When you think of Hollywood, California probably comes to mind. But did you know that Texas has played a starring role in some of the most recognizable movies and television shows of all time?
From the rugged landscapes of West Texas to the bustling streets of Dallas and the small-town charm of Central Texas, the Lone Star State has provided the backdrop for countless memorable productions.
Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a television fan or simply looking for a unique Texas road trip, there’s plenty of cinematic history waiting to be discovered.
One of the most iconic films ever shot in Texas is Giant, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean. The sweeping drama follows a wealthy Texas ranching family through decades of changing fortunes.
Much of the movie was filmed around Marfa, where the expansive West Texas landscape helped bring the story to life.
During filming, cast and crew members stayed at the historic Hotel Paisano, which became a gathering place for the Hollywood stars. Today, the hotel celebrates its cinematic connection with memorabilia from the production.
Giant was James Dean’s final film. He died in 1955, before the movie was released.
The legendary crime film Bonnie and Clyde, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, brought the infamous Texas outlaws to the big screen.
One memorable scene was filmed in Pilot Point, a small North Texas town. Its historic downtown square served as the setting for the Barrow Gang’s first bank robbery.
The film became a landmark in American cinema and Pilot Point remains part of its history.
Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, The Last Picture Show captured life in a declining Texas town during the early 1950s.
Filmed in Archer City, the black-and-white drama starred Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges and Cybill Shepherd.
The town’s Royal Theater played a central role in the film, serving as the movie theater in the fictional community of Anarene.
The film earned eight Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars.
Few television shows are as closely associated with Texas as Dallas.
The popular drama followed the wealthy Ewing family, whose oil business, personal rivalries and dramatic storylines captivated audiences worldwide.
The family’s famous Southfork Ranch is located in Parker, just outside Dallas.
Today, Southfork Ranch remains a recognizable Texas attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore the setting associated with the legendary television series.
The show’s famous “Who shot J.R.?” storyline became one of television’s biggest mysteries, keeping viewers guessing between seasons.
Texas and high school football go hand in hand, making the state the perfect setting for Friday Night Lights.
The 2004 film, based on the true story of the Permian High School football team, featured filming at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa.
The television adaptation, starring Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, was filmed primarily around Austin.
One recognizable location was a Dairy Queen on Burnet Road, which doubled as the fictional Alamo Freeze.
Both productions captured the passion, community pride and traditions surrounding Texas football.
Texas continues attracting major television productions, particularly those created by Taylor Sheridan.
1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, used Fort Worth and other Texas locations to recreate the American West.
More recently, Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton, has brought additional attention to North Texas through its portrayal of the modern oil industry.
These productions demonstrate how Texas can provide settings for both historical Westerns and contemporary dramas.
Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age comedy Dazed and Confused has become a cult classic.
Set during the last day of school in 1976, the movie features early performances from Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck and Parker Posey.
Several recognizable Austin locations appear throughout the film, including Top Notch Hamburgers.
Top Notch is where McConaughey’s character, Wooderson, delivers his famous “Alright, alright, alright” line.
One of the most influential horror movies ever made, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was filmed in Central Texas.
Directed by Tobe Hooper, the low-budget production used rural landscapes and isolated locations to create its unsettling atmosphere.
One famous filming site is the Last Chance Gas Station near Bastrop, where the characters make an unfortunate stop.
The movie helped establish Texas as a memorable setting for horror films.
Although RoboCop takes place in a futuristic version of Detroit, much of the movie was filmed in Dallas.
Dallas City Hall served as the exterior of the fictional Omni Consumer Products headquarters.
Filmmakers used visual effects to make the building appear taller and more imposing.
It’s a great example of how Texas architecture can stand in for entirely different cities.
The beloved biographical film Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez, tells the story of Tejano music superstar Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
Filming took place at several Texas locations, including Corpus Christi and San Antonio.
Swantner Park in Corpus Christi appears in a childhood flashback scene, while San Antonio’s famous River Walk and Alamo are featured in the movie.
The film remains an important celebration of Selena’s life, music and Texas roots.
Sandra Bullock’s popular comedy Miss Congeniality brought Hollywood glamour to San Antonio.
The film follows an FBI agent who goes undercover as a beauty pageant contestant.
Several scenes feature recognizable San Antonio landmarks, including the Alamo and the River Walk.
These locations helped showcase the city’s distinctive character to audiences worldwide.
Another Sandra Bullock favorite, Hope Floats, was filmed in Smithville, a charming town southeast of Austin.
The romantic drama follows a woman returning to her hometown after a difficult divorce.
Smithville’s historic downtown, including Main Street, provided the setting for several memorable scenes.
The film remains a source of local pride and highlights the appeal of Texas’s smaller communities.
Texas isn’t just a destination for classic movies. It’s becoming an increasingly important location for modern film and television production.
In 2025, Texas lawmakers approved a $1.5 billion film incentive package designed to support the industry over a decade.
According to an August 2026 Spectrum News report, Fort Worth has experienced significant economic benefits from productions filming in the area.
The Fort Worth Film Commission reported nearly $1 billion in economic impact during its first decade.
Productions such as Landman, 1883, Lioness and Frisco King have helped bring film crews, actors and production activity to North Texas.
Beyond the entertainment value, these projects create opportunities for local workers and businesses, including hotels, restaurants, construction companies and production professionals.
One of the best things about Texas film history is that many recognizable locations can still be explored.
The Texas Film Commission has developed a Texas Classics Film Trail highlighting 25 destinations connected to famous movies and television shows.
Visitors can discover everything from Southfork Ranch near Dallas to historic filming locations in Marfa, Austin, San Antonio and beyond.
Whether you’re revisiting a favorite movie scene, exploring a historic downtown or discovering an unexpected Hollywood connection, these destinations offer a different way to experience the Lone Star State.
From legendary Westerns and award-winning dramas to beloved comedies and modern television hits, Texas has made an unforgettable impression on the entertainment industry.
Its diverse landscapes, distinctive communities, historic landmarks and growing production resources continue to attract filmmakers.
The next time you watch a movie or television show, pay attention to the scenery. You might just recognize a little piece of Texas on the screen!