You don't have to fly to Hollywood to see famous filming locations. Just head to Wilmington.

Since the early 1980s, the Port City has doubled as everything from small-town America to superhero headquarters, earning the nickname "Wilmywood" along the way. Historic streets, waterfront views, beaches, and one of the country's largest film studios have attracted everyone from Marvel to Nicholas Sparks – and chances are you've unknowingly walked through a movie set or two.

Whether you're planning a movie marathon or want to recreate scenes around town, here's where to start.

Behind the scenes look at the filming of Iron Man 3 in Wilmington, North Carolina — Marvel fans may recognize this scene: crews took over northern downtown Wilmington in 2013 to film the jaw-dropping Air Force One rescue sequence in “Iron Man 3.” | Photo courtesy of the City of Wilmington, NC

“Iron Man 3” (2013) | Marvel fans, this one's for you. One of the biggest movies ever filmed in North Carolina follows Tony Stark as he faces the mysterious Mandarin after his world is turned upside down. Without all of his usual gadgets, Stark has to rely on his own ingenuity to survive – and Wilmington gets plenty of screentime along the way. Spot it here: Wilmington International Airport, the Cape Fear River, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, the State Port, Stevens Ace Hardware, and Cinespace (formerly Screen Gems) Studios. You can also recognize Cape Fear Club and several downtown streets throughout the film.

“We're the Millers” (2013) | No ragrets. (You know the scene.) Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter star in this chaotic comedy about a fake family on an even faker road trip. Wilmington quietly steals plenty of scenes while pretending to be Denver. Spot it here: Grab coffee at Port City Java, swing by Pender's Café, or drive through Brunswick Forest before exploring River Road and downtown.

“Empire Records” (1995) | Say it with us: Damn the man. Save the Empire. One of the ultimate '90s cult classics follows a chaotic day inside an independent record store as employees scramble to keep it from becoming a chain. Spot it here: Rebellion's exterior became the iconic Empire Records storefront, with additional scenes filmed along Front and Second streets. Bonus points if you blast a '90s playlist while you're downtown.

“Safe Haven” (2013) | Nobody does coastal romance quite like Nicholas Sparks. This romantic drama stars Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel as two people brought together while one is trying to escape a dangerous past. If the scenery looks dreamy, that's because much of it is real. Spot it here: Walk the Wilmington Riverwalk before making the short trip to Southport, Fort Fisher, and the Southport ferry terminal to see even more filming locations.

The Wilmington Riverwalk, Wilmington, North Carolina — One waterfront, countless movie moments. The Wilmington Riverwalk has appeared in films including “Safe Haven,” “Stuck in Love,” “Words on Bathroom Walls,” and “Scream (2022).” | Photo courtesy of Visit Wilmington, NC

“A Walk to Remember” (2002) | If this movie didn't emotionally destroy you in middle school... did you even grow up in the 2000s? Nicholas Sparks' tearjerker follows unlikely couple Landon and Jamie, and while the story is set in Beaufort, much of what you see on screen is actually Wilmington using locations and even sets from “Dawson's Creek.” Spot it here: Filming took place throughout Wilmington, with additional scenes in Southport, Atkinson, and Orton Plantation.

“Scream” (2022) | Ghostface made a stop in Wilmington – and somehow the city cleaned up pretty well afterward. The fifth installment of the iconic slasher franchise brings a new generation to Woodsboro while welcoming back familiar faces. It's packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans. Spot it here: The Wilmington Riverwalk, Wilmington Convention Center, Williston Middle School, Cardinal Lanes Shipyard, and International Longshoremen's all make appearances, plus extensive filming at Cinespace Studios.

At The Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington, North Carolina, you can take a photo with Michael Myers. — Horror fans, this one's for you. The Museum of the Bizarre makes a fitting stop on any “Halloween Kills” filming tour – and yes, you can even snap a photo with Michael Myers. | Photo courtesy of Museum of the Bizarre

“Halloween Kills” (2021) | For a few weeks, Wilmington transformed into Haddonfield. The slasher sequel picks up immediately after the events of the 2018 film as Michael Myers continues his terrifying rampage. Spot it here: Cape Fear Community College became Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, while Wallace Park, Veterans Park, The Rusty Nail, and Cinespace Studios all pop up throughout the film.

“Blue Velvet” (1986) | If you're a David Lynch fan, this one's essential viewing. The psychological thriller begins with the discovery of a severed ear and only gets stranger from there. It's widely considered one of the greatest – and weirdest – films ever made. Spot it here: The Carolina Apartments at Fifth and Market streets became one of the movie's most recognizable locations and remain a must-see for film buffs.

Cameron Art Museum gallery in Wilmington, North Carolina — This Cameron Art Museum gallery served as the backdrop for a romantic scene in “The Longest Ride.” | Photo courtesy of the Cameron Art Museum

“The Longest Ride” (2015) | Bull riding, art, romance – this Nicholas Sparks adaptation somehow makes all three work. The film follows two couples from different generations whose love stories unexpectedly intertwine. Spot it here: Wander through historic downtown to spot the Temple of Israel, Union Station, and St. Mary's Catholic School. The Cameron Art Museum also makes an appearance – and it's worth a visit whether you're chasing movie locations or not.

“The Conjuring” (2013) | Before it became one of the highest-grossing horror franchises ever, “The Conjuring” called Wilmington home. Based on the real-life cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film follows a family whose farmhouse is anything but peaceful. Just don't blame us if you end up sleeping with the lights on. Spot it here: First Baptist Church, St. James Episcopal Church, UNCW, Carolina Apartments, The Carolinian Inn, and Cinespace Studios all helped bring the scares to life. Maybe save this one for a daytime tour.

“Stuck in Love” (2012) | One of those movies you stumble across on streaming... and suddenly it's midnight. This underrated dramedy follows a family of writers navigating relationships, heartbreak, and growing up, with an all-star cast that includes Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, Lily Collins, and Logan Lerman. Spot it here: Wrightsville Beach, the Wilmington Riverwalk, Wilmington Ice House, Betsy's Crêpes, Old Books, and the Cotton Exchange all make appearances.

Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in Wilmington, North Carolina — The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge isn't just an icon on the Wilmington skyline – it's also had a Hollywood cameo in “Words on Bathroom Walls.” | Photo courtesy of the City of Wilmington, NC

“Words on Bathroom Walls” (2020) | This heartfelt coming-of-age drama follows a high school senior living with schizophrenia as he navigates school, family, and first love. Spot it here: Keep an eye out for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in the background – it's one of the movie's most recognizable Wilmington shots. Then visit Union Station, St. Mary's Catholic School, St. James Episcopal Church, Benny's Big Time, and the Wilmington Riverwalk.

“Tammy” (2014) | Melissa McCarthy road-trip chaos? Say less. After losing her job and discovering her husband's affair, Tammy hits the road with her outspoken grandmother for one wildly unpredictable adventure. Spot it here: Blue Post, The Carolinian Inn, The Grille, Smith Creek Bridge, Dawson Street, and neighborhoods around Wilmington all had their Hollywood moment.

“Monster Summer” (2024) | Looking for something a little lighter? This family adventure follows a group of friends who team up with a retired detective (played by Mel Gibson) to stop a mysterious force threatening their coastal town. Spot it here: Most of the movie was filmed just south of Wilmington in Southport, where you'll recognize the Southport Fishing Pier, Waterfront Park, Southport Market, and the historic Amuzu Theatre.

“Along for the Ride” (2022) | If you're a Sarah Dessen fan, this one's basically a Wilmington scavenger hunt. The Netflix adaptation follows Auden, an insomniac spending one last summer before college, as she unexpectedly finds friendship – and maybe something more. Spot it here: Window shop along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, grab a coffee at North End Café To-Go, play mini golf at Jungle Rapids, or head to beach access 322 in Kure Beach to channel your inner Colby local.

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997) | Before “Scream” took over, there was this '90s slasher classic. The thriller follows four friends whose deadly secret comes back to haunt them one year later – and its coastal setting is just as memorable as the hook-handed killer. Spot it here: You'll have to take a short drive to Southport, where the Amuzu Theatre, Fishy Fishy Café, and waterfront streets all appeared in the film.

Arlie Gardens is a major filming location in Wilmington, North Carolina. — If Airlie Gardens looks straight out of a movie, that's because it is. The iconic gardens have appeared in “The Choice,” “Black Knight,” “King Kong Lives,” “Sleepy Hollow,” and more. | Photo by Suzanne Langevin

Bonus stop | Even if you don't have a specific movie in mind, Airlie Gardens deserves a spot on your itinerary. The iconic gardens have appeared in everything from “The Choice” and “Black Knight” to “Sleepy Hollow” and “King Kong Lives” – making it one of Wilmington's most recognizable filming locations. You're almost guaranteed to get that "Wait...I've seen this before!" feeling while wandering beneath the oaks.