Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the sunny paradise where palm trees sway and the ocean beckons. Yes, we’re talking about Movies Filmed in the Florida Keys, a vibrant chain of islands that has captured the hearts of filmmakers for decades.
From thrillers set amidst turquoise waters to heartwarming tales of love on sandy shores, this tropical haven has served as a backdrop for numerous movies that have left audiences yearning for their own Key West adventure.
The Florida Keys have a long history of being the backdrop for movies. Whether you’re looking for a sassy comedy, a thriller, or a documentary, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
So grab your popcorn and join us on a cinematic journey through some of the most memorable films filmed in the Florida Keys. Just don’t forget your sunscreen – even Hollywood knows you can’t resist basking in these picturesque locations!
Here are a few of the most popular films to be filmed here, including The Florida Keys, Licence to Kill, Bad Monkey, and more.
1. License to Kill
License to Kill is the sixteenth James Bond film. It was directed by John Glen and starred Timothy Dalton as 007. The film was released in the United Kingdom on June 13, 1989.
Unlike the previous Bond films, Licence to Kill is not based on the Ian Fleming novels. Instead, it is an original superspy thriller featuring the first new Bond villain since Goldfinger.
The plot follows Bond’s pursuit of Franz Sanchez, a Colombian drug lord who escapes prison. In the film, Bond is forced to suspend his duties as MI6 agent.
In addition to the film’s plot, the film is also notable for its use of South Florida as a location. It was filmed in the Florida Keys, and a few scenes were shot in Miami. These included Bond’s arrival in Key West, the 7-mile bridge, and Mallory Square.
Originally called “Licence Revoked”, the film was later re-titled “Licence to Kill” for the home video market in the United States. This change caused confusion for some of the American test audience. They thought it meant driving licenses.
In addition, the film’s title changed due to a late title change. Originally it was to avoid a possible misunderstanding with the James Bond novel of the same name.
Despite the controversy over its darker tone, Licence to Kill has received positive reviews. It was nominated for the Critics Choice Television Award. Although the film was not financially successful, it earned more than four times its budget.
The film’s plot also contains elements from the Ian Fleming novel Live and Let Die. Felix Leiter, a DEA agent, and his lover Lupe Lamora are two of the characters in the film.
2. Scarface
The Florida Keys are a filming location for several popular Scarface movies. A remake of the original, the movie has become a pop culture classic. It tells the tale of a Cuban refugee who becomes wealthy through cocaine trafficking.
Scarface was released in December 1983. Al Pacino stars as Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who is suckered into a drug business. He becomes addicted and collapses into a violent crime spree.
There were a number of locations used for the film. Miami was used for some of the filming. One of these was the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.
Another filming location was the Carlyle Building in Miami. This building was a condominium building located across the street from the beach.
Another interesting Scarface movie location was the Babylon Club in Hollywood. Filming took place inside a soundstage. Lana Clarkson appeared as Manny’s dance partner.
There were also some key scenes filmed on a Miami-based island, Star Island. The island has a saltwater lagoon and a dock.
For the most part, the movie was shot in Los Angeles and Miami. But there was a brief period of filming in Miami in the late 1980s.
The Miami scenes were controversial. Cuban-Americans protested the film’s depiction of them. They wanted to see a film that depicted Cubans in a positive light. In response, the movie’s producer, Martin Bregman, moved the production to California.
Other notable Scarface movie locations include the “So say goodnight to the bad guy” restaurant in Montecito, Calif., and the Tri-American City Bank.
While Scarface has been criticized for its violence, it was considered a box-office success. Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Steven Bauer starred in the film.
3. Key Largo
KEY LARGO is a movie directed by John Huston and adapted from the Maxwell Anderson play. It was released in 1948 and became a hit. The film is set in the Florida Keys.
Humphrey Bogart plays Frank McCloud, a World War II veteran visiting his late war buddy’s family in the Keys. When he learns that mobsters are staying at the hotel, he becomes suspicious. However, the movie does more than just focus on the hero.
There are several subtexts in this film, including the treatment of Native Americans in post-war society. As a result, the movie is a thought-provoking piece of work.
Another interesting aspect of the movie is its relationship to Casablanca. Both films feature a man who’s reluctant to be the hero.
In this case, Bogie’s character is drawn to the quieter Bacall. Although he feels pity for her, he has a hard time letting go of her.
In addition to the romance between the pair, the film also deals with themes of racism. Rocco’s gang has killed two local Indians and a deputy sheriff.
However, a hurricane prevents Rocco from making a return trip to America. Rocco’s girlfriend, Dawn, is a gangster’s moll. She’s had to suffer for her sins, though.
Unlike most other crime/noir films, Key Largo has a little more sense of style. And the movie’s most prominent element is probably the performance of Lauren Bacall.
Aside from its performance, the film is well-made and features a lot of great acting. This is a very good noir film that is worth seeing.
Key Largo is a classic. With great acting and a story full of twists and turns, it is one of the best movies of all time.
4. Bad Monkey
Bad Monkey is an upcoming crime drama that is set in Florida. It is based on the novel of the same name by Carl Hiaasen. The series will be adapted by Bill Lawrence, a co-creator of the hit show “Ted Lasso.”
Vince Vaughn is going to star in the new Apple TV+ drama. He has an impressive supporting cast, which includes Meredith Hagner, Michelle Monaghan, and Jodie Turner-Smith.
Vaughn, who has a feature film credit, feels like a good fit for the role of a down-on-his-luck former investigator. He has experience dealing with a monkey and has proven himself in physical comedy roles.
The Florida Keys have hosted many film crews since 1948. Movies such as “Clargo” and “Key Largo” were shot in the region. Several countries have filmed in the area as well.
Bad Monkey will be filmed in the Homestead and Doral areas. It is expected to be a close adaptation of the novel.
The show will focus on Florida’s criminal underbelly. As a result, the production team spent four to five months shooting the first ten episodes.
A premiere date is not yet known. However, it is expected to be in the middle of next year. This should be exciting for fans of traditional crime shows.
In addition to Vince Vaughn, the cast of Bad Monkey will include Rob Delaney, Arturo Luis Soria, and Ana Villafane. Liza Katzer is also co-executive producing.
Bad Monkey will be a 10-episode drama. It will be produced by Warner Bros. Television and will be a co-production with Doozer Productions. There are no release dates for the show, but it will be available on Apple TV+ in the spring.
Movies Filmed in The Florida Keys (Documentaries)
The Florida Keys are a spectacular destination for filmmaking. Since the Golden Age of Hollywood, numerous films and TV shows have been shot here. They have included Beneath the 12-Mile Reef, PT 109, and Key Largo.
There have been several foreign and domestic travel shows filmed here, too. Filmmaker Tim Long, for example, traveled from Key Largo to Key West in search of people who represent the Florida Keys culture. He produced “Bohemia in the Tropics” and “Escape to Dreamland”.
One of the latest documentary films to be filmed here is “C’Mon, C’Mon” starring Joaquin Phoenix. This short film runs just under 20 minutes and will be shown for free at the College of the Florida Keys’ Upper Keys Center.
A new Netflix series, “Bloodline,” has filmed its first season here. It has been nominated for a Satellite award and will be promoted at the Cannes Film Festival.
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Another Netflix production, “Chasing Coral,” filmed in the Florida Keys, features underwater footage of coral bleaching. It was made by a team of underwater photographers and scientists.
An up-and-coming filmmaker, Sean Baker, will make his debut in the Florida Keys with his comedy-drama, “Red Rocket”. His movie centers on a washed-up porn star and his attempt to acquire a private island.
In addition, Florida Keys residents will play key roles in a prestige series that is set to film in the Keys in 2022. UNITED TRIBES follows a rich cast of Keys residents, including the Rayburn family, Andrew Yancy, and others.
These films provide great insight into the beauty, community spirit, and history of the Florida Keys. They will also have an enormous local impact. With the help of rare historic archives, the producers of the show will add a sense of ‘wow’ to their story.
The Florida Keys have provided a stunning backdrop for countless movies over the years, capturing the imagination of both filmmakers and audiences alike.
From action-packed adventures to heartwarming stories, these films have showcased the unique beauty and charm that this tropical paradise has to offer.
So next time you find yourself watching a movie set in the Florida Keys, keep an eye out for those familiar landmarks and remember the magic that happens when Hollywood meets this little slice of paradise.
And who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself starring in your own movie adventure in the Florida Keys. Lights, camera, action!
