Louisiana is known for ghost tales, alligator-infested swamps, jazz, good food, and voodoo, but this eclectic mixture is also the perfect setting for storytelling. With over 500 major films produced in Louisiana, it’s no wonder why production companies are packing up and heading south. From the original Tarzan to a day in the life of a vampire, Louisiana has been home to timeless classics.  Thanks to Louisiana Travel, here are seven famous movies filmed in Louisiana:

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Originally a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this movie is a play-turned-film, is about a southern belle, Blanche DuBois, who travels to New Orleans to live with her younger sister and brother in law. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ve heard of the iconic “Stella” scene with Marlon Brando and Kim Hunter.

Want to try your hand at channeling your best Stanley? Head over to the Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest in March at the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival in March.

Tarzan of the Apes (1918)

This original Tarzan film was produced in Morgan City because it was the closest Hollywood could get to an African setting. This film is silent but is the predecessor to over 40 film remakes, all with the iconic Tarzan yell.

Want to see what’s so great about the Atchafalaya Basin, where Tarzan was filmed? Take a boat tour and experience the “African” environment for yourself!

Steel Magnolias (1989)

With stars like Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Sally Field, this dram-com quickly became a classic. Filmed in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the storyline follows a young beautician who finds work at a small beauty salon. She’s quickly welcomed into the family and forms close bonds with her new friends.

Enjoy a weekend stay at the actual Steel Magnolia House. This six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath is where most of the movie was filmed!

Interview With the Vampire (1994)

Starring Brad Pitt, this plot follows a vampire, Louis, as he navigates through a relatively unsatisfactory life, all while turning down temptation from another vampire Lestat (Tom Cruise). Louis and Lestat eventually take in a young girl vampire and raise her as their own. The film is initially presented as a present-day interview of Louis, who is barring all to a San Francisco reporter.

Easy Rider (1969)

Two hippies embark on a cross-country adventure on their motorbikes and come across some companions and adventures along the way.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

This film is about a boy who is born with a rare disorder, causing him to age backward. His mother dies during childbirth, and he is abandoned at the steps of a senior home. Queenie, a caregiver, takes Benjamin in and raises him as her own. Benjamin meets Daisy, the granddaughter of a resident, and they come of age together, although in decidedly different ways.

The Big Easy (1986)

Set in New Orleans, a police lieutenant investigates the murder of a mobster and develops a relationship with a young district attorney. Corruption and violence explode around them, both in work and in their environment, and they’re forced to navigate the rocky roads that follow.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here  and for more famous films located in Louisiana, visit here.