Lights, camera, action: Check out these movies shot in Newport, Rhode Island

With its lavish mansions, rich history and picturesque backdrops, Newport for decades has been a landing spot for filmmakers. Here is a list of movies that showcase the City-by-the-Sea and surrounding communities:

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

The sequel to the 1993 cult classic starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy set up shop in Newport’s Washington square, which was transformed into Salem, Massachusetts. Booths lined Eisenhower Park for the fictional Salem Scare Fest, and the Sanderson sisters’ house was built on Touro Street.

Excitement builds: 'Hocus Pocus 2' filming puts Newport back on the big screen

Cameras roll: A thriller starring Diane Kruger, Hank Azaria films in Newport, Jamestown

The Discovery (2017)

Jason Segel and Maura Rooney appear in this science fiction film that also marked the return of Robert Redford, who was in Newport for the filming of “The Great Gatsby” decades earlier. Look for scenes at Sachuest Beach in Middletown and Carey Mansion in Newport.

WATCH THE TRAILER: The Discovery

Irrational Man (2015)

The Woody Allen flick made the rounds, from Newport to Jamestown to Portsmouth. Fastnet Pub, Jane Pickens Theater, the Salve Regina University campus and Beavertail State Park are just some of the places you might recognize.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Irrational Man

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Leading man Bill Murray made his way about town during the filming of the Wes Anderson flick about two children in love who run off with the search party on their tails. The crew set up shop at the former John F. Kennedy Elementary School, and one of the best scenes takes place outside of Trinity Church in Newport, where a steeple falls into a small Volkswagon. Also, look for the pier at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Moonrise Kingdom

Dan in Real Life (2007)

As his star was rising with “The Office,” Steve Carrell made a romantic comedy alongside an ensemble cast. One scene was filmed inside the former Jimmy’s Saloon, Carrell’s character gets pulled over along the Surfer's End of Sachuest Beach and Jamestown is the site of the bookstore scene. Local girl Ella Miller, who graduated from Middletown High School, was cast as one of Carrell’s daughters in the film.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Dan in Real Life

Evening (2007)

Claire Danes, Meryl Streep and Glenn Close star in this drama based on Susan Minot's 1999 novel. Danes and Hugh Dancy spent an afternoon shooting at Brenton Point State Park in Newport. Most of the indoor scenes were filmed in private homes, and a number of locals appear as extras — walking dogs, riding on buses and playing fishermen.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Evening

Me, Myself and Irene (2000)

The comedy starring Jim Carey is set in Rhode Island and directed by Ocean State natives Bobby and Peter Farrelly. Narragansett Avenue in Jamestown and the Ocean Drive in Newport are among the locally shot scenes.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Me, Myself and Irene

Thirteen Days (2000)

The film chronicling the Cuban Missile Crisis stars Kevin Costner, though the actor never appeared in Newport for scenes. Instead, the USS Joseph P. Kennedy destroyer ship plays the starring role as it was filmed off Brenton Point State Park and on Narragansett Bay.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Thirteen Days

Amistad (1997)

Washington Square in Newport was transformed for this 1830s period piece with a heavyweight cast — Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins and Matthew McConaughey and directed by Steven Spielberg. The Old Colony House downtown served as the courtroom in the film, and other scenes were shot at Bellevue Avenue mansions.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Amistad

True Lies (1994)

A blockbuster starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis, this film about a secret agent leading a double life had plenty of action and explosives. Local scenes include Rosecliff mansion and Ocre Court off Bellevue Avenue in Newport.

WATCH THE TRAILER: True Lies

Wind (1992)

As the America’s Cup competition was heating up and found a home on cable television, a film about sailing emerged, and there was perhaps no better place to film it than Newport. Of course several scenes are shot out on the water, but the Elms mansion also makes an appearance.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Wind

Reversal of Fortune (1990)

Starring Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons, this film tells the story of Newport socialites Claus and Sunny von Bulow and the attempted murder case that captured international headlines. The City-by-the-Sea is featured right away with an aerial shot along the Cliff Walk, showcasing the many mansions.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Reversal of Fortune

Mr. North (1988)

Filmed largely in Newport — there is a scene at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol — the film stars Anthony Edwards, Lauren Becall and Angelica Huston. Sadly, writer and executive producer John Huston died while filming. You’ll be able to point out Chateau Sur Mer, The Elms and The Breakers mansions, the Mary Street YMCA (now the Vanderbilt Hotel) and the Old Colony House.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Mr. North

The Great Gatsby (1974)

Robert Redford plays Jay Gatsby in the adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel set in the 1920s. Rosecliff and Marble House mansions are featured prominently, especially during a dance party scene.

WATCH THE TRAILER: The Great Gatsby

Lolita (1962)

Based on the 1955 Vladimir Nabokov novel, the original “Lolita,” in which a middle-aged college professor becomes infatuated with a 14-year-old girl, was directed by Stanley Kubrick and filmed partially in Newport. It was also filmed in Westerly and the United Kingdom.

WATCH THE TRAILER: Lolita

High Society (1956)

Starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards. Scenes were filmed at Clarendon Court, there is an exterior shot of Astor’s Beechwood mansion as well as some aerial shots.

WATCH THE TRAILER: High Society

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Newport RI movies: Films that were made in Newport, Rhode Island