Nashville, also known as “Music City,” is renowned for its vibrant music scene, stunning architecture, and southern charm. However, this cultural hotspot is not just about the tunes. With its rich history and picturesque locations, Nashville has also been a favorite setting for many films, TV shows, and books. Let’s embark on a cinematic journey through Nashville, exploring some of the most famous films shot here, TV shows set in the city, and notable literature inspired by it.

10 Famous Films Shot in Nashville

Nashville’s captivating scenes have provided the perfect backdrop for numerous films. Let’s explore 10 famous films shot in Nashville:

1. Nashville (1975): Directed by Robert Altman, this classic musical drama is a love letter to the city, showcasing the country music scene and political climate of the time.
2. The Green Mile (1999): The prison drama, starring Tom Hanks, was partially filmed in the old Tennessee State Prison in Nashville.
3. Walk the Line (2005): This biographical drama about Johnny Cash, starring Joaquin Phoenix, features several scenes shot in Nashville, the heart of country music.
4. The Last Castle (2001): The military drama, starring Robert Redford, was also filmed in the old Tennessee State Prison.
5. The Identical (2014): Set in Nashville, this musical drama tells the story of two musically gifted brothers, separated at birth.
6. Country Strong (2010): This country music drama, featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, showcases Nashville’s music scene.
7. Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009): Scenes from this popular teen movie were shot in several Nashville locations, including the city’s airport and Opry Mills Mall.
8. Gummo (1997): Harmony Korine’s controversial film was shot in Nashville, showcasing the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods.
9. The Thing Called Love (1993): This romantic comedy-drama about aspiring country singers was filmed in various Nashville locations, including the iconic Bluebird Café.
10. All Light, Everywhere (2021): This thought-provoking documentary about the nature of truth in relation to visual representation was partially shot in Nashville.

5 TV Shows Set in Nashville

The “Music City” has also been a popular setting for TV series, especially those revolving around music. Here are 5 TV shows set in Nashville:

1. Nashville (2012-2018): This popular drama series, starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere, focuses on the lives and careers of country music stars and was filmed in many iconic Nashville locations.
2. Still The King (2016-2017): This comedy series, featuring Billy Ray Cyrus as a washed-up country singer, was shot in and around Nashville.
3. Crazy Hearts: Nashville (2014): This reality TV series offers an inside look at the lives of several up-and-coming musicians in Nashville.
4. Music City (2018-2019): Produced by Adam DiVello, the creator of “The Hills” and “Laguna Beach,” this reality show follows a group of young adults chasing dreams of success, fame, and romance in Nashville.
5. Born Again Virgin (2015-2016): This comedy series, set in Nashville, explores the dating life of a 30-something blogger who decides to become celibate after a series of failed relationships.

Animated Films Set in Nashville

Nashville’s charm hasn’t been lost on animated films either. Although not as common, there are a few animated features set in this vibrant city:

1. The Fox and the Hound 2 (2006): This direct-to-video sequel to Disney’s The Fox and the Hound features the characters heading to the “Country Fair,” which is heavily inspired by Nashville’s country music scene.
2. The Country Mouse and the City Mouse Adventures (1998): In one episode of this animated TV series, the mice visit Nashville and get involved in a country music singing competition.
3. Banjo the Woodpile Cat (1979): This animated short film by Don Bluth includes scenes set in Nashville, where the titular character ends up after running away from home.
4. Class of 3000 (2006-2008): In this American animated television series, one of the episodes titled “Big Robot on Campus,” the characters visit Nashville for a music competition.
5. Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse (2012): In this animated family movie, the classic characters Tom and Jerry are in a race to rescue Robin Hood’s love interest who has been kidnapped and taken to Nashville.

Famous Books Set in Nashville: 3 Classic and 3 Contemporary

Nashville’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene have made it the setting for many compelling stories. Here are three classic and three contemporary famous books set in Nashville:

Classic Books

1. “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, while not entirely set in Nashville, includes significant scenes in the city, as it tells the story of a populist politician’s rise to the position of governor in a Southern state.
2. “The Children of Pride” by Robert Manson Myers: This expansive collection of letters offers an in-depth look at the life of a plantation family from Georgia who relocate to Nashville during the Civil War.
3. “Peter Taylor: A Writer’s Life” by Hubert H. McAlexander: This biography of the prominent playwright and short story writer Peter Taylor includes detailed accounts of his life in Nashville.

Contemporary Books

1. “The Dry Grass of August” by Anna Jean Mayhew: This award-winning novel tells the story of a family from Charlotte traveling to Nashville amidst the racial tensions of the 1950s.
2. “The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow” by Rita Leganski: Part of this magical realism novel, set in the 1950s, takes place in Nashville where the titular character’s parents meet.
3. “Good Rockin’ Tonight: Sun Records and the Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Colin Escott: This book provides a detailed account of the history of rock ‘n’ roll and its roots in Nashville and Memphis.

Exploring Nashville Filming Locations – Where to Go

For a truly immersive cinematic experience, visiting actual filming locations is a must. Here are some of the most iconic film locations in Nashville that you can explore:

1. Ryman Auditorium: Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this venue has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including the series “Nashville.”
2. Bluebird Café: This famous music venue has been featured in several films and was a regular location in the TV series “Nashville.”
3. The Parthenon: An exact replica of the Greek Parthenon, this Nashville landmark has been featured in films like “Percy Jackson & the Olympians.”
4. Tennessee State Prison: This defunct prison has served as a backdrop for films like “The Green Mile” and “The Last Castle.”
5. The Hermitage: The home of President Andrew Jackson has been used for several historical movies and documentaries.
6. Grand Ole Opry House: Known as the home of American music, this location has been showcased in various films and TV shows.
7. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: This major tourist attraction has also been featured in numerous films and documentaries about music.

Where to Sleep in Nashville: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

Whether you’re looking for affordable accommodations or a luxurious retreat, Nashville offers a variety of options.

Budget Options:

1. The Russell: This boutique hotel offers affordable luxury with unique decor and a great location in East Nashville.
2. Music City Hostel: For budget travelers, this hostel offers both private rooms and dorms. It’s located near the Music Row district, close to many city attractions.
3. BentoLiving Chestnut Hill: This budget-friendly option offers stylish rooms and suites. It’s located just a few minutes from downtown Nashville.

Luxury Options:

1. The Hermitage Hotel: This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and top-notch amenities. It’s located right in downtown Nashville, close to the State Capitol.
2. Omni Nashville Hotel: Located next to the Country Music Hall of Fame, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the city.
3. JW Marriott Nashville: This luxury hotel offers sleek design, upscale amenities, and a prime location near Broadway, Nashville’s entertainment district.

Where to Eat in Nashville: 3 Budget and 3 Luxury Options

From classic Southern comfort food to haute cuisine, Nashville’s diverse culinary scene has something to satisfy every palate.

Budget Options:

1. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: This is a must-visit for Nashville’s famous hot chicken. It’s a no-frills place with affordable prices.
2. The Grilled Cheeserie: This popular eatery offers a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches at reasonable prices.
3. Five Points Pizza: Located in East Nashville, this pizzeria is known for its delicious, budget-friendly New York-style pizza.

Luxury Options:

1. The Catbird Seat: This high-end restaurant offers an interactive dining experience with a U-shaped kitchen counter. It’s a unique culinary experience but comes with a hefty price tag.
2. Etch: Located downtown, Etch offers a fine dining experience with a menu of creative and delicious dishes.
3. Rolf and Daughters: This trendy restaurant in the Germantown neighborhood is known for its innovative menu and stylish decor.

Detailed Itinerary: Exploring Nashville’s Film Locations Day by Day

To make the most of your cinematic trip to Nashville, follow this day-by-day itinerary, which takes you through many of the city’s most iconic filming locations.

Day 1: Downtown Nashville

• Start your day at the  Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which has been featured in numerous films and documentaries about music.
• Visit  Ryman Auditorium  and  Bluebird Café, both popular filming locations.
• Enjoy lunch at  Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
• Spend the afternoon exploring  Lower Broadway, known for its honky-tonks and music venues. It has been featured in many films and TV shows.
• Have dinner at  The Catbird Seat.

Day 2: East Nashville

• Begin your day with breakfast at  Biscuit Love  in the Gulch.
• Visit  The Parthenon  in Centennial Park, which has been featured in films like “Percy Jackson & the Olympians.”
• Have lunch at  Five Points Pizza.
• Spend the afternoon exploring  Five Points, a vibrant neighborhood in East Nashville, known for its artsy vibe and historic homes.
• Have dinner at  Rolf and Daughters.

Day 3: Greater Nashville

• After breakfast, head out to visit  The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson, which has been used for several historical movies and documentaries.
• Have lunch at  Monell’s  in Germantown.
• Spend the afternoon exploring  Tennessee State Prison, a filming location for “The Green Mile” and “The Last Castle.”
• Have dinner at  Etch  in downtown Nashville.

Cryptid Legends and Curiosities

Nashville has its share of local legends and curiosities, many of which have inspired films, books, and TV shows. The most famous is the Bell Witch, a legend about a poltergeist that tormented the Bell family in the early 19th century. The story has been the subject of numerous books and films, including “An American Haunting.”

Another popular local legend is the Tennessee Wildman, a Sasquatch-like creature rumored to inhabit the areas around Nashville. This cryptid has been featured in several TV shows, including an episode of “Mountain Monsters.”

Hidden Gems in Nashville

While Nashville’s famous landmarks often steal the spotlight, the city is also home to several hidden gems that have been used as filming locations:

1. Marathon Village: This historic automobile factory has been converted into a complex of shops, studios, and the Corsair Distillery, and has been used as a filming location for several TV shows.
2. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: This beautiful estate and gardens in West Nashville has been featured in films and TV shows.
3. RCA Studio B: This recording studio, known as the “Home of 1,000 Hits,” has been used in several music documentaries.

What to Pack for a Trip to Nashville

When packing for your trip to Nashville, consider the city’s climate and the activities you plan to do. If you’re visiting during the summer, pack lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat or sunglasses for sun protection. For a winter visit, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat.

Regardless of when you visit, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the city’s cinematic sights, a notebook to jot down your experiences, and travel documents, including a valid ID or passport.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around Nashville

Getting around Nashville is relatively easy, thanks to the city’s extensive public transportation system. For short distances, you can walk or rent a bicycle. For longer distances, consider using the city’s bus system or ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft. If you prefer to drive, there are several car rental services available.

Conclusion

From its iconic music scene to its cinematic history, Nashville offers a unique blend of culture, history, and southern charm. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to embark on a cinematic journey through the “Music City,” exploring the locations that have played a role in some of your favorite films, books, and TV shows. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience Nashville like never before!