Famous Films Shot in Utah
Why Filmmakers Keep Choosing Utah
Utah’s landscape is incredibly versatile. Filmmakers love it because a single region can stand in for the Old West, the Midwest, outer space, or suburban America. With public lands, small towns, and wide-open rural properties, the state offers scenery you can’t fake on a soundstage. If you’ve walked through Utah’s red rock country or stood in a high desert valley—you’ve stood on movie ground.
1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Paul Newman and Robert Redford helped launch Utah’s film reputation with this classic. Scenes were filmed in Zion National Park, Snow Canyon, and Grafton Ghost Town near Virgin.
Picture Credit: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0961176/
2. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
The opening scenes showing young Indy (played by River Phoenix) were filmed in Arches National Park and around Moab. Utah’s rugged terrain stood in for the wild American Southwest.
3. 127 Hours (2010)
This survival drama was based on the real story of Aron Ralston and filmed on-location in Bluejohn Canyon, near Canyonlands National Park. The setting wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character in the story.
Picture Credit: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1542344/
4. Forrest Gump (1994)
One of the film’s most iconic scenes—where Forrest decides to stop running—was shot at “Forrest Gump Point” on Highway 163 near Monument Valley. You can still stop there today for a photo.
5. The Lone Ranger (2013)
Though the film got mixed reviews, Utah’s landscape stole the show. Filming took place in Moab, Dead Horse Point, and Castle Valley.
Picture Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lone_Ranger_%282013_film%29
6. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Clint Eastwood’s film features sweeping views of Utah’s La Sal Mountains and open high desert, similar to land you’ll find throughout the Duchesne area.
7. High School Musical (2006)
Filmed at East High School in Salt Lake City, this Disney Channel original movie became a global hit. Fans still visit the school to see where Troy and Gabriella danced through the halls.
Image Credit: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475293/
8. Footloose (1984)
Long before High School Musical, Footloose was shot all over Utah—Lehi Roller Mills, Payson High School, and areas near American Fork. The small-town vibe came straight from real Utah communities.
9. Galaxy Quest (1999)
This sci-fi parody filmed several outdoor scenes in Goblin Valley State Park. The unusual rock formations made the perfect alien planet—without the need for CGI.
10. Westworld (TV Series, 2016–2022)
Although it’s a series, Westworld deserves a spot for showcasing Utah’s cinematic terrain. Filming locations included Fisher Towers, Castle Valley, and Dead Horse Point—blurring the line between reality and simulation.
Image Credit: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475784/
You Can Still Visit These Locations
What’s cool about Utah film sites is they’re often public. From state parks to rural highways, many of these locations are open for hiking, photos, or just a scenic drive. And if you own land in places like Duchesne or Fruitland, you’re already living near landscapes that appear on screen.
Want to Own Land With Movie-Worthy Views?
At Mountains West Ranches, we sell rural properties with the same wide-open feel you see in these films. Check available listings here and find your own piece of cinematic Utah.