Montanans Share Their Favorite Movies Filmed in the Big Sky State

The first time I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a kid, I was captivated — not just by the candy, Gene Wilder’s charm, or the Oompa Loompas. What really caught my attention was that Sam Beauregarde and Violet Beauregarde were from Miles City, Montana. It was the very first time I had seen my home state mentioned on the big screen — but it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

For a state with such a small population, Montana has played a surprisingly big role in Hollywood history. Over the years, our home has served as the backdrop for countless movies, and several celebrated actors and directors have Montana connections. Gary Cooper, David Lynch, Michelle Williams, Lily Gladstone, and my friend Scott Michael Campbell are just a few of the talented names with Montana roots.

Montana’s Hollywood Connections

Hollywood isn't a stranger to Montana. The hit series Yellowstone spent years filming here, showcasing our iconic scenery to millions of viewers around the world. And while some productions have been box‑office gold, others — according to critics — have been colossal flops. (Yes, one of the biggest bombs in movie history was filmed right here.)

READ MORE: The Montana Movies That Make People Not Want to Move Here

When Montanans talk about movies made in our state, there’s always a title or two that surprises people. Did you know parts of The Shining and Forrest Gump were filmed here? These “wait, really?” moments are part of what makes Montana’s Hollywood connection so fascinating.

Local Memories of Movie-Making in Montana

Everyone has a personal favorite. For me, it’s Disorganized Crime. I remember hanging out downtown during filming, hoping to catch a glimpse of the action — and I actually got to meet Fred Gwynne; it was so cool.

READ MORE: 8 Popular Movies That You May Have Forgotten Were Shot in Montana

Curious about which Montana movies people love most, we asked our listeners to share their favorites. The responses didn’t disappoint — and even introduced us to a few new ones we hadn’t heard of before.

The runaway favorite? The beloved classic A River Runs Through It. Not only does it capture Montana’s breathtaking beauty, but it’s also a powerful, well‑told story that continues to entertain audiences decades later. A close runner-up is Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. 

Here’s a look at some of Montanans favorite movies that were shot in Montana — and a few you might not expect.