The General

The General 

(1926)

Directors: Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton

Cast: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender

Local Locations: Cottage Grove, Eugene, McKenzie River and Row River

"The General" was filmed near Cottage Grove because it could double as the Southern town of Marietta, Georgia where the story takes place.

Abe Lincoln in Illinois

Abe Lincoln in Illinois

(1940)

Director: John Cromwell 

Cast: Raymond Massey, Gene Lockhart, Ruth Gordon

Local Locations: Eugene, Oregon and along the McKenzie River 

Abe's early years, before he was president, is the focus of this film that saw the debut of Ruth Gordon as Mary Todd Lincoln. Gordon would go on to star in many other films, including the cult classic "Harold and Maude."

Son of Flicka

Thunderhead, Son of Flicka

 (1945)

Director: Louis King

Cast: Roddy McDowall, Preston Foster, Rita Johnson

Local Locations: Gresham, Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Oneonta Gorge

This sequel to the highly popular "My Friend Flicka," this horse-powered flick starred Elizabeth Taylor's best buddy, a very young Roddy McDowall, as a rancher's son who must ultimately set free his favorite steed.

Kleenex, anyone?

Portland Expose

Portland Expose

(1956)

Director: Harold Schuster 

Cast: Edward Binns, Carolyn Craig, Virginia Gregg

Local Locations: Steel Bridge, Bonneville Dam, Union Station, Portland Tower Apartments 

There was a time in the 1950's when Portland wasn't exactly the most wholesome place in the country. This "expose" reveals the corruption that allegedly ran rampant at the time in this region. Shot on location in and around Portland, this little-seen film noir wasn't exactly what the powers-that-be wanted the public to see on a postcard.

All the Young Men

All the Young Men

(1960)

Director: Hall Bartlett

Cast: Alan Ladd, Sidney Poitier, James Darren

Local Locations: Timberline Lodge

This politically charged film, dealing with the intergration of the military during the Korean War, was filmed partly in the wintery woods of Mount Hood. 

Ring of Fire

Ring of Fire

(1961)

Director: Andrew L. Stone

Cast: David Janssen, Joyce Taylor, Frank Gorshin

Local Locations: Vernonia

Not to be confused with Christian Bale's film "Reign of Fire" this film about "cop-hating young hoodlums" and the sheriff they kidnap was shot partially in Vernonia as well as during a real, live forest fire. Hot. 

The Great Race

The Great Race

(1965)

Director: Blake Edwards

Cast: Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemmon

Local Locations: Gearhart

Based on "The Great Race" of 1908 this film, about the first automobile race around the world, was filmed in several locations across Europe as well as in the states, including both California and Oregon. 

Shenandoah

Shenandoah

(1965)

Director:  Andrew V. McLaglen

Cast: James Stewart, Doug McClure, Glenn Corbett

Local Locations: Eugene

Eugene's grassy hills stood in for the verdant countryside of Virginia during the Civil War in this Jimmy Stewart vehicle that was supposed to serve as a mirror to the conflicts over the war that was happening in Vietnam.

Paint Your Wagon

Paint Your Wagon 

(1969)

Director: Joshua Logan

Cast: Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood, Jean Seberg

Local Locations: East Eagle Creek, Baker City

Panned at the box office, this big-budget musical comedy was shot on location just outside of Baker City in East Eagle Creek. The city's Miner's Jubilee celebrates the mining history of the area as well as the filming of this generally dismissed box office dud featuring a very young Clint Eastwood. And yes, Clint did his own singing. Yee-haw!

Five Easy Pieces

Five Easy Pieces

(1970)

Director: Bob Rafelson

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Billy Green Bush

Local Locations: Eugene, Florence, Portland

A Denny's restaurant, not far from I-5 in Eugene, played a major role during Jack Nicholson's classic "chicken sandwich" scene in this film that was shot in several locations in Oregon. 

Sometimes a Great Notion

Sometimes a Great Notion

(1971)

Director: Paul Newman

Cast: Paul Newman, Henry Fonda, Lee Remick

Local Locations: Toledo, Newport, and Central Coast

Based on iconic Oregon novelist Ken Kesey's book of the same name, the story takes place in Oregon as well; the film is true to the scenery and is filmed in Oregon. The family of loggers fit right into place in Toledo and Newport.

Napoleon and Samantha

Napoleon and Samantha

(1972)

Director: Bernard McEveety

Cast: Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, Johnny Whitaker

Local Locations: Canyon City, John Day, and Strawberry Mountain

Two children and a pet lion on an adventure over mountainous eastern Oregon. Strawberry Mountain and its surroundings provide a dangerous but beautiful environment for a very unique Disney movie. Whitaker was the big star here from his time on TV's Family Affair, but it would be Foster and Douglas who would go on to have major movie careers.

Kansas City Bomber

Kansas City Bomber

(1972)

Director: Jerrold Freedman

Cast: Raquel Welch, Kevin McCarthy, Helena Kallianiotes

Local Locations : Portland, North Portland

A roller derby skater balancing her life and her dreams while dealing with the world of co-ed roller derby. Having moved from Kansas City to Portland to raise her child, Portland provides a great change of scenery for her. North Portland's "World Famous" Kenton Club got its "world-famous" tag from being a scene in this flick.

Emperor of the North

Emperor of the North / Emperor of the North Pole

(1973)

Director: Robert Aldrich

Cast: Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Keith Carradine

Local Locations : Cottage Grove

The "hobos" of the Great Depression, trains, and no free riding encompass this action-adventure thriller filmed in Cottage Grove. 

Lost Horizon

Lost Horizon 

(1973)

Director:  Charles Jarrott

Cast: Peter Finch, Liv Ullmann, Sally Kellerman

Local Locations : Timberline Lodge and Mt.Hood

James Hilton's Utopian "lost world" musical taken from the classic film of the same name is filmed in many studios, but also Oregon's famous Timberline Lodge was used in shots, providing a blizzard condition for the story.

Rooster Cogburn

Rooster Cogburn

(1975)

Director: Stuart Millar

Cast: John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Zerbe 

This hidden gem of a western flick starring Wayne and Hepburn contains many shots of Oregon, most notably Smith Rock State Park, where a lot of mountain climbing takes place. 

Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

(1975)

Director: Milos Forman

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman

Local Locations: Depoe Bay, Salem, and the Oregon State Mental Hospital (in Salem)

One "Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," based on a book by Ken Kesey (he also wrote "Sometimes A Great Notion") takes place inside a mental institution. And what better institute then the now-closed down Oregon State Mental Hospital in Salem. They creepy sterile hospital is perfect for Jack Nicholoson's level of crazy.

Animal House

National Lampoon's Animal House

(1978)

Director: John Landis

Cast: John Belushi, Karen Allen, Tom Hulce

Local Locations: University of Oregon - Hayward Field, Autzen Stadium, Omega House/Phi Kappa Psi, and Delta House (but it's demolished now) 

The quintessential college-frat life movie, this John Belushi classic was filmed at many places on and around the campus University of Oregon. 

1941

1941 

(1979)

Director: Steven Spielberg

Cast: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Treat Williams 

Local Locations: Gold Beach and Cannon Beach

1941, a comedic telling of a Japanese invasion after Pearl Harbor, shows some of the beautiful Oregon coast. The opening scene was filmed in the small town of Gold Beach, providing a lovely coastal shot to open the hillarious, and often overlooked, movie.

The Shining

The Shining 

(1977)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd 

Local Locations: Timberline Lodge

Creepy Jack Nicholoson again! "The Shining"uses many shots from the region, but the most famous is the Timberline Lodge on Mount.Hood, used as the exterior of the sinister Overlook Hotel. A trip to the lodge and you might cringe in fear of hearing those words: "Here's Johhny!"

The High Co$t of Living

How to Beat the High Co$t of Living

(1980)

Director: Robert Scheerer

Cast: Susan Saint James, Jane Curtin, Jessica Lange 

Local Locations: Eugene and the Valley River Center in Eugene

The cost of living has risen, and what better way to avoid the effects of inflamation then to sleep in your car? A promising cash ball at the local mall, which happens to be Valley River Center in Eugene, gives them a chance to change their lives. 

Just Before Dawn

Just Before Dawn ( Survivance)

(1981)

Director: Jeff Lieberman

Cast: George Kennedy, Mike Kellin, Chris Lemmon

Local Locations: Silver Falls State Park

A group of campers, camping in the beautiful Silver Falls State Park, are chased by a machete-wielding psycho. A basic serial-killer movie, but with a twist about halfway that leaves the audience screaming.

Personal Best

Personal Best

(1982)

Director: Robert Towne

Cast: Mariel Hemingway, Scott Glenn, Patrice Donnelly 

Local Locations: Eugene

Chris, a highily-ranked athlete, strives for nationals. Filmed mainly in California, this film does have a few scenes in Eugene, showcasing the city at its sporty best. 

Up the Creek

Up the Creek

(1984)

Director: Robert Butler

Cast: Tim Matheson, Jennifer Runyon, Stephen Furst

Local Locations: Bend

A group of collegiate students forced into a intercollegiate rafting race must overcome their differences and show teamwork to travel 'up the creek.' The region around Bend provides a realistic environment for the chaos to ensue. With a tagline of 'Who says a bunch of boobs can't win a race?' expect humor at every turn.

American Taboo

American Taboo

(1984)

Director: Steve Lustgarten

Cast: Jay Horenstein, Nicole Harrison, Hester Schell

Local Locations: Portland and Fort Stevens

The stigmata of a cameraman is someone who usually is behind the camera because they don't want to be in front of it. Paul, the titular character of the movie, has been the cameraman for almost his whole life, until a new tenant moves in next door. Paul's passion is landscape photography and Fort Stevens and Portland provide beautiful scenery for him to explore with his new life.

The Goonies

The Goonies

(1985)

Director: Richard Donner

Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen 

Local Locations: Cannon Beach and Astoria

A group of kids, a map, and a hidden treasure. What more could anyone want? A perfect film for the adult looking for their childhood, or for a child looking for an adventure. Astoria and Cannon Beach provide a beautiful pirate-esque area for the treasure-hunting tykes and audiences alike.

Mala Noche

Mala Noche

(1985)

Director: Gus Van Sant

Cast: Tim Streeter, Doug Cooeyate, Ray Monge

Local Locations: Portland, Old Town

"Mala Noche," Spanish for bad night, tells the story of attraction between poet Walt and a young illegal immigrant. But the barriers of language and culture need to be overcome first. Filmed completely in Portland, "Mala Noche" weaves a tale of mad love. Gus, with a crew of three, made the film for around $25,000.

Short Circuit

Short Circuit

(1986)

Director: John Badham

Cast: Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens 

Local Locations: Astoria, Cascade Locks, Crown Point, Columbia River Gorge

A robot, struck by lightning, becomes intelligent and escapes his ordinary robot life. Filmed all over the west coast, including some really cool shots in the Columbia Gorge. This little robot sure loves to travel!

Stand By Me

Stand By Me

(1986)

Director: Rob Reiner

Cast: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman

Local Locations: Brownsville, Veneta, Cottage Grove and Franklin 

Most people know the theme song of this movie without even realizing it, the lovely Ben E King, belts out sweet rythms: "Stand By Me." The movies takes place in "Castle Rock" where a group of boys recount their childhood as they adventure to find the body of a local kid who has gone missing. The areas of Cottage Grove, Franklin, Veneta, Brownsvile, and Eugene provide a picturesque backdrop for them to discover what friendship is all about.

Shadow Play

Shadow Play

(1986)

Director: Susan Shadburne

Cast: Dee Wallace, Cloris Leachman, Ron Kuhlman

Local Locations: Portland

"Shadow Play "is about a playwright haunted by her dead fiance's spirit.  In the movie Dee Wallace (best known as the mom in E.T.) travels to a remote island, which turns out to be Portland. 

Benji the Hunted

Benji the Hunted

(1986)

Director: Joe Camp

Cast: Red Steagall, Frank Inn, Benjean

Local Locations: Astoria, Newport

Benji, after experiencing an accident, is left alone in a vast wilderness to survive. He comes across many wild animals, and uses his show-dog skills to help others and survive to get back to his owner's arms. Surviving in the Oregon wilderness can be tough, especially with locations such as rugged wilderness outside of Newport and Astoria.

Permanent Record

Permanent Record

(1988)

Director: Marisa Silver

Cast: Alan Boyce, Keanu Reeves, Pamela Gidley 

Local Locations: Portland - Benson High School, Broadway Bridge, 12th Av & SW Taylor, Hawthorne Bridge, Lung Fung Restaurant (SE), and Cannon Beach - Ecola State Park

After his friend dies and he takes over their responsibilities, school kid "David" learns of the pressures that his friend faced that had led him to his death. Using locales such as Benson High School and surrounding areas, the locations provide a movie Oregonians will connect with.

Homer & Eddie

Homer & Eddie

(1988)

Director: Andrey Konchalovskiy (as Andrei Konchalovsky)

Cast: James Belushi, Whoopi Goldberg, John Waters

Local Locations: Mount Hood and Oregon City

A crazy man and a sociopathic woman reunite with a death of a father who had disowned the man earlier. A cross-country car trip brings the two together and provides meaning to their dismal lives. This supposed cross-country car trip happens to only be through California and Oregon, but the changes in environment provide a perfect feel of the cross-country experience.

Drugstore Cowboy

Drugstore Cowboy

(1989)

Director: Gus Van Sant (as Gus Van Sant Jr.)

Cast: Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James Le Gros

Beacon Rock, Northwest Portland (Irving Apartments, Nob Hill Pharmacy), Pearl District

Gus Van Sant's breakthrough film, Roger Ebert considered it one of the best films of 1989. Following a group of junkies as they rob local drugstores If you look close enough you will find the old Nob Hill Pharamacy where a robbery occurs at the corner of Northwest 21st and Glisan street. The film also offers views of Portland, specifically the Pearl District, that no longer exist. 

Come See the Paradise

Come See the Paradise

(1989)

Director: Alan Parker

Cast: Dennis Quaid, Tamlyn Tomita, Sab Shimono

Local Locations: Astoria, Portland, Willamette Valley

Jack McGurn falls in love with a Japanese woman, and then-World War II breaks out and Japanese immigrants are forced to live in war camps. Astoria, Portland (primarily Old Town and Chinatown) and the Willamette Valley provide the camp-like scenery for the movie to display its darker side.

Love at Large

Love at Large

(1990)

Director: Alan Rudolph

Cast: Tom Berenger, Elizabeth Perkins, Anne Archer 

Local Locations: Bend, Downtown Portland

A beautiful performer asks a private detective to investigate her lover, miscommunication ensues and two private detectives end up unraveling a giant mystery that takes place in Bend, Portland and the building where the Paramount Hotel now resides.

Kindergarten Cop

Kindergarten Cop

1990

Director: Ivan Reitman

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed

Local Locations : Cannon Beach - Ecola State Park, Astoria - John Jacbo Astor School

Schwarzenegger is a tough who has to go undercover at a school to bust a notorious drug dealer. Only problem is that his cover is as a kindergarten teacher. John Jacob Astor Elementary School in Astoria provides this hillarious movie with a cute and comical site to otherwise brutal police movies.

The Favor

The Favor

1990

Director: Donald Petrie

Cast: Harley Jane Kozak, Elizabeth McGovern, Bill Pullman, Brad Pitt

Local Locations: Portland, Pearl District

A woman ponders what would happen if she had been with her past lover instead of the man she is married to now. She asks a friend to check on him to see how he is. Filmed in Los Angeles as well as Portland, the two cities mirror the two women in the film. This was one of Brad Pitt's first films. He played an artist who showed his work in gallery space of the Jamison/Thomas Gallery, a very well known gallery at the time.

My Own Private Idaho

My Own Private Idaho

1991

Director: Gus Van Sant

Cast: River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, James Russo

Local Locations: Maupin and Portland

Based on the works of Shakespeare, this classic from director Gus Van Sant was shot in a crumbling hotel that would go on to become the Governor and then Sentinel Hotel. Playing hustlers, stars Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix seemed to have as much fun hanging out in Portland as they did making the movie. 

Shattered

Shattered

(1991)

Director: Wolfgang Petersen

Cast: Tom Berenger, Bob Hoskins, Greta Scacchi 

Local Locations: Manzanita

"Shattered," just like the amnesia the main character faces, is a movie about picking up the pieces. Manzanita and San Francisco provide beautiful coastal environments for the character to experience as he picks up his life.

Point Break

Point Break

1991

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Cast: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey 

Local Location: Cannon Beach and Wheeler

Surfing and undercover agents. Sounds like a recipe for chaos. 
The movie "Point Break" mixes the two ingredients well and provides a beautiful coastal environment for the surfing, Shooting in many places along the West Coast, including Cannon Beach, the movie is a hillarious mix of action in the land of surfing.

Claire of the Moon

Claire of the Moon

(1992)

Director: Nicole Conn

Cast: Trisha Todd, Karen Trumbo, Faith McDevitt

Local Locations: Portland, and various coastal places

A group of female authors go on a coastal retreat to work on their collective pieces—and each other. Considered one of the first mainstream films to feature an explicit lesbian storyline, this film was shot from Portland to the Oregon coast. A same-sex classic. 

Dr. Giggles

Dr. Giggles

(1992)

Director: Manny Coto

Cast: Larry Drake, Holly Marie Combs, Cliff De Young

Local Location: Portland

Set in Portland, the movie follows the psychopathic son of a mass-murder as he escapes to terrorize the town that captured his father. His murder weapon? Laughter. 

Guns on Clackamas

Guns on Clackamas

(1993)

Director: Bill Plympton

Cast: John Bader, Janice Bangs, Graydon Beeks 

Local Location: Oregon City

"Guns on Clackamas" is cartoonist Bill Plympton's peek into the film industry, a documentary about the making of a fictional Western titled after the documentary. The cast members are not up-to-par, and accidents happen on the set.  

The River Wild

The River Wild

(1993)

Director: Curtis Hanson

Cast: Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon, David Strathairn 

Local Locations: Grants Pass and the Upper Rogue River

A rafting trip goes awry when a pair of armed killers appear, forcing the expert rafter, played by Meryl Streep, to navigate the violent river with even more difficulty. Filmed on difficult rivers including Oregon's Rogue River; this film takes a simple family trip and turns it into a terrifying adventure. 

Maverick

Maverick

(1993)

Director: Richard Donner

Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner

Local Locations: Columbia River Gorge and Beacon Rock

Based on the television show starring James Garner as "Bret Maverick," this movie stars Mel Gibson as Maverick, who must match wits with Jodie Foster as a charming thief. Filming location highlights include a stretch of the Columbia River near Cascade Locks. This film will make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Cowgirls Get the Blues

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

(1993)

Director: Gus Van Sant (as Gus Van Sant Jr.)

Cast: Uma Thurman, Lorraine Bracco, Pat Morita

Local Locations: Bend, Portland, Sisters, and the John Day Fossil Beds at Kimberly

The large-thumbed "Sissy," played by Uma Thurman, is a model sent to film a commercial at a well-known ranch. But not all is what it seems at this ranch, where the cowgirls rule. Filmed in downtown Portland as well as the remote John Day Fossil Beds, the movie is based on the novel by Northwest author Tom Robbins. 

Free Willy

Free Willy

1993

Director: Simon Wincer

Cast: Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Michael Madsen

Local Locations: Astoria, Cannon Beach, Portland, and the Burnside Skatepark in Portland

"Free Willy" is the story of a killer whale that is set to be killed and a boy risking everything to free it. Filmed in Cannon Beach, Astoria and Portland, this movie is a beautiful family adventure to sit down and watch for movie night. How far would you go for something you love?

The Temp

The Temp

1993

Director: Tom Holland

Cast: Timothy Hutton, Faye Dunaway, Lara Flynn Boyle

Local Locations: Portland and Oregon's North Coast

A business takeover has the employees struggling to find new employment; an assistant takes leave and his replacement is a little 'too good to be true.' Filmed along the North Coast and in Portland (in the same hotel that My Own Private Idaho was shot) this dramatic thriller, starring a post-"Mommie Dearest," Faye Dunaway, bears the tagline 'Don't get mad. Get promoted.'

Body of Evidence

Body of Evidence

1993

Director: Uli Edel

Cast: Madonna, Willem Dafoe, Joe Mantegna 

Local Locations: Portland in the Pittock Mansion

A woman is accused of killing a man to inherit his fortune. She is arrested as a suspect and ends up having an affair with her lawyer. This BDSM-ish romantic thriller predates Fifty Shades of Grey by more than two decades and stars Madonna as...well...someone like Madonna. Filming locations include the staid Pittock Mansion as well as a houseboat on the Willamette River (where the kinky situation was very unstaid). 

Fire in the Sky

Fire in the Sky

1993

Director: Robert Lieberman

Cast: D.B. Sweeney, Robert Patrick, Craig Sheffer 

Local Locations: Oakland, Roseburg, Sutherlin, and Idleyld Park

"Fire in the Sky," based off the book and events of the Walton family, Is a dramatic mystery about an Arizona logger abducted by a flying saucer. Filmed in Arizona as well as Oregon, this movie will give you a probing glimpse of those mysterious lights in the sky.

Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

1993

Director: Duwayne Dunham

Cast: (the voices of) Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, Don Alder

Local Locations: Bend, Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood National Forest, Portland, Deshchutes National Forest, Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, Joseph, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and Whitman National Forest

Homeward Bound is a family drama about a group of pets surviving in the wilderness on their journey back home. The Oregon wildreness areas in which the movie is filmed provide a grueling adventure for the pets.

Free Willy 2

Free Willy 2

1994

Director: Dwight H. Little

Cast: Jason James Richter, Michael Madsen, Francis Capra

Local Location: Astoria

A continuation of the first "Free Willy" film, this time the main character has to help the whales and their families from an oil spill.

Foxfire

Foxfire

1995

Director: Annette Haywood-Carter

Cast: Hedy Burress, Angelina Jolie, Jenny Lewis

Local Location: Portland

Foxfire tells the story of a group of teenagers banding together after a turn of events puts them into similiar situations. But when their friendship starts to take a dangerous turn the plot thickens. Filmed in Portland, including the Burnside Bridge, this movies takes a darker look at school life in the '90s.

Assassin

Assassins

1995

Director: Richard Donner

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Julianne Moore

Local Location: Portland

Robert, a seasoned hitman wants to leave the business, but younger assassin Bain's next task is to eliminate him. Pitting actors Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas, in the scenery of Mexico, Oregon and California. In the movie, the actors were holed up in the Old Town hotel that would go on to become the Embassy Suites. 

Reggie's Prayer

Reggie's Prayer

1996

Director: Paul McKellips

Cast: Reggiew White, Pat Morita, Cylk Cozart

Local Location: Portland

Reggie White plays titular Reggie, a pro football player turned coach in a Portland high school. He helps his players along the way and learns more about himself. 

Postman

The Postman

1997

Director: Kevin Costner

Cast: Kevin Costner, Will Patton, Larenz Tate

Local Locations: Bend, Redmond, Three Lynx

In post-apocalyptic America a no-name man finds a postman uniform and dons it, which begins his adventure to find other survivors. Filmed in the west, a major chunk of thi this action-adventure was filmed outside of Bend.

Zero Effect

Zero Effect

1997

Director: Jake Kasdan

Cast: Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Ryan O'Neal

Local Locations: Crown Point at the Columbia River Gorge and Portland

World-class detective "Daryl Zero" faces his biggest challenge yet. When he isn't working, he has no idea what to do with himself, and his lack of social skills only hinders progress. His next case, though, pushes his social skills to the limit. Filmed in Los Angeles, Portland and the Columbia River Gorge, this crime drama has a splash of comedy to make you laugh.

Bongwater

Bongwater

1998

Director: Richard Sears

Cast: Luke Wilson, Alicia Witt, Amy Locane 

Local Location: Portland

An aspiring artist/pot dealer is in love with smoking pot. So much in love that his girl leaves him and moves to New York, but now that she is gone he wants her back. Filmed in Los Angeles, Potland and New York this stoner-comedy will make your heart warm. 

Men of Honor

Men of Honor

1999

Director: George Tillman Jr.

Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron 

Local Locations: Rainer, Portland, North Plains

The story of Carl Brashear, the first African American U.S. Navy diver. Filmed in Washington as well as North Plains and a few restaurant exteriors in Portland, this biographical drama just might inspire you.

Blast

Blast

2000

Director: Martin Schenk

Cast: Liesel Matthews, Blake Heron, Tony Denman

Local Locations: Columbia River Gorge, Lake Oswego, Scappoose, and Vernonia

Four high school teens (including Liesel Matthews, following up her work in "Princess Bride" and "Air Force One"), believe the local legend about a killer on the loose. After a friend dissappears the other three believe they are the next targets. Filmed in the Columbia River Gorge, and on the streets of Vernonia, this revenge movie keeps you on your toes.

Swordfish

Swordfish

2000

Director: Dominic Sena

Cast: John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry

Local Locations: Smith Rock, Terrebonne, Ventura

A group of renegade counter-terrorists plan to steal billions in US government dirty money. This crime thriller is filmed in many places in California as well as the Central Oregon locales of Smith Rock and the small town of Terrebonne. 

Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward

2000

Director: Mimi Leder

Cast: Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt 

Local Location: Portland

"Pay it Forward" is an inspirational drama about a young boy trying to change the world. Shot primarliy elsewhere, there is a scene on a bridge that was filmed in Portland. 

Bandits

Bandits

2000

Director: Barry Levinson

Cast: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett 

Local Locations: Lake Oswego, Silverton, Broadway Bridge (Portland), Crown Point (Columbia Gorge), Oregon City, Portland, West Linn, Wilsonville

A comedy crime drama where two bank robbers fall in love with the girl that they have kidnapped. The bank robbery takes place in Silverton and a few other scenes are filmed in other Oregon cities.

A.I.

A.I. 

2000

Director: Steven Spielberg

Cast: Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O'Connor

Local Location: Oxbow Park (Gresham)

A robot longs to become human, to feel human emotions. This movie is mainly filmed in California, but Oxbow Park in Gresham is used as well. This is the second Haley Joel Osment film that had small scenes shot in Oregon.

Eban and Charley

Eban and Charley

2000

Director: James Bolton

Cast: Brent Fellows, Gio Black Peter, Ellie Nicholson

Local Locations: Astoria, Portland, Seaside

This somewhat controversial drama projects the theme of same-sex love and age differences, and Astoria and Portland highlight the plot very well.

The Ring

The Ring

2002

Director: Gore Verbinski

Cast: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Brian Cox 

Local Locations: Newport and Astoria

After you watched the cursed video tape, you only live for seven days. The premise of this movie is creepy and intriguing. Based on a Japanese novel and film of the same name, the movie is filmed along the West Coast. Newport's Yaqunia Head Light provides a freaky scene in the later half of the movie.

Jackass: The Movie

Jackass: The Movie

2002

Director: Jeff Tremaine

Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius 

Local Location: Portland, Hawthorne District

A group of men who refuse to grow up acting out their extreme desires. The movie itself is filmed in many locations around the world (including Portland's Hawthorne District), providing hilarious entertainment with the group and with the locals. Definetly not for the squeamish.

Elephant

Elephant

2002

Director: Gus Van Sant

Cast: Elias McConnell, Alex Frost, Eric Deulen

Local Locations: Portland and Whitaker Middle School

Mirroring the tragedy that struck a Colorado high school, Gus Van Sant's compelling film tells what can happend to an ordinary high school with ordinary students. The majority of filming took place at the demolished Whitaker Middle School in Northeast Portland. 

The Hunted

The Hunted

2003

Director: William Friedkin

Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Benicio Del Toro, Connie Nielsen

Local Locations: Oregon City, Columbia River Gorge, Portland, Mount Hood, Silver Falls State Park, Ross Island in Portland, Salem, PDX International Airport, Gus Solomon Courthouse in Portland, Hawthorne Bridge, St. Johns and the Blue Heron Paper Company in Oregon City

An FBI agent has to chase down a assassin who hunts humans in the deep woods near Mount Hood. The Hawthorne Bridge doubled as a MAX line for a pivotal scene in this thriller. 

Thumbsucker

Thumbsucker

2003

Director: Mike Mills

Cast: Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vinvent D'Onofrio

Local Locations: Beaverton, Sherwood, Tigard, Portland Airport, Vernonia, and Tulalatin High School.

Thumbsucking is a comfort for a small child, but there is a point in life where it is not socially accepted. Follow the main character Justin through his grueling tale of breaking his addiction to thumbsucking. The film was shot in Beaverton, Sherwood, Tigard and the Portland International Airport, which provide great scenery to go along with this quirky comedic movie.

What the Bleep Do We Know

What the Bleep Do We Know!? (WTBDWK)

2004

Directer: William Arntz, Betsy Chasse, Mark Vicente

Cast: Marlee Matlin, Elaine Hendrix, John Ross Bowie 

Local Locations: Portland, Hilssboro, and St. Patricks Church in Portland

WTBDWK is a documentary about quantum uncertainty. It makes the viewer think about everything and at points nothing at all. Within all the uncertainity, the movie is filmed along the West Coast, including Seattle, San Francisco, Hillsboro, Portland and even the Polish wedding scene is filmed at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Portland.

The Ring 2

The Ring 2

2004

Director: Hideo Nakata

Cast: Naomi Watts, David Dorfman, Sissy Spacek

Local Location: Astoria

Continuing on from the first movie, the second movie adds more horror and sceams. Filmed in the same locations as the first, the story will linger on, even after you turn off the television.

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet?

2004

Director: Brian Levant

Cast: Ice Cube, Nia Long, Aleisha Allen

Local Location: Portland

A comedy drama about a boyfriend driving his girlfriend's kids across country. Hilarity ensues, but also a strong bond forms between characters. Filmed mainly in Canada, a few scenes are filmed in Portland as well.

Old Joy

Old Joy

2006

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Cast: Daniel London, Will Oldham, Tanya Smith 

Local Locations: Portland, Mount Hood National Forest, and Colton

A drama about two old friends reuniting for a camping trip that takes place in Oregon's beautiful Cascade Mountain rage.

Into the Wild

Into the Wild

2006

Director: Sean Penn

Cast: Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener

Local Locations: Beaverton, Portland, Newburg, and Sisters

Based on a nonfiction book by author Jon Krakauer, "Into the Wild" tells the story of a man abandoning his possessions and money to live in the wilderess. An action-adventure movie filmed all along the West Coast, the gripping story will keep you entertained throughout. Astoria, Sisters, Mount Hood, and other places in Oregon are just a few of the beautiful locales this journey takes us through.

My Name Is Bruce

My Name Is Bruce

2006

Director: Bruce Campbell

Cast: Bruce Campbell, Grace Thorsen, Taylor Sharpe 

Local Locations: Medford and Southern Oregon

Bruce Campbell stars in this comedic horror film about himself. Filmed in Southern Oregon, including Medford.

Paranoid Park

Paranoid Park

2006

Director: Gus Van Sant

Cast: Gabe Nevins, Daniel Liu, Taylor Momsen

Local Locations: Portland, Burnside Skate Park, St. Johns Bridge and Madison High School

Paranoid Park tells the story of a teenage skateboarder's life after a dramatic event takes place, an accidental death of a security guard that he had caused. This story, based on a novel by Blake Nelson, takes place in Portland and true to the story, is filmed in Portland as well. Look out for the Burnside Skatepark as well as the St. Johns Bridge.

Seraphim Falls

Seraphim Falls

2006

Director: David Von Ancken

Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson, Anjelica Huston 

Local Locations: Klamath Falls, McKenzie River, and Sahalie Falls

A dramatic thriller taking place at the end of the Civil War, when some grudges were not settled. Using Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls and the McKenzie River as a backdrop makes the film stand out among fellow country-style movies.

Management

Management

2007

Director: Stephen Belber

Cast:  Jennifer Aniston, Steve Zahn, Woody Harrelson

Local Locations: Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Portland Japanese Gardens, and Madras

A cutesy romantic comedy about a traveling art saleswoman and a hotel manager who falls in love with her. The lovely Japanese Gardens highlights a scene in the movie, as well as Hillsboro, Beaverton, Madras as the scenery for the movie. Look out for landmarks and signs that you can remember. 

Calvin Marshall

Calvin Marshall

2007

Director: Gary Lundgren

Cast: Alex Frost, Noah Scott, Abbey Merow 

Local Locations: Ashland and Medford

A college student trying to become a Major League Baseball player finds out his true calling. A comedic drama, "Calvin Marshall" is filmed in Ashland and Medford.

Cthulhu

Cthulhu 

2007

Director: Dan Gildark (as Daniel Gildark)

Cast:  Jason Cottle, Casey Curran, Ethan Atkinson

Local Locations: Astoria, Florence, Gearhart, and Seaside

Based on H.P. Lovecraft's mythical monster, "Cthulhu" is about a Seattlite moving to the Oregon coast, and his discovery of a New Age cult. Filmed in Washington and Oregon, this thriller will keep you on your toes. 

Dark Horizon

Dark Horizon

2007

Director: Nicholas J. Hagen

Cast: Ryan Deal, Ryan Carty, Hannah Kaiser

Local Location: Salem

"Dark Horizon" is an adventure-thriller about a couple going camping with their family to strengthen the bonds. Tension is thick in the air and a mysterious threat is out there tearing everyone apart. Figthing for survival and saving loved ones, the two love birds must brave the Washington and Oregon wilderness.

Untraceable

Untraceable

2007

Director: Gregory Hoblit

Cast:  Diane Lane, Colin Hanks, Joseph Cross

Local Locations: Portland, Beaverton, Clackamas and Irvington

In "Untraceable" an FBI agent chases down a serial killer who posts videos of his victims online. Filmed all over Portland, this thriller will keep you on the chase as well.

The Auteur

The Auteur

2008

Director: James Westby

Cast: Melik Malkasian, Denise Chanterelle DuBois, Loren Hoskins 

Local Location: Portland

An outrageous comic gem about a porn director's weekend as he receives a lifetime achievment award at a film festival in Portland. 

The Burning Plain

The Burning Plain

2008

Director: Guillermo Arriaga

Cast: Charlize Theron, John Corbett, José María Yazpik 

Local Locations: Depoe Bay, Portland

A drama about a mother and daughter trying to reform their broken bonds. Depoe Bay and Portland give a serene simplicity to the movie.

Selfless

Selfless

2008

Director:Jacob Pander

Cast: Josh Rengert, Mo Gallini, October Moore

Local Location: Portland

A once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a stranger sets a chain of events in motion for architect Dylan Gray. Filmed in bustling Portland, this thoughtful movie will make you wonder about your own bustling life.

Twilight

Twilight

2008

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke

Local Locations: Gresham, Columbia River Gorge, Madison High School in Portland, Silver Falls State Park, Santa Calrita, Salmon River, and Clackamas Community College

A romantic drama about a teenager falling in love with a vampire. Based on the bestselling young adult novel, the story takes place in Forks, Wash., but was filmed primarily in Oregon. The prom scene at the end of the film was shot in Corbett's now-defunct View Point Inn. 

The Road

The Road

2008

Director: John Hillcoat

Writers:

Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Kodi Smit-McPhee

Local Locations: Fort Stevens and the Columbia River Gorge

A post-apocalpytic tale of father and son trying to survive against all means. This drama, based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, was filmed in Fort Stevens, Horsetail Falls and many other locatons in Oregon, which helped depict the apocalyptic environment needed.

Wendy and Lucy

Wendy and Lucy

2008

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Cast: Michelle Williams, Lucy, David Koppell

Local Locations: Portland, North Portland, Wilsonville, Astoria

A woman's life unravels when her car breaks down, her pet is sent to the pound and she realizes her life is in shambles. Filmed in Portland, North Portland, Wilsonville and Astoria, this realistic drama will make you double think your own situations.

Coraline

Coraline

2009

Director: Henry Selick

Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman

Local Locations: Portland

Be careful what you wish for is the tag line of this cute but horrific animated film, produced by Portland animation company LAIKA. 

Extraordinary Measures

Extraordinary Measures

2009

Director: Tom Vaughan

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Keri Russell, Harrison Ford

Local Locations: St. Paul, Portland, Estacada, Lake Oswgo, Manzanita, Tualatin

A realistic drama about the efforts to find a cure for a rare genetic disease in a child. Based in Portland, this movie's tagline is, "Don't hope for a miracle. Make one." 

Meek's Cutoff

Meek's Cutoff

2010

Director: Kelly Reichardt 

Cast: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Bruce Greenwood

Local Locations: Harney County, Burns, Hines 

This is the second Kelly Reichardt film shot in Oregon that features Michelle Williams (the first was Wendy and Lucy). Loosely based on actual events that happened to families traveling west on the Oregon Trail, Meek's Cutoff was shot in dusty and desolate Harney County. 

Bucksville

Bucksville

2011

Director: Chel White

Cast: Thomas Stroppel, David Bodin, Ted Rooney

Local Locations: Portland, Vernonia, and Zig Zag

A young man struggles with his father's legacy, a secret militia that he had created. Based in a small town, this movie is filmed in Portland, Vernonia and Zig Zag, providing a small-town vibe.

How to Die in Oregon

How to Die in Oregon

2011

Director: Peter Richardson (as Peter D. Richardson)

Cast: Harry Bruton, Ray Carnay, Cody Curtis 

This documentary tells of a measure in Oregon dealing with legal physician-assisted suicide. 

Cold Weather

Cold Weather

2011

Director: Aaron Katz

Cast: Cris Lankenau, Raúl Castillo, Robyn Rikoon

Local Locations: Cannon Beach, The Dalles, Portland

After moving back to Portland, an Oregonian gets involved in a mystery dealing with his ex's disappearance. 

Rid of Me

Rid of Me

2011

Director: James Westby

Cast: Katie O'Grady, John Keyser, Storm Large 

Local Locations: Portland

A dark comedy about a breakdown and rebirth of a woman and her own self-discovery. James Westby puts together a great local cast, including Katie O'Grady and singer/actress Storm Large. 

ParaNorman

ParaNorman

2012

Directors: Chris Butler, Sam Fell

Local Locations: Portland

Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Another animated production from LAIKA, this time the story is about a little boy who can see ghosts and his journey to break his town's curse.

Gone

Gone

2012

Director: Heitor Dhalia

Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Carpenter, Wes Bentley

Local Location: Portland, Forest Park

Portland's massive Forest Park, the largest urban park in the United States, plays a major part in this dramatic thriller that stars Amanda Seyfried. 

Wild

Wild

2014

Director:

 Jean-Marc Vallée

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Gaby Hoffmann, Laura Dern

Local Locations: Ashland, Crater Lake, Bend

A chronicle of a woman's 1,100-mile hike that is her recovery after a catastrophe. Oregon locations include Portland, Bend, Crater Lake and Ashland: providing a beautiful backdrop for her journey.