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.
40. Death Proof (2007)
Stuntman Mike is one of my favorite Tarantino characters due to the sinister charisma Kurt Russell brings to the role. He is terrifying and captivating elevated with QT’s dialogue that adds a lot of depth and charm. Tarantino’s direction is a standout, seamlessly blending suspense, action, and dark humor. The film’s two-part structure, featuring two groups of women who unknowingly become targets of Stuntman Mike, allows for a satisfying shift from horror to revenge thriller. The climactic car chase, featuring Zoë Bell performing her own stunts, is an exhilarating piece of filmmaking that pays tribute to the visceral thrills of classic grindhouse cinema.
39. X (2022)
I had pretty much given up on Ti West. I found his movies pretentious and boring despite being extremely well-made. He was basically the horror version of Wes Anderson. Well, X changed my mind about him as he finally made a horror movie that was not only proficient on the technical side but also entertaining with some genuine horror. It didn’t hurt that Mia Goth and Brittan Snow showed the goods multiple times as well.
The film follows a group of aspiring filmmakers who set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, only to find themselves in a nightmarish situation. West’s direction is masterful, creating a palpable sense of dread from the film’s opening moments and maintaining it throughout. The cinematography is striking, capturing the eerie isolation of the rural Texas setting and the gritty aesthetics of the 1970s.
38. Talk Radio (1988)
Talk Radio delves into the life of a controversial Dallas, Texas radio personality Barry Chapman whose provocative style makes him both loved and despised by his listeners. Eric Bogosian gives a powerhouse performance as Chapman who is a man of sharp wit and grapples with the pressures of fame, the isolation of his profession, and the dangerous consequences of his words. Oliver Stone delivers an intense character study with a claustrophobic atmosphere taking on the power of media and free speech that leads to a haunting climax that makes the movie worth the watch alone.
37. The Life of David Gale (2003)
This film deals with some complex themes of justice, morality, and the death penalty with intensity and conviction. Former philosophy professor David Gale and anti-death penalty activist finds himself on death row in a Texas prison, accused of a heinous murder of a fellow colleague. Journalist Kate Winslet investigates the story while talking with Gale who maintains his innocence and leads to a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama. Kevin Spacey delivers a powerful performance, capturing the anguish and desperation of a man who has dedicated his life to a cause, only to become a victim of the system he fought against. His chemistry with Winslet helps add depth to an extremely layered story with several twists and turns.
36. Reality Bites (1994)
A staple of 90s Gen X films that follows a group of recent college graduates navigating the challenges of adulthood, relationships, and finding their place in the world. Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke deliver standout performances as best friends who are just trying to figure out life after college. Ben Stiller directed a sharp film that balanced humor and drama with some clever dialogue and a soundtrack that had some iconic songs to help the film be a snapshot of the mid-90s.
35. Bernie (2011)
Jack Black gives a career-best performance as Bernie who is a beloved funeral director in a small Texas town who forms an unlikely friendship with a wealthy, controlling widow. He is both hilarious and empathetic, capturing the character’s quirks while allowing the audience to sympathize with his plight, even as the story takes a dark turn. Richard Linklater’s direction is subtle and clever, using mockumentary-style interviews with real townspeople to give the film a unique and engaging narrative style. Shirley MacLaine’s portrayal of Marjorie adds sharpness to the story, while Matthew McConaughey’s role as the ambitious district attorney provides a perfect foil to Black’s lovable Bernie.
34. Cold in July (2014)
A neo-noir, crime drama that is a tense thriller about a mild-mannered Texas family man whose life is turned upside down after he kills a burglar in self-defense. Michael C. Hall delivers a captivating performance, portraying Dane’s transformation from an ordinary man to someone entangled in a dangerous conspiracy with remarkable nuance. His character’s moral dilemmas drive the film, as he confronts the violent and shadowy world he’s been thrust into. Sam Shepard and Don Johnson provide memorable performances as Dane’s unlikely partners, each bringing gravity and charisma to their roles. Cold in July is a gripping exploration of violence and guilt with dark undercurrents making it an underrated thriller of the decade.
33. The Iron Claw (2023)
Wrestling fan or not, if you grew up in Texas around the 80s, you knew of the Von Erichs. They were Texas and wrestling royalty that were as popular as the Beatles and The Iron Claw covered their heartbreaking rise and fall. Directed by Sean Durkin, the film is not just about the glitz of professional wrestling but highlights the tragic familial dynamics that drove the Von Erichs to stardom and despair. The film balances the wrestling world with a deeply personal family story, offering viewers both intense in-ring action and intimate moments of vulnerability. Zac Efron plays Kevin Von Erich and delivers his best acting performance to date bringing a mix of emotional depth and physical prowess to the role. Along with Holt McCallany’s portrayal of the strict and flawed patriarch Fritz, The Iron Claw is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
32. American Sniper (2014)
Bradley Cooper delivers a transformative performance as real-life Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. His portrayal adds layers to the film, showing Kyle not just as a skilled soldier but as a man grappling with his role as a protector and the burdens that come with it. American Sniper is a powerful and intense war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. It is both gripping and thoughtful, balancing high-tension action sequences with moments of quiet reflection on the cost of war. The film is moving and thought-provoking and honors both the heroism and the personal sacrifices of soldiers, offering a complex and humanizing portrait of a man caught between duty and his inner demons.
31. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
McConaughey gets him an Oscar for his role of the real-life Texan Ron Woodroof who was diagnosed with HIV in the mid-1980s. His physical transformation and portrayal of Woodroof’s journey from a homophobic, self-destructive cowboy to a compassionate, determined advocate are remarkable, earning him a well-deserved Academy Award. Jared Leto’s supporting role as Rayon, a transgender woman battling HIV, is equally memorable, offering a deeply emotional and sensitive portrayal that adds to the film’s heart. The film also deals with the bureaucratic hurdles of the healthcare system and the stigma surrounding the disease while Jean-Marc Vallée’s direction keeps the film raw and intimate.
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What are some of your favorite movies set in the great state of Texas?
