We’ve picked out the best movie that takes place in each state, and we’ve got the all-American results ready for your perusal. What’s the best movie from your home state?
Alabama - To Kill a Mockingbird
A powerful story adapted from a powerful book,To Kill a MockingbirdstarsGregory Peckas attorney Atticus Finch. It’s a beautifully inspiring story about the humanity that binds us all together, and the necessary struggle to fight for what’s right.
But this isn’t the only great Alabama movie. Runner-ups include:Ava DuVernay’s civil rights dramaSelma,Tim Burton’s grown-up fableBig Fish, the female friendships ofFried Green Tomatoes, andTom Hanks’ lovableForrest Gump. Alabama movies are like a box of chocolates: They taste great!
Alaska - Insomnia (2002)
A remake of a Norwegian movie,Christopher Nolan’sInsomniaputsAl Pacinoand a scarily cast-against-typeRobin Williamsin a cat-and-mouse cop-and-killer chase in the unending sun of Alaska. Pacino can’t sleep, and neither will you after watching this thriller.
If you’re tired of Alaskan brightness, try Alaskan darkness.30 Days of Night, withJosh Hartnett, flips the script, throwing vampires in unending darkness. Other Alaskan runner-ups: romcomThe Proposal, kids’ movieBalto, andThe Grey, in whichLiam Neesonfights a bunch of wolves.
Arizona - Raising Arizona
The Coen Brothers,Nicolas Cage,Holly Hunter, andJohn Goodmanall teamed up to makeRaising Arizona, a madcap crime-comedy about convicts who kidnap a baby with the best of intentions. It’s one of the funniest flicks ever made, and the Arizona desert looks incredible on screen.
Arizonian runner-ups include: any version of western3:10 to Yuma,John Wayne’s underrated3 Godfathers,Martin Scorsese’s gentleAlice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, sci-fi cult classicIt Came From Outer Space, andWes Anderson’s droll debutBottle Rocket.
Arkansas - True Grit
It doesn’t matter which version ofTrue Grityou watch. Both the 1969 John Wayne-starring tale and the star-studded 2010 Coen Brothers remake are essential Arkansas viewing. Shoutout toHailee Steinfeld, who steals the Coen Brothers’ version from vets likeJeff Bridges,Matt Damon, andJosh Brolin.
For more screen tales of Arkansas living, check outBilly Bob Thornton’s breakthroughSling Blade, best watched with a side of French fried potaters. Also,Matthew McConaughey’s underratedMudgives an honest look at the working class realities of Arkansas.
California - Clueless
It changed the way the country speaks and dresses. It brought an ideal California lifestyle to the mainstream. And it introduced us all to the ageless charms ofPaul Rudd. It’sClueless, theAlicia Silverstone-starring charmer about Beverly Hills high school students trying to get by.
There are tons of iconic California movies. So buckle up:Beverly Hills Cop,Fast Times At Ridgemont High,Sunset Boulevard,Tangerine,Sideways,Pulp Fiction,Speed,Pretty Woman,La La Land,Boogie Nights,Boyz n the Hood,Heat,Rebel Without a Cause,Training Day, and approximately 80,000 others.
Colorado - The Shining
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Here’s a tip forJack Nicholson: Get outside of that dang Overlook Hotel and go explore beautiful Colorado! Then again, if he did that, we wouldn’t haveStanley Kubrick’s horror masterpieceThe Shining. So, never mind.
Other awesome Colorado flicks includeSpike Lee’sBlacKkKlansman, theSylvester Stallonecamp classicCliffhanger, the otherStephen KingColorado-set storyMisery, and of course,South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. And if you don’t like any of these movies, well hey, blame Canada.
Connecticut - Beetlejuice
Connecticut is a wonderful state. If you’re from there, we’re sure you’re a wonderful person. It’s just kind of funny to note thatTim Burton’sConnecticut-setBeetlejuicehad to open up a demon portal to jazz up the place. Just saying.
If you want to stay in regular, no-demons-around Connecticut, check outBringing Up Baby,Far From Heaven,Holiday Inn,The Ice Storm,Mystic Pizza,Rachel Getting Married,The Ref, orThe Stepford Wives(1975). Just don’t say any of these titles three times in a row.
Delaware - Fight Club
First rule ofFight Club? Do not talk aboutFight Club. Second rule ofFight Club? Never mention where it’s set. But there are enough clues (license plates, use of the state motto) that revealBrad PittandEdward Nortonare pummeling each other in Delaware.
If you need another Delaware-set slice of 1990s angst, check outEmpire Records. The cult classic follows employees of an indie record store (including future superstarsRenee ZellwegerandLiv Tyler) as they fight the looming presence of Corporate America.
Florida - Moonlight
The best Florida-set movie is also one of the best movies in recent years.Moonlightis a beautiful story of love and identity, with gorgeous images capturing the various colors of the tropical state. No dry eyes when you watch this one.
Other Floridian films worth watching includeScarface(1983), the hyperactiveBad Boysfranchise,Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,The Florida Project,The Birdcage,99 Homes,Body Heat,Cocoon,Cool Hand Luke,Magic Mike,Monster, andSpring Breakers.
Georgia - The Color Purple
You can feel the hot Georgia sun bearing down on every character inSteven Spielberg’sThe Color Purple, starringWhoopi Goldberg,Danny Glover, andOprah Winfrey. It highlights the struggles Goldberg’s character must endure, but also represents her unending strength.
Another Georgia classic? Why,Gone With the Wind, of course. But if you want a different flavor of Georgian film, check out hip-hop dramaATL, Edgar Wright’s high-octaneBaby Driver, the terrifyingDeliverance, the wonderfully cuteLove, Simon, andHalle Berry’s tough dramaMonster’s Ball.
