Posted in New Mexico
February 08, 2016
Most People Don’t Know These 15 Movies Were Filmed In New Mexico
More than one hundred movies have been shot in New Mexico, making the state an important filming destination. Over the course of four years (starting midway through 2010) the film industry created $1.5 billion in total economic output for New Mexico. So, we’re fans—not just of the movies, but of the jobs that come with them. These 15 movies are just a sample of those filmed here.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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.
This movie was filmed in Santa Fe, Abiquiú, and on the Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch. The ranch had running water and electricity, a far cry from other locations, where buildings consisted of facades.
The opening scene of "Silverado" was shot in White Rock and Los Alamos. The crew took advantage of a variety of New Mexican locations, including Galisteo. (Picture shows Galisteo Cemetery.)
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.
The Hedgcock building in Las Vegas (on the right) served as the exterior of the jail, while interior jail scenes were shot in Taos.
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.
The motel fight scene in this Oscar-winning movie took place at Albuquerque's Desert Sands Motel.
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.
This movie, which grossed more than $102 million in the United States, was filmed in Taos and Chama. (Chama is pictured.)
Parts of "The Avengers" were shot in Albuquerque Studios.
New Mexico's second-largest city, Las Cruces, was used as a location in the 1997 version of "Lolita."
"Young Guns" was filmed all over Northern New Mexico, in places such as Ojo Caliente, Cerrillos (pictured), Tesuque Pueblo, and Rancho de las Golondrinas.
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 Monument, Tent Rocks, and the Eaves Movie Ranch (pictured).
Although most of this movie was filmed in California, some parts were shot in Albuquerque.
- 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.
Which of these movies is your favorite? Can you tell which scenes were shot in New Mexico? Let us know in the comments.
