10 Classic Movies That Were Filmed in El Paso, Texas

Recently we've seen many movies shot & filmed in El Paso, Texas; within the last 3 decades or  we've been featured in popular films such as 2004's The Day After Tomorrow or 2015's Sicario. And that's not even including the movies shot in nearby White Sands, New Mexico. In fact, we've become a popular filming spot since the 1990s. But there have been several movies were filmed here BEFORE then too, dating all the way back to the 1920s.

Her Husband's Trademark (1922)

One of the very first movies shot in El Paso, Texas was the 1922 silent film, Her Husband's Trademark by Paramount Pictures. Sadly it's hard to find copies of this movie but prints OF the movie are located in the Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY.

And we do have this glorious poster of the original theatrical movie release.

Take the High Ground! (1953)

One of the first movies shot at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas; "Take the High Ground!" follows two Korean War soldiers who fall in love with the same girl. And if you need further proof, just watch the the following clip. It says where the movie is from RIGHT in the beginning.

Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966)

Ah yes...who can forget the "worst movie of all time"? A movie regarded as a cult classic, Manos: The Hands of Fate was filmed in El Paso, Texas and has become a part of our history...for better or for worse.

The Getaway (1972)

Movie buffs know the name Steve McQueen; and eagle eyed viewers are keen to point out that The Getaway was indeed filmed in many Texas cities, including El Paso. Notable locations included The Oasis, the Loughlin Hotel, The El Paso Convention Center, the Scottish Rite Temple, as well as various locations in Downtown El Paso. Nearby Fabens also appeared in the movie.

Shoot the Sun Down (1978)

One of the earliest movies of Christopher Walken's career is the 1978 Western, Shoot the Sun Down. In an interview with director David Leeds, he confirmed that El Paso was used in the movie; they filmed at Hueco Tanks for the site of the Navajo Village. Las Cruces was also featured in the film too.

Big Wednesday (1978)

While most of the film, Big Wednesday, was shot in Southern California (makes sense cause the main focus was one surfing), there was ONE scene that was shot in El Paso. If you remember the Tijuana scene in the movie...well spoiler! It wasn't the actual Tijuana...it was El Paso.

The Border (1982)

The 1982 Jack Nicholson film, The Border, was not only shot in El Paso, but if you've seen the movie, you know that El Paso was an integral part OF the movie's plot too.

Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)

Two words: Chuck Norris!

Yes the Texas Ranger's movie, Lone Wolf McQuade, was shot in this far west part of Texas; he even talked to the El Paso Times in 1982 to confirm his role in the movie. Several locals were given speaking roles in the movie too. Notable spots included the Indian Cliffs, the El Paso Civic Center and West Texas Airport.

Extreme Prejudice (1987)

Another Western movie shot in El Paso was Extreme Prejudice starring Nick Nolte. The movie follows a group of men who have flown to El Paso, Texas to take down the Mexican drug lord known as Cash Bailey.

Wild at Heart (1990)

Our final movie is one that features a young Nicolas Cage, Wild at Heart. El Paso WAS used in the movie, although the name was called "Big Tuna, Texas". People on the El Paso Del Norte El Chuco Facebook page pointed out a spot in Fabens was used in the movie; 319 Alameda Ave. The building is actually the Fabens Beer Depot, which is still open today.

Of course there are several other films shot in El Paso; huge thanks to Visit El Paso for listing even more on their website.

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