Discover 6 Iconic Alabama Spots Tied to Famous Films

Alabama has a unique connection to the world of cinema, with several locations serving as the backdrop or inspiration for beloved movies. While some films like Forrest Gump only depicted the state, others have left their mark on actual Alabama sites that fans can visit today. Whether you’re a movie buff or simply love exploring new places, these six Alabama locations are must-visit destinations for anyone interested in the silver screen.

Jackson Lake Island – The Enchanting Town of Spectre

Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook is not just a picturesque spot with its Spanish moss-draped trees, serene water views, and roaming goats; it’s also home to the remnants of the fictional town of Spectre from Tim Burton’s 2003 film, Big Fish. The set, which includes cement trees, several prop buildings, and a line of shoes dangling from above, is still standing and offers a whimsical, family-friendly day trip for visitors. It’s an experience straight out of a fairy tale, even if the town itself is pure fiction.

The Old Courthouse Museum – Step into To Kill a Mockingbird

Fans of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird will feel an eerie sense of déjà vu upon entering the Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville. Although the iconic courtroom scenes from the 1962 film adaptation were recreated in Hollywood, the real-life inspiration lies within this museum. Walking into the historic courtroom, you can take a seat behind the judge’s bench or view the space from the balcony, feeling as though you’ve stepped directly into the classic film.

Irondale Cafe – The Home of Fried Green Tomatoes

While the 1991 movie Fried Green Tomatoes was filmed in Georgia, its inspiration can be traced back to Alabama’s Irondale Cafe, famously known as the "original Whistle Stop Cafe." This beloved eatery, which has been serving locals for 90 years, was where Fannie Flagg’s aunt worked for four decades and inspired the author’s novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. Today, the cafe is celebrated for its mouth-watering fried green tomatoes, a dish that has become a Southern staple thanks to the film. So, if you’re in the mood for a taste of cinematic history, head to Irondale and dig in.

Legion Field – Relive Woodlawn’s Epic Football Game

Birmingham’s Legion Field is more than just a sports venue; it’s a piece of film history. The 2015 movie Woodlawn, which tells the story of former University of Alabama and NFL star Tony Nathan, was shot at several locations in the Birmingham area, including the historic stadium. The film’s climactic football game, which reenacts the record-setting Banks vs. Woodlawn High School match from 1974, was filmed right where it originally took place, allowing visitors to relive a pivotal moment in sports history.

Pine Flat Church – A Haunting Location from The Devil All the Time

If you’re a fan of Netflix’s thriller The Devil All the Time, you’ll recognize Pine Flat Presbyterian Church in Deatsville as Reverend Preston’s eerie place of worship. Although the movie is set in Ohio, many of its scenes were shot in Alabama, with this charming countryside church playing a prominent role. Interestingly, this isn’t the church’s first time in the spotlight—Tim Burton also featured it in Big Fish. Despite its remote location, Pine Flat Church has become a quiet star in the world of film.

Downtown Montgomery – The Heart of Just Mercy

Montgomery’s historic Dexter Avenue is a significant spot for several reasons, one of which is its role in the 2019 film Just Mercy. This biographical legal drama, based on the memoir by Montgomery attorney Bryan Stevenson, brought Hollywood to the capital city, using various downtown locations as its backdrop. The most notable of these is Dexter Avenue, which played a central role in the movie’s depiction of Stevenson’s fight for justice.