Discover the Iconic Movies Filmed in Western North Carolina: Your Ultimate Fall Watchlist

Western North Carolina really is something else, isn’t it? With its breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, it’s no wonder filmmakers keep coming back for more.

The region’s scenery is all over the place—in a good way. One minute it’s the Blue Ridge Mountains, the next it’s the iconic Biltmore Estate. It’s basically a filmmaker’s playground.

Over the years, plenty of actors and directors have made the trip out here. It’s almost like a rite of passage for certain movies.

Let’s dig into some of the most memorable films shot in Western North Carolina. We’ll check out the locations and maybe name-drop a few stars along the way.

The Biltmore Estate: A Cinematic Gem

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is a real showstopper. This sprawling mansion has caught the eye of more than a few filmmakers.

Its grandeur and history just make it a natural fit for the big screen. You can’t really blame them for wanting to film here.

Iconic Films at the Biltmore

Some pretty big movies have used the Biltmore Estate’s architecture and lush grounds. Forrest Gump had Tom Hanks running through the estate—talk about a cameo.

Then there’s Richie Rich, where Macaulay Culkin basically turned the place into his own playground. Both inside and out, the house got a lot of screen time.

• Forrest Gump – Tomatometer: 75%, Popcornmeter: 95%
• Richie Rich – Tomatometer: 27%, Popcornmeter: 32%

Other Notable Mentions

Peter Sellers’ last film, with his character Chauncey Gardener, was shot at the Biltmore too. That one got some serious love from critics—Tomatometer says 95%.

And if you like comedy mysteries, Tim Conway and Don Knotts filmed one here as well. The Biltmore House even played an English mansion for them. Not bad, right?

• Peter Sellers’ Last Film – Tomatometer: 95%, Popcornmeter: 92%
• Tim Conway and Don Knotts’ Comedy Mystery – Popcornmeter: 83%

Lake Lure: The Home of Dirty Dancing

Lake Lure has its own claim to fame. It’s where the 1987 film Dirty Dancing was filmed, and you can almost hear the music echoing off the water.

That famous lift scene with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey? Yep, it happened right here. The spot’s so beloved, there’s even an annual dance festival now.

The Legacy of Dirty Dancing

The Lake Lure Dance Festival is a real thing, celebrating all kinds of dance styles. There’s even a lake lift competition for anyone brave enough to try.

The film still holds a special place with fans—Tomatometer at 72%, Popcornmeter at 90%. Not too shabby for a summer romance flick.

Asheville: A Hub for Diverse Films

Asheville is buzzing with creativity. The downtown is vibrant, and the nature around it just adds to the charm.

It’s been the set for all sorts of films, from political comedies to romantic dramas. Can’t say the city doesn’t have range.

Memorable Movies Shot in Asheville

My Fellow Americans is one that stands out—a political comedy with Jack Lemmon and James Garner. They shot it at the Biltmore and around Asheville, even downtown.

Then there’s The Fugitive, with that wild train crash scene. That one was filmed in Dillsboro on the Great Smoky Mountain Railway. Still impressive, honestly.

• My Fellow Americans – Tomatometer: 47%, Popcornmeter: 64%
• The Fugitive – Tomatometer: 96%, Popcornmeter: 89%

Romantic Dramas and More

Asheville’s also the backdrop for romance, like Winter People with Kurt Russell and Kelly McGillis. They shot that one in Barnardsville, mostly in the Big Ivy neighborhood.

The Last of the Mohicans took things up a notch, spotlighting Chimney Rock State Park and sneaking in a few scenes at the Biltmore. Daniel Day-Lewis really made the most of those views.

• Winter People – Tomatometer: 20%, Popcornmeter: 52%
• The Last of the Mohicans – Tomatometer: 88%, Popcornmeter: 88%

Other Noteworthy Films and Locations

There’s no shortage of cinematic moments in Western North Carolina. The landscapes alone seem to invite all kinds of stories—dystopian, dramatic, you name it.

The Hunger Games and More

Jennifer Lawrence ran through the Henry River mill village near Morganton and DuPont State Forest for The Hunger Games. Triple Falls made quite the appearance.

The movie did well, too—Tomatometer at 84%, Popcornmeter at 81%. People couldn’t get enough.

• The Hunger Games – Tomatometer: 84%, Popcornmeter: 81%

Heartwarming Dramas

Nell, starring Jodie Foster, was filmed at Fontana Lake. It’s about a woman learning to interact with society after growing up in isolation—pretty moving stuff.

And then there’s Cold Mountain, adapted from Ron Rash’s novel, with scenes shot in Black Mountain and Madison County. The mountains add a lot of mood, if you ask me.

• Nell – Tomatometer: 57%, Popcornmeter: 64%
• Cold Mountain – Tomatometer: 62%, Popcornmeter: 47%

Conclusion: A Cinematic Treasure Trove

Western North Carolina’s landscapes are honestly something else. Rolling mountains, dense forests, and these little historic towns—no wonder filmmakers keep coming back.

Places like the Biltmore Estate have this old-world grandeur. Then there’s Lake Lure, which just feels peaceful and cinematic at the same time.

If you’re into classics like Dirty Dancing, or more recent blockbusters like The Hunger Games, you’ll spot familiar scenes everywhere. The region’s film history is surprisingly rich, and it’s easy to see why movie buffs and curious travelers get hooked.