🏷 Discover The Best Birmingham Movies & TV Shows To Watch Today

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Birmingham, Alabama, is more than just a vibrant city steeped in rich history and culture—it’s also a captivating setting for some of the best movies and TV shows ever made. Whether you're a local exploring your roots or a traveler seeking cinematic inspiration, Birmingham’s on-screen presence offers a unique blend of Southern charm, compelling drama, and unforgettable storytelling. Dive into this curated guide to uncover the finest films and series that showcase the Magic City in all its glory.

Cast
Cillian Murphy Cillian Murphy
Paul Anderson Paul Anderson
Sophie Rundle Sophie Rundle
Natasha O'Keeffe Natasha O'Keeffe
8.5 11.2K votes
Genre: Crime, Drama
Country: United Kingdom
Seasons: 6
Episodes: 36
Audience: TV-MA
Story:  A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England and centered on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby, who means to move up in the world.
Style:  suspenseful
Time:  1920s, 1910s
Place:  england
Cast
Cillian Murphy Cillian Murphy
Barry Keoghan Barry Keoghan
Rebecca Ferguson Rebecca Ferguson
Tim Roth Tim Roth
Genre: Crime, Drama
Country: United Kingdom
Duration: 112 min.
Audience: R
Story:  After his estranged son gets embroiled in a Nazi plot, self-exiled gangster Tommy Shelby must return to Birmingham to save his family — and his nation.
Place:  england
Cast
Nicholas Hoult Nicholas Hoult
Lily Collins Lily Collins
Colm Meaney Colm Meaney
Derek Jacobi Derek Jacobi
6.9 1.6K votes
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Country: United States of America
Duration: 112 min.
Audience: PG-13
Story:  England, early 20th century. The future writer and philologist John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) and three of his schoolmates create a strong bond between them as they share the same passion for literature and art, a true fellowship that strengthens as they grow up, but the outbreak of World War I threatens to shatter it.
Time:  world war i, 1900s

The Best Movies Filmed in Birmingham

Classic and Cult Classics

Birmingham has long been a hidden gem for filmmakers, lending its distinctive architecture and Southern allure to countless productions. Among the most iconic is “The Long, Hot Summer” (1958), starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, which beautifully captures the city’s 1950s atmosphere. Another standout is “The Great Debaters” (2007), directed by Denzel Washington, a powerful drama about the Wiley College debate team that put Birmingham’s intellectual legacy on the map. For fans of Southern gothic storytelling, “The Beguiled” (2017), directed by Sofia Coppola, features hauntingly beautiful scenes shot at the historic Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens.

Modern Masterpieces

In recent years, Birmingham has become a favored location for both indie and mainstream filmmakers. “Selma” (2014), directed by Ava DuVernay, is a must-watch, dramatizing the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches with gripping realism. The film not only highlights Birmingham’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement but also showcases real-life landmarks like the 16th Street Baptist Church. Another modern gem is The Underground Railroad” (2021), an Amazon Prime series based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winning novel. While primarily set in Georgia, key scenes were filmed in Birmingham, immersing viewers in the harrowing escape routes of the antebellum South.

Top TV Shows Set or Filmed in Birmingham

Drama and Docuseries

Television audiences have also fallen in love with Birmingham’s cinematic appeal. One of the most talked-about series is Lovecraft Country” (2020), an HBO drama that blends horror and fantasy against a backdrop of Jim Crow-era Birmingham. The show’s haunting visuals and deep ties to Alabama’s history make it a standout. Another compelling series is “The Girls Next Door” (2021), a documentary-style drama that explores the lives of women in Birmingham during the 1960s, offering a raw and intimate look at the city’s social landscape.

Comedy and Lighthearted Picks

For something lighter, “Hart of Dixie” (2011-2015), a CW dramedy, follows a New York doctor who relocates to the fictional town of Bluebell, Alabama—inspired by Birmingham’s charm and hospitality. While not filmed entirely in the city, its Southern aesthetic and themes resonate deeply with Birmingham locals. Additionally, “The Heart, She Holler” (2011-2014), a quirky comedy series, captures the eccentric spirit of the Alabama countryside, making it a fun watch for those who appreciate Birmingham’s offbeat charm.

Birmingham’s cinematic footprint continues to grow, offering viewers an immersive way to experience the city’s culture, history, and spirit. Whether you're streaming a gripping drama like “Selma” or enjoying the Southern charm of “Hart of Dixie”, these films and shows bring the Magic City to life in ways that are both entertaining and enlightening. Explore this list, grab some popcorn, and let Birmingham’s on-screen magic unfold.