The Outer Banks of North Carolina is known for our breathtaking beaches, wild history, and small-town coastal charm. However, did you know Hollywood has its eye on the OBX, too? From romantic Nicholas Sparks dramas to popular Netflix thrillers, the Outer Banks have inspired several iconic films and TV shows. Whether filmed on location or set against our windswept shores, these productions prove the OBX is ready for its close-up!
Movies Filmed on the Outer Banks
Nights in Rodanthe (2008)
Probably the most famous Outer Banks movie, Nights in Rodanthe, is based on the Nicholas Sparks novel and was actually filmed right here in Rodanthe. Starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, the romantic drama showcases sweeping shots of the shoreline and, of course, the now-famous “Inn at Rodanthe.” The blue house with the wraparound porch still exists today (it was even moved back from the ocean to protect it from erosion) and remains one of the most photographed spots on Hatteras Island. Even better? The Inn At Rodanthe is available to rent with Resort Realty! You can see more of this iconic house right here.
Brainstorm (1983)
A sci-fi thriller starring Christopher Walken and Natalie Wood, Brainstorm was partially filmed on the Outer Banks, including around Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. While it may not be as well-known as the Nicholas Sparks adaptations, it’s a hidden gem for OBX movie buffs.
Movies About the Outer Banks
Message in a Bottle (1999)
Another Nicholas Sparks romance, Message in a Bottle, tells a story set on the Outer Banks. While the movie wasn’t actually filmed here, it still helped cement the OBX as a dreamy, windswept backdrop for romance and reflection.
TV Shows About the Outer Banks
Outer Banks
Netflix, 2020–present
It’s the show everyone associates with the OBX. Netflix’s Outer Banks follows the Pogues and the Kooks in a treasure-hunting, high-drama adventure set on the OBX. The show is set in and based on the Outer Banks, but it is filmed in Charleston, South Carolina. You can learn more about the fact vs. fiction of Outer Banks here. Outer Banks has introduced millions of viewers worldwide to the idea of an OBX escape and inspired countless fans to plan trips here.
Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks
NatGeo, 2014–2024
Filmed entirely on the Outer Banks, this National Geographic reality show follows commercial tuna fishermen out of Oregon Inlet. It’s raw, exciting, and offers a true glimpse of OBX life on the water.
Matlock
1990
Outer Banks local Andy Griffith starred in the two-part Matlock episode The Hunting Party, which filmed almost entirely in Manteo and showcased the OBX at its best. The episode highlighted real local landmarks, including the Dare County Regional Airport, Elizabethan Gardens, the Lost Colony stage, and even the old courthouse in downtown Manteo. Beyond scenery, the production included dozens of locals as extras and crew, making it as much a community event as a TV episode. Many residents still remember it as Griffith’s personal “valentine” to Manteo. A time capsule of the OBX in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Other OBX Sightings
Countless documentaries and specials feature the Outer Banks, not just Hollywood and Netflix. From History Channel explorations of shipwrecks and Blackbeard’s pirate history to films about the Wright Brothers’ first flight, the OBX continues to be a favorite subject for storytellers and history lovers alike. And of course, the legendary outdoor drama The Lost Colony calls Manteo home. The play performs every summer and has since 1937. Various documentaries have filmed and shared the actual story worldwide.
Music Videos
Artists like Brad Paisley and North Carolina native Scotty McCreery have used the Outer Banks as backdrops of music videos, giving country music a little bit more of that unforgettable OBX summer feel.
Plan Your Own Outer Banks Movie Moment
Whether you’re chasing sunsets like the Pogues or walking the beaches of Rodanthe, the Outer Banks is more than just a backdrop; it’s the main character. Ready to make your own OBX story? Browse Resort Realty vacation rentals and start planning your Outer Banks getaway today.
