5 Iconic Movies Filmed in Southern Utah

Southern Utah has been playing movie star for decades. Our red rocks, desert highways, and dramatic canyon views have doubled as the Wild West, alien planets, survival stories, and yes, even a Disney musical backdrop.

Here are five iconic movies that put Southern Utah on the big screen and exactly where you can stand in the same spots.

1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Arguably one of the most famous Westerns ever made, this classic starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford used Southern Utah’s rugged landscape to tell its outlaw story.

Filming locations:

Zion National Park
Grafton Ghost Town

Grafton’s preserved buildings near the Virgin River were used as part of the film’s town scenes. Today, you can walk through the ghost town and feel like you just stepped into 1969 Hollywood.

2. Thelma & Louise

That final, unforgettable cliff scene? Not the Grand Canyon.

It was filmed at Dead Horse Point inside Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab. The dramatic overlook with the Colorado River winding below makes it one of the most recognizable views in Utah.

It is just as breathtaking in person, minus the dramatic ending.

3. 127 Hours

Based on the true story of Aron Ralston, this intense survival film was shot in and around Bluejohn Canyon.

Unlike many Hollywood productions, this one used the real canyon system where the events took place. The area is remote, rugged, and not for casual wandering. But it remains one of Southern Utah’s most powerful film locations.

4. High School Musical

Yes, the Wildcats made their way to Southern Utah.

While much of the movie was filmed in Salt Lake City, several scenic desert scenes were shot at Snow Canyon State Park near St. George.

Those red cliffs and lava rock backdrops during Troy and Gabriella’s getaway scenes? That is classic Southern Utah landscape doing what it does best: stealing the show.

From gritty Westerns to Disney choreography, we truly have range.

5. Planet of the Apes

Long before CGI worlds, filmmakers turned to Southern Utah to create an alien planet.

Parts of this sci-fi classic were filmed in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and around Lake Powell. The towering sandstone formations and vast shoreline landscapes gave the film its otherworldly feel.

Standing there today, you can see exactly why it worked.

Southern Utah: Hollywood’s Favorite Backdrop

From outlaw chases to survival stories to spontaneous musical numbers, Southern Utah has quietly built a résumé most places would envy.

And the best part? You do not need a film permit to experience it. Just a tank of gas, good walking shoes, and maybe a soundtrack playing in the background.

If you ever find yourself driving through red rock country thinking it looks cinematic, you are not wrong. It probably already was.