Lights, Camera, New Hampshire! You might not immediately think of the Granite State as a Hollywood hotspot, but New Hampshire has a surprising history of starring roles. Its charming towns and stunning landscapes have provided the perfect backdrop for some of your favorite films. Let's take a closer look at four New Hampshire towns that have stolen the show!
Keene: Where 'Jumanji' Unleashed the Jungle
Remember the wild ride that was Jumanji? Released in 1995, this unique film, with its thrilling storyline and the charismatic Robin Williams, captivated audiences. Downtown Keene, transformed into the fictional town of Brantford, became the heart of the adventure.
The film's location manager stumbled upon Central Square while searching for a coffee shop, and the rest, as they say, is history. The production crew masterfully aged the town, adding dead shrubbery, peeling paint, and graffiti, creating a sense of decline. Even a Civil War-era statue was incorporated into the set! Residents even participated as extras, portraying everything from panicked citizens to looters.
Today, you can still spot the Parrish Shoes mural near Central Square and visit the Colonial Theatre, which celebrated the film's 30th anniversary in June 2025.
Holderness: Finding Serenity on 'Golden Pond'
In 1981, On Golden Pond brought the legendary Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda to Squam Lake near Holderness. The film, which won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress, showcased the beauty of this serene lake. Director Mark Rydell chose Squam Lake for its loon population and wooded shoreline, perfectly capturing the essence of the fictional Golden Pond.
Squam Lake, the second-largest lake entirely within New Hampshire, was a key filming location. The house used as the cottage remains a private residence, but you can still catch a glimpse from the lake. Cruises offered by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center pass by several filming locations, offering insights into the lake's natural history.
Exeter: The Academy Behind 'A Separate Peace'
Author John Knowles drew inspiration from his time at Phillips Exeter Academy when writing A Separate Peace, a coming-of-age story set during World War II. The 1972 film adaptation brought the story to life, using the academy as its primary location, lending authenticity to the production, with many of the young actors being students or recent graduates.
The academy's campus remains open to visitors, virtually unchanged since filming. Beach scenes were filmed at Salisbury Beach in Massachusetts, and train station sequences were filmed at Rockingham Junction in nearby Newfields.
North Conway: Chilling Thrills in 'The Good Son'
Released in 1993, the psychological thriller The Good Son, starring Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood, utilized the rugged beauty of the White Mountains region. North Conway and the surrounding areas set the stage for the film's isolated tone. The harsh winter landscape added to the film's dark mood, and local landmarks were featured on screen.
A Nor'easter even disrupted production, adding to the film's atmosphere. Scenes were filmed at an overpass in Newington and Conway Lake.
But here's where it gets controversial... Did these films accurately portray New Hampshire, or did they use the state's beauty to create a specific mood?
And this is the part most people miss... These towns offer more than just movie history. They are also gateways to outdoor adventures, from hiking and skiing in the White Mountains to scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway.
So, what do you think? Did these films capture the essence of New Hampshire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
