Travel Inspiration: Cure Wanderlust with These Miami Movies & TV Shows

Got a serious case of wanderlust? If you’re feeling that travel inspiration but can’t get out of town, take a virtual vacation! Visit Miami and South Florida with these movies and tv shows set in Miami.

Ready for takeoff? Here are a few essential Miami tv shows and movies to add your travel itinerary.

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Movies Set in Miami:

There is an incredible amount of films set in Miami. From comedies to cult classics, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of the more popular movies; many of which you can watch on Netflix or with Prime Video 30-day free trial.

2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): Rent a Dodge Challenger and tear through the Miami streets. The movie followed the guys around South Florida, including the stunning Seven Mile Bridge. Watch the trailer here.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994): Your first priority is to snap pics of the beautiful Vizcaya Museum & Gardens where Jim Carrey balanced beside the water. Next up, explore the Ace Ventura Pet Detective filming locations. It’ll give you plenty of ideas for your trip to Miami. Watch the trailer here.

Any Given Sunday (1999): The Hard Rock Stadium is the home to the fictitious struggling Miami Sharks football team and the internal dynamics. It’s a movie that’ll leave you feeling inspired to catch a live Miami Dolphins football game if you’re lucky enough to be in Miami during the NFL season. Watch the trailer here.

Bad Boys (1995), Bad Boys II (2003), Bad Boys for Life (2020): This Will Smith and Martin Lawrence movies are famous for their flashy Miami backdrop. The boys were recently back in town filming and creating quite a stir.

The Birdcage (1996): Love Robin Williams? Plan your tour around the Miami Beach Art Deco District and check out some of the iconic architecture featured in The Birdcage!

Watch the trailer here or stream with Prime Video 30-day free trial

Cocaine Cowboys (2006): Life was different– and completely wild!– in Miami in the 1980s. While Florida looks pretty different these days, this is one of those unmissable Miami movies that is an essential look back.

Dostana (2008): Did you know that Dostana (featuring Priyanka Chopra) was the very first Bollywood film to be shot almost entirely in Miami? If you’ve never watched a Bollywood movie, this is a perfect intro and great opportunity to check out these beautiful Miami outdoor locations.

Watch the trailer here.

Moonlight (2016): This incredible movie won the Academy Awards for Best Picture, and it’s easy to see why. Watch this film then add Historic Virginia Key Beach Park to your list of places to visit in Miami. Watch the trailer here.

Out of Sight (1998): Curl up on the couch for this retro Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney crime drama! You’ll get sucked into the drama as you explore the Miami and Detroit shooting locations.

Pain & Gain (2013): Like Bad Boys, you’ll spot filming locations throughout Miami, especially around the Biscayne Boulevard area. Watch the trailer here.

Scarface (1983): Who doesn’t love this Oliver Stone classic? While this Al Pacino movie was largely filmed in Los Angeles, fans will definitely want to plan a self-guided walking tour around the actual Little Havana neighborhood mentioned in the film. Watch the trailer here.

There’s Something About Mary (1998): This is definitely one of those hilarious Miami Movies we’ll never forget. Tour the Miami filming locations of this Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz hit movie. Watch the trailer here.

True Lies (1994): Remember back when Arnold Schwarzenegger was an actor? Relive the good old days of his action movie career as you check out the dramatic helicopter scene in the Florida Keys. Watch the trailer here.

Wild Things (1998): Want to see how the other half lives? Wild Things dishes all the sordid details! While this movie is more than 20 years old now, many of the Miami filming locations still look the same. Watch the trailer here.

TV Shows Set in Miami:

There are countless tv shows set in Miami that were practically made for binge-watching. Slip into your pajamas, grab the popcorn, and get ready for a long night on the couch.

Burn Notice (2007 – 2013): Whether or not you travel to Miami, Burn Notice is a must-watch! This Miami-based thriller is a fan fave amongst adventure lovers. If you do explore the Coconut Grove area, you’ll immediately recognize some of the filming locations. Watch with Prime Video free trial

Dexter (2006 – 2013): You can feel the Miami vibe on every episode of Dexter! Obsessed fans have tracked the filming locations all over Miami.

Ballers (2015 – 2019): Check out this comedy-drama about a former NFL player in Miami turn financial manager. The show recently wrapped, but there was always a clamor in town when The Rock was seen filming this unmissable tv show.

CSI: Miami (2002 – 2012): Okay, this is a little bit of a cheat! Believe it or not, the majority of CSI: Miami was not filmed in Florida at all. While it’s based in Miami, CSI shows are mainly filmed in Pasadena and Long Beach, California.

The Golden Girls (1985 – 1992): It’s time for some old school fun! Who wouldn’t fall in love with the pretty pastel retro Miami vibe of The Golden Girls? Always great laughs!

Jane the Virgin (2014 – 2019): Everybody’s favorite guilty pleasure, this telenovela-inspired show will transport you to Miami in every episode. The vibrant colors of this fun-loving tv show ooze Miami cool. Best of all, Jane the Virgin has just come to an end, so it’s perfect for binge-watching.

Before you pack up to stay at the Marbella Hotel though, you might want to buy a second plane ticket. After Miami, head over to the Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles to see this filming location.

Miami Vice (1984 – 1990): Flashback to the 80s in Miami! Before you take a trip to Miami, travel back in time to see this classic tv show. But come prepared for a few surprises.

Nip/Tuck (2003 – 2006): Our favorite crazy medical drama has that one of a kind Miami flair. While you won’t see many of Miami’s top spots, you will definitely get a feel for the area.

Rosewood (2015 – 2017): This detective drama will bring you to the dark side of Miami. With just a couple of seasons out there, it’s the perfect show to binge-watch on Netflix.

Are you feeling that travel inspiration yet? If you were already ready to pack up and travel to Miami, you most definitely will be once you’ve laughed and cried your way through this list.