Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was one of the first big-budget westerns shot in Utah. The movie follows the titular outlaws as they flee from a relentless posse across the spectacular natural landscapes of southern Utah. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Cinematography.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
One of the most iconic films to ever be filmed in Utah is Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The film was shot mainly at Arches National Park, which serves as a stunning backdrop for the movie's climactic sequence. In this action-packed film, Indiana (Harrison Ford) attempts to find the legendary Holy Grail, which is said to be hidden somewhere in Utah.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Thelma & Louise is one of the most iconic road trip movies ever made. The movie follows two friends as they embark on a journey from Arkansas to Utah, where their final showdown takes place in the canyons near Moab. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards and took home one—Best Original Screenplay—for its writer, Callie Khouri.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is one of the most beloved movies ever made. The movie follows Forrest, a slow-witted but good-natured man, as he takes part in some of America’s defining moments throughout the 20th century. The film wasn’t actually shot in Utah—it was primarily filmed in North Carolina—but one of the film’s most iconic scenes took place at Monument Valley, an area on the Arizona-Utah border.
Independence Day (1996)
The 1996 classic Independence Day is a sci-fi thriller about an alien invasion of Earth. Much of the movie was filmed in Utah, particularly in the stunning landscapes around Moab and Monument Valley. Although the aliens don’t actually land in Utah, many of the iconic scenes were filmed there, including those of the White House being destroyed.