From sweeping deserts to vibrant cities, Texas has long been a source of inspiration for filmmakers, offering a dynamic backdrop for stories that capture the grit, and culture of the Lone Star State. Whether exploring its sprawling landscapes, complex history, or diverse communities, movies set in Texas are as varied as the state itself. These films delve into the heart of what makes Texas unique, from heartfelt dramas and gritty Westerns to hilarious comedies and thrilling crime sagas.
In this list, we rank the 50 greatest movies set in the greatest state on the planet by celebrating stories that define and transcend Texas’s iconic character. Spanning multiple genres and decades, these films showcase Texas as more than just a setting but also a vital character in the narrative. Whether you’re a Texan proud of your roots or simply a film enthusiast eager to explore Texas’s cinematic legacy, these picks will take you on an unforgettable journey deep into the heart of Texas.
20. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
Based on a Broadway play, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a lively musical comedy that blends humor, charm, and toe-tapping tunes with a uniquely Texan flavor. Dolly Parton stars the warm-hearted madam who has electric chemistry with the town’s sheriff Burt Reynolds. With memorable musical numbers, including Parton’s classic “I Will Always Love You,” and its colorful portrayal of Texas life, the film delivers both laughs and heartwarming moments. Dom DeLuise adds to the infectious energy as the flamboyant TV reporter who tries to shut down the bordello. It remains a fun and entertaining celebration of Southern hospitality and the charm of Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.
19. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
When faced with the decision to do a follow-up on a great horror film, the tendency is to just do something similar because that’s what people fell in love with right? Not if you are Tobe Hooper. The only things recognizable to his follow-up to arguably the greatest horror movie of all time are the names Leatherface and the Sawyers. Oh and the chainsaw. That’s kind of a big one. Hooper changed everything from the original TCM; they don’t even seem to belong in the same universe. Where the original was so gritty and real, the sequel was campy and more of a horror-comedy. Leatherface is a sexually frustrated big ol goof while Hooper introduced one of the most underrated horror characters of all time in Chop Top. Alongside, Dennis Hopper who always goes full throttle on screen and is one of the best final girls in Stretch, TCM 2 is a horror sequel like no other and is full of action from the opening kills till we are wandering around the Sawyer Museum of Horrors.
18. A Perfect World (1993)
A Perfect World is a deeply affecting crime drama that blends suspense, action, and emotional moments. Kevin Costner stars as Butch Haynes who is an escaped convict that forms an unlikely bond with a young boy named Phillip, whom he takes hostage during his flight from the law. Butch is both dangerous and deeply compassionate as Costner plays him with nuance and complexity. The relationship between the two characters is the emotional core of the film, as Butch becomes a father figure and protector to Phillip, leading to moments of genuine warmth amid the tension. Clint Eastwood plays a lawman in pursuit of Butch and also directs the film. He shows a steady hand as he balances action with reflective moments while exploring themes of redemption and childhood trauma. The Texas setting adds to the film’s sense of isolation.
17. The Alamo (1960)
Many Texans take enormous pride in the history and meaning behind the 1836 Battle of the Alamo where a small group of Texan defenders, including historical figures like Crockett, Jim Bowie, and William Travis, made a last stand against the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. Directed by and starring John Wayne, we get a grand and patriotic epic with Wayne’s brand of traditional American values, emphasizing courage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. With its sweeping battle scenes and a sense of grandeur that matches the legendary status of the event, The Alamo is a quintessential example of the patriotic Western epic. Remember the Alamo!
16. Days of Heaven (1978)
I’m not the biggest fan of Terrence Malick’s films but the man knows how to do breathtaking cinematography that matches his poetic narratives. And there is no better backdrop than the Texas Panhandle to paint his story of a couple fleeing Chicago to seek work on a Texas farm. Bill, played by supple young Richard Gere, convinces his girlfriend to seduce the farm’s wealthy, lonely owner into a sham marriage to scam him out of his money and land. The movie’s real star is Néstor Almendros’s cinematography, capturing the Texas landscape’s beauty and brutality by using natural light to create a glow that feels otherworldly.
15. Selena (1997)
Sometimes, it’s difficult to explain certain moments in time, trends, crazes, etc. to people who weren’t there to experience them, and the hysteria surrounding the Queen of Tejano Music is one such example. Simply known as Selena, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, had a profound and lasting impact on music and culture by popularizing a blend of traditional Mexican music with pop, R&B, and country influences—beyond its regional roots to a global audience. Her ability to seamlessly cross-cultural and linguistic barriers helped pave the way for future Latin artists in mainstream music before her tragic murder at the hands of her fan club manager.
Jennifer Lopez was tapped to play the beloved performer in a breakout role that captured the warmth and charisma of Selena’s real-life persona. The film celebrates Selena’s heritage and her passion for music, with vibrant concert scenes that capture her electrifying presence on stage. The soundtrack, featuring Selena’s hit songs, brings energy and authenticity to the film, allowing audiences to relive her performances. Selena is more than a biopic; it’s a heartfelt tribute to an artist who left an indelible mark on music and Latin culture, making it an essential watch for fans and newcomers alike
14. The Wild Bunch (1969)
It’s 1913, and the Old West is rapidly disappearing, leaving no place for Pike Bishop and his aging gang of outlaws. As they look for one final big score, the outlaws find themselves double-crossed by a former member Deke Thornton. They flee to Mexico with Thornton in hot pursuit, doing whatever it takes to stay alive. The Wild Bunch is an excellent movie, largely regarded as director Sam Peckinpah’s best. It’s not for the faint of heart though. The film gives a brutal, graphically violent account of the Old West, leaving a trail of bloody bodies everywhere it goes. Amidst the violence though, it also does a good job of humanizing the outlaws without romanticizing or glamorizing the lifestyle.
13. Friday Night Lights (2004)
Football is a religion in Texas and nothing better represents that than Friday nights in a small town where businesses shut down because everyone is getting ready to head out to the local high school’s football game. Peter Berg’s Friday Night Lights, based on H.G. Bissinger’s non-fiction book, captures this feeling in an authentic and realistic nature. The film follows the 1988 season of the Permian Panthers, a high school football team in Odessa, Texas, as they chase the state championship. Billy Bob Thornton gives a nuanced performance as the head coach trying to balance the immense pressure from the community and his responsibilities to his players who are dealing with their own struggles. Some realistic football action with the visually striking scenery of the Texas landscapes makes this one of the best football movies ever made.
12. Boyhood (2014)
This film was shot over a 12-year span following the life of Mason Jr. from childhood to adulthood and is a groundbreaking cinematic achievement. We witness Mason’s growth in real time helping lend to the authentic narrative. Director Richard Linklater used the same actors throughout filming including the parents played by Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke with the former earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film garnered widespread critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and emotional resonance. Boyhood is not just a film—it captures life’s beauty, making it a timeless and unforgettable experience.
11. Lone Star (1996)
“You start digging holes in this county, no telling what’ll come up.” Is Lone Star John Sayles’ best film? It’s tough to choose – he made Matewan, Eight Men Out, Passion Fish, and The Secret of Roan Innish among other standout films. I’ve always had a soft spot for his genre work, of course, including Piranha, Alligator, and The Howling, but those films were always his means to make the movies he really wanted to (that, and doing script-rewrites for films like Apollo 13 and ET). Despite its Oscar-nominated pedigree, Lone Star always seemed to harken back to those genre films for me, with a murder mystery providing the vehicle for a dark wit, insightful commentary, and eccentric characters by the bucketful. The film is jam-packed with great actors – Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Elizabeth Pena, Joe Morton, and Frances McDormand (in some ways Lone Star is a hotter, drier, straighter cousin of Fargo) –. Still, it’s John Sayles who is the star of this film. Nobody else gets away with a line like “It’s always heartwarming to see a prejudice defeated by a deeper prejudice.”
–Bob Cram
30-21 | 10-1
What are some of your favorite movies set in the great state of Texas?
