Oregon on Screen: 8 Classic Films Shot in the Beaver State

Since 1909, when the first commercial film was made in Oregon, directors have been lured by the state’s stunning landscapes and diverse settings. From rugged coastline to lush forest to quirky cities and towns, the Pacific Northwest offers a unique backdrop for a wide variety of storytelling. 

Traversing the Oregon Film Trail 

A fascinating peek at the history of film in Oregon, the Oregon Film Trail is a statewide network of trail markers placed in iconic filming locations across the state. With 28 trail markers so far—plus more to come—this unique project “stitches together locations, communities, and films [to create] a framework that celebrates Oregon’s contribution to filmmaking,” according to their website. And while there are some classic films you may already know were filmed in Oregon, we also found a few surprises. Read on for 8 of our favorites.

The Goonies (1985)

Ecola State Park features two signs on the Oregon Film Trail, commemorating the spot’s starring role as a location in Twilight, Point Break, and Kindergarten Cop. But perhaps the most famous movie filmed in Oregon is The Goonies, the beloved eighties adventure that follows a group of misfit kids on a treasure hunt along the Oregon Coast. Filmed in Astoria and Cannon Beach, full of historic charm and rocky cliffs, the cult classic is celebrated every year on June 7th, the official Goonies Day. Because Goonies never say die!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Shot on location in Salem and the coastal town of Depoe Bay, the award-winning One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is well-known for filming in an actual mental hospital, with the participation of patients and staff. According to Travel Oregon, the director of the hospital made it a condition of filming that patients be included in the process, and many patients and staff had small parts in the film. Today, the film’s legacy lives on at the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health, where several rooms of the old hospital have been converted into a nonprofit museum.

Halloweentown (1998)

Filmed in St. Helens and Scappoose, this Disney Channel Original has a massive cult following and spawned a hugely popular “Spirit of Halloweentown” event in St. Helens. While film buffs can visit the town any time, in October they host a celebration of their haunted history and movie locations through a series of fun attractions and family activities, including the Big Halloween Parade and ceremonial lighting of the pumpkin on the first Saturday in October. Perfect for those who love the spookiest holiday!

Animal House (1978)

National Lampoon's Animal House, one of the most famous American comedies of all time, was filmed in Eugene in 1977, telling the story of the wild Delta Tau Chi fraternity. In their “Campus Visitor’s Guide to Animal House,” the University of Oregon shares that, while the actual fraternity building was sadly demolished in 1986, many other locations that were featured in the film remain intact around this picturesque campus. FOOD FIGHT!

Stand By Me (1986)

Based on Stephen King's novella "The Body," this coming-of-age drama follows four friends in a small town as they journey to view a dead body. The town of Brownsville, about 30 miles north of Eugene, served as the setting for the fictional town of Castle Rock, Oregon. Today, fans still flock to Brownsville to celebrate Stand By Me Day on July 23rd, with a guided walking tour through town to see where some of their favorite scenes were filmed.

Short Circuit (1986)

Filmed primarily in Astoria, as well as Cascade Locks and Bonneville Dam, Oregon’s diverse scenery provided the production team of eighties classic Short Circuit with plenty of locations. Today, the beautiful Victorian-era farmhouse where Ally Sheedy’s character meets robot Number Five is listed on Airbnb. The house has been lovingly remodeled to match its appearance in the film, and many pieces of movie memorabilia can be found inside. 

Free Willy (1993)

This lovely tale of a boy and his friendship with an orca whale was shot chiefly in three Oregon cities: Seaside, Astoria, and Portland. Travel Oregon’s “Astoria for Movie Lovers” shares that the most famous scene, when the orca jumps to his freedom, happened at the Hammond Marina, about a 20-minute drive west of downtown Astoria. Today, the film and its B&W star, Keiko, still capture the hearts of locals. 

Five Easy Pieces (1970)

With its famous diner scene, shot at a Denny’s in Eugene, the Jack Nicholson classic Five Easy Pieces explores themes of alienation and disillusionment. Filmed in various locations throughout the state, including the Painted Hills, the film lends a “big-screen rebel shine to Oregon” by borrowing from the state’s anti-establishment vibe, according to the Willamette Week. As of 2024, the diner is still open for business, so die-hard fans can order a plain omelet and toast just like Bobby Dupea.

Wikipedia lists over 300 movies filmed in Oregon, so this list just scratches the surface—plus, we could write a whole separate blog about popular TV shows like Grimm or Leverage. Be sure to keep an eye out for those famous Oregon landmarks as you watch!

Want to live near your favorite film locations? Come by for a visit, see homes for sale, or sneak a peek at what’s in store for the future.