14 Quintessential New Orleans Movies & Shows to Add to Your Watchlist (2025)

Link: Watch Treme

The heart and soul of New Orleans come alive in the series "Treme," which captures the spirit of a resilient community endeavoring to rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Set just three months after the catastrophic event, the show dives deep into the lives of local musicians, chefs, Mardi Gras Indians, and an eclectic array of residents who fight to restore their homes and culture. With a release date of December 29, 2013, and an impressive average rating of 4.3, "Treme" is essential viewing for those who want to understand the true essence of New Orleans.

Link: Watch The Princess and the Frog

Disney's enchanting take on a classic fairytale, "The Princess and the Frog," takes viewers into the heart of vibrant New Orleans. Released on December 8, 2009, this animated feature follows the ambitious Tiana, a waitress with dreams of owning her own restaurant, as she embarks on an unexpected journey after meeting a frog prince. With an average rating of 3.4, it’s a charming mix of magic and music that captures the spirit of the Crescent City.

Link: Watch Interview with the Vampire

New Orleans provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop in "Interview with the Vampire," where a centuries-old vampire recounts his epic tale of love, betrayal, and immortality to a curious reporter. With a release date of November 11, 1994, and an average rating of 4, this film offers an entrancing exploration of the darker facets of human—and inhuman—nature.

Link: Watch Interview with the Vampire (Series)

The 2024 series adaptation of "Interview with the Vampire" delves back into Louis de Pointe’s enthralling life saga, expanding on the dramatic landscape of New Orleans amidst vampiric lore. Released on June 30, 2024, with a 3.7 average rating, it refreshes the classic tale with a modern touch, steering through the complexities of identity and immortality.

Link: Watch Girls Trip

"Girls Trip" is the epitome of laughter and friendship juxtaposed against the bustling backdrop of a New Orleans festival. Released on July 21, 2017, the movie, which averages a rating of 3, showcases four long-time friends rekindling their sisterhood while painting the town red in this spirited and comedic narrative.

Link: Watch A Streetcar Named Desire

The classic "A Streetcar Named Desire," released on September 19, 1951, captures the tension-filled dynamics of family and sanity spinning out of control amidst the atmospheric tension of New Orleans. With an average rating of 4.1, it is a timeless masterpiece that examines the intersection of vulnerability and strength.

Link: Watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," released on December 25, 2008, tells an intriguing tale of a man aging backward. With its evocative use of New Orleans settings and an average rating of 4, this film ponders life, love, and the phenomenon of passing time through its unique narrative.

Link: Watch Focus

In "Focus," released on February 25, 2015, the high-stakes world of con artistry is brought to life against the chic urban backdrop of New Orleans. With an average rating of 3.5, it showcases a charming and complex dynamic between a seasoned con artist and his protégé, culminating in a tactical battle of wits.

Link: Watch Mayfair Witches

Set against the historical charm of New Orleans, "Mayfair Witches" entices with a tale of mysticism and legacy. This series, released on March 2, 2025, explores power, family ties, and the haunting specter of lineage, rated at 2.5 on average.

Link: Watch The Originals

"The Originals," a spin-off from "The Vampire Diaries," immerses audiences into the power struggles of the original vampires residing in New Orleans. Released on August 1, 2018, with an average rating of 4.3, this series melds drama, supernatural intrigue, and rich historical nods within the city’s vibrant quarters.

Link: Watch Your Honor

The gripping drama "Your Honor," released on March 19, 2023, confronts morality and justice within New Orleans' complex social fabric. As Judge Michael Desiato’s life spirals following his son’s involvement in a hit-and-run, the series explores themes of duty versus personal ethics, boasting a 3.8 average rating.

Link: Watch Queen Sugar

In "Queen Sugar," the Bordelon siblings take center stage in a narrative woven into Louisiana’s sugarcane fields. Premiering on November 29, 2022, this series has an average rating of 3.9 and beautifully captures themes of family, responsibility, and transformation against the rustic charms of the South.

Link: Watch When the Levees Broke

Spike Lee’s memorable documentary "When the Levees Broke," released on August 22, 2006, serves as an emotional and thorough examination of the calamitous effects of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans. With an average rating of 4.2, it provides both a factual recount and a tribute to the city’s resilience.

Link: Watch Five Days at Memorial

The heart-wrenching series "Five Days at Memorial" relays the dire circumstances faced by healthcare workers during Hurricane Katrina. Released on August 11, 2022, with a 4.1 average rating, it’s a gripping portrayal of critical decision-making amidst chaos, highlighting stark realities and human compassion.