Discover some of the best books, TV shows, and movies set in Virginia for your next binge-watching (or reading) session!
With its rich history and diverse landscapes, Virginia has served as the backdrop for numerous books, TV shows, and films. From historical dramas to heartwarming stories, the Commonwealth has inspired creators to set their works here.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best books, TV shows, and movies set in Virginia.
Books set in Virginia
“Wish You Were Here”
Set in the picturesque small town of Crozet, Virginia, “Wish You Were Here” blends mystery with the charm of small-town life. According to Penguin Random House, the story follows Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, a postmistress with a penchant for uncovering secrets—sometimes by reading postcards not meant for her. When Crozet’s residents start turning up dead after receiving cryptic postcards with the message “Wish you were here,” Harry becomes entangled in solving the mystery. With her pets, Mrs. Murphy (a tiger cat) and Tucker (a Welsh Corgi), quietly sniffing out clues, Harry’s investigation becomes a race against time to catch the killer before she becomes the next victim.
“Misty of Chincoteague”
Marguerite Henry’s beloved classic “Misty of Chincoteague” brings the wild beauty of Chincoteague Island to life through the story of Phantom, a mysterious mare, and her gentle colt, Misty. According to Simon & Schuster, the tale unfolds on the island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland, where a centuries-old band of wild ponies roams. Phantom, known for her elusive nature, captures the hearts of a young boy and girl who are determined to make her part of their lives. During the annual “Pony Penning Day” roundup, Phantom’s fate takes an unexpected turn, leaving her colt Misty to bridge the wild and the domestic.
Henry, an award-winning author whose works include “King of the Wind and Stormy,” “Misty’s Foal,” earned widespread acclaim for her storytelling, which continues to captivate readers of all ages.
“Big Stone Gap”
Set in the quaint village of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Adriana Trigiani’s “Big Stone Gap” novel captures the essence of small-town life in America. According to Simon & Schuster, the story centers on Ave Maria Mulligan, a 35-year-old pharmacist who considers herself a spinster in a town where most settle down young. Ave Maria’s quiet life is upended when she uncovers a family scandal that forces her to confront her past and rethink her future. As she juggles two unexpected marriage proposals and navigates a heated family feud, the prospect of staying in Big Stone Gap forever becomes overwhelming.
Trigiani, who grew up in Big Stone Gap, weaves her personal connection to the town into this heartfelt tale, making it a quintessential portrayal of small-town America.
“The Confessions of Nat Turner”
Published in 1967, William Styron’s “The Confessions of Nat Turner” reimagines the story of Nat Turner, a slave preacher who led Virginia’s only successful slave revolt in August 1831. According to the Encyclopedia Virginia, the rebellion in Southampton County left fifty-five white residents dead within twelve hours. Styron based his novel on historical accounts, including an 1831 pamphlet titled “The Confessions of Nat Turner, as fully and voluntarily made to Thomas R. Gray.” The novel translated Turner’s story into a popular medium, earning Styron the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1968.
Despite its critical acclaim, the novel was controversial, particularly among civil rights activists during the Black Power movement. Critics argued that Styron’s depiction of Turner, especially his romantic and violent feelings toward white women, perpetuated harmful stereotypes. The novel ignited debates about race, representation, and the complexities of interpreting historical events through fiction.
TV shows set in Virginia
“Criminal Minds”
Set in Quantico, Virginia, “Criminal Minds” follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (B.A.U.) as they assist local police departments in solving serial and violent crimes. According to IMDb, the team uses the controversial practice of profiling, analyzing evidence, psychological insights, and victimology to track down unknown subjects, or “unsubs.” While the show’s format often has the B.A.U. traveling across the country to investigate cases, Screen Rant notes that their headquarters—and much of the narrative’s heart—is rooted in Quantico.
Interestingly, despite its Virginia setting, most of “Criminal Minds” was filmed in California, with only select details giving a nod to its official location.
“Quantico”
Set at the FBI training base in Quantico, Virginia, “Quantico” offers a gripping look into the lives of young FBI recruits. According to IMDb, the story takes a dramatic turn when one of the recruits is suspected of being a sleeper terrorist. Rotten Tomatoes highlights the show’s exploration of the recruits’ diverse backgrounds and hidden motivations, revealing that even the most thoroughly vetted candidates harbor secrets.
The series follows the high-stakes journey of one recruit as she battles to clear her name after being accused of masterminding the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11, blending personal drama with intense political intrigue.
“Mindhunter”
Set primarily at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, “Mindhunter” explores the groundbreaking work of two FBI agents as they develop the field of criminal profiling. According to IMDb, Holden Ford and Bill Tench challenge traditional methods of crime-solving by incorporating psychology, anthropology, and sociology into their investigations, arguing that understanding the “why” of a crime can lead to uncovering the “who.”
While Quantico serves as the central hub, “Mindhunter” incorporates other Virginia locations into its narrative, including Richmond in Episode 4. Vulture describes a scene where Holden and Bill find themselves in a Richmond bar after a car crash interrupts their commute back to Quantico, highlighting the interplay between their work and personal lives.
“The Vampire Diaries”
Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, “The Vampire Diaries” is a supernatural drama based on the book series of the same name. According to Explore Georgia, the series follows Elena Gilbert, a recently orphaned teenager, as she navigates her small-town life while falling in love with Stefan Salvatore and later encountering his brother, Damon—both vampires. IMDb describes the dynamic between the brothers as fraught with centuries of tension, with Stefan portrayed as the selfless and guilt-ridden sibling and Damon as his dangerous, vengeful counterpart.
Though the story is rooted in Virginia, much of the series was filmed in Covington, Georgia, which doubled as Mystic Falls. This picturesque location brought the fictional small-town setting to life, adding to the show’s charm and mystery.
Movies set in Virginia
“Remember the Titans”
Set in 1971 in Alexandria, “Remember the Titans” chronicles the challenges of integrating T.C. Williams High School and its football team amid racial tensions. The film follows African American coach Herman Boone, played by Denzel Washington, as he is appointed head coach over the team’s longtime white coach, Bill Yoast (Will Patton), according to IMDb. Despite initial resistance from both players and the community, Boone and Yoast work together to unify the team.
Filmed largely in Georgia but rooted in its Virginia setting, the movie portrays the team’s journey to an undefeated season and a state championship, serving as a symbol of progress during a turbulent time. Blending sports and social commentary, the film has remained a staple in discussions about race and reconciliation in America. The real-life events behind the story continue to resonate decades after the Titans’ historic season, highlighting the enduring power of teamwork and leadership.
“The Howards of Virginia”
Set in colonial Virginia between the 1750s and 1781, “The Howards of Virginia” follows Matt Howard, a backwoods farmer turned revolutionary, and his aristocratic wife, Jane Peyton, as they navigate class divides and political conflict during the American Revolution, according to IMBb. Matt’s patriotism clashes with Jane’s loyalist brother, Fleetwood, creating personal and ideological tensions within the family.
Starring Cary Grant and Martha Scott, the film explores themes of loyalty, class, and political upheaval. Despite its rich historical setting and strong cast, the film struggled at the box office and was criticized for inconsistent storytelling and underdeveloped conflicts.
“Evan Almighty”
In “Evan Almighty,” Steve Carell stars as Evan Baxter, a newly elected congressman who moves his family to northern Virginia with plans to “change the world.” But Evan’s life takes a divine turn when God (Morgan Freeman) appears, instructing him to build an ark in preparation for a flood, according to IMDb. As animals inexplicably flock to him and a mysterious verse from Genesis begins to guide his actions, Evan becomes a national spectacle. His transformation challenges his family, career, and community, ultimately leading to an unexpected act of heroism in the streets of Washington, D.C.
Filmed in Virginia locales such as Albemarle, Richmond, and Staunton, according to the Virginia Film Office, the 2006 Universal Pictures production highlighted the region’s picturesque settings while blending humor with themes of faith, responsibility, and environmental awareness.
“Major Payne”
“Major Payne” is set and filmed in Virginia, with several key locations showcasing the state’s diverse scenery. The film takes place at the Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville, where Major Payne, played by Damon Wayans, trains a group of misfit JROTC cadets, according to IMDb. Other Virginia filming locations include Goochland, Ashland, and Richmond, which provided the backdrop for the film’s military and school settings. These areas contributed to the film’s distinct look, highlighting Virginia’s rural and suburban landscapes as the perfect setting for Payne’s transition from a battle-hardened Marine to an unexpected mentor.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
