Brighter Days Ahead

Famous for having America’s best beaches and holding the Guinness World Record for the longest consecutive days of sunshine – a massive 768 – it’s never been a better time to ‘transport’ yourself to St. Pete/Clearwater. Here is a list of 15 movies that feature this beautiful part of Florida:

1. Dolphin Tale

Need a story to brighten your kids’ day? Starring Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Winter (the inspirational real-life dolphin with a prosthetic tail), along with Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman, this heartwarming family flick released in 2011 is sure to fit the bill.

2. Dolphin Tale 2

Reprising its all-star cast, this sequel sees new drama unfold for Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s famous dolphin, Winter.

3. Ocean's Eleven

With a swoon-worthy list of actors (George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon), this action film about a casino heist is sure to keep you on the edge of your sofa.

4. Magic Mike

This popular 2012 movie stars an ultra-buff Channing Tatum as a man who chases the American Dream by day and performs in an all-male revue at night. St. Pete and St. Pete Beach were locations in the film.

Fantasy? Adventure? Children with special powers? We’re in! This movie adaptation of the well-loved children’s book by Ransom Riggs (who grew up in nearby Sarasota) is a family favourite. The 2016 film was directed by Tim Burton, so you can expect plenty that’s quirky and dark.

6. Great Expectations

With a star-studded cast including Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert De Niro, this film adaptation is a modern twist on the classic Dickens tale. Fort DeSoto Park was one of the filming locations.

7. Lethal Weapon 3

Sometimes, you can’t get enough of a good thing, and this 1992 third-quel with scenes shot in Clearwater brings back plenty of action along with stars Danny Glover, Mel Gibson and Joe Pesci.

8. Grace is Gone

John Cusack stars in this award-winning 2007 film about a dad and his two young daughters who embark on an epic road trip after his wife dies in Iraq.

9. Love in the Sun

Fans of Hallmark Channel movies know that - while the main characters may face seemingly insurmountable challenges - the story always has a happy ending. Check out this locally-shot flick featuring St. Pete, Fort DeSoto Park, Phillippe Park and Safety Harbor.

10. The Favourite

Oldsmar, Safety Harbor and Largo may seem like unusual filming locations for a period piece set in 18th-century England, but this Oscar-nominated film about Queen Anne makes it work. Don’t miss the performances of stars Emma Stone and Olivia Colman.

11. Edward Scissorhands

A very young Johnny Depp stars in this inventive 1990 film directed by Tim Burton about a young man who has scissors rather than hands. The film was shot throughout Tampa Bay.

12. Sunlight Jr.

Naomi Watts, Tess Harper and Matt Dillon star in this 2013 drama about a convenience store clerk and her disabled boyfriend who have hopes of a better life. Filming locations included St. Pete and Clearwater.

13. Sun Don't Shine

This 2013 drama with a hint of horror follows a woman and her boyfriend on a tense, mysterious trip through Central Florida’s beautiful landscape, including Fort DeSoto Park and St. Pete as shooting locations.

14. Waiting on Mary

In this quirky film, a recently divorced actor retreats into a role as a Colonial scout while exploring his surroundings (including local locations such as Heritage Village, St. Pete and Gulfport).

15. Random Tropical Paradise

Looking for a feel-good buddy movie? This is it! Here, a bridegroom gets jilted and decides to take his best man on the honeymoon turned “homie-moon.”