15 Movies Filmed In Southwest Florida

I always love reading books and watching TV shows and movies that have a Florida connection, and especially seeing places that you're familiar with and knowing your favorite actor or actress was there too is super cool. I did some searching and found 15 movies that were filmed right here in Southwest Florida.

I just finished the TV series "The Glades" that was filmed on the east coast of Florida and it got me thinking that there had to be other series filmed here on the west coast. If you haven't seen it, it actually premiered back in 2010 but it's like a CSI-type show where each episode features a different murder with some great personal character stories woven in. I couldn't find anything that was filmed here as far as TV goes, but for movies, there's quite a list. Some of them I knew, and some I didn't, so now I have a few to add to my to-watch list.

Of course with miles and miles of beautiful beaches, charming downtown areas and over a million acres of wetlands preserve with The Everglades, there's a backdrop for just about any movie, and being able to film year round down here is a major bonus.

From zombies to owls, ghost orchids, scandals and football players the variety of movies filmed partially or fully here in our area is wide. Just a few of the many actors who have filmed here include Denzel Washington, Sean Connery, Joe Pesci, Reese Witherspoon, Woody Harrelson and Jayne Mansfield.

SOURCE: naplesnews.com

Filming for this horror movie spoof was filmed primarily in Ave Maria with some locals and Ave Maria students appearing as extras.

Hoot” was filmed mainly on the east coast of Florida, but parts of the movie were shot in Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island.

This crime thriller starring Denzel Washington and Eva Mendes was filmed in Boca Grande.

This Demi Moore flick was filmed primarily in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, however some parts of the movie were shot in Clewiston.

This film featuring Meryl Streep and Nicolas Cage was shot primarily in Los Angeles, but some scenes were filmed at the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.

This Reese Witherspoon rom-com had parts filmed at South Seas Resort on Captiva.

Some of Woody Harrelson's scenes were shot in downtown Fort Myers, others were shot in Charlotte County, Palmetto and Sarasota.

This Disney comedy was filmed all over Southwest Florida, from Fort Myers, Estero, Marco Island and Bonita Springs to Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades National Park.

This thriller was filmed in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and other parts of Collier County.

Jessica Lange won an Academy Award for Best Actress for this drama filmed in Fort Myers and North Captiva Island.

Some of the scenes from this comedy-drama were filmed in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.

The underground scenes were filmed in Pennsylvania, but the above ground scenes were filmed in downtown Fort Myers.

This Gene Hackman film had scenes shot on Sanibel Island.

This comedy parody flick was filmed in Cape Coral. Some of the scenes were shot at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, the beach and the Iwo Jima memorial.

Filming for this Christopher Plummer movie took place in the town of Chokoloskee.

Living in Florida, we're always looking for ways to cool down on a hot day and there's nothing better and more tastier than to do that with some ice cream and one Cape Coral ice cream shop made Yelp's list of the Best in Florida.

When it comes to desserts, my absolutely favorite is ice cream. Asking if I have a favorite flavor is an almost impossible question to answer because with so many stand alone and great combinations, I can't possibly choose just one. And let's also not forget to mention all the varieties from true ice cream, gelato, custard, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, mochi...it's all delicious to me!

Yelp put together this list of Florida's best by looking at the total number and ratings of reviews from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

One review mentioned the owners being the kindest people they'd ever met. Another raved about the cookie dough ice cream saying "The cookie dough isn't the hard chunky stuff you might be used to, it's a softer texture and spreads out nice in the ice cream."

Sweet Aloha Ice Cream is a family-owned and veteran-owned ice cream parlor and shave ice shop. One reviewer was impressed with the service saying "My favorite thing about this place is the service. They are always helpful and always smiling which if you've ever worked with the public, you know that's not easy to do."

Unfortunately Joey's Custard was destroyed in Hurricane Ian. But their Instagram page offers a message of hope that they will rebuild!

Regulars rave about Matty's with one mentioning their favorite flavors of stracciatella, cookie butter, cannoli and the chocolate fudge. Another reviewer mentioned the generous portions.

Pecan Jacks describes themselves as an Ice Creamery and Candy Kitchen on the forefront of flavor, committed to crafting
delicious mouth-watering and unique ice cream, southern pralines, brittles, and chocolates. The top Yelp review rates it a 10/10.

At Ice Dreammm Shop, they make all of their ice cream in house themselves in small batches. Some favorite flavors include black raspberry, strawberry shortcake and brownie coffee swirl.

With almost 800 reviews, Cherry Smash is a definite favorite. Reviews mention the look of the place with stuff, including nostalgic items, everywhere you look.

One review calls Cleveland's Old Fashioned Ice Cream an absolute gem. Another says "10/10 100000% my FAVORITE ice cream!!!"