6 Movies to Make You Fall in Love with the South

Do you want to see the beauty and culture of the South depicted on the big screen? Southern-set films are full of heart, family drama and good food. No matter your choice of genre, you will certainly find superior storytelling in these films, several of them based on books.

Here’s a roundup of some epic movies that with characters that will stay with you.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Set in small-town Alabama, “Fried Green Tomatoes” tells the story of a trapped housewife, Evelyn Couch, whose life changes after meeting Ninny Threadgoode at the nursing home. Their friendship makes her confident to change her own life for the better. This is a classic film about the power of friendship that is easily available on various free movie streaming websites.

Some good sites to watch movies, like Stremio, 123 Movies, 5Movies and Pluto TV, all provide an uninterrupted streaming experience of this film. Besides “Fried Green Tomatoes,” you can explore a massive library of old and new movies and television series on these sites.

Steel Magnolias

“Steel Magnolias” is a 1989 drama/comedy set in North Louisiana. It is one of the famous Southern movies that portrays a story of friendship, courage and love. The lead character, M’Lynn, is afraid of losing her daughter, and her girlfriends become her sources of strength and support.

The movie stars Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Shirley MacLaine, among others. “Steel Magnolias” will surely make you feel a fondness for the South as you watch the bond between the characters grow. There are also several scenes that will have you laughing out loud.

Gone with the Wind

If you are looking for a classic Southern movie, the period film “Gone with the Wind” based on the book by Margaret Mitchell is a must-watch. It revolves around the love affair between a manipulative woman (Scarlett O’Hara) and a roguish profiteer (Rhett Butler) during the Civil War and the Reconstruction period in the South.

This historic film had its 84th anniversary on February 28 and has become a Southern phenomenon.

Forrest Gump

A comforting, epic tale, “Forrest Gump” is full of useful advice and wisdom. Forrest, played by Tom Hanks, is a man with a very low IQ, but this does not restrict him from living life like he wants. He cares most about Jenny, his childhood love.

From having to wear braces on his legs to even being shot in a war, Forrest continues to go after his dreams for decades. Filmed in both Georgia and South Carolina, “Forrest Gump” will inspire you to never give up in the face of life’s hardships.

Driving Miss Daisy

This movie covers over two decades of the relationship between an old Jewish lady (Jessica Tandy) and her African-American driver (Morgan Freeman). At first, the woman resists the need for a driver, but she gradually forms a close relationship with her chauffeur. 

“Driving Miss Daisy” looks at different aspects of racism and also showcases how two unlikely companions become the greatest friends.

The Help

Based on the book by Kathryn Stockett, “The Help” portrays the complicated relationship between white women and their black maids in Jackson, Mississippi, during the Civil Rights Movement. Character Skeeter (Emma Stone) decides to write a book from the point of view of the maids and the racism they experience on a daily basis.

“The Help” has some heartwarming, eye-opening and laugh out loud moments that will have you reaching for the book next.