Although you may have never traveled to Southern Utah, there’s a good chance you have seen its breathtaking landscapes. The southern part of the Beehive State has provided locations for numerous iconic films, captivating audiences with its dramatic red rock formations, vast deserts, and striking vistas. Read on to learn about five popular movies that featured locations in Southern Utah and showcased the state’s unique charm.
Forrest Gump
One of the most memorable parts of the beloved 1994 film Forrest Gump features Tom Hanks as the titular Forrest, running across the country. The character finishes his epic journey with the scenic Monument Valley in Southern Utah in the background before deciding to go home. This iconic moment immortalized the state’s landscape in cinematic history.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Another popular movie that featured locations in Southern Utah was the 1969 classic Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and the state’s rugged beauty. Filming occurred in several state locations, including Zion National Park. The picturesque scenery added authenticity and grandeur to the film, enhancing the adventures of the infamous outlaws.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In 1989, when Indiana Jones returned in his third adventure, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the film featured both Harrison Ford and Sean Connery and the stunning landscapes of Southern Utah.
During the film’s opening, a young Indy (played by River Phoenix) and his fellow Boy Scouts travel through the scenic locations of Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. The astounding scenery bolsters the film’s visual appeal as it sets up the early history of the legendary archaeologist.
Broken Arrow
A fourth film that took advantage of Southern Utah’s locations was 1996’s Broken Arrow, an action-packed thriller directed by John Woo and starring John Travolta and Christian Slater. The film’s locations in the state included the visually stunning Lake Powell.
You can follow in the footsteps of the filmmakers by taking a boat trip on the lake. Just remember to review tips for choosing the perfect boat rental before you set out to relive moments you watched on the silver screen.
High School Musical 2
The upbeat and light-hearted High School Musical 2 also featured scenes in Southern Utah. The film’s Lava Springs Country Club was the Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club in St. George. The club’s lush golf courses and stunning red rock surroundings provided a beautiful and vibrant setting for the movie’s musical numbers and teenage drama.
By taking advantage of the real locations within Southern Utah, filmmakers have immortalized them in their movies. You can immortalize them in your memories by visiting them when you’re in the Beehive state.
Sharon is an avid writer who has a concentration on nonfiction content. She has been treading the writers’ field for more than ten years and hopes to broaden her experience by delving further into book publishing. In her spare time, she enjoys a good read or movie that takes her back in time.
