Best Movies Set in New England: A Cool Watchlist.

So, I’ve always been a big movie buff, and I’ve got a special place in my heart for movies that really capture the vibe of a place. New England, with its charming towns, craggy coastlines, and that whole historical vibe, has always been a favorite setting of mine. I figured, why not dive deep and put together a list of the best movies set in New England? Here’s how I went about it.

First off, I started by brainstorming. I listed out all the movies I could think of that were set in New England. You know, the classics, the ones everyone talks about. But I didn’t want to stop there. I wanted to dig deeper. So, I jumped online and started searching. I scoured movie databases, checked out forums where people were discussing their favorite films, and even looked at some “best of” lists to see if I was missing anything obvious.

• “The Departed” (2006)

This one’s a no-brainer. It’s set in Boston, and it’s got that gritty, intense feel that really captures the city’s underbelly. Plus, it’s just a fantastic movie overall, with a killer cast.

• “The Witch” (2015)

Okay, this one’s a bit different. It’s set way back in the 1630s, and it’s all about a family dealing with some seriously creepy stuff in the New England wilderness. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely got that eerie, atmospheric vibe that’s perfect for the setting.

After I had a pretty solid list, I started narrowing it down. I wanted to focus on movies that not only were set in New England but also really used the setting to their advantage. I looked for movies where the location was almost like another character, you know? Where the story wouldn’t be the same if it was set anywhere else.

I also wanted to have a good mix of genres. I didn’t want it to be all dramas or all horror movies. I wanted to show the range of stories that can be told in this part of the world. So, I made sure to include some comedies, some thrillers, and even a musical or two.

• “Spenser Confidential” (2020)

This is a fun one. It’s a more recent movie, and it’s got Mark Wahlberg as an ex-cop who’s trying to solve a conspiracy. It’s action-packed, and it really showcases the streets of Boston.

• “The Lords of Salem” (2012)

This one’s for the horror fans. It’s set in Salem, Massachusetts, and it’s all about witches and the supernatural. It’s got a really unique visual style, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

• “Queen of the Sea” (1918)

It may shock you, but there is a 1918 movie on the list! People were lining up in Acadia to watch the film at that time. It was a really big deal.

Finally, after a lot of watching, re-watching, and deliberating, I came up with my final list. It was tough to narrow it down, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It’s a good mix of well-known classics and some hidden gems, and I think it really captures the spirit of New England on film.

Of course, this is just my take on it. Everyone’s got their own favorites, and I’m sure there are plenty of great movies set in New England that I missed. But that’s part of the fun, right? It’s always a discovery. So, if you’ve got any recommendations, let me know! I’m always up for watching something new, especially if it’s set in one of my favorite parts of the world.