Central Texas has long been a popular destination for filmmakers and TV producers seeking captivating locations to bring their movies and tv shows to life. Whether you’re a movie buff or TV show lover, you’re sure to recognize a few of these films that were shot right here in our own backyard.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Texas Chainsaw Massacre follows a group of friends who find themselves stranded in rural Texas, only to be hunted by a terrifying family of cannibals. This classic horror movie was filmed around Central Texas at places like Bagdad Cemetery, Sawyer family house and Bilbo’s Texas Landmark. The primary location was set at an early 1900’s farmhouse near Round Rock, Texas.
Fear the Walking Dead
In the prequel to the hit show, The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead has a few different filming locations, however, Central Texas played a key role in bringing the post-apocalyptic world to life in seasons 4 and 5 with the show’s creators transforming everyday spaces into eerie, abandoned landscapes.
Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams
Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams follows young spies Carmen and Juni Cortez as they embark on a mission to a mysterious island to stop a mad scientist. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, the family movie was also primarily filmed in Austin. One of the most notable locations featured in the film is the Omni Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
This 1993 film starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Juliette Lewis, follows a young man named Gilbert as he navigates the challenges of caring for his mentally disabled brother and obese mother in a small town. This movie was shot around many small Central Texas towns including Pflugerville, Georgetown, and Lockhart with the majority of filming taking place in Manor.
Dazed and Confused
Set in 1976, Dazed and Confused follows a rowdy group of high school students as they navigate the uncertainty of the last day of school in Austin, Texas. The exterior scenes of the high school were filmed at Austin middle school, Bedichek Middle School with the remainder of the scenes being filmed around and outside of Austin.
Office Space
Office Space is a satirical comedy that features a group of disillusioned office workers who are fed up with their mundane jobs and their boss, so in turn they devise a plan to embezzle money from their company. This 1999 comedy was filmed around Austin, Texas.
Friday Night Lights
This drama centers around a high school football team in a small Texas town and showcases the pressure, triumphs and struggles faced by the players, coaches and community as they chase the dream of a state championship. All five seasons were filmed in towns around Austin, Texas including Pflugerville, Georgetown and Del Valle.
The Rookie
Thorndale, Texas was the primary filming location for the 2002 film, The Rookie. There were also scenes filmed in Thrall, Round Rock and Del Valle. This inspiring drama follows a high school baseball coach, played by Dennis Quaid, who makes a remarkable comeback to the major leagues, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
From horror to feel-good movies and tv shows, Central Texas continues to be showcased on the big screen. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, you’re bound to spot plenty of snippets of our home as a popular destination in a variety of films and tv!
“The Stars Fell on Henrietta” was filmed in Holland, Texas.