Top 5 Movies Filmed in Tucson, Arizona by US Box Office   

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Lights, Camera, Tucson! Uncover the Movie Magic in Arizona’s Desert Jewel

Hey there, movie aficionado! Feeling a little bored and in need of some adventure? Well, look no further because we’ve got just the ticket for you. Picture this: exploring the real-life sets of some of your favorite movies, right here in Tucson, Arizona. Yup, you heard that right! So buckle up and get ready for a thrilling journey through the silver screen.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tucson, Arizona is a hidden gem for movie enthusiasts, offering a plethora of iconic filming locations.
  • Visiting movie filming locations adds an exciting twist to your travel itinerary, allowing you to step into the world of your favorite films.
  • Explore the unique landscapes and vibrant cityscape that have captured the hearts of producers and directors alike.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth would I want to visit movie filming locations?” Well, my friend, let me tell you why it’s a experience you don’t want to miss.

Firstly, imagine strolling down the same streets where legendary actors and actresses have strutted their stuff. Stand in the very spot where captivating scenes were shot, and let your imagination run wild. It’s like being a part of the movie magic yourself!

Not only that, but visiting movie filming locations also gives you a chance to see the behind-the-scenes secrets come to life. Ever wondered how they transformed a dull alleyway into a bustling crime scene?

Or how they conjured up an otherworldly setting in the middle of the desert? Well, now’s your chance to find out! As you wander through these iconic spots, our dear Tucson will reveal its secrets and uncanny ability to morph into any world.

So, what exactly can you expect when you explore the filming locations in Tucson? Get ready for breathtaking desert landscapes that have served as backdrops for epic Westerns, picturesque neighborhoods that have hosted heartwarming love stories, and jaw-dropping landmarks that have set the stage for mind-bending adventures. Brace yourself for a kaleidoscope of cinematic experiences that will leave you starry-eyed and thirsting for more.

Just imagine gazing at the same picturesque mountain ranges that framed countless classic films, or wandering through the neighborhoods of Tucson where your favorite characters fell in love, fought their battles, and discovered themselves. These locations have witnessed world-renowned talents bring their stories to life, and now, they await your arrival to spin your own tale.

There’s something undeniably magical about standing in the footsteps of your favorite actors, hearing the echoes of their laughter and their lines. It’s like peering behind the curtain and discovering the heart and soul of the movies you adore.

So, don’t just settle for watching movies on a screen; take the leap and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of movie filming locations right here in Tucson, Arizona.

Ready to embark on your epic adventure? Grab your map, hop in your car, and get ready to discover Tucson’s reel treasures. From eye-catching landscapes to charming neighborhoods, this city has it all. Lights, camera, action… it’s time to make your own memories!

Remember, dear reader, the movies are waiting for you. Explore the movies filmed in Tucson, Arizona and let the desert unfold its cinematic wonders before your very eyes. Start your journey and let the magic reel you in.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – US Box Office: USD$402,111,870

Director: Michael Bay

Main Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Ramón Rodríguez, and Kevin Dunn

Release Date: June 24, 2009

Filming Locations: Luxor, Egypt; Petra, Jordan; Shanghai, China; Tucson International Airport, Tucson, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Main Plot: It is revealed that thousands of years ago, there was a race of ancient Transformers who scoured the universe looking for energy sources. Known as the Dynasty of Primes, they used Sun Harvesters to drain stars of their energy to convert it to Energon and power Cybertron’s AllSpark. A Sun Harvester was built on Earth in 17,000 BC by one brother known as “The Fallen,” despite the Primes’ agreement that life-sustaining worlds would be spared. The remaining brothers thus sacrificed their bodies to hide the Matrix of Leadership, the key that activates the Sun Harvester from The Fallen, who swore to seek revenge upon Earth. Two years after the events of the previous movie, in the present, Optimus Prime is seen commanding NEST. A military force made up of human soldiers and his own Autobot team was created to eliminate the last of the Decepticons on Earth.

Famous quotes:

Sam Witwicky: “Maybe we can help each other. You know things I don’t know, I know things you don’t know.”

Leo Spitz: “I don’t think he knows what we know.”

Sam Witwicky: “I could do this all day. It comes in waves, these vivid symbols. They’re symbols, but they’re in my mind. You see, all this is in my mind, and Megatron wants what’s in my mind, him and someone called the Fallen.”

Jetfire: “The Fallen? I know him. He left me here to rust! The original Decepticon! He’s terrible to work for, it’s always apocalypse, chaos, crisis.”

Jetfire: “These transcriptions, they were part of my mission! The Fallen’s search… I remember now!… for the Dagger’s Tip, a-and the Key!”

Sequel: Transformers: Dark of the Moon; Transformers: Age of Extinction; Transformers: The Last Knight; Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Fun Facts about Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen:

  • In terms of paid product placements, this movie has 47, which is the most as of 2011.
  • Filming started the day after Transformers (2007) won the MTV Movie Award for Best Picture.
  • The Transformers were made using a combination of computer graphics, imagery, and props. Such as a life-scale model of Bumblebee, a life-scale model of Optimus Prime, a life-scale puppet of Wheelie in robot mode, a model of the Matrix of Leadership, and Jetfire’s landing gear/cane.

Wild Wild West – US Box Office: USD$113,804,681

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Main Cast: Will Smith, Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Salma Hayek, M. Emmet Walsh, Ted Levine, and Frederique Van Der Wal

Release Date: June 30, 1999

Filming Locations: Monument Valley, Utah, USA; Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, USA; Tucson Mountains, Arizona, USA; Old Tucson – 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Main Plot: An eminent scientist is discovered dead one day in the wild, wild west. Apparently decapitated by a wicked contraption. When creative Special Agent Artemus Gordon learns of the man’s last whereabouts, he is compelled to work with James West, a man who only carries a gun, to solve the case. At first, General Bloodbath McGrath was believed to be the murderer. He could not construct the flying decapitation device. Thus it soon became apparent that a more nefarious mastermind was at work. Dr. Arliss Loveless, who has also abducted some of the top scientists in the country, appears to have plans to claim a sizable portion of the nation as his own. However, Dr. Loveless did not think enough about the possibility of two men intervening. These guys might be distracted by Rita Escobar’s sudden entrance because she is one of the scientists’ abducted daughters.

Famous quotes:

Dr. Arliss Loveless: “Mister West! How nice of you to join us tonight and add COLOR to these monochromatic proceedings!”

Capt. James West: “Well when a fella comes back from the dead, I find that an occasion to STAND UP and be counted!”

Dr. Arliss Loveless: “Miss East informs me that you were expecting’ to see General McGrath here. Well, I knew him years ago, but I haven’t seen him in a COON’s age!”

Capt. James West: “Well, I can see where it’d be difficult for a man of your stature to keep in touch with even HALF the people you know.”

Dr. Arliss Loveless: “Well, perhaps the lovely Miss East will keep you from bein’ a SLAVE to your disappointment!”

Fun Facts about Wild Wild West:

  • Dr. Arliss Loveless, the film’s villain, combines two antagonists from the original series.
  • You can see the Reno train from this movie at the Old Tucson Studios in Tucson, Arizona.
  • It is the most expensive movie released in 1999 and the most expensive movie produced by Warner Brothers, with an official budget of $150 million (unofficial budget: $170 million).

Stir Crazy – US Box Office: USD$101,300,000

Director: Sidney Poitier

Main Cast: Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, Georg Stanford Brown, JoBeth Williams, Miguel Ángel Suárez, Craig T. Nelson, and Barry Corbin

Release Date: December 12, 1980 

Filming Locations: Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Prison – 1305 E. Butte Avenue, Florence, Arizona, USA; Valley of Fire State Park – Route 169, Overton, Nevada, USA; Tucson Rodeo Grounds – 4823 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, USA;  New York City, New York, USA

Main Plot: Harry Monroe and Skip Donahue are both aspiring actors and writers. Leave crowded New York for Arizona in the hopeful West because they are both unemployed and low on money in search of a better future. Unfortunately, things will soon worsen when the two best friends are dressed as woodpeckers for a bank’s marketing stunt. Find themselves unexpectedly in court and are falsely accused of carrying out a successful bank robbery. Despite the obvious misunderstanding, fate will reluctantly begin to smile on the unfortunate pair as an ongoing rivalry between two experienced prison wardens will put Skip in the spotlight. This is because the regrettable couple has been sentenced to prison and has no chance of having their cruel sentences reduced. Amazingly, Skip will demonstrate that he is a natural-born cowboy. This skill will come in handy for the lucrative annual inter-prison rodeo event when he, as the team’s courageous bronco-taming rider, will serve as captain.

Famous quotes:

Skip Donahue: “This filthy, roach-ridden reality is inspiring… What did that second policeman say to you when he grabbed you by the throat?”

Harry Monroe: “Man, I don’t fucking believe you!”

Skip Donahue: “Man, I don’t fucking believe you!” Fabulous!”

Harry Monroe: “You don’t get it, Skip, do ya? You think this is The Count Of Monte Cristo or something, man? We’re in trouble. This is the real deal! We’re in deep shit!”

Skip Donahue: “Harry, you and I are innocent. You know that. I know that. And somewhere outside, the two guys who really pulled that bank job know it too.”

Sequel: Stir Crazy 1985-1986

Fun Facts about Stir Crazy:

  • The film came in third place among 1980’s highest-grossing films, behind Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and 9 to 5 (1980), with box office receipts of $101.3 million in the United States (1980).
  • As extras, 350 inmates from Arizona State Prison took part in the production.
  • This was the film with the highest box office performance out of the four starring roles shared by Pryor and Wilder.

Public Enemies – US Box Office: USD$97,104,620

Director: Michael Mann

Main Cast: Christian Bale, Christian Stolte, Johnny Depp, Jason Clarke, Stephen Graham, and John Judd

Release Date: July 1, 2009 

Filming Locations: Tucson, Arizona, USA; Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, USA;  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana, USA; Crown Point, Indiana, USA; Columbus, Wisconsin, USA; Joliet, Illinois, USA

Main Plot: In the terrible 1930s, thieves struck banks and other wealthy targets an astonishing number of times. None of them is more well-known than John Dillinger. The latter gang operates cleverly against large corporations while leaving regular people alone. As Dillinger gained notoriety, FBI director J. Edger Hoover hired top agent Melvin Purvis. To find Dillinger because he is determined to stop him and others like him. Dillinger himself faces a gloomy future with the loss of his friends. Dwindling alternatives and a shifting world of criminal gangs with little room for him as Purvis battles with the realities of the pursuit.

Famous quotes:

John Dillinger: “I was raised on a farm in Mooresville, Indiana. My mama died when I was three, my daddy beat the hell out of me because he didn’t know any better way to raise me. I like baseball, movies, good clothes, fast cars, whiskey, and you… what else do you need to know?”

Billie Frechette: “They’re looking at me because they’re not used to having a girl in their restaurant in a $3 dress.”

John Dillinger: “Listen, doll. That’s ’cause they’re all about where people come from. The only thing that’s important is where someone’s going.”

Billie Frechette: “[smiles] Where are you going?”

John Dillinger: “Anywhere I want.”

Fun Facts about Public Enemies:

  • Johnny Depp uses a 1932 Studebaker that Dillinger used as a getaway vehicle after robbing a bank in Greencastle, Indiana, in the movie’s getaway scene. During filming in Columbus, Wisconsin, the car was taken from a nearby auto museum.
  • Rashida Jones and Ed Helms were reunited in the movie. On the same episode of The Office (2005), they both appeared and were welcomed.
  • Two Oscar winners—Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard—and two Oscar nominees—Carey Mulligan and Johnny Depp—make up the movie’s cast.

The Trial of Billy Jack – US Box Office: USD$89,000,000

Director: Tom Laughlin

Main Cast: Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor, Victor Izay, Teresa Kelly, Sara Lane, Geo Anne Sosa, and Lynn Baker

Release Date: July 1, 2009

Filming Locations: Florence, Arizona, USA; Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, USA; Bandelier National Monument – 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA; Monument Valley, Utah, USA; Old Tucson – 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Main Plot: Following Billy Jack’s four-year prison term for involuntary manslaughter in the first movie, Jean Roberts leads the Freedom School as it grows and prospers. The various student body broadcast scathing political exposes on their own privately owned television stations. The narrow-minded villagers have multiple concepts about their brand of liberalism; Billy Jack is released, and things start to heat up for the school. Native Americans in the nearby village are jeered at and mistreated, while students are harassed and harassed. The governor and the police scheme to permanently end Billy Jack’s liberal antics after he goes on a vision quest, leaving Billy Jack to save the day.

Famous quotes:

Prosecuting attorney: “Do you expect us to believe that you have absolutely no fear of the death penalty.”

Billy Jack: “I have a lot of fear, but I have a lot more respect. Long ago, I learned that he’s my constant companion. He eats with me, he walks with me, he even sleeps with me.”

Prosecuting attorney: “I’m sorry, I must have missed something back there. Who is this faithful companion of yours?”

Jean Roberts: “Y’know, I really feel sorry for your children.”

Jean Roberts: “Yes, and for you too. You know me… and you know I don’t lie. It must be terrible to make it seem that way just to earn your money.”

Sequel: Billy Jack; Billy Jack Goes to Washington; The Return of Billy Jack

Fun Facts about The Trial of Billy Jack:

  • The movie’s symposium on Indian rights was spontaneous. The actual speakers and actors who gave the testimonials wrote them.
  • The first movie to have a simultaneous wide release in the modern sense. The director scheduled openings in more than 1,000 theaters on a four-wall basis, renting the theaters and managing the box office receipts.
  • Teresa Kelly reprised her role as Carol, which she created for the last movie.

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