4 New Hampshire Communities That Starred in Iconic Films
You might not initially think of New Hampshire as a prime filming destination in the United States, yet this picturesque state has been the setting for numerous well-known movies over the years. With its rich colonial architecture and charming small towns, New Hampshire provides filmmakers with authentic backdrops that feel steeped in history.
From adventurous tales based on beloved board games that disrupt the tranquility of small town life to lakefront dramas featuring some of the most revered actors in American cinema, New Hampshire has hosted classic films that continue to engage audiences long after their initial release.
Keene: Jumanji
When Jumanji hit theaters in 1995, it captivated viewers with its unique characters, engaging storyline, and the comedic genius of Robin Williams. The bustling downtown area of Keene was transformed into the fictional Brantford, where the protagonists confronted the wild creatures unleashed from a magical board game.
Interestingly, Keene was chosen almost by accident when the film’s location manager stumbled upon Central Square while out for coffee. To achieve the look of a town that had seen better days, production crews altered the square significantly, adding details like dead shrubs, peeling paint on the gazebo, graffiti-covered walls, and even positioning a large Civil War-era statue over a fountain.
Local residents participated as extras in various scenes, portraying characters such as homeless individuals, looters, and frightened citizens attempting to flee from stampeding animals. Filming also took place at Mount Caesar Cemetery in nearby Swanzey, where Williams’ character pays respects at his parents’ graves. Today, you can still spot the Parrish Shoes mural on a brick wall close to Central Square, a lasting remnant of the film. Plus, the Colonial Theatre on Main Street celebrated Jumanji by screening it during the city’s 30th anniversary festivities in June 2025.
Holderness: On Golden Pond
The 1981 film On Golden Pond, featuring cinematic legends Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda, was filmed at Squam Lake near Holderness. This production not only won three Academy Awards but also showcased the serene beauty of New Hampshire’s landscape. Director Mark Rydell selected this tranquil lake for its abundant loon population and lush wooded shores, believing it perfectly represented the fictional Golden Pond where an elderly couple spends what could be their final summer together.
Squam Lake, the second-largest lake entirely within New Hampshire, was prominently featured throughout the film. Scenes depicting the couple fishing and observing loons were shot both on the water and along the banks. While the house that served as the couple's cottage remains private property and is not open to the public, it can be glimpsed from the lake if you know where to look.
For those interested in exploring the area, cruises offered by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center pass by several filming locations while providing insights into the lake's natural environment and ecological significance, highlighting attractions like Church Island and nesting sites for loons.
Exeter: A Separate Peace
Although John Knowles was not a full-time resident of Exeter, his experiences at Phillips Exeter Academy heavily influenced his acclaimed novel, A Separate Peace, a coming-of-age story set in a New England boarding school during World War II. His deep familiarity with the academy shaped the narrative’s setting and tone.
In 1972, the film adaptation utilized the actual school as its primary filming location, lending an authenticity to the project that extended to its casting, as many of the young actors were students or recent graduates of Phillips Exeter rather than seasoned professionals.
Today, the academy’s campus remains accessible to visitors and has changed little since the movie was made. While beach scenes were filmed at Salisbury Beach in Massachusetts, train station sequences took place at Rockingham Junction in nearby Newfields.
North Conway: The Good Son
Released in 1993, the psychological thriller The Good Son was shot in the breathtaking White Mountains region of New Hampshire, featuring young stars Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood. The towns of North Conway and Conway, along with the surrounding areas, were selected to enhance the film’s remote and unsettling atmosphere. The production made good use of the area's harsh winter landscapes and rugged terrain to evoke a sense of isolation and tension.
Weather challenges, including a Nor'easter that led to several cancellations, only added to the film’s darker undertones. Notable local landmarks made appearances in the film as well. For instance, a scene involving a dummy being thrown from a bridge onto a highway was shot at an overpass in Newington, near Greenland, and Conway Lake served as another filming site, while Mirror Lake in Jackson was used for several outdoor sequences.
Outside of its cinematic legacy, North Conway remains a popular destination for hiking and skiing in the majestic White Mountains. Situated on the scenic Kancamagus Highway, known for its stunning views, the town offers attractions such as Echo Lake State Park for swimming and hiking, with picturesque vistas of Cathedral Ledge, while Story Land captivates families during the summer and fall months. Additionally, the Conway Scenic Railroad operates heritage excursions through the scenic Crawford Notch.
New Hampshire’s Role in Film History
The film industry has continually tapped into New Hampshire’s diverse New England settings. From the transformed streets of Keene standing in for a small town besieged by jungle beasts to the tranquil portrayal of Squam Lake as the mythical Golden Pond, these locations have cemented their places in the state’s cinematic history. Visitors seeking out these movie sites will discover that each town still retains echoes of the scenes that unfolded on their screens.
