Houston on the Silver Screen: A Roundup of Movies Filmed in the Space City
Hey there, movie buffs and Houston enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of cinema and exploring the vibrant city of Houston through the lens of movies. From blockbusters to indie flicks, the Space City has served as a stunning backdrop for numerous films. So, grab your popcorn and let's embark on this cinematic journey through movies filmed in Houston! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and movies filmed in houston.
Houston's Big Screen Debuts: Iconic Films Shot in the Bayou City
Houston's unique blend of Southern charm and urban grit has attracted filmmakers for decades. Let's kick things off with some of the most iconic movies that put Houston in the spotlight.
Urban Cowboy (1980)
Our list wouldn't be complete without mentioning this classic film that put Houston's honky-tonk scene on the map. Starring John Travolta and Debra Winger, Urban Cowboy tells the story of a young cowboy who moves to the big city and falls in love with a local bar's mechanical bull. Filmed at Gilley's Club, a real-life honky-tonk in Pasadena, Texas, this movie showcases Houston's wild side and even inspired a 1980s fashion trend!
Terms of Endearment (1983)
This heartwarming drama, directed by James L. Brooks, follows the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, played by Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger. Although set in Houston, much of the film was actually shot in Los Angeles due to tax incentives. However, several iconic Houston locations made it onto the silver screen, such as the original Ninfa's on Navigation and the Astrodome.
Houston's Diverse Neighborhoods: A Canvas for Cinematic Stories
Houston's diverse neighborhoods provide a rich tapestry of backdrops for movies, each offering its unique flavor and character.
Third Ward: The Heart of Houston's Black Culture
The historic Third Ward neighborhood has been the setting for several films that explore the African American experience in Houston.
Friday Night Lights (2004)
Based on the non-fiction book of the same name, this film tells the story of a high school football team in a small Texas town. While the story is fictional, the film was shot in various locations around Houston, including the Third Ward's historic Emancipation Park.
Selma, Lord, Selma (2015)
This independent film, directed by Paul Webb, follows a group of friends who embark on a journey to Selma, Alabama, to participate in the historic march for voting rights. Although set outside of Houston, the film was shot in several locations around the city, including the Third Ward's historic homes and businesses.
Montrose: The Hub of Houston's LGBTQ+ Community
Montrose, Houston's vibrant and historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, has been the backdrop for several films that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Boys in the Band (2020)
This Netflix film, based on the play of the same name, follows a group of gay friends who gather for a birthday party that turns into a night of truth-telling and emotional upheaval. Although set in New York, the film was shot in several locations around Houston, including the historic Heights neighborhood and the iconic Montrose bar, Rich's.
The Normal Heart (2014)
This HBO film, directed by Ryan Murphy, tells the story of the early days of the AIDS crisis in New York City. Although set outside of Houston, the film features several scenes shot in Montrose, including the historic Outreach Center and the now-closed bar, JR's Bar & Grill.
Houston's Iconic Landmarks: From the Astrodome to the Space Center
Houston's unique and iconic landmarks have graced the silver screen in numerous films, adding a touch of local flavor to various cinematic stories.
The Astrodome: An Icon of Houston's Sports History
The Astrodome, the world's first multi-purpose domed sports stadium, has been featured in several films that celebrate Houston's rich sports history.
North Dallas Forty (1979)
This sports drama, based on the novel of the same name, follows a fictional football team as they navigate the ups and downs of the season. Although set in Dallas, the film features several scenes shot at the Astrodome, including a memorable scene involving a skydiving stunt gone wrong.
Friday Night Lights (2004)
As mentioned earlier, this film features several scenes shot at the Astrodome, including a pivotal moment in the story where the high school football team must overcome adversity to secure a victory.
Space Center Houston: A Gateway to the Stars
As the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston has been the setting for numerous films that explore humanity's journey into the cosmos.
Apollo 13 (1995)
This critically acclaimed film, directed by Ron Howard, tells the true story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission and the heroic efforts of the astronauts and mission control to bring them safely back to Earth. Although much of the film was shot in Los Angeles, several scenes were filmed at Space Center Houston, including the iconic "Houston, we have a problem" scene.
Interstellar (2014)
This thought-provoking science fiction film, directed by Christopher Nolan, follows a group of astronauts as they travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. Although set primarily in outer space, the film features several scenes shot at Space Center Houston, including a pivotal moment in the story where the protagonist must make a difficult decision about his family's future.
Houston's Dark Side: Crime Dramas and Thrillers Shot in the Bayou City
Houston's gritty underbelly has inspired numerous crime dramas and thrillers that explore the city's darker side.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
This classic horror film, directed by Tobe Hooper, follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals while on a road trip through rural Texas. Although much of the film was shot in the small town of Round Rock, several scenes were filmed in and around Houston, including a memorable scene involving a slaughterhouse in the city's historic East End.
The Texas Slasher (2017)
This independent horror film, directed by Chris Stokes, follows a group of friends who become the targets of a masked killer while on a weekend getaway in the Texas countryside. Although set outside of Houston, the film features several scenes shot in and around the city, including a chilling sequence involving a abandoned amusement park in the East End.
Houston's Cinematic Future: Upcoming Films Shot in the Bayou City
As Houston continues to grow and evolve, so too does its role in the film industry. Here are a few upcoming films that were shot in the Bayou City:
SpaceX: The Movie (TBA)
This untitled biopic, directed by Jon Favreau, will tell the story of SpaceX founder Elon Musk and the company's groundbreaking work in the field of space exploration. Although much of the film was shot at SpaceX's headquarters in California, several scenes were filmed at Space Center Houston and other locations around the city.
The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)
This biographical drama, directed by Michael Showalter, tells the story of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker and her rise to fame during the 1980s and 1990s. Although set primarily in California, the film features several scenes shot in and around Houston, including a memorable sequence involving a church in the city's historic Fifth Ward neighborhood.
Conclusion: Houston on the Silver Screen
From urban cowboys to astronauts, Houston's diverse and vibrant culture has inspired countless films that showcase the best (and sometimes the worst) of the Bayou City. As the film industry continues to grow in Houston, we can only imagine the incredible stories and cinematic masterpieces that will be brought to life in the years to come. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the show – because Houston is always ready for its close-up!
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