10 Top-Notch Movies Filmed in Wilmington
Ever wondered how Wilmington got the beloved nickname “Wilmywood?” Wilmington has been a mecca for the film industry for decades. Home to the largest film studio east of California, Wilmington’s nickname “Wilmywood” rings true to film buffs and producers alike.
Check out some of the major film productions filmed right here in the Port City either on CFCC’s downtown Wilmington campus or just blocks away.
Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 was one of the largest films to ever shoot in North Carolina.
Filming locations included the Cape Fear River, Wilmington International Airport, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Stevens Ace Hardware, Screen Gems Studios, and the State Port.
The Conjuring
Wilmington is no stranger to horror films. One of the most notable is “The Conjuring.”
Filming locations included First Baptist Church, St. James Episcopal Church, UNCW, The Carolinian Inn, Carolina Apartments, and Screen Gems Studios.
Halloween Kills
Parts of the Cape Fear Community College campus, including the A building, were completely transformed into Haddonfield Memorial Hospital for Michael Myers’s return in this legendary franchise. Jamie Lee Curtis was seen on campus and downtown several times during the production.
Filming locations included Cape Fear Community College downtown campus, Screen Gems Studios, and several other Wilmington spots.
We’re the Millers
“We’re The Millers” is a crime comedy starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter.
Filming locations included Port City Java downtown, Pender’s Café, Carolina Apartments, River Road, Brunswick Forest, Cheetah’s, and the Murchison Building.
The Longest Ride
Several films that were based on bestselling novels by Nicholas Sparks have been filmed in the Wilmington area. One of the fan favorites is “The Longest Ride.” Alan Alda and Scott Eastwood (son of Clint Eastwood) were on campus for several days filming in the nursing labs of CFCC’s Union Station.
Filming locations included different homes in historic downtown Wilmington, the Cameron Art Museum, Union Station, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and the Temple of Israel.
Words on Bathroom Walls
If you watch the trailer for the romance drama film, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in the background. Several hallways in Union Station were used in this film.
Filming locations included St. James Episcopal Church, Union Station, St. Mary’s Catholic School, Benny’s Big Time, and the Wilmington Riverwalk.
Stuck In Love
Starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, and Lily Collins, “Stuck in Love” is a romantic comedy.
Filming locations included different houses on Wrightsville Beach, the Wilmington Riverwalk, Wilmington Ice House, Betsy’s Crêpes, Old Books, and the Cotton Exchange.
Tammy
Melissa McCarthy stars alongside her husband Ben Falcone in this American comedy. Falcone also happens to be the director of the film.
Filming locations included Blue Post bar, The Carolinian Inn, The Grille, Smith Creek Bridge, Dawson Street, and houses around the Wilmington area.
Safe Haven
Another fan-favorite film based on Nicholas Sparks best selling novel is Safe Haven starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough.
Filming locations included the Wilmington Convention Center, and the Wilmington Riverwalk.
Empire Records
Empire records is a 90s cult classical coming-of-age film featuring Liv Tyler, Anthony LaPaglia, and Debi Mazar.
Filming locations included Rebellion, Front Street Brewery, Circa 1922, Front Street, and Second Street.
