Movies and TV shows filmed in Richmond, VA

From teen soaps to horror to Oscar-winners, the River City has hosted a number of productions.

Front of a movie theater at night with pink lighting

Photo via Myke Simon, wikimedia commons

Film buffs + TV lovers — ever catch a glimpse of Richmond streets in the background of your Netflix binge? It’s quite possible that you did, since the city has welcomed many film crews making magic throughout the years.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite movies and TV shows starring iconic Richmond shots.

Hannibal (2001)

Any horror fans out there? This “Silence of the Lambs” sequel starring Anthony Hopkins featured many Richmond scenes, including a Park Avenue house where Julianne Moore’s character lived + a Capitol Square locale as the serial killer’s cell.

Lincoln (2012)

While the city of Petersburg was a main site for much of the filming of “Lincoln,” Richmond shots appear in much of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning movie. Virginia’s Executive Mansion is the exterior shot of Abe’s house, and the House of Delegates in the Virginia State Capitol is the House of Representatives chamber in the film.

Front shot of the Virginia Executive Mansion, from Lincoln movie

An exterior shot of Virginia’s Executive Mansion featured in Lincoln. | Photo by Taber Andrew Bain via Flickr

Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003)

Did you know? An episode of 90s high school drama “Dawson’s Creek” was filmed at the University of Richmond. In Season 3’s “First Encounters of the Close Time,” the characters make a college campus visit that features shots of UR’s Westhampton Lake, bell tower, and buildings.

Dopesick (2021)

This Hulu original mini-series got some buzz at the beginning of the year when it was spotted filming at the VMFA, with other local spots included in the episodes. “Dopesick” explores the opioid addiction crisis + features Michael Keaton, Rosario Dawson, and Peter Sarsgaard.

Raymond and Ray

We’re pretty psyched to check out Richmond in the background of this Apple original movie that started filming this fall. “Raymond and Ray” stars Ewan McGregor + Ethan Hawke and explores the story of two half-brothers and their relationship to their father.

Screen Shot 2021-11-12 at 2.11.35 PM-min

In the Dawson’s Creek episode, a crew team can be seen on UR’s Westhampton Lake. | Photo by suzymcg via Flickr

Ever wondered exactly what draws filmmakers to the city of Richmond for their shots? Check out this list of available Richmond shooting locations from The Virginia Film Office.

Have you had any encounters with movie stars working in the River City? Reader Megan M. told us that Peter Sarsgaard stopped by RVA on Wheels while filming “Dopesick.”

Spill your star-studded sightings here.