Best Movies Either Set in or Filmed in Miami

With the beautiful scenery as a backdrop and a fun after-filming party scene for the stars and crew, it’s no wonder so many films are shot here in Miami. Here are 10 of our favorites:

1. 2 Fast 2 Furious

This sequel moves the fast and furious action from LA to the East Coast, as bad boy Brian O’Connor helps the FBI take down a dangerous Miami drug-dealer.

2. From Justin to Kelly

Certainly not the best thing to come from American Idol, but who doesn’t like singing and dancing their way through Spring Break in Miami?

3. Marley & Me

This movie follows the heart-warming story of a mischievous puppy named Marley. Though stubborn and disobedient, Marley captured the hearts of his owners and will capture yours too. Spoiler alert – this one will leave you in tears.

Many of Marley & Me's most memorable scenes were shot on the beaches of Miami

4. Meet the Fockers

In this comedy sequel to Meet the Parents, the Byrnes travel to Miami to meet their daughter’s in-laws, the laid-back and eccentric Fockers. Arguably not as good as the first, we like that this sequel splashes down in Miami.

5. Step Up Revolution

Lots of spicy and sensual dancing combined with heated romance mixed into a confusing story line about dancers using their art to preserve historic Miami. So yes, about as cheesy as cotija at Taquiza, but there are some pretty impressive dance scenes that take place on Miami Beach.

6. There’s Something About Mary

The stunning Cameron Diaz plays the heartthrob in this 1998 film about a guy who tries to track down his prom date years after graduation. Most of the film is shot in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, but our favorite backdrop is the historic, art deco Cardozo Hotel at 14th and Ocean Drive.

Cardozo Hotel

7. Up Close & Personal

A story about a news anchor who makes it big in Philadelphia, after starting her career in Miami. This story is actually a much toned down and diluted version of  the biography of real life news anchor Jessica Savitch, transformed into a more palatable format story by Disney’s creative minds.

8. Goldfinger

The third movie in the Bond dynasty, Goldfinger was shot on a relatively tight budget. The scenes which supposedly take place at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, were actually filmed in a studio. But it’s a Bond movie so we love it all the same.

The luxe Fontainebleau Miami built in the 1950s and glamorized in the 1968 Bond film is still one of the buzziest hotels on Miami Beach

9. Confessions of a Shopaholic

This rom-com about a girl who, yep, you guessed it, shops too much was mostly shot in Manhattan, but a few scenes including a cameo of Ocean Drive were shot right here in Miami.

The famed Ocean Drive is a focal point of Miami Beach for tourists and shopaholics alike

10. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Alllllllllllriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhty then. In this ridiculous comedy, Jim Carrey plays pet detective Ace Ventura, who has been hired to help find the missing Miami Dolphin’s mascot as well as some players who have been kidnapped. While by no means a gem of cinematography, Ace Ventura features some great shots of well-known Miami hot spots.