Big Sky on the Big Screen: Montana’s Most Iconic Movie Moments

Those of us living in Montana know just how picturesque this state is, and it seems plenty of filmmakers over the years have agreed.

While researching this article, I found at least 72 movies that have been set in Montana. The funny (and perhaps tragic) thing, however, is not all those movies were actually filmed in Montana.

These Movies Were Set in Montana—But Not Filmed Here

The movie "Bus Stop," starring Marilyn Monroe, starts off with two cowboys hopping on a bus in Timber Hill, but filming took place in Idaho.

"Jurassic Park" would be the top movie on our list, grossing over one billion dollars in box office totals. However, we chose to omit this film because the scenes set in Montana are so brief that if you blink, you miss it. Not to mention the actual filming of the Montana scenes was shot in California. Go figure.

The sign for the the Twi-lite cinema center in Great Falls, MT
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What's The Highest-Grossing Movie Set In Montana?

There have also been movies that have been set in Montana, but not in any real city or location under the Big Sky. "Sonic The Hedgehog" takes place in the fictional town of Green Hills, MT. Had that movie been from a real place, it would have been the 2nd biggest box-office movie on our list.

Granted, we're taking a few liberties with some of the movies here. They won't all be flicks primarily set in Montana or movies shot completely in Montana. These are films where a big part of the plot, or primary filming, revolves around Montana. If you want to suggest other movies you feel we missed, message us through our app or email me your suggestions.

Stick around at the end for a bonus 11th movie that just missed out on the top 10 biggest Montana box office hits.

Top 10 biggest box office movies set in Montana

There have been plenty of movies set in Montana. See our list of the top 10 biggest box office movies set in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

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