If you like Western movies, you’re probably well acquainted with Monument Valley and Sedona, even if you don’t realize it! It’s easy to see why: both Sedona and Monument Valley scream “Wild West,” making it a perfect filming location for a director wanting a Western feel for a scene. Dozens of films have been shot in these two beautiful Arizona locations since the 1930’s, and once you find out the long list of movies that have been shot in these two places, you’ll want to re-watch all your favorites! Let’s explore the contributions to film made by these two Arizona landmarks.
Monument Valley’s Contributions to Film
Monument Valley is situated in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah on the Navajo Nation, and its stunning Western scenery makes it easy to see why it’s been an in-demand filming location for so many decades. 1939’s Stagecoach, starring John Wayne, was probably the first film that put Monument Valley in the map, yet it’s not just westerns that have been shot here either. Remember the scene from Forrest Gump when Tom Hanks decides to stop running? Monument Valley is the backdrop! Other movies that you might have seen Monument Valley in include Easy Rider, Mission Impossible II (as well as Metallica’s music video they did for the soundtrack), 2001: A Space Odyssey, Back to the Future Part III, the most recent Lone Ranger film, and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Directors Love Sedona’s Red Rocks Too
Sedona’s red rocks and peaceful atmosphere make it a very unique location not only in Arizona, but in the entire world. Like Monument Valley, Sedona is best known for being the backdrop of Westerns, yet it’s been seen in many other films too. The original 3:10 to Yuma was shot here way back in 1957, and since then dozens of other films including The Karate Kid (during the part at the beginning when they’re driving across the country,) The Quick and the Dead, Midnight Run, Broken Arrow, and Universal Soldier were shot here as well. Incredibly, National Lampoon’s Vacation was also shot in Sedona, making the film the only one on this list that used both of our Arizona locations in the same movie!
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This article is part of a series on Arizona’s Amazing Roadside Attractions
