Oregon really is the ideal filming locale. It’s one of the most beautiful states in the country, and has a ton of geographic diversity. If you’re in need of gloom and overcast, Portland, the Willamette Valley, and the Pacific coast have that covered. If it’s desolate desert scenes that you’re scouting for, central, southern, and eastern Oregon can serve as excellent alternatives to California. Looking for the perfect, Hallmark-level of cozy and snow? Oregon has that, too! Here are some famous movies filmed in Oregon:

18) Twilight, 2008, Portland area, Estacada, North Coast, St. Helens
Wikipedia
The vampire movie that sparked a cultural moment was, naturally, filmed in Oregon, as the novels were also set in the Northwest.
17) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret of the Ooze, II, 1990, Astoria
Wikipedia
Fans of this 1990s cartoon should know that the sequel film was shot in Astoria.Turtle power!
16) The Ring, 2002, Columbia River Gorge, Newport
Wikipedia
One of the creepiest films of the the 2000s, The Ring was filmed in the Gorge and Newport.
15) The Shining, 1980, Timberline Lodge
Wikipedia
Perhaps the greatest horror film of all time, fans of this classic know the film was set in the fictional Overlook Hotel. Exterior shots of that were actually the Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood.
14) The Postman, 1997, Central Oregon
Wikipedia
Produced and directed by Kevin Costner, this film depicts a dystopian U.S., in which a postman (also Costner), is charged with delivering old mail throughout the Pacific Northwest.
13) Short Circuit, 1986, Astoria, Columbia River Gorge, Portland
Wikipedia
This sci-fi comedy starring a lovable robot (yes, you read that correctly) was filmed in several Oregon locations.
12) Stand By Me, 1986, Brownsville, Cottage Grove, Eugene
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This touching coming-of-age drama was filmed in Eugene, and starred several up-and-coming young talents, including Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman, and the late River Phoenix.
11) The Goonies, 1985, Astoria, Cannon Beach
Wikipedia
Perhaps Oregon's most-beloved cinematic claim to fame, this movie famously incorporated Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock into the shooting. Hey you guys!
10) Pay It Forward, 2000, Portland
Wikipedia
Back when Haley Joel Osment was still *the* child actor, he co-starred along with Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey in this heart-warming film. Filming took place on location in Las Vegas, Nevada, and on studio in Los Angeles, California, with additional shooting (for the famous bridge scene) taking place in Portland, Oregon.

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9) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, 1975, Central Coast, Salem
Wikipedia
Based on the novel by the same name, this iconic film used Oregon's State Hospital in Salem, as well locations along the Central Coast.
8) My Own Private Idaho, 1991, Maupin, Portland
Wikipedia
This film dives into the world of drug addiction, prostitution and issues of class on the streets of Portland.
7) Mr. Holland's Opus, 1995, Portland
Wikipedia
If you were ever in the school band, this movie probably tugged at your heart strings a bit. And, it was filmed in Portland, at the gorgeous Ulysses S. Grant High School.
6) Free Willy, 1993, Astoria, Portland
Wikipedia
A touching, yet quite heartbreaking '90s film, Free Willy was shot in Portland.
5) Kindergarten Cop, 1990, Astoria
Wikipedia
Long before Arnold Schwarzenegger became the Governator, but after he reached super hero fame, he starred in a series of family-oriented films, including this absolute classic.
4) Maverick, 1994, Columbia River Gorge
Wikipedia
This cowboy comedy starred Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson, and James Garner, and was shot in Columbia River Gorge.
3) National Lampoon's Animal House, 1978, Cottage Grove, Eugene
Wikipedia
The college comedy that beats all other college comedies was actually filmed at U of O!
2) Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, 1994, Bend
Wikipedia
This quirky, comedic-drama shot in Bend was directed by Gus Van Sant and dedicated to River Phoenix, the breakout Oregonian actor who died tragically from a drug overdose.
1) Drugstore Cowboy, 1989, Portland
Wikipedia
Another Gus Van Sant film, this crime comedy featured Matt Dillon, Heather Graham, and Kelly Lynch.

You might have been surprised to learn that some of these movies were filmed in Oregon. But tell us, which Oregon-filmed movies do you love? And if you’re a film buff, you’ll geek out over these historic theaters in Oregon.

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Movies Filmed In Oregon

Sarah | February 02, 2021

What are some fun facts about Oregon?

Oregon is an absolutely incredible place, full of fun and interesting history. We all know that Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the country -- but did you know that it’s even deeper than the Empire State Building is tall? Or that Oregon is home to more ghost towns than any other state in the country? Or that we have an official state nut? Here's the dish on 12 weird-but-true facts about Oregon.

Where are some of the most scenic places in Oregon?

Speaking of fun facts about Oregon, here's another: Oregon has more waterfalls than any other state in the country, Hawaii and Alaska included. Oregon has more than 226 waterfalls, and these falls are some of the most scenic places in the state. (For reference, the state of Washington comes in second place, at 181 waterfalls.) Our Waterfalls Road Trip will take you to some of the most breathtaking falls in the state, including Tamanawas Falls and Ramona Falls, the latter of which is located in the spectacular Mount Hood National Forest.

What's it like to live in Oregon?

This state is an absolutely wonderful place to live -- there's a reason why so many movies are filmed in Oregon! Oregonians are a proud and resourceful group, full of the independent, pioneer spirit. We’re the home of the iconic Oregon Trail. Our natural resources and beautiful surroundings (waterfall, forests, and beaches - oh my!) are coveted by people from all over the country. And we collectively have this free spirit that has persisted for as long as Oregon has been a state. These 15 Reasons Why Oregon Is The BEST State will give you a glimpse into what life's like in The Beaver State.

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