6 Best Movies Filmed in Oregon

Also known as the Beaver State, Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Filled with craggy coastlines, beautiful mountain ranges, and never-ending wildlife, Oregon is the perfect location for adventure and nature-related movies. If you love to watch movies that prize the scenery as much as the actors, check out these six best movies filmed in Oregon.

6. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)

6 Best Movies Filmed In Oregon — Credit: Avenue Pictures Productions

Sixth on our list of movies filmed in Oregon is Drugstore Cowboy, starring Matt Dillion as Bob Hughes. It’s the 1970s, and Bob is the leader of a “family” of drug addicts consisting of his wife, Dianne, and another couple who feed their habits by robbing drug stores across the country. When a tragedy hits a member of their group, Bob decides to straighten out his life, but leaving his past behind will prove troublesome when he is stalked by an acquaintance.

Film Locations: Portland

–IMDb score: 7.2

5. Animal House (1978)

Next up on our movies filmed in Oregon list is one of the many National Lampoon installments, Animal House. Set in 1962, Faber College has a thriving Greek life, including two vastly different frats. One is so disreputable it will take anyone, while the other is full of white, rich, sanctimonious young men that only Dean Wormer can stand. The Dean enlists his favored frat to get Delta House off campus, all while the homecoming parade is coming up.

Film Locations: Eugene, University of Oregon campus

–IMDb score: 7.4

4. The Goonies (1985)

The Goonies, an 80s classic, is our fourth selection of movies filmed in Oregon. To make way for a new golf course in Goon Docks, Oregon, the entire community faces imminent foreclosure. But it’s not over until the fat lady sings, and a group of young misfits called The Goonies decide to go on a treasure hunt after they find an old map. Trying to find the notorious treasure of One-Eyed Willy in a race to save their homes, they also attract the attention of the criminal Fratelli family who also desires the gold.

Film Locations: Astoria

–IMDb score: 7.7

CHECK OUT: 6 Movies Like The Goonies

3. Into the Wild (2007)

Getting into the top three is Into the Wild, based on the true story of Christopher McCandless. After graduating from Emory University as a top student and athlete, McCandless abandons all his possessions and donates his savings account to charity. His new purpose? Setting out across America, hitchhiking to Alaska to live off the land without the strings of the modern world. Along the way, he encounters a series of people who shape his life and provide invaluable advice.

Film Locations: Astoria, the Cascades

–IMDb score: 8.1

ALSO READ: 6 Scenic Movies Filmed in Alaska

2. Stand By Me (1986)

Second on our best movies filmed in Oregon list is Stand By Me, based on the bestselling Stephen King novel. It’s the summer of 1959 in Castlerock, Oregon, and four 12-year-old friends, Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern, are setting off into the woods. Why? After learning of the general location of a local boy’s body, they want to go and see it. Along the way, they must learn about themselves, their friendship, and the need to stand up for what is right. One small adventure will quickly turn into a culminating event in these boy’s lives.

Film Locations: Brownsville, Eugene, Cottage Grove, and Veneta

–IMDb score: 8.1

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Last but not least on our best movies filmed in Oregon list is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, based on the novel by Ken Kesey. In the Fall of 1963, Korean War veteran McMurphy once again got himself into trouble, and to escape labor duties in prison, he pleaded insanity and was sent to a mentally unstable ward. Once there, he endures and witnesses the degradation of Nurse Ratched and decides to band together with the other inmates to make a rebellious stand.