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All right, it’s the holiday weekend, it’s bitterly cold and you’re probably stuck inside with your family, looking for something to watch to keep you occupied.
Here are 10 movies to watch — not just any movies, but those with a connection to Charm City.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
We obviously had to start off with a holiday movie, especially one that centers on spending time with your family ... in Baltimore.
You get fired from work, you’re having financial trouble and your daughter is spending Thanksgiving with her boyfriend — so what do you do? You go home to your very dysfunctional family in Baltimore. Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr. star in this comedy/drama.
Parts of this movie were shot throughout Baltimore, including the Baltimore Museum of Art and BWI Airport.
Hairspray (1988)
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, hon. It’s a John Waters classic. Need we say more?
The movie is based in 1962 Baltimore.
12 O’Clock Boys (2013)
This documentary explores dirt bike culture in Baltimore City, told through the eyes of Pug, a young West Baltimore boy who finds solace in a group of riders known as the 12 O’Clock Boys. This documentary would later inspire the 2020 film “Charm City Kings.”
Enemy of the State (1998)
This political action thriller, based in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., involves corruption, rogue National Security Agency agents and assassinations. Will Smith and Gene Hackman lead an ensemble supporting cast.
Dark City Beneath the Beat (2020)
Vibrant. Authentic. Infectious. Just some of the words used to describe this musical documentary surrounding the narrative of Baltimore, the arts and the homegrown sound of Baltimore club music.
You can’t sit still while watching this.
The film is still available for viewing on Netflix.
He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
Misreading the room happens a lot in this romcom set in Baltimore. The movie follows nine people and their varying relationship problems. It brings together Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, and Scarlett Johansson.
The movie was shot in Brewers Hill.
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
Not in the mood for musicals and romantic dramas? Okay, let’s try another action-packed thriller. In the fourth installment of the “Die Hard” franchise, hero cop John McClane’s simple assignment turns into insane car chases, blowing up helicopters with flying cars and, of course, saving the day once again.
McClane’s adventures bring him to Baltimore, Baltimore County and Washington, D.C.
This movie is not only set and filmed in parts of Baltimore City, it also mentions the Social Security building in Woodlawn (though it wasn’t filmed there.)
Step Up (2006)
If you love the 2000s, dance, the arts, Channing Tatum, Baltimore, a dope soundtrack and Channing Tatum (we mentioned him right?), then then “Step Up” is for you.
The movie was shot entirely in Baltimore, including at Booker T. Washington Middle School. And it features some notable Baltimoreans — like Mario.
The Replacements (2000)
Sports! If the Baltimore Ravens aren’t enough for you, then maybe take a trip down memory lane and relive the glory days of the Washington Sentinels. See what happens when NFL players go on strike and owners have to call in, well ... replacement players. Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman star. (Hackman likes Baltimore?)
The movie was shot in Baltimore, including at our very own M&T Bank Stadium.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
It’s Tom Hanks. It’s Meg Ryan. It’s a love story.
The movie follows a recently widowed man (Hanks) whose son calls a radio talk show in an attempt to find his father a partner. A Baltimore journalist (Ryan) hears it and well, boom — a love story begins!
The film was shot in Baltimore, including in Fells Point and Mount Vernon.
Honorable mentions
Still not satisfied? Here are a few more suggestions
Funny Girl (1968)
“Hello, gorgeous!” In this Broadway-turned-movie classic that tells the life of famed comedienne and entertainer Fanny Brice, Brice marches her parade down to Baltimore for a dinner. At least it’s mentioned in the film.
While it wasn’t shot in Baltimore, a mention is still cool, right?
The Meteor Man (1993)
Did you know the Delaware-Maryland-Viriginia region had a superhero in the ’90s? In this underrated classic, Robert Townsend stars as an unassuming Washington, D.C., teacher turned superhero when he is struck down by a glowing green meteorite. With his newfound abilities, he takes on a growing gang, The Golden Warlords. The movie features appearances from Luther Vandross (yes, the Luther Vandross), Big Daddy Kane, Naughty by Nature and more. It doesn’t get more ’90s than this.
Head of State (2003)
Before Barack Obama there was Mays Gilliam — at least in the movie world.
In “Head of State,” when a presidential candidate dies unexpectedly in the middle of his campaign, Washington, D.C., alderman Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock) is unexpectedly picked as his replacement.
The comedy was filmed throughout parts of Maryland, including Baltimore and Annapolis.
The film features a cameo from Morgan State University’s band, a.k.a. the Magnificent Marching Machine, and a cameo from longtime Baltimore news anchor Stan Stovall (who just recently retired).
tramon.lucas@thebaltimorebanner.com
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Tramon Lucas is the Digital Editor at The Baltimore Banner. Tramon has worked in the digital news space for several years, with experiences in creating content and developing strategies for multiple platforms and audiences. He's a proud Baltimorean and proud alumnus of Morgan State University.
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