What do Tarzan, Armageddon, Goldfinger and Snow Dogs have in common? They were all filmed in the Sunshine State, of course!

With its beaches, big cities, swamps, space centers and great year-round weather, it's no surprise that Florida has been a popular backdrop for movies for the last century. Northern Florida started the trend in 1908, earning the nickname of "The Winter Film Capital of the World" during the silent film era, with more than 20 silent films made there.

It was Florida's swamps and underwater caves that first captured the attention of talking picture makers. The Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs areas were the setting for the six blockbuster Tarzan movies of the 1930s and '40s. Both springs were used in the 1950s in the infamous and creepy Creature from the Black Lagoon, as well as its two sequels, Revenge of the Creature and The Creature Walks Among Us.

When you think of unique Florida locations, the Space Coast is at the top of the list, and it's been in countless movies and TV shows. Apollo 13 was shot at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island and Titusville. The Kennedy Space Center was also featured in the Armageddon, Space Cowboys, Contact and the 007's space adventure, Moonraker.

Speaking of Bond, James Bond, can you think of any other Bond movies made in Florida? There were a lot, especially in the 1960s, including Never Say Never Again, Thunderball, License to Kill and Goldfinger. Goldfinger was filmed in the Miami Beach area and some of its most famous golden scenes were shot at the Fontainebleau Hotel.

Want to have a Florida movie adventure of your own? One great way you and your family can experience the Sunshine State blockbusters is by having a Florida-themed family movie night.

Here are some suggestions for Florida films that kids and parents can enjoy: The SpongeBob Square Pants Movie (filmed in St. Petersburg and on the HMS Bounty), Snow Dogs (filmed in Miami), Harriet the Spy (Miami, Fort Lauderdale) and the 1980s family/fantasy film, Flight of the Navigator (various Florida locations).

And don't forget to cook up an extra big batch of popcorn and serve it with our favorite fizzy Sunshine State drink, Florida's Natural® Brand Premium orange juice combined with a few splashes of seltzer water and lots of ice!

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