The other day, after hearing about Superman’s filming schedule in Cincinnati, I got curious to know which other films have taken advantage of the scenic locations of The Queen City. Went to Google and typed “Movies filmed in Cincinnati” to find some answers- well to my surprise, the city has offered some of the greatest movies and perfect locations to shoot.
Here’s what I found out during my hunt of the
Famous Movies Filmed in Cincinnati
1. The Bikeriders (2023)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 56m | Rating: R | IMDb: 6.8 | Metascore: 70
In this gritty drama, Kathy finds herself irresistibly drawn to Benny, a member of the Vandals, a Midwestern motorcycle club. As the club spirals into a dangerous underworld, Benny faces an impossible choice: his love for Kathy or his loyalty to his brothers in the club.
2. It (2017)
Genre: Horror | Runtime: 2h 15m | Rating: R | IMDb: 7.3 | Metascore: 69
Terrifying and iconic, It plunges you into the nightmarish summer of 1989, where a group of outcast kids unite to confront their worst fears—an ancient, shape-shifting evil that takes the form of a clown and preys on the children of Derry.
3. The Avengers (2012)
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi | Runtime: 2h 23m | Rating: PG-13 | IMDb: 8.0 | Metascore: 69
When Loki threatens Earth with his alien army, it’s up to the planet’s mightiest heroes to band together and stop him. With personalities as explosive as their powers, the Avengers must learn to fight as a team to save humanity.
4. Dark Waters (2019)
Genre: Drama, History | Runtime: 2h 6m | Rating: PG-13 | IMDb: 7.6 | Metascore: 73
Mark Ruffalo shines in this riveting legal drama about a corporate attorney who risks everything to uncover a deadly chemical contamination by a powerful company, exposing the devastating impact on a community.
5. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Genre: Drama, Horror | Runtime: 2h 1m | Rating: R | IMDb: 7.0 | Metascore: 73
In this eerie psychological thriller, a charismatic surgeon finds his life unraveling when a teenage boy he’s taken under his wing begins to exhibit sinister behavior, forcing him into an agonizing moral dilemma.
6. Bones and All (2022)
Genre: Drama, Horror | Runtime: 2h 11m | Rating: R | IMDb: 6.8 | Metascore: 74
This haunting road movie follows a young woman on a thousand-mile journey through the heartland of America, where she meets a drifter with a dark past. As they draw closer, they must confront their monstrous instincts in a fight for love and survival.
7. Rain Man (1988)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 2h 13m | Rating: R | IMDb: 8.0 | Metascore: 65
Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman deliver unforgettable performances in this touching story of a self-absorbed yuppie who discovers he has an autistic-savant brother. Together, they embark on a cross-country journey that changes both of their lives.
8. Turtles All the Way Down (2024)
Genre: Drama, Mystery | Runtime: 1h 51m | Rating: PG-13 | IMDb: 6.6 | Metascore: 64
In this introspective mystery, a teenager with OCD gets obsessed with solving the riddle behind the disappearance of a fugitive billionaire. As she delves deeper, the case intertwines with her struggles, making her quest for truth intensely personal.
9. Carol (2015)
Genre: Drama, Romance | Runtime: 1h 58m | Rating: R | IMDb: 7.3 | Metascore: 94
In 1950s New York, an aspiring photographer finds herself captivated by an older woman, leading to a deep and forbidden romance. Carol is stunning visually with the complimentary of emotionally charged portrayal of love in a repressive era.
10. Traffic (2000)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2h 27m | Rating: R | IMDb: 7.6 | Metascore: 86
Traffic offers a harrowing look at America’s war on drugs through multiple intertwining stories—a judge dealing with his daughter’s addiction, DEA agents protecting a witness, and a drug lord’s wife fighting to keep her empire intact.
11. The Ides of March (2011)
Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 1h 41m | Rating: R | IMDb: 7.1 | Metascore: 67
In the cutthroat world of political campaigns, an idealistic staffer for a presidential candidate learns the harsh realities of dirty politics. The Ides of March is a sharp and tense political thriller that exposes the dark underbelly of ambition.
12. My Days of Mercy (2017)
Genre: Drama, Romance | Runtime: 1h 48m | Rating: R | IMDb: 6.5
In this poignant drama, the daughter of a man on death row finds herself falling in love with a woman who is on the opposite side of her family’s political beliefs. Their romance unfolds amidst a backdrop of intense moral and emotional conflict.
13. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
Genre: Drama, Romance, War | Runtime: 2h 50m | Rating: Approved | IMDb: 8.1 | Metascore: 93
This classic explores the profound effects of World War II on three returning veterans and their families. As they try to adjust to civilian life, they find their homecoming marked by deep personal challenges and emotional scars. One of the classic movies filmed in Cincinnati, The Best Years of Our Lives is a hidden gem waiting for you to dig.
14. The Old Man & the Gun (2018)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance | Runtime: 1h 33m | Rating: PG-13 | IMDb: 6.7 | Metascore: 80
Based on a true story, Robert Redford stars as Forrest Tucker, a charming career criminal who, at the age of 70, escapes San Quentin and pulls off an unprecedented string of heists, all while charming the public and eluding authorities.
15. The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir | Runtime: 1h 52m | Rating: Approved | IMDb: 7.8 | Metascore: 85
In this classic film-noir, a meticulously planned heist goes awry due to double-crosses and bad luck. The Asphalt Jungle is a tense and gritty tale of crime where every plan unravels, leading to an inevitable downfall.
16. Eight Men Out (1988)
Genre: Drama, History, Sport | Runtime: 1h 59m | Rating: PG | IMDb: 7.2 | Metascore: 71
This gripping sports drama tells the true story of the 1919 Black Sox scandal, where Chicago White Sox members accepted bribes to throw the World Series. Eight Men Out is a powerful look at betrayal and the corruption of America’s pastime.
17. The Mighty (1998)
Genre: Drama, Family | Runtime: 1h 40m | Rating: PG-13 | IMDb: 7.2
In this touching tale of friendship, Kevin, a boy with Morquio syndrome, and Maxwell, a dyslexic giant, form an unlikely bond. Together, they overcome their differences and embark on a journey that redefines bravery and loyalty.
18. An Innocent Man (1989)
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama | Runtime: 1h 53m | Rating: R | IMDb: 6.5 | Metascore: 39
Framed by corrupt cops, an ordinary man finds himself thrust into the brutal world of prison. Upon his release, he seeks vengeance on those who wronged him, setting off a relentless pursuit of justice.
19. The Public Eye (1992)
Genre: Crime, Drama | Runtime: 1h 39m | Rating: R | IMDb: 6.5
In the shadowy streets of 1940s New York, a notorious paparazzo is hired to investigate a mysterious gangster. What starts as a routine job soon plunges him into a dark and dangerous underworld where every truth comes with a cost.
20. Little Man Tate (1991)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 39m | Rating: PG | IMDb: 6.6 | Metascore: 71
Jodie Foster directs and stars in this heartfelt drama about a single mother raising a child prodigy. As she struggles to provide him with the opportunities he needs, both mother and son navigate the challenges of genius and the complexities of love.
21. The Public (2018)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 59m | Rating: PG-13 | IMDb: 6.6 | Metascore: 46
One of the top movies set in Cincinnati, this powerful drama explores a standoff between homeless people seeking shelter in a public library and the authorities. As tensions rise, the film examines themes of empathy, civil disobedience, and the societal failure to care for the vulnerable.
22. Lost in Yonkers (1993)
Genre: Comedy, Drama | Runtime: 1h 54m | Rating: PG | IMDb: 6.8
In this touching family drama set during, two young boys, in the summer of 1942, are sent to live with their strict grandmother and childlike aunt in Yonkers, New York. Through hardship and humor, they learn valuable lessons about love, loss, and resilience. The movie remains an anticipated title among the top movies filmed in Cincinnati.
23. City of Hope (1991)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 2h 9m | Rating: R | IMDb: 7.3
This ensemble drama weaves together the lives of numerous characters connected by an old apartment block slated for demolition. City of Hope paints a vivid portrait of urban decay, corruption, and the enduring human spirit amid societal breakdown.
24. Deadbeat at Dawn (1988)
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller | Runtime: 1h 20m | Rating: Not Rated | IMDb: 6.5
In this cult classic, the leader of the Ravens gang is ready to retire after one last job. But when his girlfriend is brutally murdered by a rival gang, he embarks on a blood-soaked quest for vengeance that pushes him to the brink of madness.
25. Homebodies (1974)
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller | Runtime: 1h 38m | Rating: PG | IMDb: 6.5
In this darkly comedic horror, six elderly residents of a condemned tenement building refuse to move, resorting to murder to protect their homes. Homebodies is a chilling tale that blurs the line between victim and villain in a fight for survival.
26. The Fits (2015)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 12m | Rating: Not Rated | IMDb: 6.6 | Metascore: 90
In this mesmerizing indie drama, an 11-year-old tomboy becomes captivated by a dance troupe at her gym. She finds herself caught in a mysterious wave of fainting spells that sweep through the group during her struggle to fit in, leading to a gripping exploration of identity and belonging. The Fits is celebrated among the top movies set in Cincinnati that have made cityfolks proud.
27. The Dream Catcher (1999)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 39m | IMDb: 6.8 | Metascore: 61
An abandoned teen sets off on a freight train journey to find his long-lost father, encountering another homeless youth along the way. Together, they navigate a world of hardship and hope in this poignant tale of friendship and survival.
28. God’s Will (2023)
Genre: Drama | IMDb: 7.9
In this thought-provoking drama, two lifelong friends, both ministers, grapple with crises of faith. As they confront their individual failures, they embark on a journey to rediscover God’s grace and their own spiritual paths.
29. 75 (2017)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 37m | IMDb: 7.0
Standing among the top movies filmed in Cincinnati, This compelling drama interweaves the lives of a crash victim, a housewife, and two repressed teens, all connected by a dedicated therapist. As they battle their addictions, the story highlights the struggle against the heroin epidemic in Cincinnati.
30. All or Nothin’ (2018)
Genre: Drama, History | Runtime: 1h 35m | IMDb: 8.0
Set in 1853, this historical drama follows the harrowing journey of 28 slaves who escape from Kentucky. Pursued by wealthy plantation owners, they make a perilous journey through Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan in their quest for freedom.
31. The Rest of Your Life (2022)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 22m | IMDb: 7.8
In this coming-of-age drama, a recent college graduate in Columbus, Ohio, grapples with the harsh realities of adulthood. As his girlfriend moves away and corporate life fails to meet his expectations, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of a free-spirited coworker.
32. Cornhole: The Movie (2010)
Genre: Comedy, Sport | Runtime: 1h 30m | IMDb: 7.8
This hilarious mockumentary dives into the quirky world of competitive Cornhole, a popular backyard game in Cincinnati. The film follows four eccentric groups of characters as they sacrifice, exploit, and shame their way to minimal fame in the sport, delivering laughs at every turn.
33. Sons & Daughters of Thunder (2019)
Genre: Drama, History | IMDb: 8.0
The historical drama follows the world of the early 19th century when a young Harriet Beecher Stowe observes the inaugural public debates on abolition in America. These events in this one of the top movies filmed in Cincinnati awaken her to the harsh realities of slavery, setting the stage for her future activism and the writing of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
34. This Train (2001)
Genre: Drama | IMDb: 6.7
This Train offers a slice-of-life glimpse into the lives of people who find themselves at a crossroads, both figuratively and literally, aboard a journey that changes their lives forever.
35. Hitting the Nuts (2010)
Genre: Comedy, Sport | Runtime: 1h 38m | IMDb: 7.1
In this outrageous comedy, an eclectic group of misfits, including an Amish farmer, competes in an illegal poker championship in Indiana. With its offbeat humor and colorful characters, Hitting the Nuts is a wild ride through the underbelly of the poker world.
36. Hell-O-Ween (2011)
Genre: Horror | Runtime: 1h 18m | Rating: R | IMDb: 6.8
Fifteen years after a series of brutal Halloween murders, the infamous serial killer J.R. Hinzman returns to his hometown for another night of terror. Hell-O-Ween is a chilling slasher that delivers bloody thrills and a dose of nostalgia for classic horror fans.
37. Dracula Now (2015)
Genre: Horror | IMDb: 6.7
This modern-day adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula brings the iconic vampire into the 21st century, blending timeless horror with contemporary settings and themes.
38. Hellhounds (2013)
Genre: Horror, Thriller | Runtime: 1h 13m | Rating: TV-MA | IMDb: 7.2
Hellhounds is a first-person account of Ross Graves, an alcoholic drifter hunted by demonic bounty hunters and a spiritual being to whom he sold his soul. This supernatural thriller delivers a harrowing journey through the depths of addiction and redemption.
39. Show Me Your Glory: The Movie (2012)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 54m | IMDb: 6.5
Jackie Powers, a former prostitute, is desperate to escape her past of abuse and find redemption. Show Me Your Glory is an emotional drama that explores faith, forgiveness, and the power of second chances.
40. A Brand New Kitchen (2019)
Genre: Drama | Runtime: 1h 30m | IMDb: 7.7
Peter, a successful kitchen contractor, finds his seemingly perfect life unraveling when his high school sweetheart reenters his life. As temptation and revelation threaten to destroy both their marriages, A Brand New Kitchen examines the choices people make when given a second chance at love.
41. Drip (2005)
Genre: Comedy, Drama | IMDb: 8.1
In this quirky indie film, a boy-meets-girl scenario takes a wild turn when the boy falls in with the girl’s loser friends, certain challenging events lead them to a series of unexpected and chaotic moments impacting their relationship.
42. Hell’s Gate (2010)
Genre: Horror, Thriller | Runtime: 1h 25m | IMDb: 8.0
When Bobby and Janet Mackey purchase a bar, they are unaware that it sits atop a gateway to Hell. As spirits and past life selves make their presence known, the couple faces terrifying supernatural threats in this spine-tingling horror film.
43. The Red Mask of Death (2019)
Genre: Horror, Thriller | IMDb: 6.6
In the peaceful town of New Richmond, the body count is rising as the killer is on the loose. The Red Mask of Death is a suspenseful thriller that plunges a quiet community into chaos as the search for the murderer intensifies.
44. Blackwoods (2024)
Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 1h 15m | IMDb: 8.3
Amidst rising mental health challenges among black men, therapist Dillon leads five friends on a weekend retreat at a secluded cabin. As they confront their inner demons, this one of the top movies filmed in Cincinnati reveals the healing power of brotherhood and the strength found in shared vulnerability.
45. A Touch of Stardust (2017)
Genre: Drama, Romance | IMDb: 7.1
In this heartwarming romance, a heartbroken man gets a magical second chance to marry the woman he believes is his destiny. A Touch of Stardust explores themes of love, fate, and the possibilities that come with believing in second chances.
46. Homeland (2008)
Genre: Drama | IMDb: 8.0
Set against the backdrop of a changing America, Homeland explores the struggles and resilience of individuals trying to find their place in a world that is often unforgiving. With a focus on personal journeys, this drama delves into themes of belonging, identity, and the enduring power of home.
47. College Town Massacre (2016)
Genre: Horror, Thriller | Runtime: 1h 32m | IMDb: 7.7
Twenty years after witnessing the brutal murder of her husband, in this one of the top movies filmed in Cincinnati, Danni James’s past comes back to haunt her. As she tries to move on with her life, the events of that night resurface in terrifying ways. College Town Massacre is a chilling horror-thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat as the past and present collide.
48. The Lonesome (2017)
Genre: Drama, Comedy | Runtime: 47m | IMDb: 7.7
In this slice-of-life drama, a young Cincinnati woman finds herself surrounded by a mix of friends and strangers at her small, uneventful birthday party. The Lonesome captures the quiet moments of connection and isolation that define our lives, offering a bittersweet reflection on relationships and the passage of time.
