Wyoming embodies the cowboy spirit, so it is no secret that the Cowboy State is the perfect setting for Western movies to be filmed. But with our epic landscapes ranging from majestic peaks to stunning red deserts to wide-open plains, Wyoming has also been spotted on the silver screen in many other popular films. With over 120 films of all genres set in Wyoming, it was hard to choose our favorite, so here are 6 of our top picks. Experience these Wyoming locations for yourself by exploring area highlights, below.
1. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Filming location: Devils Tower National Monument; Black Hills National Forest
Director: Steven Spielberg
Leading Actors: Richard Dreyfuss, Francois Truffaut, and Teri Garr
Area highlights: Crook Country Museum in Sundance, Hulett “Ham ‘N Jam”, Aladdin General Store
2. Shane
Filming locations: Grand Teton National Park; Jackson Hole
Director: George Stevens
Leading Actors: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Van Heflin
Area highlights: Horseback Riding, Wildlife Watching, The National Elk Refuge
3. Star Ship Troopers
Filming locations: Hell’s Half Acre – Route 20; Powder River
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Leading Actors: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Dina Meyer
Area highlights: Casper, Red Wall Scenic Backway, Castle Gardens Recreation Site
4. Django Unchained
Filming location: Jackson Hole
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Leading Actors: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio
Area highlights: Jackson Hole, World-class Skiing, Snake River Brewing Co., Inc.
5. Flicka
Filming location: Sheridan
Director: Michael Mayer
Leading Actors: Alison Lohman, Tim McGraw, and Maria Bello
Area highlights: Brinton Museum, Historic Mint Bar, Bighorn Scenic Byway
6. Rocky IV
Filming locations:Grand Teton National Park; Jackson Hole
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Leading Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, and Burt Young
Area highlights: Grand Teton National Park, Aerial Tram, White Water Rafting
You can get a full list of Wyoming films at IMDB, or visit our Film Page for more information about filming in Wyoming.
