10 Movies That Show Off Texas

Texas is more than a backdrop; it’s a character all its own, and some of Hollywood’s best movies show that off in style. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming comedies, these films don’t just use Texas as a setting—they bring it to life. So grab some popcorn and dive into ten movies that capture Texas’s spirit in unforgettable ways.

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1. No Country for Old Men (2007)

• What’s It About? A gritty thriller about greed and survival, following a Texas man who stumbles on a fortune—and a whole lot of trouble—in the desert.
• Fun Fact: The Coen brothers loved Texas so much for this film that they went deep into West Texas, capturing real, almost haunting landscapes around Marfa and Sanderson.

2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

• What’s It About? This horror classic follows a group of friends who encounter a terrifying family in rural Texas—let’s just say things get a bit…slice-y.
• Fun Fact: The infamous house of Leatherface was originally in Round Rock, Texas, and today it’s actually a restaurant! Imagine having dinner where horror history was made.

3. Boyhood (2014)

• What’s It About? Filmed over 12 years, this coming-of-age drama gives an intimate look at a Texas boy’s journey through life, from childhood to college.
• Fun Fact: Director Richard Linklater chose to film in his home state of Texas and stayed consistent, filming all over Austin, Houston, and even Big Bend.

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4. Dazed and Confused (1993)

• What’s It About? This cult classic about high schoolers on the last day of school in the 1970s captures the laid-back vibe of Austin, Texas.
• Fun Fact: Not only was the movie filmed in Austin, but it also helped launch the careers of Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck—McConaughey’s famous “Alright, alright, alright” was improvised right here in Texas.

5. Giant (1956)

• What’s It About? This Texas epic stars Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean in a tale of oil, ranching, and family feuds, all set against the vast Texas landscape.
• Fun Fact: The filming took place around Marfa, Texas, and locals loved James Dean, who would often hang out with them between takes. In fact, Marfa still celebrates the movie’s legacy to this day.

6. The Alamo (2004)

• What’s It About? A dramatized retelling of the Battle of the Alamo, starring Billy Bob Thornton as Davy Crockett.
• Fun Fact: The movie was filmed at a custom-built Alamo set in Dripping Springs, Texas. It was so accurate that people in Texas joked it could be the new state museum!

7. Friday Night Lights (2004)

• What’s It About? This sports drama focuses on the Permian High School football team in Odessa, Texas, showcasing the state’s obsession with high school football.
• Fun Fact: Filmed in West Texas, this movie led to the popular Friday Night Lights TV series, which is practically required viewing in Texas.

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8. Selena (1997)

• What’s It About? The biographical film about Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla, starring Jennifer Lopez in the breakout role of her career.
• Fun Fact: Filming took place in several Texas locations, including Selena’s hometown of Corpus Christi. The love for Selena is still so strong here that fans hold annual celebrations in her honor.

9. Urban Cowboy (1980)

• What’s It About? John Travolta stars as a Texan who immerses himself in the Houston honky-tonk scene, showcasing the country nightlife and famous mechanical bull at Gilley’s.
• Fun Fact: Filming took place in Pasadena, Texas, and the movie’s popularity even boosted the mechanical bull craze nationwide.

10. Bottle Rocket (1996)

• What’s It About? Wes Anderson’s quirky comedy follows three friends as they plan a series of low-stakes heists, blending humor, crime, and a bit of romance.
• Fun Fact: Bottle Rocket was Anderson’s first feature film and was filmed in Dallas and Hillsboro, Texas. It also marked the big-screen debut of brothers Owen and Luke Wilson, who went on to become major Hollywood stars.

Whether you’re a fan of indie gems or blockbuster hits, Texas has been the setting for stories that stay with us long after the credits roll. These films showcase Texas’s landscapes, culture, and character, reminding us why we love movies—and why Texas is a star all on its own.