When we think of "The Equality State," we don't typically think of movies filmed in Wyoming. But if we take a look at its grand geography, it is no wonder this immense state has been chosen several times as a dramatic backdrop. The state offers a rich variety of landscapes, such as the Black Hills, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and the Wyoming Basin. Granted, a good number of them are Westerns, but movies of other genres have also been filmed in this area. Here is a list of 13 movies that were filmed in this picturesque state.
"Brokeback Mountain" was based in the state, and some of the movie was shot in Wyoming. Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, and Michelle Williams starred in the movie that was about a romantic relationship between two cowboys.
Clint Eastwood starred in the western, "The Outlaw Josey Wales," one of the best movies filmed in Wyoming. Some of the scenes were filmed in remote parts of the state.
3. "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
Several scenes in Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" were filmed near Devils Tower outside of Moorcroft.
4. "Star Trek: The Motion Picture"
Minerva Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park was the setting for the planet Vulcan in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture."
5. "Every Which Way But Loose"
Clint Eastwood starred in the American adventure comedy film, "Every Which Way But Loose." Several scenes were shot in Jackson Hole.
6. "Rocky IV"
Areas near Grand Teton National Park were used as the setting for the frozen Russian landscape when Rocky went to the Soviet Union to fight Ivan Drago. It's one of the most iconic movies made in Wyoming!
7. "Nebraska"
Several scenes in the American comedy-drama movie, "Nebraska," were filmed in Buffalo.
The Grand Tetons were used as a backdrop for the Western movie, Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained."
Kevin Costner starred in the western, "Dances With Wolves." Parts of this movie were shot in Jackson Hole.
10. "Flicka"
"Flicka" is a movie about a young woman who takes in a wild horse as her own to prove that she can take over the family ranch. Parts of this movie were filmed in Sheridan.
11. "Shane"
"Shane" is a classic western starring Alan Ladd, Jack Palance, and Ellen Corby. The movie was filmed in Jackson Hole.
12. "SLC Punk!"
"SLC Punk!" is a comedy-drama written by James Merendino. The film is about a young punk rock fan and has a scene that is filmed in Evanston. It's one of the most unique movies shot in Wyoming.
Parts of "Starship Troopers," a military science fiction movie, were filmed among the canyons of Hell's Half Acre. It was based on the book of the same name by American writer Robert A. Heinlein, published in 1959.
Go back and watch some of these movies and see if you recognize the areas where they were filmed. Or if you have never been to Wyoming, now is the time to plan a trip out west. Create a scavenger hunt by watching these DVDs and driving out to some of these phenomenal locations. Even without the movies — this trip is amazing.
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