Hollywood might be more than 1,000 miles away, but did you know Austin has its fair share of movie magic?
Between characters from “The White Lotus” mentioning Austin and “1923" making a splash by bringing production to town, we’ve got the silver screen on the brain.
Dozens of productions have been filmed here in the Capital City — here are just a few of our favorites.
TV shows
“1923" | Starring: Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren
Austin was the primary filming location for the second season of this period piece, which was created by Texas native Taylor Sheridan. You may remember when production shut down roadways near UT’s campus in fall 2024.
“Fear the Walking Dead” | Starring: Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane, and Cliff Curtis
In this spin-off of “The Walking Dead,” you’ll be able to peep the Dell Diamond Baseball Stadium, Lakeline Mall, the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, and Brackenridge Hospital.
“Friday Night Lights” | Starring: Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler
All five seasons of this Emmy-winning show (based on the book by H.G. Bissinger) were filmed in the Austin and Pflugerville areas. Next time you watch, try to spot locales like the Broken Spoke, Capitol Chevrolet, Baker Center, and Pflugerville High School’s Kuempel Stadium.
“Love & Death” | Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Jesse Plemons, and Krysten Ritter
Although the true crime series takes place in Wylie, Texas, it was filmed all over Central Texas. Some notable filming locations include The Paramount Theatre, the Austin American-Statesman offices, and Garrison Municipal Pool.
“Walker” | Starring: Jared Padalecki and Molly Hagan
The “Walker, Texas Ranger” reboot was filmed in Austin and also takes place in the Capital City, so there are plenty of local haunts to see. The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, South Congress Avenue, Baker Center, Zilker Park, and more were featured.
Movies
“Boyhood” | Starring: Ellar Coltrane and Patricia Arquette
Filmed over 12 years across several Texas cities, much of the movie was filmed in Austin —including notable scenes at the Continental Club, Dart Bowl & Cafe, and Magnolia Cafe.
“Courage Under Fire” | Starring: Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan
This ‘90s blockbuster was filmed across Texas, California, and Connecticut, including one scene on the Southwest Grounds of the Texas State Capitol.
“Dazed and Confused” | Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, and Parker Posey
Like “Boyhood,” this coming-of-age classic was directed by Texas native Richard Linklater + filmed all over the state. A few of the prominent ATX filming locations include Bedichek Middle School, Top Notch Hamburgers, and West Enfield Park.
“Miss Congeniality” | Starring: Sandra Bullock, William Shatner, and Michael Caine
Aside from an opening scene in NYC, “Miss Congeniality” was largely filmed in Austin and San Antonio.
“Office Space” | Starring: Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, and David Herman
It makes sense that “Office Space” was filmed in Austin because this city has all the flair. You’ll probably recognize at least a few of these familiar locations featured in the movie.
“Spy Kids” | Starring: Alexa PenaVega, Daryl Sabara, and Antonio Banderas
“Spy Kids” was almost exclusively filmed in Austin, aside from a quick shot of Chile and some scenes in San Antonio.
“Temple Grandin” | Starring: Claire Danes and Catherine O’Hara
Austin was chosen as the location to film “Temple Grandin” due to its varied landscape, which could represent both New England and rural Arizona.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” | Starring: Marilyn Burns and Allen Danziger
The original 1974 movie featured a cast mostly of students from UT Austin and was filmed in areas just outside ATX.
“Transformers: Age of Extinction” | Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, and Jack Reynor
The “Transformers” installment was filmed across several cities, including Chicago, Hong Kong, Detroit, and — you guessed it — Austin.
“True Grit” | Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld
This Coen Brothers classic was filmed around Texas + includes a quick shot of the Capitol Building standing in as a rail station.
Do you know of another movie or TV show with Austin sights? Send us an email.
