by Jade Wyrick12 Movies Filmed in Washington State to Watch This Fall
When the fall rains return, there’s nothing better than sinking into the couch with a good movie—especially one filmed right here in Washington. From sweeping romances to spine-tingling horror, the Evergreen State has played host to some unforgettable stories.
So light a candle, pour something warm, and choose your genre…
Fantasy
Practical Magic (1998)
Washington’s Coupeville on Whidbey Island became the charming town setting, with quaint storefronts and the iconic Owens house built in San Juan County Park overlooking the Salish Sea. The house was a temporary structure and has since been torn down, but the island’s magic-filled streets still bring the story to life.
Starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing
Adventure
Free Willy (1993)
While largely shot in Oregon, the San Juan Islands provided stunning orca footage that still tugs on heartstrings.
Starring an orca whale named Keiko, Jason James Richter, and Lori Petty
Comedy
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Viggo Mortensen’s off-the-grid family comedy drama filmed in Deception Pass, Snohomish, Sultan, and Gold Bar—scenery as breathtaking as the story is unconventional.
Starring Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, and Steve Zahn
Harry and the Hendersons (1987)
From Seattle neighborhoods to the forests near North Bend and Wenatchee to Lake Kachess, Washington set the stage for this beloved family comedy about a very large houseguest.
Starring John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, Don Ameche, David Suchet, Margaret Langrick, Joshua Rudoy, Lainie Kazan, and Kevin Peter Hall.
Romance
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Port Townsend plays a starring role in this Academy Award–winning romance. Fort Worden State Park, the Point Wilson Lighthouse, and the Tides Inn set the stage for Richard Gere and Debra Winger’s unforgettable story. Parts of this film were also shot in Bremerton, with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in the background—giving the movie its authentic naval setting.
Starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger, and Louis Gossett Jr.
Twilight (2008)
While much of Twilight was filmed in Oregon and British Columbia, Kalama High School in Washington was used for several key scenes. Its Northwest setting helped give the film an authentic, overcast Pacific Northwest feel that fits the story’s tone.
Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner
Rom-Com
Say Anything… (1989)
Though much was filmed in Los Angeles, Seattle and Tacoma provide just enough of a backdrop to ground this iconic teen romance in the Pacific Northwest. Corey’s house is located in Seattle, and sharp-eyed locals will also spot the Fremont neighborhood’s Waiting for the Interurban sculpture, Wallingford neighborhood’s Guild 45th Theatre, and Tacoma’s coffee shop turned bar, Bob’s Java Jive.
Starring John Cusack and Ione Skye
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Seattle truly shines in this beloved rom-com. The iconic floating home on Lake Union, bustling Pike Place Market, and the towering Space Needle all make appearances. The city provides the perfect backdrop for Sam and Annie’s heartfelt story.
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
Benny & Joon (1993)
Spokane takes center stage in this quirky, heartfelt romance, with Riverfront Park providing scenic outdoor moments and Ferguson’s Cafe adding small-town charm. Fans will also spot the old Hillyard Tire Center, transformed into Benny’s Car Clinic.
Starring Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Aidan Quinn
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Stadium High School in Tacoma shines as Padua High, while Seattle’s Fremont Troll and Gas Works Park provide memorable backdrops for key scenes. The Century Ballroom hosted the prom, making this rom-com a love letter to the Pacific Northwest.
Starring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Larisa Oleynik
Horror
The Ring (2002)
This chilling thriller used Washington’s landscapes to full effect. Scenes were filmed in Seattle (Rachel’s apartment and the photo lab), Port Townsend’s Fort Worden State Park, Whidbey Island’s foggy roads, and Bellingham’s Camp Firwood. Together, these locations create the film’s unforgettable eerie atmosphere.
Starring Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Brian Cox, David Dorfman, and Daveigh Chase.
Z Nation (2014–2018)
We know it’s not a movie, but this post-apocalyptic TV series is too Washington to leave out. Spokane transformed into a post-apocalyptic America, with Riverfront Park, the Centennial Trail, the Museum of Arts and Culture, and the Northern Quest Casino serving as key backdrops. In Bremerton, the USS Turner Joy provided a dramatic naval setting, while towns like Index and Everett added rugged wilderness and waterfront scenes, giving the show its varied and haunting Pacific Northwest landscape.
Starring Kellita Smith, DJ Qualls, Keith Allan, and Anastasia Baranova.
Whether you’re drawn to romance, comedy, or spine-tingling thrills, Washington’s landscapes have provided the backdrop for some of Hollywood’s most memorable films. And if you’re in Kitsap? Keep an extra eye out—you might just recognize your own backyard.
