Western Montana’s dramatic landscapes have helped bring countless stories to life on the big screen. From sweeping mountain vistas and pristine rivers to historic towns and rugged backcountry, Glacier Country has provided unforgettable settings for award-winning films and popular television series. Before your next visit, settle in for a movie night and discover some of the productions that showcase the beauty of Western Montana.
Filming locations include areas outside Glacier Country, but each production features places that help showcase Western Montana’s remarkable landscapes.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
Based on the novel by former Missoula resident Norman Maclean, “A River Runs Through It” remains one of the most iconic films associated with Western Montana. Starring Brad Pitt, the Academy Award-winning film captures the region’s rivers, landscapes and fly-fishing heritage.
Channel It: Cast a line on the Blackfoot River and experience one of Montana’s legendary blue-ribbon fisheries.
Featured locations:
+ Blackfoot River, Clinton
+ First Presbyterian Church, Missoula
+ University of Montana, Missoula
+ Lolo Hot Springs, Lolo
FOREST GUMP
The Academy Award-winning classic “Forrest Gump” includes scenes filmed in Montana, showcasing some of the state’s remarkable landscapes.
Channel It: Explore Glacier Country’s museums and historic sites for your own journey through Montana’s rich history.
Featured locations:
+ Blackfeet Indian Reservation
+ Glacier National Park
THE SHINING
Fans of classic suspense films may recognize scenes filmed in Glacier National Park for “The Shining.” The park’s dramatic scenery adds to the film’s unforgettable atmosphere.
Channel It: Visit Garnet Ghost Town for a glimpse into Montana’s historic mining past.
Featured locations:
+ Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
+ St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park
HIDALGO
Starring Viggo Mortensen, “Hidalgo” tells the story of legendary horseman Frank Hopkins and his endurance race across the Arabian desert. Portions of the film were shot in Western Montana.
Channel It: Experience Glacier Country from the saddle with a guided horseback ride.
Featured locations:
+ Blackfeet Indian Reservation
+ Glacier National Park
+ Kalispell
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
The cinematic mountain scenery of Glacier National Park helped inspire the magical landscapes featured in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Channel It: Explore Glacier National Park and discover landscapes that feel straight out of a storybook.
Featured locations:
+ Glacier National Park
THE REVENANT
Based on the novel by Missoula author Michael Punke, “The Revenant” features scenes filmed in northwestern Montana. The Academy Award-winning film highlights the rugged beauty that defines much of Glacier Country.
Channel It: Visit Kootenai Falls and walk across the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge near Libby.
Featured locations:
+ Kootenai Falls, Libby
YELLOWSTONE
Although the fictional drama “Yellowstone” is set across Montana, scenes from the series were filmed in communities including Darby, Florence, Hamilton and Missoula, bringing Western Montana’s ranching landscapes to audiences around the world.
Channel It: Experience Montana’s ranching heritage with a stay at a guest ranch.
Featured locations:
+ Bitterroot Valley
+ Missoula
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
Updated August 26, 2026
April 20, 2020
Related: Bitterroot Valley, Clinton, Darby, Film, Fishing, Florence, Garnet Ghost Town, Glacier National Park, Guest Ranch, Hamilton, Horseback Riding, Hot Springs, Kalispell, Libby, Lolo, Missoula, Museums
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