Top 5 Movies Filmed in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA by US Box Office

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Lights, camera, Scottsdale! Start Your Cinematic Odyssey.

Lights, camera, action! Get ready to embark on a cinematic adventure like no other in the sunny and vibrant city of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Here, the silver screen comes to life as you wander through the very locations where your favorite movies were made. Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or simply seeking a thrilling escape, exploring the movie filming locations in Scottsdale will surely tickle your fancy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scottsdale, Arizona is home to a number of iconic movie filming locations.
  • Visiting these filming locations can bring an extra layer of excitement and wonder to your trip.
  • You can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite movies and experience the magic behind the scenes.
  • Discovering the movie history of Scottsdale will give you a fresh perspective on this stunning city.

Now, let’s dive into the why you should consider exploring these movie filming locations. Picture this: you stroll through the streets, feeling a sense of déjà vu as you recognize familiar landmarks that have graced the silver screen.

As you stand in the very spot where your favorite actors delivered iconic lines, a surge of excitement rushes through your veins. It’s not just another touristy spot – it’s a chance to live out your own Hollywood moment.

Imagine reliving the romance of a classic love story, basking in the same glorious sunshine that once illuminated the actors’ faces. Or perhaps you prefer the adrenaline-pumping action scenes that had you on the edge of your seat.

Stand where the action took place, channel your inner hero, and create your own thrilling story. Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent for stunts!

But the fun doesn’t end there. Visiting movie filming locations not only ignites your imagination but also allows you to see a different side of Scottsdale. As you navigate the city in search of these cinematic treasures, you’ll stumble upon charming neighborhoods, quaint cafes, and local gems off the beaten path. It’s a chance to truly immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this incredible destination.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. From romantic comedies to action-packed blockbusters, Scottsdale, Arizona has been the backdrop for unforgettable movie moments. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic firsthand.

Lights up, adventure awaits! Explore the movies filmed in Scottsdale, Arizona, and let the silver screen guide you through this captivating city. Join us on a journey through film history and discover the remarkable locations that brought your favorite movies to life.

Wayne’s World – US Box Office: USD$121,697,323

Director: Penelope Spheeris

Main Cast: Mike Myers, Wayne Campbell, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Benjamin Oliver, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Noah Vanderhoff, Donna Dixon, Mike Hagerty.

Release Date: February 14, 1992

Filming Locations: Berwyn, Illinois, USA; Cerritos, California, USA; Citrus Avenue and College Street, Covina, California, USA; Covina, California, USA; West Covina, California, USA

Main Plot: Wayne Campbell is a huge metal fanatic living in the countryside of Chicago. Wayne and his abnormal good friend Garth Algar hosted the popular CNN television show “Wayne’s World” on Friday nights in Wayne’s basement, which was very popular. “Wayne’s World” caught the attention of handsome television network executive Ben Oliver. He wanted to air “Wayne’s World” on his television network in downtown Chicago featuring one of the game industry’s biggest owners, billionaire Noah Wanda Hoff-sponsored. With “Wayne’s World” now on, Wayne and Garth hit it off, and Wayne falls in love with Cassandra King, a Chinese-American from a heavy metal band.

Famous quotes:

Alice Cooper: “Well, I’m a regular visitor here, but Milwaukee has certainly had its share of visitors. The French missionaries and explorers came early as the late 1600s to trade with the Native Americans.”

Pete: “In fact, isn’t “Milwaukee” an Indian name?”

Alice Cooper: “Yes, Pete, it is. Actually, it’s pronounced “mill-e-wah-que,” which is Algonquin for “the good land.”

Wayne Campbell: “I was not aware of that.”

Garth Algar: “Benjamin is nobody’s friend. If Benjamin were an ice cream flavor, he’d be pralines and dick.”

Sequel: Wayne’s World 2

Fun facts about Wayne’s World:

  • Alice Cooper arrived on the set under the impression that he would perform a musical performance for the film with only one line. Upon arrival, he was surprised to receive a complete monologue that he could memorize and film in no time. However, Cooper is known to be a history buff outside of his music career.
  • Dana Carvey played her drums for the music store.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – US Box Office: USD$40,485,039

Director: Stephen Herek

Main Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, Terry Camilleri, Dan Shor, Tony Steedman, Rod Loomis, Al Leong

Release Date: February 17, 1989 

Filming Locations: Metrocenter Mall – 9801 N. Metro Pkwy W., Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Showbiz Pizza Place – 8039 N. 35th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golfland-Sunsplash Waterpark – 155 W. Hampton Avenue, Mesa, Arizona, USA; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Coronado High School – 2501 N. 74th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

Main Plot: In San Dimas, a few miles from Los Angeles, there are two brainless teenagers named Bill S. Preston and Ted Theodore Logan. Together they dream of creating their rock ‘n’ roll band, Wyld Stallyns. Unfortunately, they are still in high school and about to drop out too. If they fail their next history report, they will be separated from each other. Ted’s father wants to send him to military school. But what Bill and Ted don’t know is that they must stick together to save the future. So an up-and-coming man named Rufus came to help them with their report. Bill and Ted decide to collect historical figures for information. They hope this will help them stay together through their accounts.

Famous quotes:

Ted: “Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.”

Evil Duke: “Put them in the iron maiden.”

Ted: “Iron Maiden?”

Bill, Ted: “Excellent!”

Bad Duke: “Execute them.”

Bill: “You killed Ted, you medieval dickweed!”

Ted: “OK, wait. If you guys are us, what number are we thinking of?”

Sequel: Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey

Fun facts about Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure:

  • Alex Winter claimed that he received two types of letters from teachers; the positives of history teachers because they encourage students to learn history, and the negatives of English teachers because they affect how students speak.
  • For years, Keanu Reeves played Ted.

A Low Down Dirty Shame – US Box Office: USD$29,392,418

Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans

Main Cast: Keenen Ivory Wayans, Jada Pinkett, Andrew Divoff, Charles S. Dutton, Salli Richardson, Chris Spencer, Corwin Hawkins

Release Date: November 23, 1994 

Filming Locations: Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA; Los Angeles, California, USA

Main Plot: The story is about the Former Detective Andre Shame, a private investigator who owns A Low Down Dirty Shame Investigations. He runs it with Peaches, whom he hired six years ago and developed romantic feelings. Despite the high-risk jobs, Shame can’t keep the business from sinking and may soon shut down. Five years ago, Shame and a team of investigators traveled to Mexico to arrest drug lord Ernesto Mendoza. Although Shame shot Mendoza in a shootout, the other detectives were killed. Shame and Sonny Rothmiller are the only survivors. This caused Shame to leave the power in disgrace.

Famous quotes:

Wayman: “This is Bernard, and what’s wrong with you?”

Shame: “The Bernard”?

Bernard: “Yes, it’s me.”

Shame: “Homewrecker. He’s with me.”

Wayman: “Shame. I can’t believe us.”

Shame: “You are my st, off, and you know it, girl.”

Wayman: “Bern, and he’s lying. Don’t believe him.”

Shame: “Oh, you did not say that last night when we were in bed together, her girl.”

Sequel:  Class Act; House Party

Fun facts about A Low Down Dirty Shame:

  • In Peache’s first scene in Shame’s office, she’s on the phone watching a soap opera. Shame says to the bodyguard/t, “Say hi to Arnold for me,” before hitting him with the gun. 

Raising Arizona – US Box Office: USD$22,847,564

Director: Joel Coen

Main Cast: Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Trey Wilson, John Goodman, William Forsythe, Sam McMurray, Frances McDormand, Randall “Tex” Cobb

Release Date: April 17, 1987

Filming Locations: Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Lost Dutchman State Park – 6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona, USA; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Dudleyville, Arizona, USA

Main Plot: In the countryside of Arizona, Herbert ‘H.I.’ McDunnough is a petty criminal who tends to rob convenience stores. He is constantly in and out of jail but is repeatedly paroled for never using live bullets during his robberies. Whenever he returns to prison, he is cautioned by the young policewoman. Her nickname is HELLO. She is also flirting with him, and she snaps mugshots for him.  This unlikely romance blooms after HELLO is abandoned by her cheater boyfriend. Despite his apparent reliance on breaking the law, H.I. is loyal to those he cares for. So, he proposes to HELLO after his final release from prison. They get married and start a new life in the Arizona desert. H.I get a legitimate job as a welder and machinist in a factory. At the same time, HELLO continues her police work until they decide to start a family. However, HELLO learns that she cannot have a child with H.I.

Famous quotes:

Gale: “All right, you hayseeds, it’s a stick-up. Everybody freeze. Everybody down on the ground.”

Feisty Hayseed: “Well, which is it, young feller? Do you want I should freeze or get down on the ground? Mean to say, if’n I freeze, I can’t rightly drop. And if’n I drop, I’m a-gonna be in motion. You see.”

Gale: “Everybody down on the ground!”

Evelle: “Y’all can just forget that part about freezin’ now.”

Gale: “Better still to get down there.”

Sequel: Blood Simple

Fun facts about Raising Arizona:

  • Fifteen babies play the Arizona Five in the movie. One of the babies was fired during work while they were learning to walk. The mother even left shoes for the child to prevent him from walking.
  • The camera pans to Florence, Arizona, to find Nathan Jr. away, a direct homage to The Wicked Dead (1981), with Joel Coen serving as an assistant editor.

Flirting with Disaster – US Box Office: USD$14,702,438

Director: David O. Russell

Main Cast: Ben Stiller, Mel Coplin, Patricia Arquette,  Nancy Coplin, Téa Leoni, Tina Kalb, Alan Alda, Richard Schlichting, Mary Tyler Moore, George Segal, Lily Tomlin, Mary Schlichting, Josh Brolin

Release Date: April 12, 1996 

Filming Locations:  Tucson, Arizona, USA; Battle Creek, Michigan, USA; Cave Creek, Arizona, USA; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

Main Plot: Mel Coplin went abroad on a mission of discovery, taking his wife and 4-month-old son with him. He and his wife, Nancy, cannot agree on a name for their son. Mel comes in contact with his roots. He assures her that finding the right name for their son will be a given once he knows who he is. With the help of student psychologist and part-time adoption agent Tina Kalb, they embark on a journey across the United States to find Mel’s “biological” mother. “The best thing,” Mel tells Nancy, “is that it’s all free.” Tina is finishing her thesis and, as part of her research, will film the happy reunion of mother and child.  

Famous quotes:

Mr. Coplin: “San Diego has a big carjacking problem. They bump you, and when you stop, they mutilate you and take your car.”

Mel: “[to Agent Tony] You got a lot of nerve. You come in here; you lick my wife’s armpit. You know… With your tongue in there, I will have that image in my head for the rest of my life.”

Nancy Coplin: “You deserve it.”

Agent Paul: “You know it is a federal offense to destroy a United States Post Office?”

Mrs. Coplin: “[hearing the name Schlicting on the phone] The Shit Kings?”

Fritz Boudreau: “I dropped a lotta baby batter in my day; this is the first son I ever met.”

Sequel: Spanking the Monkey

Fun facts about Flirting with Disaster:

  • It was voted #7 by Time Magazine as “Best of Film 1996” in its December 23, 1996 Year in Review issue.
  • Dick Van Dyke was offered the role of Richard Schlichting. Mary Tyler Moore was originally slated to play the role of his wife, Mary, in a tribute to The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961). Still, she eventually changed positions to play Pearl Coplin.

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