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.

Films Shot in Wyoming

1. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

stary background of a dark road, a preview of close encounters of a third kind, a movie filmed at the Devils Tower in Wyoming

Filming location: Devils Tower National Monument; Black Hills National ForestDirector: 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

yellow movie preview of Shane, a film made in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Filming locations: Grand Teton National Park; Jackson HoleDirector: George Stevens Leading Actors: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Van HeflinArea highlights: Horseback Riding, Wildlife Watching, The National Elk Refuge

3. Star Ship Troopers

movie preview of Starship Troopers that was filmed at Hell's Half Acre in Wyoming

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

movie preview of Django Unchained which was filmed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Filming location: Jackson HoleDirector: 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: SheridanDirector: 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 HoleDirector: 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.