Memphis on Screen: How Film & TV Have Provided Free Advertising For The Bluff City

By Kyla Garrison

BBQ, blues, Elvis, and Beale Street: people around the globe are familiar with Memphis, Tennessee because of its exposure on film and TV.

Memphis has long been a city with its own star power. While cities like New York and Los Angeles dominate Hollywood, Memphis has carved out a unique identity in film and television, showcasing its rich culture and history. These productions do more than entertain—they act as free advertising, shaping how the world perceives Memphis and increasing tourism. 

Iconic Films That Put Memphis on the Map 

Hustle & Flow (2005) is arguably one of the most Memphis-esque films ever made. Highlighting the city’s hip-hop scene, the movie won an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” by Three 6 Mafia), introducing audiences to Memphis’ underground music culture and its influence on the hip-hop genre.

Elvis (2022), directed by Baz Luhrmann, brought the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll back into the global spotlight. Though much of the film was shot in Australia, Memphis played a pivotal role in the story. It showcased Elvis’s rise at Sun Studio and his connection to Beale Street, where he was influenced by Black artists like B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton, and Little Richard. The film reignited interest in Memphis’ musical history, drawing visitors to landmarks like Graceland and Sun Studio. 

Memphis on TV 

Television has also helped shape Memphis’ image. Memphis Beat (2010-2011) was a TNT crime drama centered on a detective with a love for music. Though not filmed in Memphis, it spotlighted the city’s blues legacy. More recently, Buried by the Bernards (2021) offered an inside look at a family-run funeral home, celebrating Memphis’ tight-knit community and unique sense of humor. And, of course, Memphis has been featured on channels like the Food Network and Travel Channel numerous times over the years, showcasing the city's BBQ, soul food, and good times to a nationwide audience.

Together, these films and TV shows immortalize Memphis’ cultural richness, further solidifying its place as a city deserving of the spotlight. 

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