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Columbus, Georgia On The Big Screen

When it comes to being featured on the big screen, Columbus, Georgia is certainly no stranger! The vibrant city has appeared in many films and has brought plenty of fascinating people to the area. 

Curious about Columbus’ film industry history? Discover some of the many movies shot right in town.

Hollywood Arrives To Columbus 

Kiss The Tarantula (1975)

Overview: In this horror film, John Bradley lives in his large house with his wife, Martha, his daughter, Susan, and her pet tarantulas. Susan soon discovers that her mother is having an affair with her uncle, and that the two plan to murder her father for his life insurance money. In a bid to teach her mother a lesson with her pet spiders, she ends up killing her. Fuelled by the incident, Susan then uses her eight-legged friends to seek revenge on anyone who has ever wronged her or her father. 

The movie was produced by the Columbus filmmaker Curt Drady, where the first full length feature was shot entirely in Columbus, with local residents cast for roles!

The Green Berets (1968)

Overview: David Janssen is a cynical reporter against the Vietnam War, sent to cover the conflict and accompany a group of Green Berets. As he joins the team on a top-secret mission to kidnap an important enemy commander, he begins to respect America’s involvement in the war.  

The film was shot in the summer of 1967, primarily at Fort Benning in Georgia!

We Were Soldiers (2002)

Overview: This film follows Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore as he leads US soldiers to a battle against Vietnamese troops, marking the first phase of the Vietnam War. 

The location for the shooting of this movie was also at Fort Benning, similarly to the film mentioned above.  

The Fighting Temptations (2003)

Overview: This film follows the life of Darrin Hill and the many debts he’s accumulated courtesy of his lack of employment. His only hope is an inheritance of $150,000, which he’ll receive once he improves his hometown choir, which is by no means an easy feat. 

The film crew of this movie took advantage of many locations throughout Georgia. In fact, the final scenes were shot in Columbus’ RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, and featured local residents as extras!

Need For Speed (2014)

Overview: This action thriller follows a famous street car racer and the challenges he faces when a rival of his frames him in a murder case.  

While there were several locations featured in this film throughout Georgia, a scene on the 13th Street Bridge brought Columbus to the big screen!

Electric Jesus (2020)

Overview: Taking place in the summer of 1986, this film follows a group of teenagers as they debut their Christian hair metal band. As they hit the road, they’re lucky enough to open for Stryper, which is actually a real band!

Producer, writer and director Chris White discovered Columbus’ growing film industry while attending the Sundance FIlm Festival in Utah. There, he met people who informed him of the Columbus Film Fund, influencing his decision to shoot Electric Jesus in Columbus.  

My Brother's Keeper (2020)

Overview: This film focuses on the challenges a veteran faces as he returns home from war, specifically concerning his PTSD and his faltering faith in religion.

Columbus residents were happy to be featured as extras in this movie. Scriptwriter Ty Manns, estimated that he contributed over $280,000 to the local community as he shot scenes in locations such as the Government Center, Rose Hill Church, a local hospital, a security training center near Fort Benning, and even right downtown!

Have you ever dreamed of living somewhere that’s been the location for various films? Now’s your chance! Connect with the experts at Bickerstaff Parham Real Estate to make those dreams a reality. 

For more information on searching for your perfect home here in Columbus, GA, talk to one of our expert agents today!