The greatest movie for each U.S state

Social media has spoken. When movie fans on Reddit were asked to rank their favorite movies linked to each U.S. state, an excellent list was compiled. The picks were not without their controversies but give a nice cinematic tour through the country nonetheless.

With its breathtaking vistas of Montana’s rivers and mountains, Robert Redford’s ‘A River Runs Through It’ is a lyrical homage to the power of nature and family. The film’s poetic fly-fishing sequences capture the spirit of the American West, turning Montana’s landscapes into a cinematic canvas of serenity and beauty. Brad Pitt’s face in it doesn’t hurt either.

Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘North by Northwest’ turns South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore into an unlikely backdrop for espionage and high-stakes drama. The film’s climactic chase across the faces of the monument is not just a thrilling set piece but an enduring symbol of classic American cinema, allowing it to beat out other favorites like ‘Dances With Wolves’ and ‘The Revenant.’

Of course! ‘Tommy Boy’ is a comedy classic that embraces the down-to-earth spirit of Ohio. “This movie explains the rust belt better than a dozen political analysts,” wrote one user. Chris Farley’s goofball character embarks on a road trip through the heart of the Midwest, showing off Ohio like no other. Even so, many Ohio residents argued that ‘Major League’ did an even better job.

Shot in a remote cabin deep in the Tennessee woods, Sam Raimi’s cult classic ‘Evil Dead’ turned a shoestring budget into a landmark of horror cinema. The film’s gritty, visceral style has since become a blueprint for indie filmmakers, cementing Tennessee’s eerie backwoods as the perfect setting for supernatural terror.

Photo : New Line Cinema

“If you build it, he will come.” These words, whispered across the cornfields of Iowa, have become iconic in the lexicon of American cinema. ‘Field of Dreams’ is both a nostalgic ode to baseball and a poignant exploration of lost dreams and was able to beat out other Iowa favorites like ‘Bridges of Madison County’ and ‘Signs.’

Though filmed in Ohio, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is rooted in the atmospheric setting of Stephen King’s fictional Maine, where pretty much all of his stories are based. The film’s haunting narrative of hope and resilience may not leave the confines of the prison, but it one fantastic movie.

The Coen Brothers’ ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ is a whimsical journey through Depression-era Mississippi, blending Southern folklore with a modern twist on Homer’s Odyssey. Its richly textured landscapes and toe-tapping bluegrass soundtrack helped it beat out other classics like ‘Mississippi Burning,’ and ‘Django Unchained.’

The Farrelly Brothers bring their offbeat, irreverent humor to Rhode Island in ‘Me, Myself & Irene,’ showcasing the state’s quirky charm and coastal beauty. Jim Carrey’s wildly unpredictable performance captures the duality of New England’s picturesque small towns and multiple personalities. The audience also appreciated the great filming locations of this one.

Image: HD Retro Trailers/Youtube

In ‘Groundhog Day,’ Bill Murray’s existential loop unfolds in the quaint town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, turning a sleepy winter festival into a meditation on life’s deeper meanings. People loved this one so much that it beat out another iconic movie - ‘Rocky.’

An underdog story for the ages, ‘Hoosiers’ is set against the backdrop of Indiana’s deep-seated passion for high school basketball. The film is a celebration of small-town determination and the spirit of community, is said to be THE Indiana movie. However, others were rooting for ‘A Christmas Story,’ ‘Breaking Away’ or ‘Rudy.’

Image: Amazon MGM Studios/ Youtube

Here, this was a clear winner. Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’ transforms Colorado’s snowy Overlook Hotel into a claustrophobic labyrinth of terror. With its sweeping shots of the Rocky Mountains and the eerie desolation of its isolated setting, the film redefines horror by blending the grandeur of the state’s natural beauty with a sense of creeping dread.

The sultry, gothic atmosphere of Louisiana is brought to life in Neil Jordan’s ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ a lush adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel. The film’s portrayal of New Orleans’ hauntingly beautiful French Quarter and fog-drenched swamps captures the dark romanticism that defines the state and even helped bump tourism for a while.

With its sun-soaked beaches and laid-back island vibe, ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ is a love letter to Hawaii’s tropical allure. The film’s blend of breezy comedy and heartfelt moments captures the spirit of aloha, even more, according to Reddit users, than ‘Lilo and Stitch’ or ‘The Descendants.’

Image: Universal Pictures

Not a surprise. Alexander Payne’s ‘Nebraska’ is a stark, black-and-white road movie that captures the quiet dignity and subtle humor of the Great Plains. Filmed across the state’s open highways and small towns, the film portrays Nebraska’s unvarnished landscapes and resilient characters with a tender yet unsentimental eye.

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Few films showcase the raw power of nature like ‘Twister,’ which plunges audiences into the adrenaline-fueled world of storm chasing. Set against the wide skies and rolling plains of Oklahoma, the movie captures the state’s reputation as Tornado Alley. Unlike Nebraska, fans didn’t choose the movie with the same name — the 1955 musical ‘‘Oklahoma!’

‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’ dives headfirst into the wild, colorful chaos of 1990s Miami, with Jim Carrey’s zany energy perfectly matching the city’s vibrant yet absurd vibes. From neon-lit nightclubs to the lush Everglades, the film plays up Florida’s eccentricities and quirks. This was a bit controversial though, as others argued passionately for ‘Scarface.’

In ‘Talladega Nights,’ Will Ferrell roars through the heart of North Carolina’s NASCAR culture with a mix of absurdity and affection. “I’m a North Carolinian and that’s the most North Carolina movie ever made. They nailed the accents and culture of the Charlotte metro area perfectly,” wrote one user.

Image: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers/ Youtube

This surprised even the creator of the list, but with its iconic scenes set against the backdrop of Georgetown’s cobblestone streets and historic row houses, ‘The Exorcist’ turns the nation’s capital into a canvas of supernatural terror. The film’s chilling story of possession takes on an extra layer of intensity thanks to the eerie contrast between Washington D.C.’s stately elegance and the darkness lurking within.

‘10 Things I Hate About You’ reimagines Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ with a 1990s twist, set against the picturesque backdrop of Seattle. With sweeping shots of the iconic Space Needle and the stunning architecture of Stadium High School in Tacoma, the film captures the moody charm of the Pacific Northwest like no other.

Nope, not a Western. ‘SLC Punk!’ is an ode to the rebellious spirit of Salt Lake City’s punk scene in the 1980s, turning the buttoned-up reputation of Utah on its head. The film’s blend of humor and anarchy explores the clash between conservative culture and youthful rebellion, set against the stark beauty of Utah’s mountains and deserts. Sorry, ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.’

Image: Sundance Institute/ Youtube

Another one by the Coen Brothers,’ ‘Raising Arizona’ is an offbeat comedy that turns the desert landscapes of Arizona into a playground for misadventure. Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter’s misfit characters navigate a series of absurd obstacles in a world where cacti and sunsets set the stage perfectly.

This may have been the toughest category but Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas’ emerged as the winner with its unflinching look at the underbelly of New York City. The film’s rapid-fire dialogue, dynamic camerawork, and gritty portrayal of life in the mob are as iconic as the city itself. It’s a love letter to New York’s dark side, capturing the allure and danger of a place where ambition and crime often collide.

David Fincher’s ‘Gone Girl’ paints a chilling portrait of suburban life on the banks of the Mississippi River, turning Missouri’s quiet charm into a suspenseful landscape of secrets and lies. It’s a gripping psychological thriller that shows how darkness can lurk beneath the most placid surfaces.

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A cheeky satire on American sports culture, ‘BASEketball’ blends absurdist humor with a quirky sense of Midwestern charm. Starring the creators of ‘South Park,’ the film’s irreverent take on an obsession with a sport that combines baseball and basketball finds a perfect home in Wisconsin.

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Set against the backdrop of Alexandria, Virginia, ‘Remember the Titans’ is a tale of unity and perseverance during the racially charged 1970s. The film’s portrayal of high school football as a force for change captures the essence of Southern pride and resilience. Yet that doesn’t mean some weren’t angry that ‘Donnie Darko’ didn’t win.

‘The Goonies’ transforms the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, into a treasure map of childhood adventure and discovery. The film’s rugged cliffs, hidden caves, and misty shores capture the wild, untamed spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Sorry to fans of ‘Animal House’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.’

Another state with a ton of great movies, but here the Coen Brothers’ ‘No Country for Old Men’ won out with their haunting exploration of fate and violence set against the stark, unforgiving landscapes of West Texas. The film’s bleak beauty and tense atmosphere capture the harsh realities of life on the border, where the line between law and chaos is razor-thin.

Image: Paramount Pictures

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Insomnia’ turns Alaska’s perpetual daylight into a psychological battleground, where sleep and sanity slip away. The film’s moody, fog-drenched setting amplifies the tension as Al Pacino’s weary detective hunts a killer through the desolate Alaskan wilderness, beating out one of the greatest documentaries ever: ‘Grizzly Man.’

‘My Cousin Vinny’ brings laughter to the Deep South with Joe Pesci’s fish-out-of-water performance as a fast-talking New York lawyer. The film’s charming portrayal of small-town Alabama, complete with grits, courthouse drama, and Southern hospitality won out other classics like ‘Big Fish,’ ‘Forest Gump’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’

‘Wind River’ is a gripping mystery set on the snow-covered plains of Wyoming, delving into the harsh realities faced by Native American communities. The film’s stark landscapes serve as a powerful backdrop to its exploration of loss, justice, and survival.

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‘Fargo’ named after the capital of North Dakota, turns the frozen, flat expanse of the state into a canvas for dark comedy and murder. The Coen Brothers’ knack for blending absurdity with brutality is on full display, as small-town characters navigate a botched kidnapping in the dead of winter.

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It’s complicated. Though named after a North Dakota city, much of ‘Fargo’ unfolds in the snow-covered expanses of Minnesota, where the Coen Brothers grew up. The film’s blend of quirky characters, thick Minnesotan accents, and bleak landscapes captures the offbeat charm of the North Star State too. Also, both of the states don’t have tons to choose from.

Las Vegas is the star of Steven Soderbergh’s sleek heist film ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ where the city’s neon-lit strip and iconic casinos serve as both playground and battleground for George Clooney and his crew. This was a controversial win indeed, with folks ranking it above ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,’ ‘Casino,’ and ‘Leaving Las Vegas.’

Image: World of Warner Bros./Youtube

Few films capture the laid-back, eccentric spirit of Los Angeles like the Coen Brothers’ cult classic ‘The Big Lebowski.’ From the palm-lined streets to the kitschy bowling alleys, it’s a love letter to California’s quirky subcultures and offbeat character. Jeff Bridges' iconic portrayal of “The Dude” epitomizes the city’s unique blend of chill and chaos, which helped this movie sore above many other greats.

Photo: Universal Studios

Though much of Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Full Metal Jacket’ is set in Vietnam, the unforgettable boot camp scenes were filmed in Parris Island, South Carolina, highlighting the grueling process of turning recruits into soldiers. The film’s harsh portrayal of Marine Corps training captures the intensity and transformation that takes place in the state’s legendary military installation.

Billy Bob Thornton’s ‘Sling Blade’ delves into the soul of rural Arkansas, crafting a powerful narrative of redemption and humanity. With its evocative Southern landscapes and Thornton’s unforgettable performance, the film is both a stark portrait of small-town life and a haunting exploration of morality.

Image: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers/ Youtube

‘Napoleon Dynamite’ is a quirky love letter to small-town life in rural Idaho, where tater tots and tetherball reign supreme. The film’s deadpan humor and oddball characters capture the spirit of the Gem State’s off-the-beaten-path appeal, making it an enduring cult favorite and clear winner here.

Image: Searchlight Pictures

Few films are as synonymous with a state as ‘Gone with the Wind’ is with Georgia. This sweeping epic, set against the backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction, immortalizes the grandeur and complexity of the Old South. From its lush plantations to its turbulent history, the film remains a towering tribute to Georgia’s storied past.

Taking place in Wilmington, Delaware, ‘Fight Club’ captures the alienation and consumer culture that’s as prevalent in the quiet suburbs of the First State as anywhere else. The film’s underground anarchy juxtaposes neatly with Delaware’s otherwise staid reputation, tapping into the disillusionment lurking beneath the surface of American life.

Photo: 20th Century Fox

What else? No film is more emblematic of Kansas than ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ with its iconic opening scenes set on the windswept plains. Dorothy’s sepia-toned farm life and her yearning for adventure beyond the rainbow are quintessentially Kansan, even though its based mostly in Oz. As one commenter said, this movie is the reason the world has heard of Kansas.

Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ brings gothic whimsy to the sleepy suburbs of Connecticut, turning a quaint New England town into a supernatural playground. The film’s quirky take on the afterlife, set in a picturesque yet haunted house, beat out the second-place film – ‘Happy Gilmore.’

Image: Warner bros

‘The Blues Brothers’ is a riotous love letter to Chicago, showcasing the city’s soulful music scene, iconic landmarks, and gritty urban energy. From car chases through Lower Wacker Drive to impromptu musical numbers, the film embodies the spirit of Illinois’ largest city even better than the other SNL spinoff based in Illinois - ‘Wayne's World.’

‘Jumanji’ transforms the sleepy town of Keene, New Hampshire, into a chaotic jungle where adventure bursts through every corner. The film’s blend of small-town charm and fantastical mayhem captures the spirit of New Hampshire’s quaint yet wild landscapes. Much to the chagrin of some, it beat out ‘What About Bob.’

Set in the coal-mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, ‘October Sky’ tells the inspiring true story of a young boy’s dream to reach for the stars. The film beautifully captures the state’s rugged landscapes and the enduring spirit of its hardworking communities.

‘Good Will Hunting’ is a heartfelt ode to Boston, with its ivy-covered campuses, cozy Southie bars, and the unmistakable accent of its locals. The film’s exploration of class, genius, and identity is as layered as the historic city itself, making it a beloved Massachusetts classic that beat out stiff competition like ‘The Departed,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Hocus Pocus,’ and ‘Spotlight.’

Set in a dystopian version of Detroit, ‘RoboCop’ is a brutal satire that captures the Motor City’s industrial grit and the challenges of urban decay. The film’s mix of high-tech dreams and blue-collar struggles reflect Michigan’s complex legacy of innovation and hardship, beating out competitors like ‘Grosse Point Blank’ or ‘Eight Mile.’

‘The Blair Witch Project’ turns the dense woods of Burkittsville, Maryland, into a nightmarish labyrinth where the line between myth and reality blurs. This found-footage horror classic taps into the state’s rich folklore, drawing viewers into the unsettling quiet of Maryland’s rural corners, where something sinister always seems to be lurking. Mwahaha.

Part of the James Bond legend, ‘Goldfinger’ famously features scenes set at Fort Knox, one of Kentucky’s most iconic locations. The film’s blend of espionage and Southern hospitality, complete with horse farms and bluegrass fields, may still focus on a British spy, but got a lot of love from voters.

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ delves into the creation of the atomic bomb, with much of the story unfolding in the stark deserts of Los Alamos, New Mexico. The film captures the haunting beauty of the Land of Enchantment’s wide-open skies and rugged landscapes, showing what happens when the bomb goes off.

‘Super Troopers’ was number one right meow, turning the idyllic, maple-scented air of Vermont into a hilarious setting for mischief and mayhem. The film’s absurd antics and small-town law enforcement shenanigans capture the quirky charm of the Green Mountain State. The main competition was ‘Dead Poet’s Society.’

Kevin Smith’s ‘Clerks’ is a raw, unfiltered slice of life in suburban New Jersey, capturing the grunge and grind of working-class America. Shot in black-and-white at a real convenience store in Leonardo, the film is a tribute to the Garden State’s no-nonsense attitude. Brimming with sarcasm it beat other classics like ‘Harold and Kumar’ or ‘The Wedding Singer.’

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