Most People Don’t Know These 15 Movies Were Filmed In New Mexico

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)

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)

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)

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. (The above photo shows Galisteo Cemetery.)

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

4. The Cowboys (1972)

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)

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)

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)

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

8. The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

John Ford won an Oscar for best director for "The 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)

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)

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)

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)

"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)

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)

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.