Top 5 Movies Filmed in Las Cruces, New Mexico by US Box Office   

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Lights, Camera, Adventure! Explore the Epic Movie Filming Locations in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Hey there, fellow movie lover! Looking to inject some excitement into your life? Well, buckle up because we’ve got a thrilling cinematic adventure in store for you! We’re diving deep into the captivating world of movies filmed in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Get ready to explore the very locations where your favorite films came to life and bask in the glory of the silver screen!

Key Takeaways:

  • Las Cruces is not just a beautiful city; it’s also a magnet for filmmakers. Get ready to walk in the footsteps of legendary actors and experience the movie magic firsthand.
  • From sprawling deserts to charming small-town vibes, Las Cruces serves as a versatile backdrop for a wide range of film genres. It’s a chameleon of a city, if you will!
  • Exploring film locations can ignite your sense of adventure, allowing you to see the world through a different lens (pun intended). It’s like stepping into the shoes of your favorite character and experiencing their world firsthand.
  • Exploring movie filming locations can be a unique and exciting way to experience a destination. It allows you to see familiar places through fresh eyes and sparks your imagination like never before.
  • You can discover hidden gems and hidden talents in the process. Who knows, you might stumble upon a local treasure or find yourself captivated by the inspiring stories behind the scenes.
  • It’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of your favorite actors and directors. How cool is that? Plus, bragging rights, anyone? wink

Imagine strolling through Las Cruces, soaking in the very same sights that have graced the silver screen. You become part of the story, a star in the making.

As you wander through the enchanting streets, it’s impossible not to feel the cinematic energy that has permeated these lands.

One moment, you’re standing in the middle of a bustling marketplace, reminiscing about a raucous scene from a blockbuster hit. The next, you’re marveling at the breathtaking landscapes that provided the backdrop for an epic battle between heroes and villains. The magic is palpable, and you’re immersed in a world of make-believe that feels oh-so-real.

Visiting movie filming locations in Las Cruces isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a full-on adventure. You’ll embark on a quest to connect the dots between the reel and the real, unraveling the magic that brought these movies to life. It’s like being an explorer, unlocking secrets and uncovering surprises at every turn.

So, go ahead and pack your bags, movie aficionado! Set forth on an unforgettable journey to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where the movies come alive. Grab your camera, channel your inner Spielberg, and prepare to be captivated by the allure of these extraordinary film locations.

Remember, adventure awaits right around the corner. Lights, camera, action!

Lights, camera, explore! Discover the captivating movie filming locations in Las Cruces, New Mexico and experience the magic of the silver screen in person. Check out our listicle below and let the adventures begin! Lights, camera, adventure!

Traffic – US Box Office: USD$124,115,725

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Main Cast: Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro,  Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jacob Vargas, Andrew Chavez, Michael Saucedo, Tomas Milian

Release Date: January 5, 2001

Filming Locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA; El Paso Intelligence Center – 11339 SSG Sims Street, El Paso, Texas, USA; El Paso, Texas, USA; La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA

Main Plot: A contemporary examination of the American war on drugs through four unrelated but interconnected stories. The teenage daughter of a conservative judge who recently became the US drug czar realizes she is an addict. At the same time, two DEA agents guard a witness with inside information about the affluent husband’s drug company, and a stunning trophy wife battles to safeguard her wealthy husband’s drug operation. A little dishonest but the devoted police officer in Mexico fights with his conscience. After learning that his new supervisor might not be the anti-drug official, he claimed to be. When a fellow student at her junior high overdoses on drugs and attempts to drop him off at a local hospital anonymously, they are both arrested. Robert learns that his wife, Barbara (Irving), was aware of their daughter’s drug use for more than six months.

Famous quotes:

Tourist Woman: “Don’t you wanna know what kind of car it is?”

Tourist Man: “Yeah, it’s a brown Ford Explorer…”

Tourist Woman: “Look, it was right here, it’s been stolen, I wanna file a report.”

Manolo Sanchez: “A report will not help you find your car.”

Javier Rodriguez: “Eh; the police won’t find your car.”

Sequel: Traffik

Fun Facts about Traffic:

  • The teenagers had to have peppermint dust blasted into their faces to make their eyes and noses red to look high in the scenes.
  • The movie was shot in over 110 locations across eight cities and featured 135 speaking parts.
  • As the initial camera on many of his movies, director Steven Soderbergh operated the camera for most of the shooting.
  • Topher Grace, who was previously well-known for his work on television, made his theatrical feature debut.
  • This is a remake of the Channel Four-produced and aired British miniseries Traffik (1989).

The Mule – US Box Office: USD$103,804,407

Director: Clint Eastwood

Main Cast: Clint Eastwood, Patrick L. Reyes, César De León, Gustavo Muñoz, Jackie Prucha, Richard Herd, and Adam Drescher

Release Date: December 14, 2018

Filming Locations: Shaw’s Sunshine Gardens – 3096 Lumpkin Park Drive, Augusta, Georgia, USA; Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA; The Augusta Museum of History, Augusta, Georgia, USA; Saint Paul’s Church – 605 Reynolds Street, Augusta, Georgia, USA; 1317 Merry Street Augusta, Georgia, USA

Main Plot: An elderly guy who is 90 years old, destitute, alone, and in danger of losing his business is offered a job that only requires him to drive. Simple enough, but Earl has recently joined a Mexican cartel as a drug courier, which he is unaware of. He performs brilliantly, so well that Earl is given a handler and his freight grows tremendously. However, he is not Earl’s sole watcher. The hard-charging D.E.A. has also caught wind of the mysterious new drug mule. Colin Bates, agent (Bradley Cooper). Even though Earl’s financial issues are resolved, his past mistakes continue to haunt him. It is unclear if he will have enough time to make amends before law authorities or the cartel’s enforcers catch up with him.

Famous quotes:

Mary: “How did you come into all that money?”

Earl Stone: “Well, I just… Well, I’m not gonna lie to you. I’m a high-end gigolo.”

Earl Stone: “Bounty hunter?”

Mary: “Come on. Seriously, come on.”

Earl Stone: “All right, seriously. Okay. I’ve become a drug mule for the cartel. And I’ve got 305 kilos of cocaine sitting right in the back of my truck out there.”

Fun Facts about The Mule:

  • The real story of Leo “Tata” Sharp. A man who worked for the Sinaloa cartel for ten years as a mule, the most powerful drug-trafficking organization in the world, served as the inspiration for this movie.
  • For the chance to work on a movie with Clint Eastwood, Andy Garcia was willing to take on any part.
  • Alison Eastwood was shocked when her father, Clint Eastwood, asked her to perform with him (she portrays Iris, Earl’s daughter). Alison has recently concentrated on producing and directing.

Due Date – US Box Office: USD$100,539,043

Director: Todd Phillips

Main Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Juliette Lewis, RZA, and Matt Walsh

Release Date: November 5, 2010 

Filming Locations: El Paso, Texas, USA; Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA; Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA; Rialto, California, USA; Etiwanda, California, USA

Main Plot: To make it to Los Angeles in time for the birth of his first kid, Peter Highman flew from Atlanta to Los Angeles. However, he ran into fellow passenger and aspiring Hollywood actor Ethan Tremblay and had some of his luggage exchanged. Peter encounters a problem just as the plane is ready to take off, is shot, and is then tackled by an air marshal. He discovers that he is on the “No Fly List” when he comes, has no cash, credit cards, or other forms of identity, and must take a ride with Ethan. Hoping to arrive in time, he is unaware of the impending assault by a “handicapped.” Western Union employee, the severe accident that will leave him with a fracture and multiple stitches, and the need to flee from Mexican police. A suspicion that his wife was involved with his friend Darryl. There’s a chance the child isn’t really his.

Famous quotes:

Ethan Tremblay: “Give me a scene.”

Peter Highman: “Okay, I’m Julia Roberts. We are engaged to be married. You have terminal cancer. Break the news to me.”

Ethan Tremblay: “Julia Roberts, as you know, we are engaged to be married. I have terminal cancer.”

Peter Highman: “Awful, just awful. I didn’t buy into that one bit.”

Ethan Tremblay: “I thought that was really good.”

Fun Facts about Due Date:

  • Although Alan Arkin recorded scenes as Peter’s (Robert Downey, Jr.) long-lost father, they were not included in the movie’s final cut.
  • To recharge his batteries after the intensity and pressure of filming The Hangover (2009) and shortly before The Hangover Part II, director Todd Phillips made the movie (2011).
  • In the movie, Zach Galifianakis’ character, Ethan, promotes his Two and a Half Men fan site. According to the website, it was pouring two and a half men.
  • Robert Downey, Jr. declared that working on this movie was his “most magnificent experience” in his entire career on Access Hollywood (1996) to promote the picture.
  • According to their driver’s licenses, Zach Galifianakis and Ethan have the same birthday of October 1st, 1969.

Mad Love – US Box Office: USD$15,453,274

Director: Antonia Bird

Main Cast: Chris O’Donnell, Drew Barrymore, Matthew Lillard, Richard Chaim, Joan Allen, Jude Ciccolella, and Amy Sakasitz

Release Date: May 26, 1995

Filming Locations: Leavenworth, Washington, USA;  Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA; Wenatchee, Washington, USA; White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA; Mercer Island, Washington, USA

Main Plot: Two passionate young people embark on the most spectacular experience of their lives in this wild and seductive tale. High school student Matt Leland resides in a home by the lake with his father, twin brothers, and sister. Matt sneaks into Casey Roberts’ room with his telescope when she moves into the house across the lake. After meeting, they quickly fall in love. One day, Casey pulls the fire alarm to end a test Matt took at school. Her father decides to check her into a mental hospital after she is suspended, but Matt manages to get her out. Up until the day Matt learns that Casey has bipolar disorder with moments of sadness and intervals of heightened mood, they enjoy traveling in Matt’s car and having a lot of fun. Matt recognizes that she requires professional assistance when she makes a suicide attempt.

Famous quotes:

Casey: “I don’t want to be sick anymore, okay?”

Matt: “You don’t have to.”

Casey: “I don’t want to live like this!”

Matt: “You don’t have to!”

Casey: “They’ll lock me up.”

Fun Facts about Mad Love:

  • When offered the part of Matt Leland, Leonardo DiCaprio declined.
  • The following year, Matthew Lillard, Drew Barrymore, and Liev Schreiber starred in Scream (1996).
  • Casey is the name of Drew Barrymore’s role and her character in Scream, which was released a year later.
  • In Casey’s journal, Butterflies are released at 8:10. The correct spelling is Butterflies.
  • Batman Eternal also featured Chris O’Donnell and Drew Barrymore (1995).

Lost in America – US Box Office: USD$10,179,000

Director: Albert Brooks

Main Cast: Albert Brooks, Julie Hagerty, Sylvia Farrel, Tina Kincaid, Candy Ann Brown, Hans Wagner, and Maggie Roswell

Release Date: February 8, 1985 

Filming Locations: Safford, Arizona, USA; Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA; Hoover Dam, Arizona-Nevada Border, USA; Halfway House Cafe – 15564 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, California, USA; Thatcher, Arizona, USA

Main Plot: This movie is about a married couple in their 30s. They decide to resign from their employment, live as free spirits, and travel across America in a Winnebago. David and Linda Howard are prosperous LA yuppies. David persuades Linda to quit her work, sell all of their possessions, and spend the rest of their lives traveling across America in a Winnebago, much like the couple in the Easy Rider movie! His romanticized, unrealistic ideas quickly start to go tragically wrong. This is a kind of enormous, opulent mobile home that suits a 1980s professional more than the rebellious dropout approach of Easy Rider.

Famous quotes:

David Howard: “Weren’t you scared? What were you talking about?”

Linda Howard: “Oh, God. I – He was telling me his whole life story. He was divorced. He got kicked out of the Army. He couldn’t keep the job. Did you know he escaped from prison?”

David Howard: “What did he do?”

Linda Howard: “Well, to hear him tell it, he says those two guys were dead when he got there.”

David Howard: “Oh, God!”

Sequel: Lost in America 2018

Fun Facts about Lost in America:

  • According to Albert Brooks, co-writer Monica Mcgowan Johnson did like gambling in real life. Served as a source of inspiration for a portion of the Linda Howard character performed by Julie Hagerty.
  • At fifty-seven, actor Art Frankel made his acting debut in this picture at a ripe old age.
  • After the long cross-country journey, Albert Brooks had approximately four hours of footage that needed to be sorted to find the parts that best suited the song lyrics. And then cut into a montage that lasted only a few minutes.
  • The movie was initially created for ABC Motion Pictures. Still, by the time the script was ready, the studio had filed for bankruptcy. They sought new investors, and David Geffen’s The Geffen Company was ultimately chosen.
  • The Hoover Dam is a well-known concrete arch-gravity construction in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. What was once known as the Boulder Dam was used for filming on the Nevada and Arizona sides.

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