Discover the greatest books and movies about Cincinnati

Laura Williams

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Cincinnati, OH, is a great place to live, work, and play. It’s also a magnificent place to read and watch movies. Here are some of the best books and movies about or set in Cincinnati, OH.

The greatest books about Cincinnati, OH.

Cincinnati, OH, is a magnificent city with a lot of history. Here are some of the best books about Cincinnati that you should read if you want to learn more about this beautiful city.

The Cincinnati Reds: An Illustrated History by Greg Rhodes and John Erardi

This book is a must-read for any Reds fan. It chronicles the rich history of the Cincinnati Reds, from their origins as the Red Stockings in 1869 to their present-day success.

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Cincinnati: A Pictorial History by Robert J. Wimberg

This book is a magnificent way to learn about Cincinnati’s history through pictures. It includes over 200 photos of Cincinnati, OH, from its early days to the present.

The Queen City: A Portrait of Cincinnati by Charles Mann

This book is a portrait of Cincinnati, OH, told through the stories of its people. It includes stories about the city’s founding, growth, and present day.

Cincy Blues by Michael Miller

In this book, Miller tells the story of Cincinnati’s blues scene. He chronicles the genre’s history in the city and profiles some of its most famous musicians.

Murder in Cincinnati by Roger Hartman

Murder in Cincinnati is a true crime book that tells the story of some of the city’s most notorious murders. It includes case files, interviews, and photos of the city’s crime scene.

Lost Cincinnati by Jeff Suess

In this book, Suess tells the stories of some of Cincinnati’s most iconic buildings and landmarks that have been lost to time. He includes photos and renderings of these lost places.

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Seven Hills of Cincinnati: A Guide to the City’s Historic Neighborhoods by Nancy Klein and John Neely

This book is a guide to the seven historic neighborhoods of Cincinnati, OH. It includes maps, photos, and information about each neighborhood.

The greatest books set in Cincinnati, OH.

Look no further if you’re looking for a magnificent book to read set in the Queen City! Here are some of our favorites:

Soap Opera: The Inside Story of Procter & Gamble by Richard Smiriglia

A true story of intrigue, power, and politics set against the backdrop of one of Cincinnati’s most iconic companies.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

This bestselling novel tells the story of an evangelical Baptist missionary family in the Congo during the 1960s.

Cincinnati by Norma D. Washington

A young woman from Cincinnati returns home after college to find her city undergoing tremendous change.

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

Keller, deaf and blind, wrote this inspirational autobiography about her life and work.

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The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play is based on the true story of transcendentalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau and his experience being jailed for refusing to pay a poll tax.

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My Old Kentucky Home” by Fiona Fitzpatrick

A novel about family, love, and secrets is set against the Kentucky Derby’s backdrop.

The Queen of Hearts

A novel by local author Wilma Marcus, set in the late 19th century and based on the true story of Cincinnati’s most notorious madam.

Swing Time

A 2016 novel by Zadie Smith is set in London and New York, with a significant subplot set in Cincinnati.

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The Shooting Party

A novel by Toni Morrison set in the early 20th century and features a cast of characters from all walks of life, including several famous Cincinnati residents.

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The Prep School Murders

A 1978 young adult mystery novel by Lois Duncan, set at a prestigious boarding school in Cincinnati.

The greatest Movies Set or Filmed in Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH, is a historic city with a lot to offer in terms of culture and entertainment. Many great movies are set in Cincinnati to capture the city’s unique atmosphere and charm. Here are some of the best:

The Ohio Boys (2005)

A coming-of-age film set in Cincinnati during the summer of 1974.

The Babe Ruth Story (1948)

This biopic tells the story of baseball legend Babe Ruth, who started his career with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

A classic 1965 film starring Steve McQueen as a young professional gambler who comes to Cincinnati to take on the city’s reigning poker champion.

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A League of Their Own (1992)

This classic film tells the story of an all-female baseball league that was created during World War II. Cincinnati is one of the cities where the league was based.

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The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

One of the most popular movies ever made. This film is set in a fictional Cincinnati prison and is our favorite.

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Traffic (2000)

This film deals with the war on drugs, and part of it is set in Cincinnati.

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The Avengers (2012)

The Avengers was filmed partly in Cincinnati and featured some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

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Rain Man (1988)

This film, which won greatest Picture at the Oscars, is set in Cincinnati and follows the story of two brothers, one of whom has autism.

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The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

A psychological thriller set in Cincinnati, this film is about a surgeon who tries to create a perfect family with disastrous results.

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Dark Waters (2019)

This film, starring Mark Ruffalo, is based on the true story of lawyer Robert Bilott, who uncovered a massive environmental scandal in Cincinnati.

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The greatest Years of Our Lives (1946)

This classic film tells the story of three World War II veterans who return home to Cincinnati and struggle to readjust to civilian life.

The Mighty (1998)

This film is set in Cincinnati and follows the story of two boys, one with muscular dystrophy, who become friends.

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A League of Their Own (1992)

A group of women forms a professional baseball ll league during World War II.

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Eight Men Out (1988)

The story of the Chicago White Sox team that threw the 1919 World Series.

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A Christmas Story (1983)

The iconic holiday film is about a family in 1940s Cincinnati and their quest to get a coveted Christmas toy.

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The Gatlinburgers (1987)

A hilarious comedy about a family from Cincinnati who moves to the small town of Gatlinburg, TN, and struggles to adjust to their new life.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

A blockbuster book and movie set in the world of high fashion, with much of the action taking place in New York City but with several scenes set in Cincinnati.

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Whether you’re a native Cincinnatian or just someone who enjoys a good story, these books and movies are sure to entertain and enlighten you. So curl up with a good book or pop some popcorn and enjoy one of these great films set in the Queen City.

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