Filmography
MOVIES MADE IN COLORADO
From Chaplin to Tarantino, notorious filmmakers have utilized Colorado’s endless variety of scenic filming locations throughout the years!
Below is a partial list of the more popular movies that have been filmed in Colorado in chronological order. Note that there are hundreds of other low budget movies, documentaries and short films that have been made in Colorado, that we were not able to include on this list. To see all of the film & video productions that have used Colorado as one of their locations, please visit IMDB’s list of Colorado made movies.
Dear Eleanor (2016)
Filming Location in Colorado: Longmont, Niwot, Boulder, Lyons, Denver, Commerce City, Fort Lupton, Hygiene
In 1962, amidst the Cuban Missile Crisis, two best friends trade suburban boredom for a high-stakes road trip to find their hero, Eleanor Roosevelt. Dodging an overprotective father (Luke Wilson) and crossing paths with a mysterious local (Jessica Alba), the duo navigates a nostalgic American landscape in a classic blue convertible. Filmed entirely in Colorado, the production transformed the vintage streets of Longmont, Lyons, and Niwot into a cross-country tapestry, proving that the journey – and their bond – is the ultimate destination.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Filming Location in Colorado: Telluride, Placerville, Schmid Family Ranch, Wilson Peak
In Quentin Tarantino’s claustrophobic The Hateful Eight, a lethal blizzard traps a group of strangers—including a bounty hunter and his high-stakes prisoner—inside a remote mountain stagecoach stop. As Civil War-era grudges and racial tensions boil over, the weary travelers realize that everyone is a liar and no one is safe. Filmed on a sprawling ranch near Telluride, this grisly, high-altitude whodunit captures the brutal beauty of the Colorado winter and the bloody paranoia within.
Furious 7 (2015)
Filming Location in Colorado: Woodland Park, Pikes Peak, Monarch Pass
Dominic Toretto’s crew is hunted by a cold-blooded assassin (Jason Statham) in a globe-trotting mission that serves as a moving tribute to the late Paul Walker. This high-octane sequel features some of the franchise’s most daring stunts, which were primarily filmed in Colorado – specifically the heart-pounding mountain chases captured across Pikes Peak and Woodland Park.
Cop Car (2015)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Incline
When two young runaways stumble upon a seemingly abandoned police cruiser in a desolate field, they think they’ve found the ultimate ticket to adventure. But their joyride quickly descends into a lethal game of cat and mouse when they realize the car belongs to a corrupt, murderous sheriff (Kevin Bacon) who will stop at nothing to reclaim the dark secrets stashed in his trunk. This lean, suspenseful thriller was primarily filmed in Colorado, utilizing the stark, sprawling landscapes of Colorado Springs and Fountain to heighten the film’s sense of isolation.
Table 47 (2015)
Filming Location in Colorado: Castle Rock, Greenwood Village, Franktown
When a local bar owner falls for a beautiful woman trapped in an abusive marriage, he risks everything to plot the “perfect” murder to set her free. But as the trap is sprung, he discovers he isn’t the predator, but the mark in a high-stakes, lethal con where the only thing more dangerous than his target is the truth. This twisting noir thriller boasts an entirely Colorado-sourced cast and crew.
Out West (2014)
Filming Location in Colorado: Florissant, Lake George, Pikes Peak Region
When a struggling actress is forced to return to her quirky hometown to save her family’s failing guest ranch, she discovers that trading the bright lights of Hollywood for the rugged soul of the Rockies is more than she bargained for. This charming indie comedy serves as a love letter to the Centennial State, having been primarily filmed in Colorado to capture the authentic, breathtaking beauty and spirited independence of the High Country.
An American Terror (2014)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
When a group of bullied teens plots a vengeful strike against their tormentors, they accidentally stumble into a sadistic madman’s underground slaughterhouse. Their plan for revenge instantly morphs into a desperate, bloody struggle for survival as they navigate a maze of traps and terror. This visceral horror film was primarily filmed in Colorado, utilizing the grittier industrial landscapes of Denver to create an atmosphere of suffocating urban dread.
The Frame (2014)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, The 16th Street Mall, Denver Health
In the neon-drenched streets of Denver, a high-stakes cargo thief and an idealistic paramedic discover their lives are inexplicably linked through a television screen. As they realize they are characters in each other’s worlds, they must race against a reality-bending conspiracy to seize control of their own destinies. This mind-bending sci-fi thriller was primarily filmed in Colorado, masterfully utilizing the urban landscape of the Mile High City to blur the lines between fiction and fate.
Identity Thief (2013)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
When Denver businessman Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman) discovers a high-rolling con artist (Melissa McCarthy) has stolen his identity, his stable life in the Mile High City spirals into a chaotic felony charge. To save his career and credit, Sandy travels to Florida to hunt down the unrepentant Diana and drag her back to Colorado. What begins as a desperate “snatch and grab” turns into a hilarious cross-country road trip featuring bounty hunters, assassins, and a total loss of dignity. This blockbuster comedy features several key scenes filmed on location in Denver.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
Filming Location in Colorado: Creede
In this high-octane Disney reimagining, the legendary masked hero is reborn through the eyes of Tonto (Johnny Depp), a spirit warrior with a fractured past. When idealistic lawman John Reid (Armie Hammer) is left for dead by the ruthless Butch Cavendish, he must join forces with the eccentric Tonto to bring justice to a corrupt frontier. Filmed across the dramatic canyons of Creede, Colorado, this epic adventure transforms the state’s rugged wilderness into a breathtaking backdrop for runaway trains, daring escapes, and the origin of an American icon.
A Beer Tale (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
After inheriting their family’s struggling craft brewery, polar-opposite twin brothers must settle their lifelong rivalry to perfect a legendary, unfinished secret recipe. As they navigate the high-stakes Denver beer scene, the duo discovers that brewing the perfect pint requires more than just hops and barley—it takes heart, a little romance, and the courage to finally grow up. Filmed entirely on location in Denver, this charming “brewmance” captures the spirit of the Mile High City’s world-famous beer culture.
16-Love (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
When the nation’s top junior tennis prodigy, Ally “Smash” Mash, suffers a season-ending injury, her world of backhands and trophies collapses. Forced off the court and into “normal” teenage life for the first time, she sparks an unexpected romance with a carefree rival who challenges her to find a balance between winning and living. Filmed on location in Denver, this charming romantic comedy proves there is more to life than the baseline.
Broken Roads (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Brighton, Denver
After a tragic car accident claims his mother’s life, a teenager is uprooted from his world and sent to a quiet town to live with an estranged grandmother he barely knows. As both struggle under the weight of shared grief and years of silence, they must navigate a fragile path toward forgiveness to rebuild what’s left of their family. Filmed on location in Brighton and Denver, this poignant drama captures the raw beauty of the Colorado plains as a backdrop for a powerful story of healing and second chances.
Darling Companion (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Telluride, Box Canyon, Skyline Ranch
After Beth (Diane Keaton) rescues a bedraggled stray, the dog becomes the center of her world—until her self-absorbed husband (Kevin Kline) loses him during a mountain wedding. A frantic search party of quirky relatives and a local psychic ensues, pushing a fractured marriage to its limit in the wilderness. Filmed entirely against the majestic backdrop of Telluride, this charming dramedy proves that sometimes you have to get lost to find the people you almost left behind.
Last Ounce of Courage (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
In a world of growing cynicism, Last Ounce of Courage follows Bob Revere—a combat veteran and small-town mayor—as he shakes off years of apathy following the loss of his son. When his grandson arrives with a soul-searching question about making a difference, Bob is sparked into action to reclaim the American freedoms he feels have slipped away. Alongside a group of inspired youth and neighbors, Bob confronts his past bitterness to lead a community-wide stand for faith and liberty.
The Frozen (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Snowmass, Carbondale
A romantic getaway turns into a fight for survival when a young couple is stranded in the frozen wilderness after a brutal snowmobile crash. The stakes turn deadly when Emma’s boyfriend vanishes, leaving her isolated against the lethal elements. Now, she must navigate the woods alone while being hunted by a mysterious tracker who is closing in on his prey.
The Perfect Human Diet (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Fort Collins
In the documentary The Perfect Human Diet (2012), broadcast journalist C.J. Hunt investigates the global obesity epidemic by examining human dietary evolution and ancestral eating habits. By interviewing anthropological experts, the film reveals a biological template for optimal health, aiming to provide a sustainable guide for modern nutrition.
Gathering of Heroes (2012)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Morrison, Blackhawk, Colorado Springs
In the mystical realm of Ryntia, the treacherous deep elf queen Bre’Gwen assembles an unholy alliance of Orcish warmongers and shadow-cat mercenaries to extinguish the kingdoms of men. As the darkness spreads, a ragtag fellowship of heroes must embark on a desperate quest to recover the legendary Seven Swords of Draconus. Filmed entirely on location in Colorado, this epic fantasy brings the battles of Ryntia to life against the state’s most dramatic landscapes, from the red rocks of Morrison to the rugged peaks of Black Hawk.
Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011)
Filming Location in Colorado: Royal Gorge
In a collapsing America where industry leaders are mysteriously vanishing, railroad executive Dagny Taggart fights to keep her empire alive. Amidst stifling government overreach, she joins forces with steel mogul Hank Rearden to harness a revolutionary technology that could save the nation. Together, they navigate a crumbling society to uncover the truth behind the world’s decay and the identity of the man everyone is whispering about: “Who is John Galt?”
Cougar Hunting (2011)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen
Sick of the dating scene in their twenties, three best friends head to the glamorous slopes of Aspen to master the art of “cougar hunting” – pursuing sophisticated, wealthy older women who know exactly what they want. But as they dive headfirst into the high-stakes world of mountain-town power and seduction, the trio quickly realizes they might be the ones getting hunted. Filmed entirely on location in Aspen, Colorado, this raucous comedy showcases the town’s luxury lifestyle as the ultimate playground for a wild lesson in love and maturity.
The Five (2010)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Littleton
In a quiet Colorado suburb, five young friends find their reality fracturing as they are swept into “Hexagon” – a parallel realm mirroring their favorite mythological book series. Grappling with the heavy shadows of divorce and family loss, they must band together to survive the encroaching “Black Magic” and master “The Five Truths” to find their way home. Armed with mystical artifacts and guided by a prophetic narrator, they navigate a world where childhood innocence is the only weapon against an ancient, hungry darkness.
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder
Desperate to reclaim his health, Joe Cross embarks on a 3,000-mile road trip across America. Along his journey, he inspires a morbidly obese truck driver with the same rare autoimmune disease to begin his own life-saving transformation. This uplifting documentary highlights the body’s ability to heal itself through radical nutritional changes and human connection.
Away We Go (2009)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver Area, Foothills
In their drafty Colorado farmhouse, expectant parents Burt and Verona (John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph) are blindsided when their only local support system—Burt’s eccentric parents—decides to flee to Belgium just weeks before the birth. This catalyst sparks a whimsical, cross-continental “home-searching” odyssey, leading the couple from the Colorado Front Range to far-flung cities like Phoenix and Montreal. As they encounter a gallery of dysfunctional friends and unhinged relatives, they realize that “home” isn’t a zip code found on a map, but the unique, resilient sanctuary they are building together.
Ink (2009)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Crested Butte, Evergreen, Morrison
As the city of Denver drifts into slumber, an invisible war rages between the “Storytellers,” who craft hope, and the “Incubi,” who harvest nightmares. When a grotesque mercenary named Ink snatches the soul of a young girl to trade for power, her estranged, workaholic father becomes her only hope for salvation. To rescue her, he must navigate a surreal dreamscape labyrinth and confront his own shattered past before his daughter is lost to an eternal darkness.
Imagine That (2009)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In the Denver-based comedy Imagine That, workaholic executive Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy) is spiraling toward a career meltdown while battling a flamboyant rival (Thomas Haden Church) for a major promotion. His life takes a surreal turn when he discovers that his daughter’s security blanket is a portal to an imaginary world offering prophetic financial advice. Forced to balance high-stakes boardrooms with whimsical tea parties, Evan must decide if this magical realm is his ticket to the corporate top or his last chance to be a real father.
The City of Your Final Destination (2009)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder – University of Colorado
Graduate student Omar Razaghi travels to a remote Uruguayan estate to secure authorization for a biography on the late author Jules Gund. To succeed, he must persuade three eccentric guardians of Gund’s legacy: his brother, his widow, and his young mistress. In this lush James Ivory drama, Omar’s quest for a life story forces him to confront the unexpected complications of his own.
Plastic Planet (2009)
Filming Location in Colorado: Paonia
In the eye-opening documentary Plastic Planet, director Werner Boote delivers an investigative look at the ubiquitous material that saturates every corner of modern life. Traveling across the globe, Boote exposes the alarming truth about how plastic—once hailed as a miracle of convenience—now poses a critical threat to both global ecosystems and human health. This compelling journey challenges our reliance on a controversial substance that has become as unavoidable as it is dangerous.
The Lucky Ones (2008)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Grand Junction, DIA, Front Range
After an unplanned flight cancellation in Denver, three disparate Iraq War veterans—a wounded private (Rachel McAdams), a stoic sergeant (Tim Robbins), and a disillusioned soldier (Michael Peña) – embark on an impulsive, high-stakes road trip across the American heartland. As they navigate a landscape that feels increasingly foreign, the trio finds themselves bound by shared trauma and a desperate search for the lives they left behind.
Enlighten Up! (2008)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder
In the Boulder-produced documentary Enlighten Up!, filmmaker Kate Churchill attempts to prove yoga’s transformative power by sending a dedicated skeptic, Nick Rosen, on a high-stakes global odyssey. From the studios of Boulder to the ashrams of India, Nick’s stubborn realism clashes with celebrity gurus and eccentric mystics in a tense, comedic battle of wills. Their search for truth ultimately strips away the incense to reveal a conclusion that neither of them anticipated.
The Sensei (2008)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Sterling
In 1985 rural Colorado, black belt Karen O’Neil returns to her bigoted hometown and agrees to secretly train McClain, a gay teenager targeted by violent bullies. As she teaches him to defend himself, their clandestine lessons ignite long-dormant tensions within the prejudiced community. In this martial arts drama, both teacher and student must confront the scars of their past to survive a climate of hatred.
The Lodge (2008)
Filming Location in Colorado: Breckenridge
Hoping to rekindle their relationship, a young couple retreats to a remote mountain ranch for a quiet weekend away. Their peaceful escape quickly dissolves into a claustrophobic nightmare when they realize they are not alone and that the seemingly helpful caretaker is harboring a gruesome secret. As the isolation of the wilderness sets in, they are forced into a desperate struggle for survival against a man whose obsession has turned deadly.
Sicko (2007)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In his Academy Award-nominated documentary Sicko, Michael Moore exposes the bureaucratic nightmares of American healthcare by highlighting the heart-wrenching stories of denied claimants in Denver. By juxtaposing the profit-driven struggles of Colorado families against universal systems in Canada, France, and the UK, Moore crafts a searing indictment of corporate greed. This provocative global odyssey uses the Mile High City as a grounding anchor for a passionate call to action that remains a cornerstone of social-issue filmmaking.
Resurrecting the Champ (2007)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver – Denver Coliseum, Elway’s Restaurant
In the gritty, Denver-set drama Resurrecting the Champ, a struggling sports reporter (Josh Hartnett) rescues a homeless man (Samuel L. Jackson) from a street fight, only to discover he is a legendary heavyweight boxer long presumed dead. Seeing a chance to save his failing career and bond with his son, the journalist crafts a sensational exposé on the “Champ.” However, as the spotlight shines on the Mile High City’s forgotten hero, a web of half-truths emerges, forcing both men to confront the devastating cost of legacy and the raw reality of redemption.
Blades of Glory (2007)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver- Pepsi Center
In the 2007 cult comedy Blades of Glory, the high-stakes world of competitive figure skating is rocked when rival superstars Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell) and Jimmy MacElroy (Jon Heder) are banned for life following an incendiary on-ice brawl. When a bizarre legal loophole reveals they can still compete – but only as a pair – the bitter enemies must swallow their pride and become the world’s first all-male skating duo.
The Shadow Walkers (2007)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In the Denver-shot sci-fi thriller The Shadow Walkers, a group of soldiers and scientists awaken in a high-tech subterranean laboratory with their memories erased and the facility on lockdown. Trapped in the pitch-black bowels of a sprawling Mile High bunker, they must navigate a lethal labyrinth to find an elusive escape tunnel. As they scramble through the darkness, they discover a hive of genetically mutated predators hunting them, realizing their own forgotten pasts may be the deadliest threat of all.
Last of the Romantics (2007)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
Frustrated composer Parker Graves is a man out of time, trading his artistic soul for a hollow career in advertising. His existential malaise takes a morbid turn when he becomes obsessed with the memory of a deceased ballerina he discovers at a funeral. As this haunting fixation grows, Parker is forced to confront his failed ambitions and choose between the safety of his current life and the pursuit of a legacy that truly matters.
Skills Like This (2007)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder, Arvada, Denver
After a disastrous play reading confirms he has zero talent as a writer, Max Solomon discovers an unexpected “knack” for bank robbery. This newfound proficiency for larceny breathes life into his stagnant existence but throws his two best friends into a hilarious tailspin. A quirky subversion of the quarter-life crisis, Skills Like This follows three friends as they navigate the absurd fallout of Max finally finding a career he’s actually good at.
Return of the Ghostbusters (2007)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In the ambitious fan-film sequel Return of the Ghostbusters, an ancient Egyptian menace descends upon Denver, forcing the city’s “boys in gray” out of retirement. Scaling up the action from Freddy vs. Ghostbusters, the team must navigate a massive supernatural surge to stop an apocalyptic threat. Produced entirely by volunteers, this feature-length tribute blends quirky humor with impressive DIY effects to celebrate the franchise’s enduring legacy.
The Surfer King (2006)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Water World
After his family’s scandal forces a move to Colorado, seventeen-year-old Robbie Zirpollo lands a summer job at Water World to help his mother start over. His mundane groundskeeping gig turns into a high-stakes adventure when he’s recruited to compete in the “Employee Olympics” to win the prestigious Surfer King trophy. Between the fierce competition and the distractions of the park owner’s daughter, Robbie’s fresh start becomes a summer he’ll never forget.
Jesus Camp (2006)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs
The Oscar-nominated documentary Jesus Camp (2006) offers a startling look at “Kids on Fire,” a summer camp designed to mold children into “soldiers in God’s army.” Through intense prayer and political indoctrination, Pastor Becky Fischer prepares young campers to reclaim America for Christ. By contrasting these fervent displays with moderate Christian critiques, the film raises a chilling question: is this religious devotion or systemic radicalization?
Fast Food Nation (2006)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, marketing director Don Anderson (Greg Kinnear) investigates reports of contaminated meat, uncovering a grim web of corporate negligence and human exploitation. His journey through the slaughterhouses of the Front Range reveals the dark reality behind the “Big One” burger, featuring an elite ensemble including Bruce Willis, Ethan Hawke, Kris Kristofferson, and Avril Lavigne. This Richard Linklater drama serves as a searing indictment of the American Dream’s greasy underbelly.
Catch and Release (2006)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder – Pearl Street Mall
Jennifer Garner stars as a woman whose husband dies unexpectedly and must piece her life back together with the help of her friends. Along the way she gets to know her husband’s childhood friend Fritz, a womanizer, but as she gets to know Fritz more and more, she finds herself strangely falling for him. Starring: Jennifer Garner, Timothy Olyphant and Kevin Smith.
The Prestige (2006)
Filming Location in Colorado: Telluride & Mount Sneffels, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Red Mountain Pass
In the shadows of Victorian London and the rugged Colorado Rockies, rival magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) engage in a lethal game of one-upmanship. Fueled by a tragic accident and aided by a cunning assistant (Scarlett Johansson), Angier’s obsession leads him to a secluded laboratory in the American West. There, he enlists reclusive scientist Nikola Tesla (David Bowie) to master a feat that defies nature, exploring the dark cost of sacrifice and the thin line between magic and madness.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Filming Location in Colorado: Glenwood Canyon
In the high-octane 2005 thriller Mr. & Mrs. Smith, bored suburbanites Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie discover their mundane marriage is a front for their true identities as elite, rival assassins. When a high-stakes hit in the rugged Colorado Rockies exposes their secrets, the couple enters a lethal game of cat-and-mouse that reignites their passion. Forced to choose between professional duty and their marriage, the Smiths must decide if their relationship is worth fighting for – or worth dying for.
Back Slash (2005)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Longmont
This meta-horror features two college freshmen who discover that their starring roles in a low-budget student slasher film have become a lethal reality. Trapped in a “live-action” horror movie orchestrated by a killer obsessed with internet promotion and viral fame, the girls must outwit a predator who treats every murder as a marketing opportunity. To survive the final act, they have to rewrite the script before becoming the ultimate splatter-film ending.
Silver City (2004)
Filming Location in Colorado: Idaho Springs, Sedalia, Leadville, Denver
In the sharp Colorado political satire Silver City, gubernatorial candidate Dicky Pilager (Chris Cooper) hooks a corpse during a promotional fishing shoot, sparking a deadly scandal. To bury the truth, his ruthless handler (Richard Dreyfuss) hires disillusioned investigator Danny O’Brien (Danny Huston) to find a scapegoat. As Danny traverses the rugged Front Range, he uncovers a toxic web of corporate greed and environmental corruption that threatens to pull the state’s political elite into the murky depths.
Winter Break (2003)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen
In the mountain-town dramedy Winter Break, four recent college graduates trade career tracks for a hedonistic season in Aspen, Colorado. Deferring adulthood to ski, party, and fall in love, the group seeks to live life to its absolute fullest amidst spectacular scenery. However, as the season unfolds, they must eventually confront the looming reality of what happens when the snow melts.
The Laramie Project (2002)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Golden
In the powerful 2002 drama The Laramie Project, a small community grapples with the soul-shattering aftermath of the 1998 hate-crime murder of college student Matthew Shepard. Based on hundreds of real-life interviews, this HBO film weaves a haunting mosaic of a town forced to confront its own prejudices and the universal impact of intolerance. Featuring an elite ensemble including Steve Buscemi, Christina Ricci, Peter Fonda, and Laura Linney, the story serves as a searing, unforgettable testament to a tragedy that changed the American conversation on civil rights forever.
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Littleton
In his Academy Award-winning documentary Bowling for Columbine, filmmaker Michael Moore probes the heart of American gun culture following the 1999 tragedy in Littleton, Colorado. Blending dark humor with provocative interviews – ranging from Marilyn Manson to NRA president Charlton Heston – Moore questions why the United States remains gripped by pervasive fear and violence. This searing social critique uses the Denver area as a grounding anchor for a national conversation that remains as polarizing and relevant today as it was at its debut.
About Schmidt (2002)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder, Denver
After a lifetime of routine, newly retired actuary Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson) finds his world collapsing following his wife’s sudden death and his daughter’s (Hope Davis) looming, misguided wedding in Denver. Piling into a massive Winnebago, Schmidt embarks on a darkly comic odyssey across the Midwest to “save” his daughter from a marriage he despises. Along the highways of the American West, he grapples with his own irrelevance and the absurdity of aging, finding a flicker of redemption through soul-searching encounters.
Dragon and the Hawk (2001)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In the 2001 high-kicking action flick Dragon and the Hawk, the streets of Denver become a battlefield for international justice. Korean martial arts master Dragon (Master Julian Lee) lands in the Mile High City on a desperate mission to find his missing sister, only to find himself entangled in a lethal conspiracy. Joining forces with a tough-as-nails American detective (Barbara “Hawk” Bernhardt), the unlikely duo must punch, kick, and blast their way through a sinister underworld organization that controls the city’s shadows.
The Claim (2000)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
In the winter-locked 1860s, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad serves as the steel lifeline for a story of frozen hearts and buried sins. Twenty years after trading his wife and infant daughter for a lucrative gold claim, Daniel Dillon (Peter Mullan) has transformed himself into the king of a rugged mountain outpost called Kingdom Come. His empire begins to thaw when a railroad surveyor (Wes Bentley) and two mysterious women (Nastassja Kinski and Sarah Polley) arrive, forcing Dillon to confront the shattering cost of his ambition.
Ride (2000)
Filming Location in Colorado: Breckenridge, Keystone, Steamboat Springs
Experience the ultimate high-altitude rush in Ride, an adrenaline-fueled journey featuring 2002 Olympians and elite snowriders. From Whistler to the vertical extremes of Russia, this documentary captures heart-stopping helicopter drops and high-speed descents down the world’s most formidable peaks. This high-octane expedition reaches its pinnacle in the Colorado Rockies, showcasing the world-class terrain of Breckenridge, Keystone, and Steamboat Springs through the eyes of the sport’s most fearless athletes.
Nurse Betty (2000)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, The Strater Hotel, Fruita
After witnessing her husband’s brutal murder, small-town waitress Betty Sizemore (Renée Zellweger) enters a post-traumatic fugue state, convinced she is the long-lost fiancée of a famous soap opera cardiologist. As she treks toward Los Angeles to find her “lost love,” she is pursued by a philosophical hitman (Morgan Freeman) and his volatile partner (Chris Rock) hunting a drug stash hidden in her car. This darkly comic odyssey blurs the line between television fantasy and violent reality, earning Zellweger a Golden Globe for her transformative performance.
Raising the Stakes (1999)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In the romantic dramedy Raising the Stakes, twenty-something Joseph feels trapped by a dead-end job and a stagnant relationship. His life is upended when he meets his “dream woman,” only to discover that fantasy rarely survives the messy complications of reality. Forced to gamble his stable but unhappy life, Joseph must decide what he’s truly willing to risk for love.
Fifty (1999)
Filming Location in Colorado: Breckenridge, Vail
In the high-octane documentary Fifty, filmmaker Dana Brown tracks the evolution of surfing from its soulful roots to the dangerous frontier of tow-in surfing. Featuring legends like Laird Hamilton and Kelly Slater, the film showcases stunning cinematography of massive swells at Teahupo’o and beyond, celebrating the elite athletes driven to conquer the ocean’s raw power.
For Love of the Game (1999)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen, Glenwood Springs
In the Sam Raimi drama For Love of the Game, aging Detroit Tigers pitcher Billy Chapel (Kevin Costner) reflects on his storied career and turbulent romance while throwing the game of his life. As he nears a potential perfect game, Billy must decide if his future belongs to the sport he has mastered or the woman (Kelly Preston) he is about to lose.
Strangeland (1998)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver, Front Range
In the 1998 cult horror Strangeland, the burgeoning world of internet chatrooms becomes a gateway to a living nightmare. When two Colorado teenagers vanish after being lured to a party by a mysterious online predator known as “Captain Howdy” (Dee Snider), local detective Mike Gage (Kevin Gage) is thrust into a race against time. He discovers a depraved underworld of extreme body modification and ritualistic torture, where the sadistic Howdy views pain as a form of spiritual enlightenment.
Three Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Elitch Gardens Theme Park
In the final high-kicking chapter of the franchise, brothers Rocky, Colt, and Tum Tum head to the Mega Mountain amusement park for a day of thrills that turns into a full-blown hostage crisis. When the sinister Medusa (Loni Anderson) and her ninja army seize the park for a multi-million dollar ransom, the boys must team up with a computer whiz and a washed-up TV action star (Hulk Hogan) to reclaim the rides.
Phantoms (1998)
Filming Location in Colorado: Georgetown, Denver
In the 1998 sci-fi horror Phantoms, the secluded mountain resort of Snowfield, Colorado, becomes an eerie graveyard after its entire population vanishes overnight. Two sisters (Rose McGowan and Joanna Going) arrive to find the town deserted, joining a local sheriff (Ben Affleck) and a disgraced academic (Peter O’Toole) to battle an ancient, shapeshifting entity that absorbs its victims’ memories. This Dean Koontz adaptation blends psychological suspense with creature horror as the survivors fight to stop a prehistoric intelligence before it consumes the world.
Freeriders (1998)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Winter Park
In the adrenaline-fueled Warren Miller documentary Freeriders, elite athletes like Jonny Moseley and Candide Thovex abandon the daily grind to redefine the limits of winter sports. From skiing active volcanoes to trekking through the deserts of Mexico and the shores of Greece, this global odyssey captures a high-speed celebration of freedom and extreme adventure.
The Hi-Lo Country (1998)
Filming Location in Colorado: Pritchett
In the post-WWII American West, best friends Pete (Billy Crudup) and Big Boy (Woody Harrelson) struggle to maintain their rugged lifestyle against a rapidly changing world. Their lifelong bond is pushed to the breaking point when they both fall for the same woman (Patricia Arquette), igniting a volatile rivalry. This Stephen Frears drama captures the bittersweet twilight of the cowboy era through a lens of loyalty and heartbreak.
Snowriders II (1997)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail, Winter Park
In the adrenaline-charged sequel Snowriders II, legendary filmmaker Warren Miller follows elite athletes like Chris Davenport and Amy Wheeler as they defy gravity across the globe. From the peaks of British Columbia to the rugged wilds of New Zealand and Kazakhstan, this high-speed odyssey explores the addictive allure of the mountains. It’s a breathtaking celebration of the relentless pursuit of the perfect, death-defying run.
Switchback (1997)
Filming Location in Colorado: Pinecliffe, Denver – Pink Pig
In the pulse-pounding 1997 thriller Switchback, the snow-swept Colorado Rockies become a deadly hunting ground for a phantom serial killer. FBI Agent Frank LaCrosse (Dennis Quaid) goes rogue, launching a desperate, off-the-books manhunt after the slayer kidnaps his young son. As Frank follows a trail of bodies across the Front Range, his path converges with a charismatic drifter (Danny Glover) and a small-town sheriff (R. Lee Ermey), leading to a high-stakes climax atop a speeding train.
The Shining – TV Mini-Series (1997)
Filming Location in Colorado: Arvada, Denver, Estes Park – Stanley Hotel
In this definitive Colorado adaptation, recovering alcoholic Jack Torrance (Steven Weber) moves his wife (Rebecca De Mornay) and gifted son Danny to the secluded Overlook Hotel to serve as winter caretakers. Unlike previous versions, this Stephen King-penned miniseries follows Jack’s tragic, slow-burn descent into madness as the hotel’s malevolent spirits exploit his deepest weaknesses. Trapped by a brutal Rocky Mountain winter, the family must survive a supernatural siege where the building itself is the ultimate predator.
Asteroid – TV Movie (1997)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver – University Hills Mall, Colorado Convention Center
In the 1997 disaster epic Asteroid, a celestial nightmare strikes the Denver skyline when a cluster of massive space rocks is knocked into a collision course with Earth. A determined FEMA director and a brilliant astronomer lead a desperate race against time to evacuate the Mile High City before it is leveled by lethal fragments. This high-stakes survival story captures a visceral urban struggle as humanity faces an unstoppable celestial threat.
Larger Than Life (1996)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
After his father’s passing, motivational speaker Jack Corcoran (Bill Murray) discovers his inheritance isn’t a fortune, but a four-ton elephant named Vera. Forced to transport his massive, trunked companion across the country to fulfill a debt, Jack embarks on a chaotic and heartfelt road trip that tests his patience and his worldviews. As the unlikely duo navigates the Colorado plains and beyond, Jack learns that sometimes the biggest burdens in life are the ones that lead to the greatest personal growth.
The Fan (1996)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver – Coors Field
In the 1996 psychological thriller The Fan, the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball turns deadly when a parasocial obsession spirals into a violent nightmare. When superstar Bobby Rayburn (Wesley Snipes) falls into the worst slump of his career, failing knife salesman and “superfan” Gil Renard (Robert De Niro) becomes convinced that only he can “help” his idol. What begins as a fanatical devotion soon devolves into a chilling game of kidnapping and murder as Renard eliminates anyone he deems an obstacle to Rayburn’s success.
Independence Day (1996)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs – Peterson Air Force Base
In the 1996 global blockbuster Independence Day, humanity faces extinction as massive alien spacecraft ignite a coordinated global inferno. A hotshot pilot (Will Smith), a tech genius (Jeff Goldblum), and a resolute President (Bill Pullman) lead a desperate, last-ditch counterattack to reclaim the planet on July 4th. This Academy Award-winning epic redefined the disaster genre with visceral special effects and high-stakes survival.
The Sunchaser (1996)
Filming Location in Colorado: Ouray
In the final film from director Michael Cimino, an elite oncologist’s world of cold luxury is shattered when he is kidnapped by a terminally ill Navajo teenager. Driven by a dying wish, the boy forces the doctor on a high-stakes journey toward a sacred mountain in search of a legendary healing lake. As a massive manhunt closes in, the two men form an unlikely bond that challenges their perceptions of medicine, spirit, and redemption.
Tall Tale (1995)
Filming Location in Colorado: Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Roaring Fork Valley
In the 1995 Disney adventure Tall Tale, 12-year-old Daniel Post fights to save his family’s Colorado farm from a ruthless land baron by summoning a quartet of American legends. Joined by Pecos Bill (Patrick Swayze), Paul Bunyan (Oliver Platt), John Henry, and Calamity Jane, Daniel mounts a mythical stand to protect his home. This visually stunning fable transforms the American West into a storybook landscape where folklore and heroics collide.
Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Union Station, Bluebird Theater, City Park, Lakeside
In the slick, Denver-shot neo-noir Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, ex-gangster Jimmy “The Saint” (Andy Garcia) struggles to go straight with a unique business recording “Afterlife Advice” videos. When his venture falters, he is pulled back into the underworld by a sadistic crime lord (Christopher Walken) for one “simple” favor that goes bloodily wrong. Now, with a lethal contract on his head, Jimmy must navigate a neon-lit Mile High City to protect the woman he loves before his time runs out.
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Glenwood Springs, Leadville, Pinecliffe
In the 1995 action sequel Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, retired Navy SEAL Casey Ryback (Steven Seagal) trades the high seas for the high-altitude peaks of the Colorado Rockies. While traveling by train from Denver with his niece (Katherine Heigl), a brilliant mercenary (Eric Bogosian) hijacks the locomotive to seize control of a lethal orbital satellite weapon. Ryback must wage a one-man guerrilla war through narrow mountain passes to derail a global catastrophe before Washington, D.C. is leveled.
The Stand – Mini-Series (1994)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder, Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods
In the definitive 1994 adaptation of Stephen King’s masterpiece, a weaponized “superflu” wipes out 99% of humanity, leaving a handful of immune survivors to battle for the soul of the world. Drawn by prophetic dreams, the remnants of society converge on Boulder, Colorado, to rebuild a fragile “Free Zone” under the guidance of the saintly Mother Abagail (Ruby Dee). However, across the Rockies, a lethal darkness gathers in Las Vegas, led by the demonic Randall Flagg (Jamey Sheridan), forcing every survivor to choose their side in a biblical final conflict between good and evil.
Dumb & Dumber (1994)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Estes Park
In the 1994 comedy masterpiece Dumb and Dumber, breathtakingly dim-witted best friends Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) embark on a cross-country odyssey to Aspen to return a briefcase to a beautiful stranger (Lauren Holly). Unbeknownst to them, the luggage is packed with ransom money, pulling the oblivious duo into a high-stakes world of kidnappers and slapstick police chases. This Farrelly Brothers classic proves that being spectacularly stupid might just be the ultimate superpower for surviving a criminal underworld.
Wyatt Earp (1994)
Filming Location in Colorado: Antonito
In this sweeping biographical epic, Wyatt Earp tracks a legendary lawman’s transformation from an idealistic farm boy into a hardened frontier icon. Spanning decades of family loyalty and personal tragedy, the film culminates in the blood-soaked O.K. Corral, where Wyatt must confront the brutal cost of justice in a lawless land. This sprawling Kevin Costner Western utilizes the dramatic, snow-dusted vistas of Colorado to recreate the harsh majesty of the 19th-century frontier.
Lightning Jack (1994)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City – Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway
In the comedic Western Lightning Jack, a legendary Australian outlaw with more ego than luck takes a mute hostage after a botched bank robbery. Instead of a victim, Jack finds an unlikely protégé, teaching the silent newcomer the ropes of the “trade” to cement his own waning legacy. As the bumbling duo dodges lawmen and prepares for one final heist, they discover that true partnership is the greatest treasure in the lawless West.
White Fang 2 (1994)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen
In the 1994 Disney sequel White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf, the legendary wolf-dog and his companion (Scott Bairstow) join forces with a starving Haida tribe to protect their ancestral lands from a ruthless mining operation led by a corrupt reverend (Alfred Molina). To save the wilderness, they must expose a deadly conspiracy and fulfill an ancient prophecy that will lead the caribou back to the tribe’s sacred territory. As the battle for the frontier intensifies, the bond between man and beast becomes the final line of defense against the encroaching greed of the industrial age.
In the Line of Fire (1993)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver – Civic Center Park
In the 1993 high-stakes thriller In the Line of Fire, veteran Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan (Clint Eastwood) is haunted by his failure to save JFK three decades prior. When a brilliant, taunting master of disguise (John Malkovich) emerges with a plan to assassinate the current President, Horrigan must battle both a ruthless adversary and his own advancing age to find redemption. In a lethal game of cat-and-mouse, the grizzled agent must decide if he is truly willing to take a bullet for the man he is sworn to protect.
Cannibal, The Musical (1993)
Filming Location in Colorado: Lake City, Gunnison, Boulder, Canon City, Ouray
In the cult-classic Cannibal! The Musical, Alferd Packer recounts the song-filled history of his ill-fated 1874 mining expedition. Facing execution for devouring his companions, Packer leads a skeptical reporter through a flashback-fueled journey featuring “Japanese” Indians and rival mountain men. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this absurdist comedy proves that even the most gruesome survival story is better with a catchy show tune.
Aspen Extreme (1993)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen
Detroit best friends T.J. and Dexter trade their dead-end lives for the elite world of Aspen ski instructors. While T.J. ascends to local stardom, Dexter spirals into a dangerous criminal underworld, testing their loyalty against a backdrop of breathtaking stunts. This 1993 cult classic culminates in a high-stakes competition where one wrong turn could cost them everything.
Cliffhanger (1993)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, San Juan Mountains
Haunted by a tragic rescue, veteran climber Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone) is lured back into the unforgiving Colorado Rockies by a desperate distress call. He quickly discovers the “hikers” are actually a ruthless band of international thieves led by the sadistic Eric Qualen (John Lithgow) searching for $100 million in stolen cash. Forced to serve as their high-altitude guide, Gabe must turn the jagged terrain into a vertical battlefield to outmaneuver the killers and find his own hard-won redemption.
Arizona Dream (1992)
Filming Location in Colorado: Gunnison
In the surreal Emir Kusturica comedy Arizona Dream, a young New Yorker’s life is upended when he is lured to the desert and pressured into the family Cadillac business. His reality quickly dissolves into a bizarre dreamscape filled with eccentric characters, suicidal heiresses, and the recurring vision of a flying halibut. Trapped between his uncle’s demands and his own ethereal fantasies, he must navigate a landscape where the line between life and delusion completely vanishes.
Baraka (1992)
Filming Location in Colorado: Mesa Verde National Park
In the wordless, global odyssey Baraka, director Ron Fricke captures the breathtaking interconnectedness of nature and the human spirit in stunning 70mm. From ancient sacred rituals to the mechanical pulse of modern industrialization, the film juxtaposes the majesty of the Earth with the devastating impact of progress. This cinematic meditation invites viewers to witness the beauty and tragedy of a world without borders.
Ladybugs (1992)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Littleton
Desperate for a promotion and a little respect, Denver businessman Chester Lee (Rodney Dangerfield) talks his way into coaching the company-sponsored girls’ soccer team, the Ladybugs. After discovering his squad is a group of uncoordinated misfits, Chester recruits his fiancée’s athletic son, Matthew (Jonathan Brandis), to don a wig and join the team as “Martha”. Chaos ensues across the Mile High City as Chester tries to maintain the ruse, win the championship, and climb the corporate ladder without getting caught.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Filming Location in Colorado: Gateway, Bedrock, Unaweep Canyon, Grand Junction
Looking to trade their mundane Arkansas routines for a weekend of freedom, best friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) hit the open road in a 1966 Ford Thunderbird. But their “fishing trip” takes a harrowing turn at a roadside bar when an act of self-defense transforms the duo into accidental fugitives. As they race toward the Mexican border, they rediscover their own strength and an unbreakable bond while being pursued by a sympathetic detective (Harvey Keitel) and the federal authorities.
City Slickers (1991)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, Silverton, Chama Valley
Staring down a mid-life crisis, Manhattan salesman Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal) and his two best friends ditch their suburban blues for a fantasy cattle drive from New Mexico to Colorado. Under the gravelly gaze of trail boss Curly (Jack Palance in his Oscar-winning role), these three “city slickers” must survive the rugged Durango wilderness, stampeding herds, and their own insecurities to discover the “one thing” that truly matters.
Fast Getaway (1991)
Filming Location in Colorado: Royal Gorge
In the 90s action-comedy Fast Getaway, a teenage tactical genius and his father lead a successful bank-robbing spree until a vengeful ex-partner kidnaps the boy to steal his criminal expertise. Blending high-speed chases with martial arts, this cult classic features a record-breaking stunt filmed at Colorado’s iconic Royal Gorge Bridge.
Conagher (1991)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, Silverton, San Juan Mountains, Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway
In this soulful Louis L’Amour adaptation, a weary cowboy and a resilient widow find an unexpected connection while defending a remote homestead from ruthless outlaws and the brutal elements. Their quiet integrity becomes a testament to survival in the fading era of the American frontier, framed by the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Filmed on location near Durango and Silverton, this gritty Western transforms the rugged Colorado landscape into a silent character that tests the spirit of those brave enough to call it home
Flashback (1990)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Glenwood Springs, Royal Gorge Bridge
When a straight-laced FBI agent (Kiefer Sutherland) is tasked with transporting a legendary 1960s radical (Dennis Hopper) to prison, a cunning prank on a cross-country train flips the script. Stranded in the heart of the Rockies and hunted by corrupt local authorities, this unlikely duo must navigate a culture-clash journey through the Glenwood Canyon wilderness, proving that sometimes you have to lose your way to find your convictions.
Die Hard 2 (1990)
Filming Location in Colorado: Breckenridge, Mead, Denver – Stapleton Airport
On a snowy Christmas Eve, unstoppable cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) battles a rogue commando unit that has seized control of a major international airport. With circling planes—including one carrying his wife—running on empty, McClane must turn the blizzard-swept runways into a high-octane war zone. While set at Dulles, the film’s iconic snowmobile chases and explosive action were famously captured in the rugged terrain of Breckenridge.
The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990)
Filming Location in Colorado: Morrison
In the neon-soaked The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, the world’s only “Rock ‘n’ Roll Detective” is hired to find a missing groupie, only to be pulled into a lethal conspiracy of music industry murders. Armed with a signature attitude and a foul mouth, Ford must outsmart ruthless executives and hitmen before his own career hits a final sour note.
Big Bad John (1990)
Filming Location in Colorado: Trinidad
In the gritty Burt Kennedy Western Big Bad John, a young couple’s desperate elopement ignites a violent pursuit by a ruthless stepfather. Inspired by the iconic Jimmy Dean ballad, they find a powerful protector in a legendary figure of quiet strength. This high-stakes survival story proves that one man’s ultimate sacrifice is the only hope for freedom in a lawless land.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Filming Location in Colorado: Alamosa, Cortez, Pagosa Springs, Cumbres & Toltec Railroad in Antonito
When the world’s most famous archaeologist (Harrison Ford) discovers his estranged father (Sean Connery) has vanished while hunting the Holy Grail, he must follow a trail of ancient clues to rescue him from the Nazis. From a death-defying circus train escape across the San Luis Valley to a global race for immortality, the Jones duo proves that the greatest treasure isn’t the cup itself—it’s surviving each other.
The Forgotten One (1989)
Filming Location in Colorado: Echo Lake
In the haunting supernatural thriller The Forgotten One, a grieving writer’s search for a fresh start leads him to a Colorado Victorian with a grisly past. While a romance blooms with his charming neighbor, he falls under the seductive spell of a spirit murdered in the house a century ago. As this ghostly obsession takes hold, he must fight a lethal battle for his soul before the living and dead become one.
Elves (1989)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs
In the bizarre cult-horror Elves, a young woman discovers she is the centerpiece of a dormant Nazi experiment to breed a master race using ancient, summoned creatures. Trapped in a department store on Christmas Eve with a bloodthirsty elf, her only hope is a cynical, renegade Santa Claus (Dan Haggerty). This holiday nightmare blends occult conspiracies and slasher tropes into a truly wild genre mashup.
Christmas Vacation (1989)
Filming Location in Colorado: Breckenridge, Frisco
Clark Griswold’s (Chevy Chase) grand plans for a “big old-fashioned family Christmas” short-circuit into a suburban nightmare of 25,000 twinkle lights, a hijacked holiday bonus, and an uninvited RV. Filmed amidst the powdery slopes of Breckenridge, this riotous comedy captures the chaotic spirit of the season as Clark battles explosive sewer gas and eccentric relatives to save the holidays from total collapse.
Messenger of Death (1988)
Filming Location in Colorado: Fruita, Glenwood Springs
In this gritty thriller, Denver reporter Garret Smith (Charles Bronson) investigates a brutal family massacre within a secluded Colorado Mormon community. While police suspect a religious feud, Smith uncovers a lethal conspiracy of corporate greed and stolen water rights. Outmatched and in the crosshairs, he must expose the truth before the “Messenger of Death” claims its next victim.
Everybody’s All-American (1988)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver – Mile High Stadium
In the sweeping drama Everybody’s All-American, college football legend Gavin Grey and his homecoming queen wife struggle to move past their glory days at LSU. As Gavin’s professional career fades, he finds himself trapped by the crushing expectations of a town that still views him as a youthful hero. Spanning decades, the film explores the heartbreaking reality of a man losing his identity once the cheering stops.
Action Jackson (1988)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In the high-octane 80s thriller Action Jackson, a hard-hitting Detroit cop is framed for murder by a power-hungry auto tycoon. After the mogul ruthlessly eliminates political rivals and plants his wife’s body in the sergeant’s apartment, the disgraced officer goes rogue to clear his name. Teaming up with the tycoon’s disillusioned mistress, he unleashes a trail of destruction to dismantle a criminal empire before it can seize total control.
Over the Top (1987)
Filming Location in Colorado: Ouray, Million Dollar Highway
Lincoln Hawk (Sylvester Stallone), a struggling long-haul trucker, fights for the only thing that matters: a second chance with his estranged son. To win back his boy and secure their future, Hawk must out-drive his wealthy, manipulative father-in-law and out-muscle a brotherhood of giants in a high-stakes Las Vegas arm-wrestling championship. Set against the breathtaking cliffs of Ouray, this cult classic proves that when your back is against the wall, you have to turn your cap around and go “over the top.”
The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)
Filming Location in Colorado: Copper Mountain, Curtain Ponds
In the 80s cult classic The Legend of Billie Jean, a Texas teen becomes an accidental outlaw after a local bully trashes her brother’s scooter and his father refuses to pay for repairs. Under the rallying cry “Fair is fair!”, she cuts her hair and goes on the run, unintentionally igniting a statewide youth movement. What begins as a simple demand for justice transforms her into a rebel icon and a modern-day Joan of Arc.
American Flyers (1985)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder, Grand Junction
In the high-stakes cycling drama American Flyers, two brothers reunite to compete in “The Hell of the West,” a grueling race through the Colorado Rockies. While they battle world-class athletes and brutal terrain, one brother hides a life-threatening brain aneurysm that could strike at any moment. This John Badham film blends breathtaking mountain scenery with a powerful story of brotherly sacrifice and tactical grit.
The Philadelphia Experiment (1984)
Filming Location in Colorado: Downtown Denver, Echo Lake, Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad
When a 1943 naval invisibility test goes catastrophically wrong, two sailors are ripped from the deck of the USS Eldridge and hurled forty years into a bewildering 1984. As a deadly temporal vortex begins to tear the fabric of reality apart, the displaced duo must evade a high-level military manhunt across the streets of modern Denver to shut down the experiment before the future is erased forever.
Starman (1984)
Filming Location in Colorado: Fruita, Grand Junction, Glenwood Canyon, Denver
Directed by sci-fi master John Carpenter, this soulful odyssey follows a gentle extraterrestrial (Jeff Bridges) who crashes on Earth and assumes the form of a young widow’s late husband. Desperate to reach his rendezvous point before his life force expires, the Starman enlists a grieving Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen) for a high-stakes road trip across the American West. From the neon lights of Denver to the red rock canyons of Fruita, Carpenter blends heart-pounding suspense with a poignant exploration of what it truly means to be human.
WarGames (1983)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Complex
Teenage hacker David Lightman (Matthew Broderick) accidentally triggers a global countdown to World War III after bypassing military firewalls to play what he thinks is a new computer game. Trapped in a high-stakes standoff with WOPR, a top-secret supercomputer, David must race to the Cheyenne Mountain Complex to convince the military that the only winning move is not to play. This influential thriller was so realistic it famously prompted President Ronald Reagan to overhaul national cybersecurity policy.
Fire and Ice (1983)
Filming Location in Colorado: Great Sand Dunes, Aspen
In the visually striking Fire and Ice, animation legends Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta bring a brutal prehistoric fantasy to life. As a malevolent ice queen unleashes global glaciers to crush humanity, a lone warrior and a mysterious masked combatant must rescue a kidnapped princess. Their quest leads to an apocalyptic confrontation between sub-zero magic and the molten power of the Fire Keep.
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Filming Location in Colorado: Pueblo, Durango, Silverton, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
In National Lampoon’s Vacation, optimistic patriarch Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) drags his reluctant family on a 2,400-mile odyssey to Walley World in the ill-fated Wagon Queen Family Truckster. Their cross-country quest for bonding quickly devolves into a hilarious gauntlet of roadside disasters, eccentric cousins, and catastrophic car trouble. As they tear through the arid plains of Pueblo and the high-desert vistas of Durango, Clark’s sanity hangs by a thread, proving the journey isn’t just half the fun—it’s a total breakdown.
Copper Mountain (1983)
Filming Location in Colorado: White River National Forest
In the quirky musical comedy Copper Mountain, two friends hit the legendary Colorado slopes with very different goals: one to master the peaks, the other to master the art of the pickup. Featuring a young Jim Carrey in one of his earliest roles, the film is a high-altitude time capsule of 80s synth-pop, vintage ski fashion, and Carrey’s signature celebrity impressions.
Continental Divide (1981)
Filming Location in Colorado: Custer
In the charming romantic comedy Continental Divide, a cynical Chicago reporter trades the gritty city for the Rocky Mountains after a lethal investigation forces him into hiding. Trapped in the high-altitude wilds, he clashes with a fiercely independent eagle researcher who has no patience for his urban attitude. This volatile standoff evolves into a tender, unlikely love affair, forcing two total opposites to decide if their connection can survive the distance between the skyscrapers and the peaks.
Frisco Kid (1979)
Filming Location in Colorado: Greeley
In the heart-filled Western The Frisco Kid, an optimistic Polish rabbi (Gene Wilder) treks across the lawless frontier to reach a new congregation in San Francisco. Stranded and swindled, he forms a chaotic alliance with a soft-hearted bank robber (Harrison Ford) to survive the journey. Between dodging outlaws and negotiating with indigenous tribes, the unlikely duo discovers a profound friendship that bridges the gap between the Torah and the trail.
Over the Edge (1979)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Aurora, Greeley
In the raw, rebellious drama Over the Edge, a group of neglected teens in a sterile Colorado suburb spirals into a violent uprising against a stifling local police force. Fueled by boredom and classic rock, their frustration explodes into a full-scale riot after a tragic accidental shooting. This Matt Dillon film debut remains a high-voltage time capsule of suburban alienation and youth volatility.
Mork & Mindy – TV Series (1978 -1982)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder, Pearl Street Mall
In the legendary sitcom Mork & Mindy, a manic alien named Mork (Robin Williams) lands his egg-shaped craft in Boulder, Colorado, to study human behavior. Taken in by the kind-hearted Mindy McConnell (Pam Dawber), Mork navigates earthly life from their iconic Victorian home on Pine Street. This career-launching series became a global phenomenon, showcasing Williams’ unmatched improvisational genius against the backdrop of the Pearl Street Mall and the Rocky Mountains.
Ice Castles (1978)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado Springs, Broadmoor World Arena
In the heart-wrenching drama Ice Castles, small-town skater Alexis Winston skyrockets to the elite world of professional figure skating before a tragic accident leaves her legally blind. Forced to abandon the ice, she retreats into isolation until her childhood sweetheart and family inspire a defiant comeback. This emotional classic proves that vision isn’t required to see a dream through to the end.
Comes a Horseman (1978)
Filming Location in Colorado: Westcliffe, Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway
In the sweeping 1940s Western Comes a Horseman, a resilient rancher (Jane Fonda) and a war veteran (James Caan) form an uneasy alliance to defend her land against a ruthless cattle baron. Amidst the encroaching threats of sabotage and oil industrialization, they must fight to survive a vanishing era of the American West. This atmospheric Alan J. Pakula drama proves that standing your ground requires as much grit as it does heart.
Centennial (1978)
Filming Location in Colorado: Orchard, Keota, Central City
In this sweeping epic Centennial, two centuries of Colorado history unfold through the birth and evolution of a single frontier town. From the arrival of fur trappers and the displacement of Native tribes to the rise of cattle barons and a century-old murder mystery, this saga captures the raw grit of the West. Spanning from the 1700s to the 1970s, it is a visceral journey through the forces that forged the Rocky Mountain frontier.
Every Which Way But Loose (1978)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Aurora, Georgetown
Bare-knuckle brawler and trucker Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) roams the American West with two unlikely companions: his promoter brother and a beer-drinking orangutan named Clyde. When a country singer (Sondra Locke) steals his heart and disappears, Philo’s pursuit leads him through a gauntlet of biker gangs and vengeful cops across the Front Range. From high-speed chases in Georgetown to a legendary final showdown at the Aurora drag strip, Philo proves that some battles are won with a punch, but the toughest are fought for love.
White Buffalo (1977)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City – Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway
In the surreal, snow-swept Western The White Buffalo, a haunted Wild Bill Hickok and a grieving Crazy Horse form a tense alliance to hunt a spectral, man-eating beast. Driven by apocalyptic nightmares and personal tragedy, the two legends track the mythical creature through a frozen wilderness. This dark frontier tale blends historical grit with creature-feature horror as they face a monster that threatens to consume them both.
One on One (1977)
Filming Location in Colorado: Fort Collins, CSU Campus, Moby Arena
In this defiant sports underdog classic, small-town basketball phenom Henry Steele (Robby Benson) arrives at a prestigious university only to find his scholarship is a contract for his soul. When he refuses to be a mindless pawn, a corrupt coach (Annette O’Toole) launches a brutal campaign to break him. Filmed against the vibrant backdrop of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Henry must team up with a sharp-witted tutor to navigate a cutthroat collegiate world and prove that his integrity isn’t for sale.
The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox (1976)
Filming Location in Colorado: Central City, Canon City
In the raucous Western comedy The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox, a quick-witted saloon singer (Goldie Hawn) and a bumbling card shark (George Segal) form a chaotic alliance on the 1880s frontier. After she steals his loot to fund a “Duchess” masquerade aimed at snaring a wealthy Mormon, the duo must outrun a gang of vengeful outlaws across the rugged West. This slapstick adventure blends high-stakes grifting with a blossoming romance as they discover that even the best con can’t hide a true connection.
The Adventures of the Wilderness Family (1975)
Filming Location in Colorado: Crested Butte, Gunnison National Forest, Ohio City
In this heartwarming 1975 classic, the Robinsons abandon city life for the pristine Rocky Mountains to seek a healthier environment for their daughter. As they build a log cabin and befriend local wildlife, the family must master the art of survival while outsmarting territorial predators. This breathtaking drama captures the raw beauty of the high country and the unbreakable bond of a family finding their true home in the wild.
Mr. Majestyk (1974)
Filming Location in Colorado: Rocky Ford, Canon City, La Junta, Manzanola
In the gritty Elmore Leonard thriller Mr. Majestyk, a Vietnam veteran turned Colorado melon farmer just wants to harvest his crop in peace. His quiet life is shattered when he crosses paths with a psychopathic mob hitman, sparking a relentless war of nerves across the Rocky Mountain terrain. Armed with tactical precision and “don’t-tread-on-me” grit, he proves that a man who just wants to be left alone is the most dangerous enemy of all.
Badlands (1973)
Filming Location in Colorado: Delhi, La Junta, Las Animas, Pueblo, Rocky Ford, Trinidad
In his haunting directorial debut, Terrence Malick transforms the open plains of Southeastern Colorado into a surreal backdrop for a cross-country killing spree. Inspired by the Starkweather-Fugate murders, the film follows 25-year-old garbage collector Kit Carruthers (Martin Sheen) and his 15-year-old girlfriend Holly (Sissy Spacek) as they flee a trail of bodies toward the badlands of Montana. Through Holly’s detached, dreamlike narration, this lyrical neo-noir explores the terrifying intersection of celebrity obsession, youthful alienation, and the corrupted American Dream.
The Brothers O’Toole (1973)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City – Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway
In the slapstick Western The Brothers O’Toole, a high-stakes case of mistaken identity throws a Colorado mining town into absolute chaos. When a shiftless con man discovers he is a dead ringer for a notorious outlaw, he and his dim-witted brother seize the chance to grift the locals—only to be caught between a desperate sheriff and the real criminal. Filmed in the historic streets of Central City, this 1970s cult gem proves that looking like a legend is just as dangerous as being one.
Scarecrow (1973)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City, Denver
In the gritty, award-winning drama Scarecrow, two drifters with polar-opposite philosophies forge an unlikely bond while hitchhiking across America. Max (Gene Hackman), a hot-tempered ex-con, is charmed by the whimsical Lion (Al Pacino), an ex-sailor who believes laughter is the ultimate defense. As they journey toward an elusive future, their fragile friendship becomes a raw, heartbreaking study of hope and human vulnerability.
Sleeper (1973)
Filming Location in Colorado: Golden, Denver Botanic Gardens, Boulder, Genesee, Greenwood Village, Lakewood
In this slapstick sci-fi masterpiece, a neurotic 1973 health-food store owner is cryogenically frozen and revived 200 years later into a dystopian police state. Recruited by an underground resistance to overthrow a literal “nose-dictator,” he must dodge giant vegetables and amorous robots to save the future. Filmed across Colorado’s most iconic modernist landmarks, this cult classic remains a hilarious collision of retro-futurism and timeless physical comedy.
The Cowboys (1972)
Filming Location in Colorado: Castle Rock, Canon City, Pagosa Springs
In the gritty Western The Cowboys, veteran rancher John Wayne is forced to hire schoolboys to drive his massive herd across a treacherous frontier. As the journey transforms the children into men under his hardened tutelage, a lethal gang of rustlers stalks them from the shadows. This Mark Rydell classic is a visceral coming-of-age story where the line between innocence and survival is drawn in the dust.
Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
In this quick-witted Western comedy, a suave con artist (James Garner) is mistaken for a legendary killer in a fractured mining town. Rather than correcting the error, he exploits local rivalries to settle his debts while dodging a hot-tempered heiress and the inevitable arrival of the real gunslinger. Reassembling the beloved cast of its predecessor, this slapstick gem proves a sharp tongue is often deadlier than a fast draw.
Vanishing Point (1971)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver, Glenwood Springs, Rifle
In this quintessential counter-culture classic, a pill-popping wheelman named Kowalski (Barry Newman) bets he can deliver a white 1970 Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in just 15 hours. Guided by the prophetic, soulful broadcasts of a blind DJ named Super Soul (Cleavon Little), Kowalski becomes a folk hero as he streaks across the high-desert landscapes of Colorado. With the highway patrol in a desperate, multi-state pursuit, this high-octane odyssey transforms into a surreal race against time, authority, and the vanishing American horizon.
Barquero (1970)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City, Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway
In the gritty, sun-drenched Western Barquero, a ruthless gang fleeing toward Mexico finds their escape blocked by an iron-willed ferryman (Lee Van Cleef). When he refuses to be bullied and evacuates the townsfolk to the far bank, a lethal, cross-river standoff begins. Trapped between a bloodthirsty leader (Warren Oates) and the deep water, the ferryman must turn his barge into a floating fortress to survive the siege.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, Telluride, Silverton
In this definitive buddy-western, legends Paul Newman and Robert Redford redefine the outlaw mythos with unmatched wit and style. As their streak of train robberies triggers a relentless pursuit by an elite “super-posse,” the duo is forced to flee through the breathtaking high-country of Durango and Silverton. From iconic cliff jumps to a desperate Bolivian escape, this masterpiece captures the end of an era for two best friends who refuse to go down without a fight.
True Grit (1969)
Filming Location in Colorado: Cañon City, Castle Rock, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, Ridgway
After her father is brutally murdered, Mattie Ross vows to avenge her fathers death by hiring a rough and tumble marshal “Rooster” Cogburn, played by John Wayne who won an Academy Award for the role in 1970. Throughout their journey they encounter a Texas Ranger who is searching for the same man, and Mattie and Cogburn form a strong and unlikely bond.
The Happy Ending (1969)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver – City Park, Colorado Springs – Redstone Castle
In the emotionally raw drama The Happy Ending, a disillusioned housewife (Jean Simmons) shatters her picturesque life after sixteen years of a hollow marriage. Abandoning her family to escape a cocktail of pills and unfulfilled promises, she flees to the Bahamas to reclaim her lost identity. This Richard Brooks film is a searing exploration of a woman’s desperate search for meaning beyond the roles of wife and mother.
Downhill Racer (1969)
Filming Location in Colorado: Idaho Springs, Boulder, Durango
In the icy sports drama Downhill Racer, a fiercely arrogant Colorado skier joins the U.S. Olympic team, only to wage a psychological war with his disciplined coach. Driven by a narcissistic obsession with victory, he treats both the Alpine slopes and his personal relationships as mere obstacles to his singular goal. This visceral film captures the breathless velocity of the sport while exposing the hollow, solitary cost of a gold-medal life.
Cat Ballou (1965)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City, Pueblo, Denver, Carbondale
In the Oscar-winning Western spoof Cat Ballou, a prim schoolteacher transforms into a vengeful outlaw after a railroad tycoon murders her father. Her quest for justice takes a hilarious turn when the legendary gunfighter she hires arrives as a hopeless, staggering drunk. Filmed near Cañon City, this musical comedy follows a gang of misfits trading lessons for larceny on the wild frontier.
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
Filming Location in Colorado: Antonito, Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad
In the rugged Western The Sons of Katie Elder, four estranged brothers—led by a notorious gunfighter (John Wayne)—reunite for their mother’s funeral only to find their ranch stolen and their father murdered. Forced to trade mourning for vengeance, the brothers must reclaim their legacy from a corrupt town. Filmed amidst the stark beauty of Colorado’s Royal Gorge, this classic tale proves that blood is thicker than water and deadlier than lead.
Cheyenne Autumn (1964)
Filming Location in Colorado: Gunnison, Monument Valley
In John Ford’s final Western, a starving tribe defies the U.S. government to embark on a desperate 1,500-mile trek back to their ancestral lands. Tasked with their retrieval, a weary Cavalry Captain find his duty at odds with his growing respect for their endurance. Filmed across the sweeping vistas of Gunnison and Monument Valley, this historical epic chronicles a people’s courageous fight for dignity.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964)
Filming Location in Colorado: Black Canyon / Gunnison, Crawford
In the vibrant musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown, firebrand Molly trades her backwoods cabin for the silver mines of Leadville in a relentless quest for wealth and respect. After striking it rich, she finds that Denver’s elite still won’t accept a girl with mud on her boots, leading her to conquer the grand ballrooms of Europe. From Colorado’s high country to the sinking Titanic, Molly’s indomitable spirit proves she is a force of nature that simply refuses to stay down.
Pressure Point (1962)
Filming Location in Colorado: Glenwood Springs
In the searing psychological drama Pressure Point, a brilliant Black psychiatrist (Sidney Poitier) is locked in a high-stakes mental duel with a bigoted Nazi inmate (Bobby Darin) charged with sedition. As the doctor attempts to treat the prisoner’s violent paranoia, he must endure a barrage of racial taunts and manipulation designed to break his professional resolve. This provocative film explores the chilling roots of hate and the heavy personal cost of maintaining humanity in the face of pure malice.
How the West Was Won (1962)
Filming Location in Colorado: La Junta, Bent’s Old Fort, Durango, Montrose, Silverton
In the colossal Cinerama epic How the West Was Won, three generations of the Prescott family journey across a shifting American frontier. From the treacherous Erie Canal to the lawless plains, they endure buffalo stampedes and the bloody toll of the Civil War. Filmed across breathtaking Colorado landmarks like Bent’s Old Fort and the Silverton wilds, this star-studded saga captures the brutal grit that forged a nation.
The Sheepman (1958)
Filming Location in Colorado: Montrose
In the sharp Western The Sheepman, a dangerously confident stranger (Glenn Ford) triggers a range war by bringing a flock of sheep into a rigid cattle town. Outmaneuvering local bullies and a corrupt land baron (Leslie Nielsen) with dry wit and a lightning-fast draw, he systematically dismantles the town’s status quo. Filmed near Gunnison, Colorado, this clever genre-bender proves that the right attitude is deadlier than a thousand head of cattle.
Night Passage (1957)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
In the sweeping Colorado Western Night Passage, a disgraced railroad agent (James Stewart) must smuggle a $10,000 payroll past a relentless gang of outlaws. The mission turns personal when he discovers the gang’s deadliest trigger-man is his estranged brother (Audie Murphy). Filmed along the breathtaking Durango & Silverton line, this high-altitude thriller explores whether blood is thicker than gold.
The Maverick Queen (1956)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, Silverton, Royal Gorge
In the vivid Western The Maverick Queen, a fierce saloon owner (Barbara Stanwyck) who built an empire by rebranding unbranded cattle falls for a mysterious stranger. Unbeknownst to her, he is an undercover Pinkerton detective hunting Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. Filmed in the striking landscapes of Silverton, Colorado, this high-stakes drama explores the explosive collision between outlaw loyalty and a lawman’s duty.
The Searchers (1956)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen, Gunnison
In John Ford’s psychological masterpiece, a bitter Civil War veteran (John Wayne) embarks on an obsessive, five-year quest across the frontier to rescue his niece from a Comanche tribe. His journey through the stark vistas of Monument Valley becomes a descent into a dark, racial hatred that blurs the line between hero and monster. This cinematic landmark culminates in one of the most iconic final frames in film history.
Around the World in Eighty Days (1956)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, Silverton
In the Oscar-winning epic Around the World in 80 Days, eccentric Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg (David Niven) wagers his fortune on a 19th-century race across the globe. Navigating hot air balloons and the historic Durango & Silverton railroad, he rescues a princess while outrunning a detective convinced he is a fugitive thief. This star-studded spectacle captures the indomitable spirit of adventure and a shrinking world.
Strategic Air Command (1955)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver – Lowry Air Force Base
In this sweeping Cold War drama, baseball star “Dutch” Holland (James Stewart) is pulled from the major leagues when the Air Force recalls him to active duty. Trading his glove for the cockpit of a nuclear bomber, he must navigate the high-stakes world of global deterrence while his wife (June Allyson) struggles with the demands of military life. Filmed partly at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, this Anthony Mann classic features breathtaking VistaVision aerial footage that redefined aviation on film.
The Glenn Miller Story (1954)
Filming Location in Colorado: Boulder, Denver – Lowry Air Force Base
In the sweeping musical biography The Glenn Miller Story, a determined trombonist (James Stewart) struggles through years of pawn shops and road gigs to find the “new sound” that would define an era. From his romantic beginnings in Boulder, Colorado, to his meteoric rise as the King of Swing, Miller’s journey is anchored by his devoted wife (June Allyson). This Anthony Mann masterpiece captures the heartbeat of the Greatest Generation, culminating in his patriotic WWII service and tragic disappearance over the English Channel.
The Naked Spur (1953)
Filming Location in Colorado: Silverton
In this gritty Western, a desperate bounty hunter (James Stewart) tracks a killer through the Colorado high country to reclaim his stolen ranch. Forced into a volatile alliance with two untrustworthy strangers, he must survive his captive’s lethal psychological games and the group’s growing greed. Filmed near Durango and Silverton, this thriller explores the razor-thin line between justice and obsession.
Denver and Rio Grande (1952)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango – Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad
In this high-altitude action Western, rival railroad companies wage a literal war for control over the strategically vital Royal Gorge. As one crew battles the brutal mountain terrain, a ruthless competitor resorts to lethal sabotage and dynamite to seize the right-of-way. Filmed on the historic Durango & Silverton line, this explosive drama culminates in a spectacular head-on train collision that remains one of cinema’s most daring practical stunts.
On Dangerous Ground (1952)
Filming Location in Colorado: Granby, Grand Lake, Tabernash
In this haunting film noir, a violent, burnt-out city cop is exiled to a frozen mountain wilderness to solve a brutal murder. While hunting a killer through the snow-choked landscape, he encounters a resilient blind woman whose quiet compassion forces him to confront his own fractured humanity. This atmospheric Nicholas Ray classic blends grit with isolation in a powerful story of redemption and unexpected connection.
Viva Zapata! (1952)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango – Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad
In this powerful historical film, a humble peasant (Marlon Brando) rises from an outlaw to a legendary general in the Mexican Revolution. As he battles a corrupt dictatorship to reclaim his people’s land, he discovers that the struggle for freedom is often poisoned by the very power used to win it. Scripted by John Steinbeck, this Elia Kazan masterpiece explores the tragic, endless cycle of political betrayal.
One Minute to Zero (1952)
Filming Location in Colorado: Fort Carson Army Base – Colorado Springs
In this gritty war drama, a battle-hardened U.S. Colonel (Robert Mitchum) must hold a thinning defensive line during the outbreak of the Korean War. While evacuating civilians, his duty clashes with the ideals of a U.N. official over the agonizing moral choices required for survival. Filmed partly at Camp Carson, Colorado, this film captures the raw brutality of a conflict that forced a nation to confront the harsh costs of global deterrence.
Vengeance Valley (1951)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City, Gunnison
In the sweeping Western drama Vengeance Valley, a Colorado cattle baron raises a loyal orphan (Burt Lancaster) alongside his resentful biological son. As adults, the son’s reckless lifestyle leads him to frame his foster brother for his own scandalous secrets in a desperate bid to seize the family empire. Filmed against the majestic peaks of Cañon City and Gunnison, this tale of betrayal explores whether blood ties or chosen loyalty will define a legacy.
Across the Wide Missouri (1951)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango, Ouray, Silverton
In this rugged frontier drama, legendary trapper Flint Mitchell (Clark Gable) leads a band of mountain men into the lethal, untouched 1830s West. To secure safe passage into rich beaver lands, he cynically marries a Blackfoot chief’s daughter, only to find his cold-blooded ambition transformed by unexpected love. Filmed in the breathtaking high country of Durango and Silverton, this William Wellman epic captures the brutal beauty and violent cultural clashes of the American fur trade.
Devil’s Doorway (1950)
Filming Location in Colorado: Aspen, Grand Junction
In this subversive Western, a Shoshone Civil War hero (Robert Taylor) returns to his ancestral valley to build a ranch, only to face a ruthless land-grab by white farmers. Despite his Medal of Honor, he is met with systemic racism and laws designed to seize his fertile range. This stark Anthony Mann drama is a tragic indictment of the frontier, chronicling a veteran’s desperate last stand for the land he bled to defend.
Colorado Territory (1949)
Filming Location in Colorado: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
In this high-stakes Western, notorious outlaw Wes McQueen (Joel McCrea) is sprung from jail for one final railroad heist. Torn between a refined settler and the fierce loyalty of a dance-hall girl (Virginia Mayo), his path to redemption is blocked by a $10,000 bounty. This Raoul Walsh masterpiece—a Western reimagining of High Sierra—culminates in a breathtaking manhunt through the jagged peaks of the Colorado Rockies.
The Razor’s Edge (1946)
Filming Location in Colorado: Denver
In this sweeping philosophical drama, a traumatized WWI pilot (Tyrone Power) abandons a life of wealth and his socialite fiancée (Gene Tierney) to seek spiritual enlightenment. His journey from French coal mines to the Himalayas leads to a decadent Paris, where his inner peace is tested by his ex-fiancée’s obsessive jealousy and a tragic friend’s addiction. This Edmund Goulding masterpiece explores the arduous “razor’s edge” path to salvation in a materialistic world.
Stagecoach (1939)
Filming Location in Colorado: Canon City
In John Ford’s definitive Western, a disparate group of strangers—including a social outcast (Claire Trevor) and the vengeful Ringo Kid (John Wayne)—must cross a perilous desert territory under the constant threat of Apache ambush. As shifting loyalties and danger dissolve their social barriers, the coach becomes a high-stakes pressure cooker where survival is the only currency. Filmed against the iconic vistas of Monument Valley, this cinematic milestone catapulted The Duke to superstardom and redefined the American Western.
Trail of ’98 (1928)
Filming Location in Colorado: Corona
In the colossal silent epic The Trail of ’98, thousands of gold-fevered fortune seekers endure a harrowing 1897 odyssey toward the Klondike. Centered on a blossoming romance between a young adventurer and a resilient immigrant (Dolores del Río), the film chronicles their brutal ascent over the Chilkoot Pass and through the lethal Whitehorse Rapids. This Clarence Brown masterpiece utilized thousands of extras and authentic Colorado mountain vistas to capture the raw, life-and-death struggle of the greatest gold rush in history.
The Great K & A Train Robbery (1926)
Filming Location in Colorado: Glenwood Springs – Shoshone Dam, Glenwood Canyon, The Royal Gorge
In this high-octane silent Western, legendary star Tom Mix goes undercover to dismantle a ruthless gang sabotaging a Colorado railroad. Performing his own death-defying stunts alongside his famous horse, Tony, Mix must navigate corporate betrayal and a high-stakes mountain romance. Filmed amidst the spectacular sheer cliffs of Glenwood Canyon and the Royal Gorge, this action-packed classic features breathtaking practical effects that still thrill a century later.
The Gold Rush (1925)
Filming Location in Colorado: Colorado, USA
In the transcendent silent comedy The Gold Rush, Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp ventures into the frozen Klondike to strike it rich. Amidst howling blizzards and starvation—leading to the legendary “boiled boot” feast—he battles a mountain of mishaps while falling for a beautiful dance-hall girl. Filmed partly in the Colorado Rockies to capture the brutal Chilkoot Pass, this masterpiece perfectly blends slapstick brilliance with heart-wrenching pathos.
