America undoubtedly has one of the best film industries in the world. All the states have been put on the big screen and we get to have a glimpse of the social system and the breath-taking scenery in each state. Scroll down to see if any of these 21 iconic movies set in America is your personal favorite!
1. Alabama - To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
Adapted from the classic Harper Lee novel, To Kill A Mockingbird is thought-provoking and ahead of its time when there was unresolvable conflict and tension in the south. Moreover, actor Gregory Peck brings the iconic character Atticus Finch to life. His top-notch performance is the icing on the cake.
2. Alaska - Insomnia (2002)
The psychological thriller Insomnia is a story about a detective (played by Al Pacino) going to Nightmute, Alaska to hunt down a serial killer (played by Robin Williams). The perpetual daylight in the small town, along with the guilt over killing his colleague by accident, aggravates the detective's insomnia. This film has been praised for Pacino and Williams' immaculate performances.
3. Arkansas - True Grit (2010)
Starring Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges, and Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit is about a 14-year-old girl's quest to catch the killer of her father in the Indian territory of Arkansas. The dynamics among the three main characters are truly a breath of fresh air, resulting in the movie garnering much critical acclaim.
4. Colorado - The Shining (1980)
When we think of horror movies, we think of The Shining. The howling winter winds and freezing snow in Colorado isolate the resort hotel from the outside world. Jack, trapped inside the haunted house, starts to spiral out of control.
5. Delaware - Fight Club (1999)
It's not easy to tell that this critically acclaimed movie was set in Delaware because lots of things are unnamed, even one of the main character's names. However, David Fincher leaves clues for us to find, such as street signs and license plates.
6. Florida - Moonlight (2016)
We can still recall the Oscar mixup back in 2017. Moonlight became the biggest winner, taking 8 trophies home. However, this coming-of-age drama didn't become a hit by pure luck. Every moment of the film beats with the tenderness of humanity, which is just as gentle as the ocean waves in Miami, Florida.
7. Georgia - The Color Purple (1985)
Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple, the film tells the story of the downtrodden life of African-American women in the early 20th century. As the story unfolds in rural Georgia, it captures the audience's hearts with the portrayal of its female characters, who struggle to find their freedom and rebuild the bond among their fellow sisters.
8. Massachusetts - Good Will Hunting (1997)
Written by two then-unknowns, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting has become an iconic Boston movie. The bench where therapist Sean Maguire (played by veteran actor Robin Williams) has a heart-to-heart conversation with Will Hunting (played by Damon) is located in the Boston Public Garden.
9. North Carolina - Message In A Bottle (1999)
Would you be able to love again if your significant other passed away? The classic romantic film Message In A Bottle opens up a conversation about grief, loss, distance, and fate. If you haven't seen this movie, make sure you savor every line in it. The writing is simply lyrical.
10. Illinois - Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
This lighthearted comedy created one of the coolest teen characters in cinema. As the school year is ending, Ferris Bueller decides to play hooky for a day and explore the streets of Illinois. Up to this day, this movie still holds a special place in our hearts. After all, who doesn't want to be as self-assured and carefree as the young Bueller?
11. Indiana - A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in a fictional town in Indiana, this comedy has become a holiday perennial for its satirical humor and the ingenious narration provided by Jean Shepherd. Watching this movie brings back so many childhood memories, but we're supposed to be nostalgic around Christmas, right?
12. Iowa - The Music Man (1962)
Musical enthusiasts, you're in for a treat! The Music Man brings uplifting music and dancing to the streets of Iowa, and the charm of Robert Preston to the big screen. The film tells the story of a con man who comes to a small town to scam the local band for money but then later falls in love with a librarian.
13. Kansas - The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
Hollywood filmmakers often choose midwest states as the locations for family-friendly movies. After all, there's no better place like a farm on the prairie or a small town to bring you a sense of home. In The Wizard Of Oz, Dorothy's home is set in the Kansas Prairies.
14. Louisiana - A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Based on Tennessee Williams's play of the same name, A Streetcar Named Desire tells the story of the tragic downfall of Blanche DuBois. The modest lifestyle in New Orleans, Louisiana stands in stark contrast with her aristocratic upbringing.
15. Maine - The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Set in a fictional prison in Maine, The Shawshank Redemption is considered to be one of the best movies ever made, regardless of its lackluster box office performance. It teaches us a powerful life lesson that hope is something that we all need, especially during the darkest times of our lives.
16. Nevada - Ocean's Eleven (2001)
When it comes to heist movies, Las Vegas, Nevada is the first place that comes to our mind. After all, in the city that never sleeps, anything can happen. Plus, an all-star cast adds an enduring appeal to the movie.
17. New York - The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
A film can't flop if Leonardo DiCaprio stars in it. Based on a true story, The Wolf Of Wall Street is one of the most popular movies set in New York. Besides Dicaprio's outstanding performance, the use of satire also adds an extra charm to the movie.
18. Oregon - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Set in a 1950's insane asylum in Oregon, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest has profound symbolic value, urging viewers not to conform to rigid rules. Plus, actor Jack Nicholson's multi-layered performance makes this movie even more memorable.
19. South Carolina - The Notebook (2004)
Great love was brewing between Allie and Noah in 1946's South Carolina, but little did they know that this love would last a lifetime. The Notebook has become a timeless classic because it resonates with many viewers who also believe in the enduring power of love.
20. Utah - Footloose (1984)
Set in a small town in Utah, Footloose went down in history as an iconic dance movie. When there's rhythm and music in everyone's body, you just can't expect that a ban on dancing can stop them at all!
21. Washington - Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Sleepless In Seattle is another classic romantic comedy. Its magic lies in the interaction between the main characters (played by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan). Though they're apart for much of the movie, we can sense their infatuation for each other.
Source: buzzfond.com