Houston is a long way from Hollywood, but the city has made its mark on the film industry. Over the years, a number of movies were shot right here in our own backyard, including huge Hollywood blockbusters and cult classic indie films as well.
Let’s take a look at some of the movies shot in Houston and other nearby areas, while also learning how you can stream them right now.
Independence Day
Stream It Now On: fuboTV on demand (free 7-day trial)
This sci-fi blockbuster had numerous scenes set at the Johnson Space Center.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Stream It Now On: Hulu (free 30-day trial)
The 3rd movie in the Transformers franchise had scenes set at Houston’s Johnson Space Center.
Urban Cowboy
Stream It Now On: fuboTV on demand (free 7-day trial)
This classic John Travolta film made the Pasadena honky-tonk Gilley’s into a legendary spot. It’s also been said that while he was in town filming the movie, Travolta had his own private corner at a Ninfa’s location.
Terms of Endearment
Stream It Now On: fuboTV Showtime on demand (free 7-day trial)
This critically acclaimed movie nabbed 11 nominations at the Academy Awards and took home multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Houston filming locations include Brennan’s of Houston and Tootsies.
RoboCop 2
Stream It Now On: Starz On Demand on Sling TV, Starz app
This sequel to the futuristic action film was set in Detroit, but it was largely filmed in Houston with locations including City Hall, George R. Brown Convention Center, Cullen Center, and the Theater District appearing.
Rushmore
Stream It Now On: IMDb TV (Free)
Texas filmmaker Wes Anderson brings his usual wit and quirkiness to this comedy starring Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman. The movie largely takes place at the fictional prep school Rushmore Academent which was actually St. John’s School in Houston. North Shore High School, Lamar High School, and Hotel ZaZa also show up in the movie, among other locations.
Reality Bites
Stream It Now On: MAX GO
Ben Stiller directed and starred in this Gen X movie alongside Ethan Hawke, Winona Ryder, Janeane Garofalo, and Steve Zahn. The house featured in the movie was located at 409 W. Clay St. in the North Montrose area.
Armageddon
Stream It Now On: HBO Max, HBO Go
This 1998 disaster film from director Michael Bay stars Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Billy Bob Thornton, Steve Buscemi, and others, and it has scenes at Johnson Space Center and Ellington Airport.
Boyhood
Stream It Now On: Criterion Channel
Filmed over the course of 12 years, this ambitious film was shot by Houston-born filmmaker Richard Linklater, capturing the lives of a boy and his family as the boy grows from a child to a young adult. Houston locations shown in the 3-hour masterpiece include Minute Maid Park, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theater, The Museum of Fine Arts, and more.
Logan’s Run
Stream It Now On: Hoopla
This 70s sci-fi flick had scenes shot in Houston, including at the Hyatt Regency which opened a few years earlier in 1972. The cast includes Corpus Christi native Farrah Fawcett.
The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training
Stream It Now On: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, more
This sequel to the iconic Bad News Bears had multiple scenes shot around town, including at the Lancaster Hotel. Astros pitcher Bob Watson also appeared in the movie.
Know of any other movies shot in Houston? Share them with us by commenting below.
