Most People Don’t Know These 19 Movies Were Filmed In Oregon

Oregon really is the ideal filming locale. It's one of the most beautiful states in the country, and has a ton of geographic diversity. If you're in need of gloom and overcast, Portland, the Willamette Valley, and the Pacific coast have that covered. If it's desolate desert scenes that you're scouting for, central, southern, and eastern Oregon can serve as excellent alternatives to California. Looking for the perfect, Hallmark-level of cozy and snow? Oregon has that, too! Here are some famous movies filmed in Oregon:

18) Twilight, 2008, Portland area, Estacada, North Coast, St. Helens

The vampire movie that sparked a cultural moment was, naturally, filmed in Oregon, as the novels were also set in the Northwest.

17) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret of the Ooze, II, 1990, Astoria

Fans of this 1990s cartoon should know that the sequel film was shot in Astoria.Turtle power!

16) The Ring, 2002, Columbia River Gorge, Newport

One of the creepiest films of the the 2000s, The Ring was filmed in the Gorge and Newport.

15) The Shining, 1980, Timberline Lodge

Perhaps the greatest horror film of all time, fans of this classic know the film was set in the fictional Overlook Hotel. Exterior shots of that were actually the Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood.

14) The Postman, 1997, Central Oregon

Produced and directed by Kevin Costner, this film depicts a dystopian U.S., in which a postman (also Costner), is charged with delivering old mail throughout the Pacific Northwest.

13) Short Circuit, 1986, Astoria, Columbia River Gorge, Portland

This sci-fi comedy starring a lovable robot (yes, you read that correctly) was filmed in several Oregon locations.

12) Stand By Me, 1986, Brownsville, Cottage Grove, Eugene

This touching coming-of-age drama was filmed in Eugene, and starred several up-and-coming young talents, including Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman, and the late River Phoenix.

11) The Goonies, 1985, Astoria, Cannon Beach

Perhaps Oregon's most-beloved cinematic claim to fame, this movie famously incorporated Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock into the shooting. Hey you guys!

10) Pay It Forward, 2000, Portland

Back when Haley Joel Osment was still *the* child actor, he co-starred along with Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey in this heart-warming film. Filming took place on location in Las Vegas, Nevada, and on studio in Los Angeles, California, with additional shooting (for the famous bridge scene) taking place in Portland, Oregon.

9) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, 1975, Central Coast, Salem

Based on the novel by the same name, this iconic film used Oregon's State Hospital in Salem, as well locations along the Central Coast.

8) My Own Private Idaho, 1991, Maupin, Portland

This film dives into the world of drug addiction, prostitution and issues of class on the streets of Portland.

7) Mr. Holland's Opus, 1995, Portland

If you were ever in the school band, this movie probably tugged at your heart strings a bit. And, it was filmed in Portland, at the gorgeous Ulysses S. Grant High School.

6) Free Willy, 1993, Astoria, Portland

A touching, yet quite heartbreaking '90s film, Free Willy was shot in Portland.

5) Kindergarten Cop, 1990, Astoria

Long before Arnold Schwarzenegger became the Governator, but after he reached super hero fame, he starred in a series of family-oriented films, including this absolute classic.

4) Maverick, 1994, Columbia River Gorge

This cowboy comedy starred Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson, and James Garner, and was shot in Columbia River Gorge.

3) National Lampoon's Animal House, 1978, Cottage Grove, Eugene

The college comedy that beats all other college comedies was actually filmed at U of O!

2) Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, 1994, Bend

This quirky, comedic-drama shot in Bend was directed by Gus Van Sant and dedicated to River Phoenix, the breakout Oregonian actor who died tragically from a drug overdose.

1) Drugstore Cowboy, 1989, Portland

Another Gus Van Sant film, this crime comedy featured Matt Dillon, Heather Graham, and Kelly Lynch.

You might have been surprised to learn that some of these movies were filmed in Oregon. But tell us, which Oregon-filmed movies do you love? And if you're a film buff, you'll geek out over these historic theaters in Oregon.