Movies and especially westerns filmed in New Mexico number in the hundreds, making the state an important location for the film industry. Over the course of four years (starting midway through 2010), for example, the film industry created $1.5 billion in total economic output for the Land of Enchantment. So, we’re fans – not just of the movies made in our state, but of the jobs and economic boosts that come with them. These 15 films are just a sampling of those movies filmed in New Mexico.

1. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Flickr/Elvert Barnes
Although this movie, which earned Ang Lee an Oscar for best director, was mostly filmed in Canada, some of it was shot in the village of La Mesilla, near Las Cruces.

2. Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

Flickr/Heather Paul
This movie was filmed in Santa Fe, Abiquiú, and on the Bonanza Creek Ranch. The ranch had running water and electricity, a far cry from other locations, where buildings consisted of façades.

3. Silverado (1985)

Flickr/mwwile
The opening scene of "Silverado" was shot in White Rock and Los Alamos, which, by the way, has been ranked one of the best places to live in New Mexico. The crew took advantage of a variety of New Mexican locations, including Galisteo. (Picture shows Galisteo Cemetery.)

Explore Los Alamos in even more depth in this video from OnlyInYourState:

4. The Cowboys (1972)

Flickr/Cromely
John Wayne begged director Mark Rydell to give him the part of Wil Anderson in "Cowboys." Filming locations in New Mexico included sites in Chama, Galisteo, the San Cristobal Ranch in Lamy, and the Eaves Movie Ranch in Santa Fe.

5. Easy Rider (1969)

Flickr/Kent Kanouse
The Hedgcock building in Las Vegas (on the right) served as the exterior of the jail, while interior jail scenes were shot in Taos, one of the best mountain towns in the U.S. .

6. Wild Hogs (2007)

Flickr/John W. Schulze
This diner was built in the New Mexican town of Madrid, specifically for the movie. It has since been converted into a gift shop that sells memorabilia. The camping scenes from "Wild Hogs" were filmed in Angel Fire, while the bar scene took place in Albuquerque.

7. No Country for Old Men (2007)

Flickr/Thomas Hawk
The motel fight scene in this Oscar-winning movie took place at Albuquerque's Desert Sands Motel.

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8. Grapes of Wrath (1940)

Flickr/Ambernectar 13
John Ford won an oscar for best director for "Grapes of Wrath." The train sequence was shot in Santa Rosa and the crew also used locations in Laguna Pueblo and Gallup.

9. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

junkmail050269/Flickr
This movie, which grossed more than $102 million in the United States, was filmed in Taos and Chama. (Chama is pictured and offers some of the best glamping in New Mexico.)

10. The Avengers (2012)

Keary O./Flickr
Parts of "The Avengers" were shot at Albuquerque Studios. Interestingly enough, Albuquerque Studios is one of several reasons New Mexico is among the most unique states in the nation.

11. Lolita (1997)

Flickr/Tony Hoffarth
New Mexico's second-largest city, Las Cruces, which offers one of the best weekend getaways in New Mexico, was used as a location in the 1997 version of "Lolita."

12. Young Guns (1988)

Flickr/doug turetsky
"Young Guns" was filmed all over Northern New Mexico, in places such as Ojo Caliente, Cerrillos (pictured), Tesuque Pueblo, and Rancho de las Golondrinas.

13. Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory (1990)

Eugene Kim/Flickr
Given that the first movie cost $13 million to make but grossed almost $45 million, it's no surprise that there was a sequel. "Blaze of Glory" featured locations like White Sands National Park, Tent Rocks, and the Eaves Movie Ranch (pictured).

14. The Muppet Movie (1979)

Flickr/Tom Simpson
Although most of this movie was filmed in California, some parts were shot in Albuquerque.

15. Indian Day School (1898)

Okay, unless you’re really up on your film history, you probably haven’t heard of this Thomas Edison creation. At under a minute, this silent movie is definitely a short. It was filmed at the Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico.

If you’re interested in digging even deeper, you can take a tour of famous movie locations in New Mexico next time you visit Albuquerque. Which of these movies made in New Mexico is your favorite? Can you tell which scenes were shot in New Mexico? Know of any other movies set in New Mexico? Let us know!

New Mexico movies aren’t the state’s only brush with Hollywood. The Land of Enchantment has actually produced a lot of well known celebrities. It’s true! And just in case you need convincing, here are some famous people from New Mexico.

 

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Movies Filmed In New Mexico

Daniella DiRienzo | May 04, 2022

What are the oldest attractions in New Mexico?

The film sites of movies set in New Mexico aren’t the only notable sites in the state. There are tons of great sites and attractions, including the New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe. Housed in the oldest continuously occupied public building in the U.S., it offers a history lesson like no other. The building, which dates back to the 17th century, and the accompanying museum, house exhibits and displays about the Santa Fe Trail and other local history.

What are the most well known parks in New Mexico?

When you’re done exploring all the places where New Mexico movies were filmed, there’s plenty more to see in New Mexico, including City of Rocks State Park in Faywood. True to its name, the park is comprised of large sculpted rock formations in various shapes, some of which stand as high as 40 feet. Even more intriguing than the formations is the way they were created. The rocky structures were formed millions of years ago when a huge volcano erupted. Following the eruption, erosion took over, resulting in the otherworldly landscape seen today.

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