Many areas in the world are constantly used for movies and television shows. Whether it’s Los Angeles, London, or Paris, people expect to see these locations, but the Midwest has also been a popular place for films to be set. Showcasing America’s heartland, utilizing these types of locations can provide unique backdrops for filmmakers. Whether it’s a bustling city or a cozy small town, there are many different ways to use the Midwest in the world of Hollywood.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is an iconic John Hughes movie that follows Ferris as he skips school for a day in the city. While the focus is on his antics and what he’s getting up to throughout the movie, the fact that it dips into the city gives viewers an idea of what Chicago is like to be in.
The Blues Brothers
Chicago has been used in many different movies, and The Blues Brothers is one example. This classic musical comedy tells a great story, and the location plays a massive part in that. It shows off the area perfectly, with the car chases in particular being a highlight.
Fargo
The Coen Brothers directed Fargo and opted to use the snowy landscapes of Minnesota to set the scene. This dark comedy-crime film is known for its quirky characters and gripping plot, but the location certainly sets the scene and leads to some breathtaking views throughout it.
Twister
The location plays a massive part in certain movies; Twister is an excellent example. Kansas is the backdrop for this disaster film, and it’s a perfect place to set the scene or the tornado that rampages throughout the movie. Seeing the impact it can have in a more rural area brings an isolated feeling that enhances the viewing experience.
A League of Their Own
Sports movies also work well in this environment, as A League of Their Own proved. Telling the tale of an All-American Girls Baseball team during World War II, this heartwarming story has proven popular over the years.
Public Enemies
Public Enemies takes place in several Midwestern states, and seeing several locations gives a great glimpse at what that part of the world looks like. Considering the crime setting of this story, the location chosen perfectly sets the right tone.
The Music Man
Iowa is the location of The Music Man, which worked well for this beloved musical. The film features many catchy songs that audiences are sure to remember, and the location itself is a big part of the story, too.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
John Hughes appears to enjoy a Midwest setting for his movies, taking audiences to Chicago again with Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Of course, the journey does begin in New York City, and while the focus is on the humor of the travelers, seeing the location change adds a lot to the film.
Nebraska
Nebraska might be a black-and-white movie, but this road trip focuses on the location as much as it does the dialogue. The fact that it earned Academy Award nominations showcases how enjoyable the movie is, highlighting the area perfectly.
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club doesn’t focus too much on the location in terms of showcasing the landscape and the area, as it’s mainly set inside a school. However, the focus on the people and how their lives change gives a glimpse at what people in that area go through in what is a charming coming-of-age film.
Breaking Away
Breaking Away is set in Indiana and tells a coming-of-age story about four teenagers as they begin to navigate life after high school. The focus is on friendship and how the characters react to the changes in their lives, which helps to make the movie great.
Halloween
Halloween might be set in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, but the setting is in the Midwest. While people are focused on Michael Myers and the terror that he brings to the area rather than the surroundings, the film does a great job of showcasing what homes are like in that area, which suits the story.
Gran Torino
Set in Michigan, Gran Torino stars Clint Eastwood as a Korean War veteran who forms an unlikely friendship with a Hmong teenager. The film explores redemption and racism while telling an unforgettable story.
The Ice Storm
This film focuses on suburban families during a Thanksgiving weekend when things aren’t going to plan. The atmosphere is genuine throughout the movie, and the tension is palpable, even though the location isn’t a primary focus.
Rudy
Rudy is set at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and is an inspiring sports drama that people have enjoyed watching. The setting gives people an idea of what life is like in that area, while Sean Astin brings an unforgettable performance that carries the film.
The Last Picture Show
Set in a small Texas town, The Last Picture Show is a coming-of-age drama starring Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, and Timothy Bottoms. It showcases their challenges growing up, and the setting plays a key role in pushing that narrative.
Super 8
Super 8 occurs in Ohio and follows a group of kicks who witness a train crash. From there, the movie kicks on into a science fiction story that is captivating from start to finish.
Grosse Pointe Blank
Set in the Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Grosse Pointe Blank is a dark comedy starring John Cusack as a hitman who returns to his hometown for his high school reunion. The film’s quirky humor and unique premise have made it a cult favorite.
Little Miss Sunshine
Another road trip movie, Little Miss Sunshine, follows a family on a road trip from New Mexico to California. The focus is on what’s happening inside the van and the family dynamic. But setting the movie in these locations is something people love, giving a great visual.
Stand By Me
Set in Oregon, Stand By Me is a brilliant drama based on Stephen King’s novel The Body. The setting is a key part of many of King’s stories and is explored throughout this movie as well.
Rain Man
This Tom Cruise drama takes people on a road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Los Angeles, and it does a great job of giving people an idea of how different those areas are. Winning several Academy Awards, it’s no surprise that Rain Man has stood the test of time and remains as enjoyable today as ever.
