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Selected Iconic Movies by State
A list of culturally significant films associated with specific US states.
Primary Sources
The Best-Known Movie and TV Filming Spots in Every U.S. State
© shutterstock / John A. Anderson 1. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah Monument Valley is one of the most iconic filming locations in the United States, frequently featured in Western films and modern productions. Its towering red sandstone formations have appeared in movies like Forrest Gump and classic John Ford Westerns. The landscape creates a strong visual identity that is instantly recognizable. Visitors can drive through the valley, take guided tours, and explore viewpoints that have been used in film scenes. The wide open space and dramatic rock formations make it one of the most visually striking places in the country and a key part of American cinema history.• Best Season to Visit: March to May, September• Ideal Visiting Hours: Early morning or sunset• Traveler Tip: Take a guided tour for access to restricted areas• Must-Know: Located on Navajo land with entry fees © centralparknyc.org/ 2. Central Park, New York Central Park is one of the most filmed locations in the world, appearing in hundreds of movies and TV shows. From Home Alone 2 to Avengers, the park has served as a backdrop for countless scenes. Its mix of open spaces, bridges, and city views makes it versatile for filming. Visitors can walk through famous spots like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. The park offers a familiar yet dynamic setting that reflects both urban life and natural scenery. It remains one of the top places to visit in the US for film enthusiasts and travelers alike.• Best Season to Visit: April to October• Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning• Traveler Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds• Must-Know: Large park with multiple entry points © shutterstock / NorthSky Films 3. Hollywood Sign, California The Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognizable symbols of the film industry. Located in Los Angeles, it has appeared in countless films and represents the center of American cinema. While visitors cannot access the sign directly, nearby trails and viewpoints provide excellent views. The surrounding hills also offer hiking opportunities. The area captures the essence of filmmaking culture and remains a must-visit destination for anyone interested in movies and television.• Best Season to Visit: Year-round• Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning or sunset• Traveler Tip: Use designated trails for best views• Must-Know: Direct access to the sign is restricted © shutterstock / Bilanol 4. Savannah Historic District, Georgia Savannah’s historic district has been used in many films, inclu...
Most Famous Movie Set in Every State - Business Insider
"Hairspray." New Line Cinema 2026-04-10T13:44:01.248Z Every state is home to at least one truly iconic movie. We used box-office success, awards, and pop-culture staying power to determine the most famous. Some states were no-brainers, while others had myriad options. A movie doesn't need the backing of a major studio to become famous; a small-budget cult classic can be just as iconic — it just needs to speak to audiences and make them feel something.Business Insider set out to name the most famous movie in every state, a challenging and subjective endeavor.Some states were more obvious than others. While Iowa might be heaven, New York has inspired directors from Martin Scorsese to Rob Reiner, while John Hughes' entire filmography consists of Illinois movies.To pick the most famous, we evaluated the state's prominence in the movie and considered whether it was filmed in that state or not. The movie's lifetime gross, its critical acclaim, and testimonials by our geographically diverse staff also influenced our decisions.Here's our list of the most famous movie from every state.An earlier version of this story was written by Melia Robinson and Frank Pallotta. Additional reporting by Melissa Stanger, Ian Phillips, and Kirsten Acuna. ALABAMA: "Forrest Gump" (1994) "Forrest Gump." Paramount Pictures Even though "Forrest Gump" took Tom Hanks from Vietnam to the White House, home was always the fictional town of Greenbow, Alabama. Plus, Forrest was an All-American for the Alabama Crimson Tide. ALASKA: "Into the Wild" (2007) "Into the Wild." Paramount Vantage "Into the Wild" follows Chris McCandless, played by Emile Hirsch, as he heads to Alaska to find his place in the world. The journey would bring McCandless to many places, but his ultimate destination was the Land of the Midnight Sun.Business Insider also named the book that inspired the movie, "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer, the most famous book set in Alaska. ARIZONA: "Raising Arizona" (1987) "Raising Arizona." 20th Century Fox The Coen brothers' cult classic follows H.I. McDunnough, a Tempe native, and his wife as they attempt to have a baby, either naturally or through kidnapping.The Coens made the pair all the more real by incorporating a vernacular that Joel Coen called "a mixture of local dialect and a vocabulary we imagined from the likely reading materials of the characters." ARKANSAS: "Sling Blade" (1996) "Sling Blade." Miramax Films "Sling Blade" tells the story of a man with a ...
50 States, 50 Shows: The Most Iconic TV Series by Location
Travel through television history and discover the most iconic TV show set in each of the 50 states. Image license via iStockphoto.com Television has the power to transport us to different worlds, and some of the most iconic shows have done just that by setting their stories in various states across America. From the sun-soaked beaches of California to the snowy landscapes of Alaska, each ...
The Charming Minnesota Town That's Basically a Hallmark Movie Set
Step into a picturesque Minnesota destination where historic charm meets world-class hockey heritage and stunning landscapes await around every corner.
