Sherrill announces film trail mapping iconic New Jersey movie spots

Sherrill announces film trail mapping iconic New Jersey movie spots

Ever watched a movie and thought something looked familiar? For New Jerseyans, this may be because the film was at least partially made in the Garden State.

Some of the most popular American movies — “Friday the 13th,” “Clerks” and many others — have been filmed in New Jersey.

To commemorate the state’s rich history in film, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation to create the New Jersey Film Trail, a map of popular filming locations throughout the state.

“Before Hollywood, there was New Jersey,” Sherrill said in a video announcing the project. “We invented the motion picture and more than a century later, our state is playing a starring role once again.”

According to Sherrill, more than 5,550 projects have been filmed in New Jersey since 2017. Production in the state is up 45% in 2026, despite a drop nationwide.

“Film is in our blood. It’s part of our history,” Sherrill said. “We’re gonna make sure it’s part of our future too.”

Which locations will be on the New Jersey Film Trail?

As of publication, the exact list of stops on the New Jersey Film Trail hasn't been released. But it has been clarified that private residences won't be included on the map.

The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism is working with the New Jersey Motion Picture Television Development Commission to create the list.

Sherrill’s legislation also states that the public will be able to nominate locations as well.

The following films are just some of the many that have been filmed throughout South Jersey:

Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and Daily Journal. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@usatodayco.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.