Top 5 Films Set in Kentucky or About Kentucky Characters between 2000-2024

Between 2020 and 2024, several notable films and series have featured Kentucky settings or characters. Here are some of the most acclaimed:

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

This critically acclaimed Netflix miniseries follows chess prodigy Beth Harmon, who grows up in an orphanage in Lexington, Kentucky. The series received widespread praise for its storytelling and performances, winning multiple awards, including eleven Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes.

Disturbing the Peace (2020)

An action-thriller about a small-town Texas marshal, this film showcases county roads wending through Hart and Barren counties in Kentucky.

Don't Tell a Soul (2020)

A psychological thriller set in rural Kentucky, it follows two brothers who steal money to help their sick mother, only to find themselves entangled with a security guard trapped in a well. The film received mixed to positive reviews for its suspenseful narrative.

Rust Creek (2020)

While released slightly before 2020, this survival thriller set in the Kentucky wilderness gained wider recognition in subsequent years. It tells the story of a college student who becomes stranded and must evade pursuers in the remote Appalachian region. The film was praised for its tense atmosphere and strong lead performance.

Wildcat (2023)

Directed by Ethan Hawke, this biographical drama delves into the life of Southern writer Flannery O'Connor as she strives to publish her first novel. The film was shot in various Kentucky locations, including Louisville, Shelbyville, and Frankfort. It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2023 and received critical acclaim for its compelling portrayal of O'Connor's life and work.

These productions highlight Kentucky's diverse landscapes and compelling narratives, contributing to the state's representation in recent cinema and television.