Best Texas Movies That Put the Lone Star State in the Spotlight

Everything is bigger in Texas, including our movies.

Here are 30 films that portray the lifestyle, people, and landscapes of Texas.

An immersion into the Texas culture and the particular lifestyle of its inhabitants can be given through various means: books, experience, and even the cinema. The Houston Chronicle recently released a list of movies a person needs to see to understand the Texas psyche. Although the amount of cinematographic material on the subject is extremely wide, we share with you the list of the published selection:

Charlie Wilson’s War

Charlie Wilson’s War is a 2007 American biographical drama film directed by Mike Nichols, based on the book of the same name by George Crile. The movie stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman in leading roles and tells the story of Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson’s covert mission to assist Afghan mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan war.

No Country For Old Men

Texas has always been a place of wild adventure and daring tales, but no movie captures this spirit quite like the Coen Brothers’ iconic 2007 film No Country for Old Men. Set in 1980s west Texas, the movie follows Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) as he stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, and sets off an intense chain reaction of violence and crime across the Lone Star State.

The visually stunning cinematography brings to life the harsh beauty of west Texas with its desert vistas, dusty roadside motels, and lonely roads that stretch into the horizon. As tension mounts between Moss and an eccentric hitman named Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), audiences are taken on an unforgettable journey into a world where justice is hard to come by.

Paris, Texas

Paris, Texas is a city that has been featured in several iconic films, making it one of the most well-recognized cities in the Lone Star State. Located in Lamar County and home to over 25,000 people, Paris has earned its place as a destination for Texans and visitors alike.

Fandango

Fandango is a 1985 classic comedy-drama that takes place in Austin, Texas. The film follows five college students on their road trip to the fictitious town of Salt Lick, Texas. Through this journey, these friends are forced to confront their innermost fears and hopes for the future.

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, Fandango 1985 features an all-star cast of young actors including Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards and Chuck Bush. Not only did the film achieve critical acclaim at its release but it has since become a cult classic among fans of Texas movies. Many viewers have found themselves relating to the characters’ experiences as they try to make sense of life in the Lone Star State.

Fandango was primarily shot in and around West Texas.

The Last Picture Show

The Last Picture Show is a classic small-town Texas movie that has stirred the hearts of moviegoers for generations. Set in Anarene, a fictional town in rural Texas, the film follows a group of teenagers as they navigate life and love while struggling to find their place in the world. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich and released in 1971, The Last Picture Show focuses on the changes brought about by urbanization, which are taking away many of the cultural landmarks that define small-town life.

Shot entirely on location near Archer City, Texas and featuring an all-star cast including Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Cloris Leachman and Ben Johnson, The Last Picture Show garnered eight Academy Award nominations — winning two — and established Bogdanovich as one of cinema’s leading directors.

Lone Star

The Lone Star (1996) is an iconic movie set in Frontera Texas, the second-largest state in the United States. It was written and directed by John Sayles, who lived in Austin for some time during the making of this film. The movie tells a story of love, murder and mystery across two generations of Texans.

The cast includes Chris Cooper as Sheriff Sam Deeds, Matthew McConaughey as Buddy Deeds, Elizabeth Peña as Pilar Cruz and Kris Kristofferson as Bud’s father Pappy McCrae. The plot follows Sheriff Sam Deeds uncovering a web of deception surrounding the death of his father while balancing his relationship with Pilar Cruz, who is investigating her parents’ disappearance during the Mexican Revolution.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a 1974 horror movie that has become iconic in the genre. The movie was directed by Tobe Hooper and filmed almost entirely in rural Texas, making it one of the few movies to be made completely in the Lone Star State. Set in an isolated farmhouse, this low-budget film shocked audiences with its graphic violence and gory scenes.

A weekend adventure turns deadly for a group of teenagers when they become prey to a horde of crazed cannibals living in the countryside. Tobe Hooper’s classic horror film remains a horror bedrock, with the Leatherface that elicited a million screams. Its genre significance is enormous, but the film also portrayed an aspect of rural fear that transcends horror. It’s a classic not because it instilled new fears in us, but because it reiterated the ones we already had — in Texas or anywhere else.

Dallas Buyers Club

Dallas Buyers Club is a 2013 biographical drama film set in the United States during the mid-1980s. This movie tells an inspiring story of how a Dallas, Texas electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof (played by Matthew McConaughey) was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and given 30 days to live. In order to survive, he created a buyers club with his doctor’s help to obtain treatment for himself as well as other people suffering from the same illnesses.

The movie received six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and won three Oscars for Best Actor (McConaughey), Best Supporting Actor (Jared Leto), and Best Makeup & Hairstyling. It also highlighted the struggles faced by those living with HIV/AIDS at a time when there were very few treatment options available. Dallas Buyers Club was shot on location in New Orleans, doubling the Louisiana city for Dallas, Texas.

Blood Simple

Blood Simple is one of the most iconic movies to come out of Texas. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, Blood Simple is a 1984 American neo-noir crime thriller that was filmed entirely in the Lone Star State. Set in a small town outside Austin, Texas, Blood Simple tells the story of a bar owner who hires a private detective to investigate his wife’s suspected affair with one of his bartenders. The movie showcases various locations throughout Texas including Austin, San Marcos, and New Braunfels.

Red River

John Wayne stars in the classic western Red River, which was released in 1948. Directed by Howard Hawks, this iconic film follows a Texas rancher and his adopted son as they travel up the Chisholm Trail with a herd of cattle. Along their journey, the two must contend with both man-made and natural obstacles to make it to their destination.

The movie features an all-star cast alongside John Wayne, including Montgomery Clift playing his adopted son, Matt Garth; Joanne Dru as Dunson’s love interest Tess Millay; Walter Brennan as Groot Nadine; and Harry Carey as Farmer Farrell Paxton. These characters must learn to deal with each other’s differences in order to succeed on the trail – a lesson that has made Red River an enduring classic for generations of fans.

Hud

The urban drama Hud, released in 1963, is a classic film that follows the trials and tribulations of a Texas ranching family. The movie stars legendary actor Paul Newman as Hud Bannon, a handsome but rebellious young man who is constantly at odds with his father Homer (played by Melvyn Douglas). He also clashes with his uncle, played by veteran character actor Pat Hingle.

Set in rural Texas, the story follows Hud’s struggles to balance his wild lifestyle with the more traditional values of family and tradition. From conflicts over inheritance rights to fights for control within the ranching community, Hud portrays an authentic version of life on a southern Texas farm and all its complications. Featuring beautiful cinematography of rolling hills and wide-open spaces, audiences will appreciate this timeless tale set against the backdrop of the Lone Star State.

Places In The Heart

Places In The Heart is a 1984 drama film written and directed by actor-director Robert Benton. Set in the town of Waxahachie, Texas during the early 1930s, it follows the story of Edna Spalding (Sally Field) who struggles to make ends meet after her husband’s untimely death. With no money and limited resources, Edna must rely on her own inner strength and courage to fend off foreclosure on her family’s farm while raising two children. Along with unexpected help from unlikely sources, Edna faces numerous challenges as she fights for a better future for herself and her family.

The supporting cast, which includes Danny Glover, John Malkovich, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, and Lindsay Crouse, is equally impressive. Field’s battle against difficult land and wary bankers, on the other hand, is more formidable. It’s directed and written by Waxahachie native Robert Benton, who also wrote the screenplay for another classic Texas period piece, “Bonnie & Clyde.”

Bonnie and Clyde

No other couple is as well-known as Bonnie and Clyde. In this 1967 classic, discover how the criminals fell for each other—and eventually fell apart. Because “Bonnie and Clyde” is set before DFW became the urban mass that it is today, the film’s sense of Blackland prairie and rural expanse (shot all over North Texas from Denton to Waxahachie) conveys what a large portion of the state looked like 80 years ago.

Bonnie and Clyde have become notorious figures in American history, remembered for their romanticized crime spree throughout the Midwest during the Great Depression. The couple met in Texas and went on to rob banks and commit other crimes across five states before they were killed by law enforcement officers in 1934.

The story of Bonnie and Clyde began in 1930 when they first crossed paths in a small Texas town near Dallas. They quickly fell for each other, reportedly sharing a mutual love of excitement, fast cars, and guns. Over the next two years, they embarked on a crime spree that included several bank robberies across Texas as well as Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, and Louisiana. They gained notoriety with daring daylight robberies while often eluding capture by police who were unable to keep up with their high-speed getaways.

North Dallas Forty

North Dallas Forty is a 1979 American sports drama film that centers around the lives of professional football players in Texas. This classic movie follows the tumultuous story of Phil Elliott, a veteran wide receiver for the fictional North Dallas Bulls, as he struggles with team politics, drug abuse and strained relationships. This iconic film has become a timeless embodiment of the Lone Star State.

The movie highlights many of the unique aspects that are characteristic to Texas culture. From local rivalries between two rival teams to attending parties at an infamous honky tonk bar, viewers get to experience what it’s like to live in Texas through clever cinematography and well-developed characters.

Dazed and Confused

“Dazed and Confused” is a cult classic comedy film written and directed by Richard Linklater in 1993. Set in 1976, the movie follows a group of teenagers from Austin, Texas, as they navigate their way through the last day of high school. This lighthearted yet poignant coming-of-age flick is one of the most beloved movies to come out of Texas cinema.

The cast includes some now familiar faces such as Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey who both give strong comedic performances that have become iconic in American pop culture. The movie features an eclectic soundtrack including Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper and more which further adds to its charm and nostalgic feel. “Dazed and Confused” captures the awkwardness of teenage life while exploring themes like self-discovery and independence with remarkable wit and humor.

Tender Mercies

When a wandering country singer took a job at a Texas motel, he had nowhere else to turn. When he is presented with the opportunity for a career comeback—and must choose which life he truly desires—he begins to fall for the owner and her son. “It Hurts to Face Reality,” one of the songs Duvall sings on the soundtrack, was written by the late, great Texas country singer Lefty Frizzell, who is from Corsicana. For this story of love and redemption in quiet rural Texas, Duvall wrote a number of the songs and sang all of them himself. And he’s actually quite good at both.

Varsity Blues

The 1999 movie Varsity Blues is an iconic Texas classic. Set in the fictional town of West Canaan, TX, it follows the story of Jonathan “Mox” Moxon and his football team. The movie depicts the struggles of balancing school and sports while trying to make something of their lives in a rural Texas town.

Released during a time when films about high school sports were becoming increasingly popular, Varsity Blues was well-received by audiences everywhere. It stars James Van Der Beek as Mox, Jon Voight as Coach Bud Kilmer, and Paul Walker as Lance Harbor – all three delivering strong performances that have left fans with lasting memories from this cult classic.

Office Space

If you remember the corporate culture of Austin-based software companies in the 1990s, you’ll laugh out loud at the hardships of the employees in this cynical workplace black comedy.

Everybody Wants Some!!

Texas movies have been captivating audiences for decades. From the iconic films of the 1970s to modern-day hits, these movies have become a staple of American culture. Auteur filmmaker Richard Linklater defined Texas cinema with his seminal coming-of-age comedy “Everybody Wants Some!!”. Released in 2016, the movie follows Jake and his college baseball teammates as they navigate their way through 1980s Texas during the last weekend before classes begin. It’s an ode to early adulthood and the joy of living life without responsibility.

The film was both praised by critics and adored by fans, who relate to its themes on various levels. In addition to being a box office success, it has also been hailed as one of Richard Linklater’s greatest films yet, sealing its status as an absolute classic among Texas movies.

The Searchers

This western, perhaps John Wayne’s most iconic film, also features an unforgettable old Texas setting. Sure, some aspects of John Ford’s best film are now slightly dated. However, it is one of the most visually influential films ever made, with the creative use of shadow. Despite being born in Iowa, John Wayne was named an honorary Texan by the state legislature in 2015.

The Wild Bunch

This Oscar-nominated western epic is a must-see for any fan of Texas. The gritty, star-studded (William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Warren Oates, and Ben Johnson) Sam Peckinpah western, which is this month in a new book by Austin author and Texanist friend W. K. Stratton.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Nominated for two Golden Globes (Best Film – Comedy or Musical and Best Actress). Their plot takes place in Lanville County, where “El Gallinero” is located, a famous brothel that several generations of Texans have paraded through.

Friday Night Lights

This movie is based on the book by Buzz Bissinger and inspired the well-known television series of the same name. The story is about a football team from Odessa, Texas. This film portrays the deep passion of Texans for the sport. As you watch a high school football coach lead his small-town team to a state championship, you’ll laugh, cry, and feel nostalgic.

Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal

This drama directed by Tom McLoughlin premiered in 2008 and is based on the true story of a group of five rebellious cheerleaders from McKinney, Texas, who starred in a series of scandals that terrorized their entire school.

Rush

This is the story of two undercover police officers who while investigating a drug trafficking and murder case in Texas in the ’70s, fall in love with each other and become addicted to heroin. The script is based on the book by Kim Wozencraft and stars Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jason Patric.

Giant

Starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. This film addresses issues of racism and discrimination against Mexican immigrants settled in South Texas, describes the creation of the Tex-Mex culture and the historical and social impact of the economic activities of the 1920-1940s: oil, agriculture and livestock. Make sure you have plenty of popcorn on hand because this Western drama starring James Dean lasts more than three hours—but every minute is worth watching.

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada

This story of a Mexican immigrant killed by a border patrol officer is directed by and starring Tommy Lee Jones and the script was written by Mexican Guillermo Arriaga. The film was presented at Cannes and received the awards for best screenplay and best actor.

JFK

Winner of two Oscars and nominated for eight others, including the best picture award. The film narrates the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas and examines the alleged political conspiracy involved in the issue. The cast is made up of actors such as Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, Beata Poźniak, Joe Pesci and Kevin Bacon.

Urban Cowboy

If you loved John Travolta in Grease, you’ll love his energizing effectiveness as a heartbreaking, mechanical bull-busting cowboy. John Travolta plays a cowboy who moves to Houston and ends up spending all his free time at a country music bar in Pasadena where he falls in love. After getting married, a character of dubious reputation enters his wife’s life and tries to convince her to commit a robbery.

Reality Bites

This film exemplifies the zeitgeist of its time like few other films, and it shows a side of Texas that most people in the ’90s were unaware existed — Houston’s hip, bohemian youth culture that worshiped the Violent Femmes as much as Townes Van Zandt. The romantic comedy, which spoke to millions of Gen-Xers, revolves around Lelaina, an aspiring videographer who creates a documentary about herself and her pals as they navigate the challenges of adulthood in Houston.

Dazed and Confused

This comedy takes place in Austin, Texas, in 1976. It tells what happens on the last day of school with a group of high school students and portrays the youthful behavior of the time.

Boyhood

This movie was filmed for 12 years (from 2002 to 2013) in Houston, Texas. The drama narrates the life and the passage of time of a 6-year-old boy who grows up to 18, and how different situations are presented to him that involve changes, love, disappointment, changes, fear, and surprise.

Texas is a huge state with its own heritage and traditions. Whether it’s the rolling hills and rough terrain of west Texas, the beautiful plains of north Texas, or the coastal regions of Texas, there’s beauty in every landscape–and that beauty can be found in the vast array of Texas-set movies.

While Texas is commonly associated with cowboys and oil rigs, these Texas movies will pique your interest and possibly inspire a trip across the state.

Final Word

Texas has been a popular filming location for decades, and there are countless Texas movies to choose from. From westerns to crime thrillers, these films capture the Lone Star State’s rugged beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse population. Whether you’re new to the world of Texas movies or an experienced cinephile, there’s something for everyone. So grab your favorite Texas-style snack and settle in for a night at Texan cinema – you won’t be disappointed.