4 Delaware Towns Where Famous Movies Were Filmed
Delaware is one of the smallest U.S. states, but its tax-friendly policies, clean beaches, and historic architecture have attracted filmmakers for decades. From prestigious boarding schools to charming coastal communities, the state offers diverse settings that have graced the silver screen. This article explores four Delaware towns that have served as backdrops for notable films and highlights attractions that visitors can enjoy while retracing cinematic history.
Middletown
The quiet town of Middletown gained international recognition when St. Andrew's School served as the primary filming location for Dead Poets Society (1989), the critically acclaimed drama starring Robin Williams. Director Peter Weir selected the Episcopal boarding school for its Gothic Revival architecture, which perfectly captured the film's 1959 New England prep school setting. The production team transformed St. Andrew's into the fictional Welton Academy, filming iconic scenes in the school's chapel, dormitories, and surrounding grounds where Williams's character, John Keating, inspired students to "seize the day."
Beyond its cinematic claim to fame, Middletown offers visitors several attractions worth exploring. The town is near Silver Lake Park, where guests can enjoy walking trails, fishing, and picnicking along the water's edge. For those seeking outdoor recreation, the nearby Lums Pond State Park provides Delaware's largest freshwater pond with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and camping. Shopping and dining options abound along Main Street, where locally owned boutiques and restaurants show the town's growing community spirit. Volunteer Brewing Company is a great spot, where one can sit and chat over some drinks.
New Castle
The town of New Castle has captivated filmmakers with its remarkably preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets that transport visitors back in time. The town served as a filming location for Beloved (1998), starring Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, and Thandiwe Newton. New Castle's waterfront and Battery Park have also appeared in several independent films seeking colonial American settings without the need for extensive set construction. The town's compact historic district, which remains largely unchanged since the 1700s, continues to attract location scouts searching for period-appropriate backdrops.
Visitors exploring New Castle can walk the same streets as film crews by starting at the New Castle Court House Museum, Delaware's first state capitol and a National Historic Landmark that offers free tours showcasing colonial and early American history. The historic Amstel House and Dutch House Museum provide glimpses into 18th-century domestic life with period furnishings and architecture. For a scenic experience, Battery Park offers stunning views of the Delaware River, where visitors can watch ships pass while enjoying picnic areas and waterfront benches.
Lewes
The coastal town of Lewes attracts filmmakers drawn to its beaches and seaside atmosphere. The town has appeared as a backdrop for Hallmark Channel productions and independent romantic comedies seeking small-town coastal settings. The town's lighthouse and beach areas attract television and film productions throughout the year. Several scenes for the romantic comedy film Failure to Launch (2006) starring Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker were filmed at nearby Cape Henlopen State Park.
Beyond its cinematic appearances, Lewes offers visitors abundant attractions that celebrate its rich maritime heritage and natural beauty. The Zwaanendael Museum presents Delaware's Dutch colonial history through exhibits housed in a building modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, Netherlands, with free admission, making it accessible to all visitors. Cape Henlopen State Park offers miles of beaches, hiking and biking trails, and historic World War II observation towers that provide views of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. For maritime enthusiasts, the Lewes Historical Society operates several museums and historic houses throughout town, while the Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers cruises across the Delaware Bay, providing opportunities to spot dolphins and enjoy spectacular sunset views over the water.
Wilmington
Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, has attracted film productions due to its urban landscape. The movie Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (2022), a biographical comedy-drama film based on actual events surrounding the story of Roger Sharpe, a real-life pinball wizard who helped overturn a ban on pinball, was filmed in town. The Delaware Pinball Collective was one of the filming locations, a must-see spot for anyone who enjoys a good pinball game.
Visitors to Wilmington can explore the renowned Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, which houses one of the world's finest collections of American decorative arts displayed in nearly 175 period room settings. The Delaware Art Museum offers an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and American illustration, including the largest collection of works by Howard Pyle. For outdoor enthusiasts, Brandywine Park offers miles of walking paths along Brandywine Creek, ideal for jogging, cycling, or leisurely strolls through nature. The Riverfront area, which once attracted film crews, now draws locals and tourists with its restaurants, minor league baseball stadium, and the interactive Delaware Children's Museum, making it an entertainment hub for visitors of all ages.
Lasting Memories
Delaware's diverse towns offer film enthusiasts and travelers alike the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood productions while discovering the First State's rich history. From the academic grandeur of St. Andrew's School in Middletown to the sun-soaked beach of Lewes, each location provides its own distinct character that has captivated visitors for generations. These four towns demonstrate that Delaware, despite its small size, possesses remarkable versatility as both a filming destination and a tourist haven. The state delivers American experiences that continue to inspire storytellers and create lasting memories.
