Ohio has a rich cinematic history, with cameras rolling on iconic films like A Christmas Story, The Shawshank Redemption, and Rain Man. Adding to this legacy is the recently filmed Union County, starring Will Poulter, known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Noah Centineo, who’s generating buzz for his upcoming part in the Street Fighter reboot.

Shot largely in Bellefontaine, Union County is a heartfelt story inspired by real-life recovery journeys from the local community. This film is putting Bellefontaine on the map, making it a must-visit for movie buffs.

Movies Filmed in Ohio: The Heart of Union County

Union County isn’t just another Hollywood product.

This one’s personal.

Director Adam Meeks shot it in Logan and Union Counties from April 21 to May 16, 2025. Will Poulter plays Cody Parsons, a man on a recovery journey inspired by real Logan County recovery stories, as he confronts the shadows of his past while seeking a new beginning. Locals aren’t just extras—they’re essentially playing themselves, sharing their lives with a raw honesty that you’ll feel in your heart when you watch it on the big screen.

This is the kind of film that gets inside your soul, not just another thoughtless reboot that is the typical Hollywood fare these days..

Meeks, who grew up in Ohio, drew inspiration from local recovery programs and personal stories shared during community meetings held before production began. These gatherings allowed residents to contribute ideas, ensuring the script reflected the town’s spirit.

Hollywood Comes to Town

When word spread that Hollywood was coming to Bellefontaine, many people nearly spilled their coffee. Will Poulter, from The Maze Runner and Midsommar, is filming here? No way!

The town beat out other Buckeye cities that are often used as filming locations, including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

The crew took over downtown Brewfontaine, along with some quiet backroads. Back in 2024, Poulter and Centineo were spotted at Brewfontaine scouting locations, sipping craft beers and chatting with locals.

The production generated excitement in Bellefontaine. Restaurants like Six Hundred Downtown saw an uptick in customers as crew members grabbed meals between takes, while shops like The Nest 1896 sold souvenirs to visitors.

The rest of Bellefontaine’s businesses also saw increased activity during the shoot, as the production made use of various locations around town. For travelers, this Hollywood connection makes Bellefontaine a unique destination, where you can sip coffee in the same spots as movie stars.

Ohio’s Cinematic Legacy

Ohio’s been a Hollywood favorite for years, with cameras rolling across the state. A Christmas Story (1983), that holiday classic we’ve all seen at least 100,000 times, where Ralphie begs for a Red Ryder BB gun, was filmed in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood and downtown Cleveland (even though the story is set in a fictional town in Indiana).

Do you have a leg lamp as a holiday decoration sitting in the window of your house? So many people do! And we can all hear Santa Claus saying, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”

Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, with its historic architecture, served as the perfect backdrop for the film’s iconic scenes, making it synonymous with Ohio’s Christmas movie history.

The Shawshank Redemption, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, turned the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield into a cinematic landmark. (The Ohio State Reformatory is located in Richland County.)

Big names like Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, Harrison Ford in Air Force One, and Christopher Walken in The Deer Hunter have all acted out iconic roles within the Buckeye State, too.

Rain Man (1988) used Cincinnati locations like the Dixie Terminal Building and St. Anne Convent for key scenes with Cruise. Air Force One (1997) featured Ford in sequences shot at Cleveland’s Severance Hall, the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, and Mansfield’s Ohio State Reformatory.

The Deer Hunter (1978) included Walken in scenes shot at St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, known for its distinctive Russian architecture and copper onion domes, as well as Lemko Hall and Mingo Junction, with Ohio’s U.S. Steel Central Blast Furnace as a backdrop.

(It’s a must-see for any Walken or Robert De Niro fans.)

Lakewood, a Cleveland suburb, was a location for American Splendor (2003), a biographical film about Harvey Pekar, starring Paul Giamatti, showcasing both Cleveland and Lakewood. Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) was shot in Cleveland, depicting the history of the Black Panther Party, a revolutionary organization active in the 1960s and 1970s advocating for African American rights and social justice in Chicago and other cities. For the production, Cleveland was transformed to resemble 1960s Chicago.

And did you know that Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) also used Cleveland as a location? Other Ohio classics include Major League (1989), shot at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium, and Super 8 (2011), shot in Weirton, just across the Ohio River.

The Ohio Film Office attracts productions with tax incentives, contributing to hundreds of productions setting foot in Ohio since the 1970s.

Modern Blockbusters Shot in Ohio

And while Cleveland has been popular, Cincinnati has also played a starring role in recent years. The critically acclaimed film Carol (2015), featuring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, was shot in locations such as Eden Park and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The film’s lush visuals and period details were brought to life by Cincinnati’s timeless architecture and cityscape.

Other major productions have taken advantage of Ohio’s diverse scenery. Spider-Man 3 (2007) swung through Cleveland for some of its most memorable action sequences, while Unstoppable (2010) used various Ohio locations to capture the intensity of its runaway train drama. Even the scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail have made appearances, showcasing the state’s natural beauty.

In fact, Ohio has seen many of the silver screen’s most impactful stars and directors: Cate Blanchett, Barry Levinson, Robert De Niro, George Clooney, Anthony Russo, Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins, Rooney Mara, and more.

Action and Drama: Ohio’s Genre Highlights

When it comes to versatility, Ohio stands out as a prime destination for both adrenaline-fueled action and deeply moving drama. The state’s urban centers and scenic vistas have set the stage for everything from explosive superhero battles to intimate, character-driven stories.

Blockbusters like The Avengers have transformed downtown Cleveland into a playground for superhero action, with car chases, stunts, and special effects. (Yep, Captain America has been here twice!)

Directors such as George Clooney and Barry Levinson have chosen Ohio for its authentic atmosphere and rich storytelling potential, capturing everything from sweeping romance to gritty drama..

Why Visit Bellefontaine?

With Union County hitting theaters in 2026, Bellefontaine’s about to be the place to be for movie buffs. There’s talk of screenings at the Holland Theatre or even Ohio film festivals.

But even if you’re not here for the movie, this town’s got small-town charm that’s magnetic—historic sites, great food, and much, much more. Bellefontaine is becoming a bigger draw, whether you’re a film buff, a couple looking for a weekend trip, or a local from Logan or Union County.

Downtown Bellefontaine: Where It All Happens

Bellefontaine has America’s first concrete street—a little piece of history perfect for your Instagram reel. Even more, you’ll see a lineup of shops, cafes, and restaurants that are catching the attention of more and more daytrippers as time goes on. Pop into Brewfontaine for a craft beer (maybe where Poulter sat!) or grab a coffee at Sweet Aromas.

Some of these spots might show up in Union County How fun would it be to watch the movie and see locations tied to personal memories?

The Holland Theatre: Check It Out!

The Holland Theatre is a treasure. Built in 1931, it has this incredible Art Deco style and hosts concerts, plays, and community events.

Stepping inside feels like a trip back in time. (Once you get here, you’ll completely understand.)

The Holland’s history adds to its allure. Designed by Peter Hulsken, it was one of the first theaters in Ohio to feature “talkies” (sound films), making it a fitting venue for Union County’s premiere. The theater’s restoration in the 2000s preserved its original murals and chandeliers.

In 2026, there could be special events, like cast Q&As or film history talks, drawing film fans from across Ohio.

Ohio’s Film Industry: Behind the Scenes

What makes Ohio such a magnet for filmmakers? It’s not just the scenery—it’s the thriving film industry working behind the scenes.

Thanks to the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, productions can save big on expenses, making the Buckeye State an attractive choice for everything from indie projects to Hollywood blockbusters. This incentive has drawn major films like The Ides of March (2011), directed by George Clooney and filmed in Cincinnati.

We also mentioned Spider-Man, Captain America, and the Avengers!

Ohio’s film scene is also fueled by a passionate creative community and a calendar packed with film festivals. The Cleveland International Film Festival, for example, brings together filmmakers and fans from around the globe, celebrating independent films.

Ohio Film History

Ohio’s relationship with the silver screen stretches back over a century, making it one of the Midwest’s most storied film destinations.

The journey began way back in 1905 with The Night Before Christmas, a short film shot in Cleveland that marked the state’s first foray into movie-making.

As Hollywood’s influence grew, so did Ohio’s reputation, with the 1930s and 1940s seeing major studios like Warner Bros. and MGM setting up shop and producing films in the Buckeye State.

Over the decades, Ohio has continued to evolve as a film hub, welcoming productions of all sizes and genres. The establishment of the Ohio Film Office in 2007 marked a new era, providing resources and support to filmmakers, which helped attract a steady stream of projects.

Today, Ohio’s film industry is thriving, with production companies, studios, and creative professionals calling cities like Cleveland and Columbus the place to be.

Economic Impact: How Film Production Shapes Ohio

Film production isn’t just about lights, camera, action—it’s an engine for Ohio’s economy. So any Buckeye resident should be grateful when filmmakers come knocking. 

Let’s put it into dollars and cents.

Every year, movies filmed in Ohio generate millions in revenue, create jobs, and boost local businesses. According to the Ohio Film Office, the industry contributed over $100 million to the state’s economy in 2020 alone, supporting more than 1,000 jobs and energizing communities from Cleveland to Cincinnati.

$100 million!

Thank the Ohio film tax credit, introduced in 2009, which offers incentives that attract both indie filmmakers and major studios.

Shopping Local Treasures

For Bellefontaine, which may see future productions, the area’s shops are a haven for unique finds. The Nest 1896 has cool, unique gifts, from handcrafted candles to unique crafts, perfect for souvenirs. Meanwhile, The Olde Mint Antiques is a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts.

Why Bellefontaine Stands Out

Compared to big cities like Cleveland or Cincinnati, Bellefontaine’s quieter, more personal, and welcoming feel makes it a unique destination. While films like A Christmas Story and The Deer Hunter made landmarks like the Ohio State Reformatory famous, Union County puts Bellefontaine’s heart and soul on full display.

Getting Around Bellefontaine

Bellefontaine’s compact and super walkable layout, especially in the downtown area, makes exploring easy and enjoyable.

Just park near Main Street and easily wander to charming shops, the historic Holland Theatre, and local hotspots like Brewfontaine on foot. If you’re heading to scenic spots like Campbell Hill or hitting the slopes at Mad River Mountain, you’ll need a car, of course.

But it’s just a short and scenic drive away. The Logan County tourism website provides handy information to make planning easy.

(And what doesn’t like easy?)

Curious about tracking down Union County filming locations? Just ask a friendly local—they’ll happily point you to the exact spots where Will Poulter was filmed during his time filming in Ohio.

Where to Stay in Town

When it comes to lodging, Bellefontaine offers a variety of options to suit every traveler’s needs.

The Cobblestone Hotel & Suites provides a straightforward and comfortable stay with modern amenities, while the Loft Above is a charming B&B offers a cozy but luxury feel with personalized touches.

For those traveling with friends or family, Airbnbs are a fantastic choice, offering space and flexibility for groups. Staying near the downtown area puts you just steps away from Union County’s iconic filming spots, making it ideal for Ohio movie tourism enthusiasts.

Pairing Your Visit with Film Festivals

If you’re a passionate movie buff, consider pairing your Bellefontaine visit with a trip to one of Ohio’s renowned film festivals in 2026. Ever been to one? If not, they’re worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for something different than typical Hollywood fare.

Prestigious festivals in nearby Columbus or Cleveland might feature screenings of Union County, offering a chance to see the film surrounded by fellow cinephiles. These events are just a short drive from Bellefontaine, making it easy to combine them with your trip, giving you the full cinematic experience.

Why You’ll Fall for Bellefontaine

Bellefontaine’s got a unique energy that’s hard to resist. Just ask the growing number of daytrippers who arrive in town. Many visitors find themselves falling in love with the town’s charm and planning return visits.

(Who can blame them?)

That’s a Wrap!

Bellefontaine, Ohio, is stepping into the spotlight with Union County, a powerful film that’s sure to impact you on an emotional level. As one of the latest additions to movies filmed in Ohio, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with timeless classics like films A Christmas Story and The Deer Hunter.

Walk through the very streets where Will Poulter filmed, imbibe a craft beer at Brewfontaine, or catch a show at the historic Holland Theatre.

Many movies filmed in Ohio explore family relationships, including the roles of father, daughter, husband, and wife, and how these themes resonate with audiences. Of course, there’s also action, romance, superheroes, thoughtful dramas, boy-meets-girl comedies, and so much more. Stories include everything from college students to Christmas, from 1994’s The Shawshank Redemption to A Christmas Story (1983)

… or 2026’s Union County.

As the years go by, more and more stories will be told, right here in Buckeye State. Do you want to be a part of cinematic history?

 A trip to Bellefontaine is a great start.