crash Davis: Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman’s back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days.

[pauses then winks and walks away]

Crash Davis: Goodnight.

Annie Savoy: Oh my. Crash…

Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: Hey, Annie, what’s all this molecule stuff?

[first lines]

Annie Savoy: [narrating] I believe in the Church of Baseball. I’ve tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I’ve worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan. I know things. For instance, there are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance. But it just didn’t work out between us. The Lord laid too much guilt on me. I prefer metaphysics to theology. You see, there’s no guilt in baseball, and it’s never boring,

[giggles]

Annie Savoy: which makes it like sex. There’s never been a ballplayer slept with me who didn’t have the best year of his career. Making love is like hitting a baseball: you just gotta relax and concentrate. Besides, I’d never sleep with a player hitting under .250, not unless he had a lot of RBIs and was a great glove man up the middle. You see, there’s a certain amount of life wisdom I give these boys. I can expand their minds. Sometimes when I got a ballplayer alone, I’ll just read Emily Dickinson or Walt Whitman to him, and the guys are so sweet, they always stay and listen. ‘Course, a guy’ll listen to anything if he thinks it’s foreplay. I make them feel confident, and they make me feel safe, and pretty. ‘Course, what I give them lasts a lifetime; what they give me lasts 142 games. Sometimes it seems like a bad trade. But bad trades are part of baseball – now who can forget Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas, for God’s sake? It’s a long season and you gotta trust it. I’ve tried ’em all, I really have, and the only church that truly feeds the soul, day in, day out, is the Church of Baseball.

Fun Fact about Bull Durham

  • Ron Shelton was a former minor league baseball player and used his experience as the basis for the story.

Part of Me – US Box Office: USD 25.24 million

Director: Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz

Main Cast: John Belushi, Cab Calloway, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Donald Dunn, Willie Hall, Lou Marini, Alan Rubin, Henry Gibson, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Ray Charles, Steve Cropper, Murphy Dunne, Tom Malone, Matt Murphy, Carrie Fisher, John Lee Hooker

Release Date: 5 July 2012

Filming Locations: London, England, UK; USA; Staples Center – 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA; Jockey Club de São Paulo [aka Chácara do Jockey] – Av. Lineu de Paula Machado 1263, São Paulo, Brazil; Zurich, Switzerland

Main Plot: This is a story of how a simple singer of Christian songs turned out to be a phenomenal star. It follows the journey of Katy Perry as she drives through her California Dream World Tour, which happened to be a success. The movie presents a colorful, magical, crazy, and outstanding stage where all the Talents of Katy are seen. It traces back to her diary since she started to think of herself as someone who loves singing. Until she got involved with the church songs and had no further plans, this movie features all the video diaries made by Katy herself was such a great inspiration despite the controversies and failures in her personal relationship that affected her outlook in life. This movie presents the true Katy Perry and how different she was from a typical pop star. She had gone through many turmoils, but this enthusiastic and weird singer, songwriter, and performer proved that she was a star through this movie.

Famous quotes:

Katy Perry: How was the concert, Grandma?

Ann Hudson: Loud!

Katy Perry: Thank you so much for believing in my weirdness!

Katy Perry: I got an ass like Nicki Minaj in this one.

[bounces her butt up and down playfully]

Russell Brand: [greeting Katy] Hello, Sausage!

Fun Fact about Part of Me

  • Kesha, who appeared in Katy’s 2008 hit music video for “I Kissed a Girl,” can be seen in some pictures of Katy and her friends.

Once Around – US Box Office: USD 14.85 million

Director: Lasse Hallström

Main Cast: Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Danny Aiello, Laura San Giacomo, Gena Rowlands, Roxanne Hart, Danton Stone, Tim Guinee, Greg Germann, Griffin Dunne, Cullen O. Johnson, Joan Gay, Lou Criscuolo, Myra Taylor, Michael Steve Jones, Sabah Shayan, Caroline Parton, John Bennes

Release Date: 1 February 1991

Filming Locations: Longfellow Bridge, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Flagship Wharf – 197 8th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA; Mystic Valley Parkway, Arlington, Massachusetts, USA; Public Garden – Charles and Beacon Streets, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Main Plot: Evaluating her life, Renata Bella is on her way to giving meaning to her life as she can see a big failure in her career and life choices. But, in her attempts to discover how to succeed, she met Sam Sharpe in a seminar teaching beginners how to sell real estate. She finds true love in the image of this top-notch and successful salesman.  He is older than her, but the fact that they were able to build a connection is a fun and exciting part of her life’s journey. Renata was caught with Sam’s character as a confident and firm man who tends to get everything done at a perfect pace. But, despite the ideal relationship coming her way, she was trapped in the middle as she conflicted with her family. 

Famous quotes:

Renata Bella: He says I’m not intellectual.

Joe Bella: Who gives a shit!

Joe Bella: Get rid of the beard. You look like a goddamn terrorist.

Joe Bella: Isn’t it funny – on the one lousy day you wanna put a gun in your mouth, everybody wants to come over to celebrate.

Jan Bella: For chrissakes – he puts money in women’s breasts!

Sam Sharpe: What am I talking about? I’m trying to tell that from the first minute I ever saw you… Renata, look at you. Look at you! Everything you do: the way you eat your food, the way you put on your shoes, the way your eyes are looking at my mouth when I’m talking to you. Renata, you name anything you do – the way you hug your mother, the way you talk to your family – you move me!

Fun Fact about Once Around

  • The scenes that took place in St. Martin were filmed in North Carolina.

Religulous – US Box Office: USD 13.00 million

Director:  Larry Charles

Main Cast: Bill Maher, Tal Bachman, Jonathan Boulden, Steven Burg, Francis Collins, George Coyne, Benjamin Creme, Jeremiah Cummings, Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, Fatima Elatik, Yahuda Etzion, Reginald Foster, Mohamed Junas Gaffar, Bill Gardiner, Ted Haggard, Rabbi Halperin, Ken Ham, Dean Hamer

Release Date: 3 October 2008

Filming Locations: Winter Park, Florida, USA; Gravenhage, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands; Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dome of the Rock, Old City, Jerusalem, Israel

Main Plot: A serious attempt to change the minds of billions of believers of Christianity and other religions has been laid down by Bill Maher. This has been controversial not because of many discussions but because of his unshaken claims that believing in such tenets is a form of ridicule and only leads people to some neurotic disorders. He tends to highlight several awkward assumptions about the Christian faith since he had a Jewish-Catholic background. He collected accounts from nonbelievers, Christians, Jews, Muslims, gays, Mormons, Scientists, and most especially, Catholics. He cites inconsistencies in the Christian faith, like the birth of Jesus from the Virgin Mary. He challenged religious heads on how they could convince him about his existence for 18 years. This movie drives such a great discussion which reflects how we live our life since the way we manage everything in our life this time is guided by the beliefs incultated to us by religions.

Famous quotes:

[last lines]

Bill Maher: The irony of religion is that because of its power to divert man to destructive courses, the world could actually come to an end. The plain fact is, religion must die for mankind to live. The hour is getting very late to be able to indulge in having in key decisions made by religious people. By irrationalists, by those who would steer the ship of state not by a compass, but by the equivalent of reading the entrails of a chicken. George Bush prayed a lot about Iraq, but he didn’t learn a lot about it. Faith means making a virtue out of not thinking. It’s nothing to brag about. And those who preach faith, and enable and elevate it are intellectual slaveholders, keeping mankind in a bondage to fantasy and nonsense that has spawned and justified so much lunacy and destruction. Religion is dangerous because it allows human beings who don’t have all the answers to think that they do. Most people would think it’s wonderful when someone says, “I’m willing, Lord! I’ll do whatever you want me to do!” Except that since there are no gods actually talking to us, that void is filled in by people with their own corruptions and limitations and agendas. And anyone who tells you they know, they just know what happens when you die, I promise you, you don’t. How can I be so sure? Because I don’t know, and you do not possess mental powers that I do not. The only appropriate attitude for man to have about the big questions is not the arrogant certitude that is the hallmark of religion, but doubt. Doubt is humble, and that’s what man needs to be, considering that human history is just a litany of getting shit dead wrong. This is why rational people, anti-religionists, must end their timidity and come out of the closet and assert themselves. And those who consider themselves only moderately religious really need to look in the mirror and realize that the solace and comfort that religion brings you actually comes at a terrible price. If you belonged to a political party or a social club that was tied to as much bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, violence, and sheer ignorance as religion is, you’d resign in protest. To do otherwise is to be an enabler, a mafia wife, for the true devils of extremism that draw their legitimacy from the billions of their fellow travelers. If the world does come to an end here, or wherever, or if it limps into the future, decimated by the effects of religion-inspired nuclear terrorism, let’s remember what the real problem was that we learned how to precipitate mass death before we got past the neurological disorder of wishing for it. That’s it. Grow up or die.

Bill Maher: If Santa Claus can hit every house in the world in one night…

Steve Burg: No, I don’t believe in Santa Claus.

Bill Maher: Of course not. That’s ridiculous. That’s one man flying all around the world and dropping presents down a chimney. That’s ridiculous. One man hearing everybody murmur to him at the same time… that I get.

Bill Maher: And I see you’ve got a lot of bling.

Jeremiah Cummings: I like gold. The people want you to look well.

Bill Maher: That’s what pimps say about their women.

Bill Maher: But the Jesus story wasn’t original.

Man at The Holy Land Experience: How so?

Bill Maher: [an explanation appears in subtitles as The Bangles “Walk Like an Egyptian” plays] “Written in 1280 BC, The Book of the Dead describes a God, Horus… Horus is the son of the god Osiris… born to a virgin mother. He was baptized in a river by Anup the Baptizer… who was later beheaded. Like Jesus, Horus was tempted while alone in the desert… Healed the sick… The blind… Cast out demons… And walked on water… He raised Asar from the dead. ‘Asar’ translates to ‘Lazarus’. Oh yeah, he also had 12 disciples. Yes, Horus was crucified first… And after 3 days, two women announced… Horus, the savior of humanity… had been resurrected.

Bill Maher: There’s more than one mosque in the world that used to be a church and before that was a temple. Because it’s a lot easier to just change the sign on the top and say “under new management” than it is to change the whole building.

Fun Fact about Religulous

  • The film used the fake working title “A Spiritual Journey” to obtain interviews with religious leaders. They were unaware that Bill Maher was involved in the film until he arrived for the discussions.

Brainstorm – US Box Office: USD 8.90 million

Director: Douglas Trumbull

Main Cast: Christopher Walken, Natalie Wood, Louise Fletcher, Cliff Robertson, Jordan Christopher, Donald Hotton, Alan Fudge, Joe Dorsey, Bill Morey, Jason Lively, Darrell Larson, Lou Walker, Stacey Kuhne-Adams, John Hugh, Ira David Wood III, Keith Colbert, Jerry Bennett, Mary Fran Lyman

Release Date: 30 September 1983

Filming Locations: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; Wright Brothers National Monument – Route 158, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, USA; Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina, USA

Main Plot: Research for a Better Tomorrow is headed by Alex Terson, and with him are the couple Dr. Michael Brace and Karen Brace, who is soon to get divorced. It all started when Michael and his colleague Dr. Lilian Reynolds had a breakthrough in their 10-year-old project called Triad. This enabled technology to transfer human experiences where one person’s senses are transferred through brainwaves to another person. This has been seen to contribute to the said project headed by Alex, but t didn’t turn that way. This technology was used for sexual fantasies to manipulate people and provide brainwashing and torture instead. The deaths of scientists from the department provoked Michael to stop the government from taking over their project, which was not easy. 

Famous quotes:

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: [whispers to statue] That’s the girl I’m gonna marry.

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: When I found her, she looked beautiful. Why do you have to die to let go? All my life, I’ve had trouble with people. I didn’t need them. I always had my own way. Total confidence. And now, because of this – thing she left me, this tape, I’m scared. For the first time, I’m so scared. But the thing is, I like it! I want more! Look, you’re married to the first man in the history of the world, who has a chance to take a scientific look at the scariest thing a person ever has to face. I’ve gotta do it! I’ve gotta play it. Play that tape! And you have to help me.

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: I made that for you. It’s a gift.

[hands her the tape and sets the large silver metal case on the bed]

Karen Brace: What is it?

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: It’s me.

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: Take the house, take the car! I’ll go to a hotel! I can’t live like this, Karen! You’re strangling me!

Karen Brace: What are you talking about, you can’t live like this? Are you talking about the house? I never wanted it. It was you!

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: No, no! It’s you! That’s not me you’re looking at! It’s you!

Dr. Lillian Reynolds: [to Michael] Can you describe what you were feeling?

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: I don’t know. I got mad.

[gesturing to Karen]

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: At you.

[Rewinds tape and takes reel with him as he exits]

Dr. Lillian Reynolds: What were you thinking?

Karen Brace: You mean when you were recording my thoughts?

Dr. Lillian Reynolds: Yeah.

Karen Brace: I was thinking about my new design. But he always ignores me and it just… made me furious.

Dr. Lillian Reynolds: Feelings.

Alex Terson: Michael, I want these personal experiments stopped. You’ve abused your privilege as a scientist, and you’ve endangered your life. The thought of you playing that tape makes my skin crawl.

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: Where is it?

Alex Terson: It’s locked away where nobody will ever have it.

Dr. Michael Anthony Brace: Alex, I wanna play that tape.

Alex Terson: You didn’t hear me, did you? Nobody plays that tape. Ever.

Fun Fact about Brainstorm

  • When Natalie Wood died near the end of principal photography, studio executives tried to kill the film and claim the insurance, saying that director Douglas Trumbull could not complete the movie. However, Trumbull’s contract gave that decision to him, and he insisted on finishing it, using a stand-in and changing camera angles for the few remaining shots of Wood’s character. The resulting hostility between Trumbull and the studio executives meant that this would be Trumbull’s last Hollywood film. He has since devoted his efforts to effects work for IMAX films, theme park rides, and the like.

Spread the love!

Scroll to Top