Lights, camera, action. We’ve heard all about Georgia becoming the next Hollywood, but we’d like to present our own little slice of the south. Our area’s film industry has been booming in recent years, with Kentucky’s largest film production studio opening earlier this year, and celebrities like Ethan Hawke being spotted getting to work in Lexington.
So, we thought the best way for us to audition as the next Hollywood filming spot is by highlighting the cinematic masterpieces (ok, maybe we’re exaggerating) that have used our beautiful Bluegrass state as their backdrop.
Keeneland + Hollywood
We’re known for some pretty famous horses around here, so it’s no wonder that they would make for the perfect plot line.
“Seabiscuit” | 2003 | Paramount+ | The true story of an undersized racehorse whose victories lifted the spirits of the nation.
“Dreamer” | 2005 | Prime Video | A father and daughter rebuild their bond while nursing a racehorse back to health.
“Secretariat” | 2010 | Prime Video | So nice they made it twice. A trainer and her longshot stallion shock the world by winning the Triple Crown.
Boo-grass Flicks
Not pining for the ponies? Here are some Kentucky-based horror flicks that will help you settle into spooky season.
“The Clovehitch Killer” | 2018 | Netflix | Set and filmed entirely in our home state, a small Kentucky town grapples with a mysterious murderer.
“Rust Creek” | 2018 | Netflix | A college student gets lost on her way to a job interview + gets stranded in the Kentucky forest.
“Wildcat” | 2023 | Prime Video | This Ethan Hawke-directed film tells the story of esteemed Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’ Connor.
Bluegrass Backdrops
Stallions + slashers not your thing? These are films that used Kentucky as a backdrop, because it’s just so dang pretty here.
“The Kentuckian” | 1955 | Freevee | A must-watch for any Kentuckian, this film showcases the natural beauty of our state with gorgeous shots of Cumberland Falls.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” | 1980 | Prime Video | This film tells the story of country music icon Loretta Lynn + was filmed in portions of Eastern Kentucky.
“Elizabethtown” | 2005 | Prime Video | A man attends his Kentucky-born father’s memorial, ends up finding love, and more importantly, learns how to correctly pronounce Louisville.
