This article explores some of the exciting movies filmed in Oklahoma.
With its diverse landscapes and unique cultural tapestry, Oklahoma has been the backdrop for numerous cinematic masterpieces.
From sprawling prairies to bustling urban settings, the state’s versatile scenery has attracted filmmakers seeking the perfect location for their stories.
If you’re a movie freak, here is a compilation of 15 movies filmed in Oklahoma that showcase the beauty and character of Oklahoma.
1. The Outsiders (1983)
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Cast: C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
The first movie on our list of movies filmed in Oklahoma is The Outsiders.
This coming-of-age classic was filmed in Tulsa, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and based on S.E. Hinton’s novel.
The city’s distinct neighborhoods and landmarks contribute to the film’s authentic portrayal of 1960s adolescence.
The story revolves around two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, in a small American town during the 1960s.
The main character, Ponyboy Curtis, is a Greaser who becomes entangled in the conflict with the wealthier Socs.
After a fight between Greasers Ponyboy and Johnny leads to the death of a Social member, the boys are compelled to hide.
Joined by their fellow Greasers, including the intense Dallas, Ponyboy and Johnny grapple with the repercussions of their violent existence.
Amid attempts at redemption by some Greasers, others meet tragic fates.
The narrative explores themes of friendship, social class, and the challenges teenagers face.
2. Twister (1996)
- Director: Jan de Bont, Lee Isaac Chung
- Casts: Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Philip Seymour, James Gertz, Cary Elwes, Lois Smith.
- IMDb Rating: 6/10
This blockbuster action film takes advantage of Oklahoma’s infamous tornado alley.
The stormy landscapes become an integral part of the movie, providing the perfect setting for the thrilling tale of storm-chasing scientists.
The story follows storm chasers, led by Jo Harding (played by Helen Hunt) and Bill Harding (played by Bill Paxton), pursuing tornadoes to study them.
Jo and Bill, who used to be married, join forces to deploy a new tornado-monitoring device.
As they chase a series of destructive tornadoes, they face the extreme weather and confront personal issues from their past.
As the most formidable storm in decades approaches, Dr. Jo Harding, a university professor, and her underfunded team of students gear up the prototype for Dorothy, a groundbreaking tornado data-gathering device envisioned by her estranged husband, Bill Paxton.
When Harding informs Bill about Dorothy’s readiness for testing and reveals that their privately funded rival, Dr. Jonas Miller, has plagiarized the idea and constructed his version, Bill reunites with the team for a final mission.
The film is known for its intense tornado sequences and special effects.
3. August: Osage County (2013)
- Director: John Wells
- Cast: Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Adapted from Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this film, set and filmed in Osage County, delves into the complexities of family dynamics.
The sweeping vistas of the Oklahoma plains starkly contrast the emotional intensity of the narrative.
August: Osage County is a dark comedy-drama film based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
The story centers around the Weston family, who reunite in their Oklahoma home after the mysterious disappearance of the patriarch, Beverly Weston.
The reunion brings to light long-buried family secrets and tensions.
As the family grapples with their dysfunctional relationships and individual crises, the film explores themes of addiction, betrayal, and the complexities of familial bonds.
The matriarch, Violet Weston (played by Meryl Streep), is a strong and pill-addicted woman whose interactions with her family drive much of the film’s narrative.
4. Rumble Fish (1983)
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Cast: Matt Dillon, Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane, Dennis Hopper, Diana Scarwid
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Another Coppola gem, this visually stunning film is set in Tulsa and explores the tumultuous relationships within a gang.
The film’s black-and-white cinematography captures the essence of the source material, a novel by S.E. Hinton.
Francis Ford Coppola is based on the novel by S.E. Hinton.
The story revolves around Rusty James, a rebellious young man in a decaying urban setting.
He idolizes his older brother, Motorcycle Boy, who has returned after a juvenile detention stint.
The film explores themes of family dynamics, identity, and the consequences of living a reckless lifestyle.
As Rusty James navigates his path, he grapples with his brother’s legacy and the choices that define him in a world filled with rumble fish and symbolic struggles.
5. Rain Man (1988)
- Director: Barret Levinson
- Cast: Valeria Golino, Jerry Molen, Ralph Seymour, Michael D. Roberts, Bonnie Hunt, Beth Grant
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
Starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, this Academy Award-winning drama features scenes shot in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
The town’s historic architecture enhances the film’s journey of self-discovery and brotherly bonds.
Rain Man follows Charlie Babbitt, a self-centered businessman, who discovers that his estranged brother, Raymond, is an autistic savant.
After their father’s death, Charlie learns that Raymond has inherited the family fortune.
Initially, Charlie sees Raymond as a burden, but their relationship evolves as they embark on a cross-country journey.
The film explores themes of family, acceptance, and the challenges of living with autism, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of genuine connection.
6. Elizabethtown (2005)
- Director: Cameron Crowe
- Cast: Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin, Bruce McGill.
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
We will remember to add Elizabethtown to the list of movies filmed in Oklahoma.
This romantic comedy-drama is partly in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, but some scenes were filmed in Oklahoma.
The state’s scenic landscapes contribute to the film’s heartfelt narrative.
Elizabethtown revolves around Drew Baylor, a designer facing professional failure, who learns about his father’s sudden death while on a business trip.
Drew Baylor, dismissed from his job after causing his company a staggering loss of almost one billion dollars, reaches the brink of despair.
His sister’s call, announcing their father’s passing during a visit to their hometown, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, prompts Drew to defer his dark thoughts.
Opting to transport their father’s body to Oregon, he embarks on a journey that unexpectedly intertwines with a romance with Claire Colburn, whom he encounters early in his expedition.
The film explores Drew’s journey of self-discovery, healing, and connection with the people he encounters in Elizabethtown.
It consists of romance, comedy, and drama themes as Drew navigates through grief and reevaluates his life.
7. Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)
- Director: Wilson Rawls
- Casts: Billy Coleman, Old Dan, Billy’s male dog, Little Ann, Mama, Papa, Billy’s father, Grandpa.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Based on the beloved novel by Wilson Rawls, this family film was shot in the picturesque Ozark Mountains of northeastern Oklahoma.
The region’s natural beauty complements the heartfelt story of a boy and his two hunting dogs.
Where the Red Fern Grows” (1974) is based on the novel by Wilson Rawls.
The story follows a young boy named Billy Coleman growing up in the Ozarks during the Great Depression.
Determined to own two hunting dogs, he works hard to save money. Eventually, he acquires two Redbone Coonhound puppies, Old Dan and Little Ann.
The film depicts the bond between Billy and his dogs as they face various challenges and adventures, emphasizing friendship, loyalty, and the passage from boyhood to maturity.
8. Tulsa (1949)
- Director: Stuart Heisler
- Casts: Susan Hayward, Robert Preston, Pedro Armendáriz, Lloyd Gough, Chill Wills.
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
As the title suggests, this classic film was entirely shot in Tulsa.
The city’s post-war transformation is a central theme in the story, providing a historical snapshot of a booming oil town.
Tulsa (1949) is a Western film that follows the character of Cherokee Lansing, played by Susan Hayward.
Cherokee fights to preserve his dream after her father’s oil well legacy is threatened.
She faces challenges in the male-dominated oil industry, dealing with corporate interests and romantic entanglements with an oilman named Brad Brady.
The film explores themes of perseverance, love, and struggles within the oil business, set against the backdrop of the burgeoning oil industry in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
9. Fandango (1985)
- Director: Kevin Reynolds
- Casts: Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards, Chuck Bush, E. G. Daily.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Another movie filmed in Oklahoma is Fandango. Set against the Vietnam War era backdrop, this road trip film features stunning scenes filmed in various locations across Oklahoma.
The state’s diverse terrain becomes a character as the protagonists embark on their journey.
Fandango (1985) is a coming-of-age film following five college friends on a road trip.
The main character, Gardner Barnes, is about to get married but decides to embark on a final adventure with his friends before facing military service during the Vietnam War.
The journey takes unexpected turns as they encounter challenges, self-discovery, and the realities of their impending futures.
Fandango explores themes of friendship, love, and the transitions young adults undergo during a pivotal time.
10. The Killer Inside Me (2010)
- Director: Michael Winterbottom
- Cast: Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Ned Beatty, Tom Bower.
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Adapted from Jim Thompson’s novel, this movie filmed in Oklahoma is a psychological thriller set in West Texas but was predominantly filmed in Oklahoma.
The small towns and rural landscapes contribute to the film’s noir atmosphere.
The Killer Inside Me (2010) is a psychological thriller based on the novel by Jim Thompson.
The story centers around Lou Ford, a small-town deputy sheriff with a dark and violent side.
As he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, manipulation, and murder, Ford’s true nature is gradually revealed.
The film delves into the psychological complexities of its protagonist, exploring the roots of his disturbing behavior and the consequences of his actions.
The narrative unfolds as a gripping and intense exploration of a troubled character.
11. Te Ata (2016)
- Director: Nathan Frankowski
- Casts: Q’orianka Kilcher, Gil Birmingham, Brigid Brannagh, Jenni Mabrey, Tom Nowicki
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
This biographical drama tells the story of Mary Thompson Fisher, a Chickasaw storyteller.
Filmed in various locations across Oklahoma, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the movie celebrates Native American culture and heritage.
QTe Ata (2016) is a biographical drama about Mary Thompson Fisher, a Chickasaw woman who becomes a celebrated Native American storyteller and performer.
The film follows Te Ata’s journey as she navigates cultural challenges, including prejudice and stereotypes, while pursuing her passion for sharing Native American stories and traditions.
Te Ata’s performances ultimately contribute to breaking down cultural barriers and promoting understanding.
The film explores themes of identity, cultural pride, and the power of storytelling in bridging divides.
12. The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
- Director: John Ford
- Casts: Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, Charley Grapewin, Dorris Bowdon.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
While most of this classic adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel is set in California, some scenes were filmed in Oklahoma.
The state’s Dust Bowl history adds authenticity to the film’s portrayal of the Joad family’s struggles.
This movie is based on John Steinbeck’s novel and follows the Joad family during the Great Depression.
Dispossessed from their Oklahoma farm, the Joads embark on a journey to California in search of a better life.
The film depicts their struggles with poverty, exploitation, and societal injustices as they confront the harsh realities of the migrant worker experience.
It is a poignant exploration of resilience, family bonds, and the impact of economic hardship on individuals during a tumultuous period in American history.
13. Palm Springs (2020)
- Director: Max Barbakow
- Casts: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J. K. Simmons, Peter Gallagher, Meredith Hagner.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
This inventive romantic comedy movie filmed in Oklahoma, though primarily set in California, features scenes shot in the picturesque Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma.
The natural beauty of the park contrasts with the film’s time-loop narrative.
Palm Springs (2020) is a romantic comedy with a sci-fi twist. Nyles and Sarah, attending a wedding in Palm Springs, find themselves stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly.
They form a unique bond as they navigate the challenges and existential questions that come with their predicament.
The film explores themes of love, personal growth, and the consequences of breaking free from the repetitive nature of life.
With humor and heart, Palm Springs offers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.
14. The Postman (1997)
- Director: Kevin Costner
- Casts: Kevin Costner, Will Patton, Larenz Tate, Olivia Williams, James Russo.
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
We also have The Postman on the list of movies filmed in Oklahoma.
Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, this post-apocalyptic film utilized the rugged landscapes of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma.
The state’s varied topography adds depth to the film’s dystopian setting.
The Postman (1997) is a post-apocalyptic film set in a future where society has collapsed after a war.
Kevin Costner plays a drifter who poses as a postman in a desperate attempt to survive.
As he travels through the desolate landscape, he inadvertently inspires hope and begins to symbolize the possibility of rebuilding a sense of community.
This movie, filmed in Oklahoma, explores leadership themes, the importance of communication, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
15. All American Murder (1991)
- Director: Anson Williams
- Casts: Christopher Walken, Charlie Schlatter, Josie Bissett, Joanna Cassidy, Richard Kind
- IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
Another movie on our list of movies filmed in Oklahoma is All Americans Murder.
Filmed in Tulsa, this crime thriller explores the dark side of college life. The city’s urban backdrop becomes a gritty canvas for the unfolding mystery.
All American Murder (1991) is a thriller about a college student named Artie Logan, portrayed by Christopher Walken.
When a series of gruesome murders occur on the campus, Artie becomes the prime suspect.
As he tries to clear his name, he uncovers a web of secrets, including a troubled relationship with his girlfriend and a history of abuse.
This is one of the movies filmed in Oklahoma that is of mystery and suspense as Artie races against time to expose the natural killer and prove his innocence.
All American Murder explores themes of deception, betrayal, and the dark side of college life.
