Iconic Movies Filmed in National Parks
Ever watched a film and thought, "That scenery looks unreal?" Well, it might just be! Many of the most breathtaking landscapes on screen were filmed in real-life National Parks. These natural wonders serve as stunning backdrops, adding an extra layer of magic to our favorite films.
Here are a few unforgettable movies that took full advantage of Mother Nature’s best work:
The Revenant – Glacier National Park, Montana
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar-winning survival story, The Revenant, takes us deep into the untamed wilderness of the American frontier. While the movie’s brutal winter landscapes might look too harsh to be real, they were actually filmed in Montana’s Glacier National Park—one of the most ruggedly beautiful places in the U.S.
Into the Wild – Denali National Park, Alaska
This inspiring (and tragic) true story follows Christopher McCandless as he abandons modern life to venture into the Alaskan wilderness. Much of Into the Wild was filmed in Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak and some of the most remote, untouched landscapes on Earth.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope – Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
That’s right—Tatooine exists right here on Earth! While some desert scenes in Star Wars: A New Hope were filmed in Tunisia, parts of Luke Skywalker’s home planet were actually shot in Death Valley National Park. The park’s vast, otherworldly terrain provided the perfect backdrop for a galaxy far, far away.
127 Hours – Canyonlands National Park, Utah
This gripping true story about a hiker trapped in a remote canyon was filmed in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park. The stunning red rock formations and narrow slot canyons make for a breathtaking (and at times terrifying) setting—one that perfectly captures the isolation and beauty of the real-life ordeal.
The Shining – Mount Hood, Oregon (Near a National Forest!)
While not technically filmed in a National Park, The Shining deserves an honorable mention! The exterior shots of the eerie Overlook Hotel were filmed at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, right next to a vast National Forest. Those sweeping mountain views? 100% real—and just as chilling as the film itself.
Why National Parks Make the Best Movie Sets
Filmmakers don’t need CGI when they have nature’s most dramatic landscapes at their disposal. National Parks provide unparalleled beauty, unique geological formations, and an untouched quality that’s hard to replicate on a soundstage.