The Orlando region has a long history of being the backdrop, setting and development ground for popular film and television projects. Now, thanks to services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV, you can watch some of the most popular titles to come out of the region from the comfort of your couch, by simply clicking a button.
Keep your eyes open for these titles and your favorite Orlando locations the next time you’re looking for something good to watch…
1. The One and Only Ivan (2020)
The One and Only Ivan, a 2020 American fantasy film inspired by the story of Ivan the gorilla, who was brought to the United States in captivity in 1962. The movie filmed establishing shots and background scenes around the Orlando region. The movie is now streaming on Disney+.
2. The Florida Project (2017)
Sean Baker’s second film was nominated for several honors last awards season, for Willem Dafoe’s Supporting Actor role. The entire project was filmed in Kissimmee and Osceola County and featured local talent that was found specifically for this project. The film is available on Netflix.
3. Tomorrowland (2015)
Key locations in the film were found in the Orlando region including locations in Altamonte Springs, New Smyrna Beach and Kennedy Space Center. The film is available on Amazon Prime.
4. Paper Towns (2015)
Paper Towns, a film based on the popular young adult novel by John Greene, is set primarily based in Orlando. The production filmed establishing and background footage around the region for the film including in former Naval base, master-planned community of Baldwin Park. The movie is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
5. Sharknado 3 (2015)
The majority of filming for Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! an American made-for-television action comedy horror film, occured at Universal Studios Orlando. The film is available on Amazon Prime.
6. Sisters (2015)
This American comedy featuring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler filmed in various locations around the region, including establishing shots at Orlando International Airport and in downtown Orlando. The movie is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
7. Letters To God (2010)
Based in Nashville but filmed entirely in the Orlando region, this is an uplifting true story revolving a young boy battling cancer, the letters he writes to God and how he changes the lives of those around him. The movie is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
8. To Write Love On Her Arms (2014)
A true story about drugs, mental health issues and finding support when you need it most, this feature stars Kat Dennings and Chad Michael Murray and was filmed entirely in Orlando. Unfortunately, this project was leaked in the now infamous Sony Pictures Hack and the film never saw full theatrical release as intended. The movie is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.
9. Monster (2003)
Not only did Monster earn Charlize Theron an Academy Award, this drama was filmed entirely in the Orlando region. Locations include Kissimmee, Orlando, Sanford and the Daytona International Speedway. The film is available on Amazon Prime.
10. The Waterboy (1998)
The Waterboy featuring Adam Sandler was filmed in DeLand, St. Cloud and Orlando, including its infamous football games scenes at the Citrus Bowl (now known as Camping World Stadium). The movie is available on Hulu or Amazon Prime with a SHOWTIME® subscription.
11. Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
Downtown Orlando plays a small but important role in the beginning of the film, as production blew up the old City Hall building for the scene. The movie is available for rent or purchase on Amazon or through an HBO Max subscription.
Fun Fact: the tables at White Wolf Café in Ivanhoe Village are granite slabs from that explosion.
12. My Girl (1991)
Sanford doubled as the set of “Madison, Pennsylvania” in the movie, with additional locations around the Orlando region also featured, including Ocoee, Clermont and Bartow. The movie is available on Hulu or Amazon Prime with a STARZ® subscription.
13. Parenthood (1989)
Locations around Orlando can be seen throughout the film, which was entirely filmed around town and on the Universal Studios soundstages. You can purchase Parenthood on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu or Amazon Prime.
Interested in filming in Orlando? The Orlando Film Commission is a one-stop shop for your film production needs.