7 Movies You Didn't Know Were Filmed in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small in size but we're no stranger to the big screen! We're anxiously awaiting the release of "Ella McCay" and hoping for a sighting of Jake Gyllenhaal or Leonardo DiCaprio, both filming movies here. And, with the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival just around the corner, it's no wonder we've got movies on the mind.
With all of this movie magic happening, we took a look back at Rhode Island on the big screen. From bustling cityscapes to classical mansions, pristine beaches to quaint small towns, the Ocean State has the perfect backdrop for any filming need. Here are a few of our favorites!
Dumb and Dumber
The first movie produced by Cumberland, RI natives Peter and Bobby Farrelly, "Dumb and Dumber" is the story of two dumb but well-meaning friends from Providence who travel to Aspen, CO to return what they thought was a lost briefcase filled with money. Lots of shots from the Providence skyline and downtown streets can be seen early in the film, plus an appearance by The Big Blue Bug from Big Blue Bug Solutions. The 58-foot-long termite can be seen from I-95.
There’s Something About Mary
Another Farrelly brothers production, "There’s Something About Mary" features Cameron Diaz as the love interest pitting four men against each other for her affections. The film makes a brief stop in the Ocean State for a scene outside of The Hot Club, a waterfront institution located on Bridge Street overlooking the city.
Meet Joe Black
"Meet Joe Black" features the dynamic duo of a young Brad Pitt and seasoned Anthony Hopkins. While primarily filmed in New York, scenes from billionaire media mogul William Parrish’s (played by Hopkins) mansion were shot at Warwick’s Aldrich Mansion.
Hocus Pocus 2
The long-awaited return of the Sanderson Sisters was filmed exclusively in Rhode Island. While some locations were transformed into Salem stand-ins, including Chase Farm, Benefit Street and LaSalle Academy, other scenes were filmed at a soundstage created inside the Cranston Armory.
Me, Myself & Irene
The Farrelly brothers return home once again for "Me, Myself & Irene." Jim Carrey stars as a Rhode Island state trooper with multiple personalities tasked with returning a fugitive back to upstate New York. You’ll see scenes from Narragansett Bay, Point Judith, Newport and Jamestown.
Underdog
Set in “Capital City” (aka Providence), this adaptation of the 1960s cartoon by the same name follows a crime-fighting beagle throughout the city. Many Providence landmarks are on display, including the State House, Cranston Street Armory, Turk’s Head Building and the Arcade, among others.
Good Burger 2
The sequel to "Good Burger" was filmed in Providence, Warwick and East Greenwich. Does the Good Burger restaurant look familiar? It used to be Friendly's on Mineral Spring Ave. in North Providence. Is there anything more Rhode Island than identifying a place by what it used to be?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What movies were filmed in Rhode Island?
Movies filmed in Rhode Island include "Dumb and Dumber," "There's Something About Mary," "Meet Joe Black," "Hocus Pocus 2," "Me, Myself & Irene," "Underdog," and "Good Burger 2."
- Was "Hocus Pocus 2" filmed in Rhode Island?
Yes. "Hocus Pocus 2" was filmed in Rhode Island, with locations like Chase Farm, Benefit Street, and LaSalle Academy standing in for Salem, plus a soundstage inside the Cranston Street Armory.
- Where was "Dumb and Dumber" filmed in Providence?
The film's opening scenes show the Providence skyline and downtown streets, along with the Big Blue Bug, the 58-foot termite visible from I-95.
- Where is the mansion from "Meet Joe Black"?
The Parrish family mansion scenes were filmed at the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick.
- Where was the Good Burger restaurant in "Good Burger 2"?
The Good Burger restaurant was a former Friendly's on Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence.
- Why are so many Farrelly brothers movies set in Rhode Island?
Filmmakers Peter and Bobby Farrelly grew up in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and have set or filmed several movies in their home state.
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