Ocala, FL (352 Today) — Silver Springs isn’t just a natural wonder — it’s one of Florida’s most used filming locations. Since the silent film era, the crystal-clear waters and subtropical scenery have made it a spot for jungle adventures, underwater thrillers, and classic Hollywood dramas. Below are 20 films and TV shows filmed at Silver Springs — some famous, others surprising — all tied to Ocala and Marion County’s rich cinematic past.
1. The Seven Swans (1916)
The first movie ever filmed at Silver Springs, this silent fantasy drama set the stage for the springs’ decades-long relationship with Hollywood. The film used the area’s pristine waters and dense greenery to create a whimsical setting, showcasing Florida’s natural beauty to audiences for the first time on the silver screen.
2. Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
Johnny Weissmuller, fresh off Olympic gold, made his debut as Tarzan in this action-adventure classic, with Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane. Silver Springs doubled for the African jungle, providing vine-draped landscapes and crystal-clear waters for many of the film’s memorable scenes. Its success cemented the springs as a filming location for adventure films.
3. Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
This sequel brought Weissmuller and O’Sullivan back to Silver Springs for more vine-swinging adventures. The film pushed boundaries for its time, with daring underwater sequences and lush jungle shots that highlighted the springs’ versatility as a stand-in for untamed wilderness.
Images courtesy of Florida Memory | Bruce Mozert Collection (1916-2015)
4. Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939)
he third Tarzan movie filmed at Silver Springs introduced a younger cast member as Tarzan and Jane’s adopted child. The production also featured local reptile expert Ross Allen, who added authentic Florida wildlife to the film’s adventurous atmosphere.
5. The Yearling (1946)
Starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman, this coming-of-age drama tells the story of a boy and his pet fawn in post-Civil War Florida. Filmed in both the Ocala National Forest and Silver Springs, the movie won two Academy Awards and remains a beloved portrayal of rural life.
6. Distant Drums (1951)
The 1951 Western-adventure Distant Drums, starring Gary Cooper and Mari Aldon, brought Hollywood’s vision of the 1840s Florida frontier to life — and to Silver Springs. Directed by Raoul Walsh, the film follows a U.S. Army captain leading troops through the Everglades during the Seminole Wars. Silver Springs’ tropical waterways stood in for the swampy, untamed landscape, providing an authentic backdrop for canoe chases, ambushes, and dramatic showdowns. Its use of the springs not only added visual realism but also showcased Florida’s cinematic versatility beyond the jungle and lagoon settings often seen on screen.
7. Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
One of the most famous films to use Silver Springs, this horror classic starred Richard Carlson and Julie Adams, with Ricou Browning performing the underwater scenes as the creature. The springs’ clarity gave the film’s underwater sequences an eerie, otherworldly quality that has helped it endure as a cult favorite.
8. Revenge of the Creature (1955)
The sequel to Creature from the Black Lagoon returned to Silver Springs for more underwater action. Once again, Ricou Browning’s aquatic stunt work, paired with the springs’ glassy waters, made for stunning visuals that became a hallmark of the series.
9. Underwater! (1955)
Jane Russell headlined this high-stakes adventure about a treasure hunt beneath the sea. Silver Springs provided several key underwater scenes, adding authenticity and visual sparkle to the film’s tropical diving sequences.
10. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Best known for James Dean’s performance, this teen rebellion drama was largely filmed in California, but Silver Springs was tapped for select underwater shots, proving that even Hollywood’s most urban stories occasionally needed a dose of Florida’s aquatic beauty.
Images courtesy of Florida Memory | Bruce Mozert Collection (1916-2015)
11. Jupiter’s Darling (1955)
Directed by George Sidney, this MGM musical-comedy starred Esther Williams, Howard Keel, and George Sanders. Based on Robert Sherwood’s play, the film featured elaborate aquatic ballet sequences with Williams, making Silver Springs an ideal location. While it was a box office disappointment, it remains a vibrant example of mid-century Hollywood spectacle.
12. Follow That Dream (1962)
Elvis Presley brought his star power to Ocala in this lighthearted musical comedy. A key scene filmed on Silver Springs Boulevard captured both the charm of the King and the charm of the area, leaving a lasting impression on fans and locals alike.
13. Thunderball (1965)
Sean Connery’s fourth outing as James Bond included several underwater espionage sequences, some of which were filmed at Silver Springs. The clear waters provided the perfect setting for the film’s elaborate diving and fight scenes, adding to its reputation as one of the most action-packed entries in the Bond franchise.
14. Blindfold (1966)
This Rock Hudson thriller mixed suspense with exotic locations, including sequences filmed at Silver Springs. The Florida setting gave the film a visual freshness and helped heighten its air of mystery.
15. Moonraker (1979)
Roger Moore’s Bond took to the skies — and back to Silver Springs — in this space-themed adventure. One memorable scene featuring a deadly python attack was shot in the springs, blending Florida’s natural danger with Bond’s cinematic danger.
16. Never Say Never Again (1983)
Sean Connery’s unofficial return as 007 once again brought Bond to Silver Springs for aquatic scenes. The combination of Florida sunshine and crystal water helped give the film’s action sequences a unique visual signature.
17. Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983)
While most of this action-comedy was filmed in Georgia, Silver Springs made a brief appearance near the Silver River, adding a dash of Florida scenery to the Bandit’s high-speed antics.
18. Legend (1985)
Ridley Scott’s fantasy epic, starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara, used Silver Springs for dreamlike underwater and forest scenes. The natural light filtering through the water created an ethereal atmosphere perfect for the film’s fairy-tale world.
19. Sea Hunt (1958–1961)
This hit underwater adventure series, starring Lloyd Bridges, filmed extensively at Silver Springs. The location became an unofficial co-star, with its clear waters providing the perfect setting for the show’s weekly diving missions.
20. National Geographic Specials
Over the years, several National Geographic documentaries have filmed at Silver Springs, drawn by its diverse wildlife, pristine waters, and unparalleled visibility. These specials brought the springs’ natural wonders to audiences around the world.
21. I Spy (1965–1968)
Though mostly shot abroad, this spy-adventure series occasionally used Silver Springs for aquatic sequences, adding a touch of Florida to its international intrigue.
22. Glass-Bottom Boat Short Films (1930s–1950s)
Long before social media, Silver Springs was promoted through dozens of short films shot by Newton Perry and underwater photographer Bruce Mozert. These whimsical shorts, featuring models performing everyday tasks underwater, became iconic tourism advertisements and were broadcast nationally, introducing millions to the springs’ unique beauty.