7 Movies Filmed in Salt Lake City: High School Musical & More
Utah has long been known as the place to film blockbuster movies, especially in the state’s capital, Salt Lake City. From teenage hits like High School Musical to emerging horror classics like Hereditary, this city has provided a diverse backdrop for several films we know and love today. Its unique mix of urban landscapes, historic architecture, and breathtaking natural scenery has made it a favorite for filmmakers looking to capture something truly special on screen.
In this blog, we’re diving into some of the most notable movies filmed in Salt Lake City and the locations you can still visit today.
7 Moves Filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah
Here are 7 movies filmed in the metropolis of Salt Lake City, Utah:
1. High School Musical Movies
Image Source: https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/recommended-itineraries/see-where-high-school-musical-was-born
For those born in the late ’90s and early 2000s, the High School Musical movies evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and childhood memories. Whether you memorized the choreography to “We’re All in This Together” or had a massive crush on Zac Efron, the High School Musical movies were a defining part of childhood for many, bringing catchy songs, unforgettable moments, and a sense of joy that still resonates today.
Following high school students Troy and Gabriella, the High School Musical movies explore the ups and downs of teenage life, first love, and the challenge of staying true to yourself—even when it means going against the norm. You may know the songs by heart, but did you know that the iconic East High, featured in all three High School Musical movies, is a real school in Salt Lake City, Utah? Sharpay’s iconic pink locker, the cafeteria where students belted out “Stick to the Status Quo,” the gym where Troy sank game-winning shots, and even the secret rooftop getaway where “Can I Have This Dance?” was filmed—these are all real spots you can visit at Salt Lake City’s East High.
Visit the Filming Location: Experience the magic Troy and Gabriella lived daily by visiting East High in Salt Lake City. Located at 840 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT, the school is open for self-guided tours after school hours (about 3:30–5:30 PM) Monday through Friday. Practice the choreography you memorized years ago, belt out your favorite songs, and reminisce about the feeling of being a kid again.
2. The Sandlot
Image Source: https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2018/08/10/take-utah-tour-sandlot/
The Sandlot is like the summer version of The Christmas Story. It’s quirky and playful and has become a timeless classic that transports you back to simpler days—when school was out, the sun was shining, and all that mattered was playing ball with your friends until the streetlights came on. Set in the early 1960s, the film follows the character of Scotty Smalls, who moves to a new neighborhood and only wants to fit in. And how else could you do that besides joining the local baseball team? The only problem? He can’t play and doesn’t know a thing about the sport—not even who Babe Ruth is. Fortunately, Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez, a neighborhood boy who’s especially good at baseball, agrees to teach Scotty, leading to the best summer of his life.
From iconic lines like “You’re killing me, Smalls” to the time Benny “The Jet” took on the Beast, The Sandlot has remained a fan-favorite since its release due to its nod to the simplicity of the “good old days.” This coming-of-age film captures the awkwardness of growing up, the excitement of summer, and the unforgettable adventures that come with baseball, best friends, and one legendary lost ball. The Sandlot was filmed throughout Utah, but there are several spots you’ll recognize that were shot right here in Salt Lake City.
Visit the Filming Locations: There are numerous destinations in Salt Lake City from The Sandlot you can visit today:
- The actual sandlot where the group practically lives during the hot summer days is located at 1388 Glenrose Drive, Salt Lake City, behind several houses in the neighborhood.
- Scotty’s home is at 1556 South 2000 East in Salt Lake City.
- Benny Rodriguez’s home is across the street from Scotty’s at 1571 South 2000 East.
- The community’s 4th of July Picnic occurs at the corner of Bryan Avenue and 2000 East in Salt Lake City.
- The showdown with the refined baseball bullies at Rose Park Field at Riverside Park in Salt Lake City.
- The Founder’s Day Picnic and Carnival—along with the iconic chase scene where the Beast pursues Benny—were filmed at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City
3. Dumb and Dumber
Dumb and Dumber is the blueprint for crude, goofy comedies with a duo-centered storyline. Following two dimwitted best friends, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, the film chronicles their road trip from Rhode Island to Aspen, Colorado, in a grimy, golden lab-shaped van as they attempt to return a briefcase full of money to Mary Swanson—whom Lloyd has become infatuated with under false pretenses. With its perfect mix of slapstick humor, ridiculous misunderstandings, and the undeniable chemistry between Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, the film has remained a cult classic for decades.
Although this lighthearted movie is set in various states across the country, much of it was filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Visit the Filming Locations: There are two distinct locations you’ll recognize in Dumb and Dumber that were filmed in Salt Lake City:
- In the opening airport scene, when Lloyd sees Mary off, he actually drops her off at Salt Lake City Airport. This scene starts the plot for the entire movie when Mary unknowingly leaves her briefcase at the airport, and Lloyd desperately tries to return it, only failing to do so and running to the end of a jetway.
- The exterior of Harv and Lloyd’s dingy apartment is also featured in the movie. Upon their return, they find two thugs at their door and make a run for it. This scene from Dumb and Dumber was filmed at the Smith Apartments in Salt Lake County. Fortunately, the apartments are considerably cleaner in reality and can be easily accessed.
4. Hereditary
Image Source: https://www.slashfilm.com/844873/alex-wolff-was-ready-for-a-big-break-while-filming-hereditary/
If you’re a horror film fanatic, you’re probably familiar with the eerie Hereditary. Centered on the Graham family, who’s grieving their elusive grandmother, the film follows Annie (the mother) as she tries to learn more about her late mother’s past—and it turns out she was hiding a pretty big, disturbing secret. What follows is a series of strange and unsettling events, revealing that sinister forces are at work within the Graham family. They must either stand against them—or risk losing their lives.
Hereditary had several filming locations across Northern Utah, but one unnerving scene in particular was filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Visit the Filming Location: You’ll recognize Salt Lake City’s Wasatch Mountain Range in many of Hereditary’s scenes, including the heavy funeral scene. Apart from that, the city’s West High School is featured in the scene when an unseen force forcibly attacks Peter and bangs his head against his desk during class. The incident is caused by Joan, who attempts to remove his spirit from his body and offer it to the demon king, King Paimon. West High School is located at 41 N 300 W in Salt Lake City, and you can drive by to see just where this frightening scene takes place.
5. Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde
Image Source: https://www.fernbyfilms.com/2021/11/04/movie-review-legally-blonde-2-red-white-blonde/
Fashion icon and beauty Elle Woods’s story started in Legally Blonde, where she followed her ex-boyfriend to law school and discovered she’s so much more than her good looks. Woods’s story continues in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, where she travels to Washington, D.C., to “give a voice to the voiceless”—in other words, to speak out about animal rights. Unfortunately, speaking up for what she believes in isn’t as easy as she thinks it will be. Woods is eventually challenged to convince the entire legislature actually to listen and hear what she has to say.
With her iconic pink wardrobe and blonde beauty, Elle Woods takes Washington, D.C., by storm in this empowering and playful film. However, viewers may not be aware that the movie wasn’t shot in America’s capital but actually in Salt Lake City, Utah, and various other cities across the U.S.
Visit the Filming Location: The scenes outside the U.S. Capitol in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde were filmed at the Utah State Capitol (350 N. State St.). In fact, many Salt Lake City natives were featured as extras in these scenes. Follow the steps of Elle Woods and take in the classic architecture of Utah’s towering State Capitol building set against the Wasatch Mountain Range.
6. Halloween Franchise
Image Source: https://www.fox13now.com/news/uniquely-utah/michael-myers-once-lived-in-salt-lake-city
Hereditary isn’t the only well-known horror movie filmed in Utah. The Halloween franchise, featuring masked murderer Michael Myers, was also filmed partially in Salt Lake City. These films start out in 1963 when seemingly innocent 6-year-old Michael Myers brutally murders his sister with a knife from the kitchen. Another 15 years go by, and Michael breaks out of the mental institution in a mutilated William Shatner mask to terrorize a babysitter, Laurie Strode, who’d go on to become one of the most iconic final girls in horror history. Since then, there have been numerous adaptions and variations of Halloween, always following Michael Myers and his bloody massacres.
Salt Lake City has played host to this masked vigilante for several of the movies in the franchise. From Michael Myers’s house to the creepy hospital featured in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Utah’s capital, provided the perfect backdrop for this classic horror film.
Visit the Filming Locations: You can still visit multiple locations today that helped capture the world of Michael Myers. Here are a few places in Salt Lake City where these frightening movies were filmed:
- Michael Myers’ House: In Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, the Myers residence is portrayed as a house at 1007 1st Avenue in Salt Lake City.
- Smith’s Grove Sanitarium: In Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, scenes set at Smith’s Grove Sanitarium were filmed at 400 E Capitol Park Avenue in Salt Lake City.
- Sugar House and Avenues Neighborhoods: Both areas in Salt Lake City were used for various chilling scenes in the Halloween films.
Old Primary Children’s Hospital: The abandoned hospital in the Avenues section of Salt Lake City was a filming location for hospital scenes in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers.
Film Your Own Movie in Salt Lake City With Avalanche’s Help
Film your movie in Utah’s capital and take advantage of Salt Lake City’s charming neighborhoods, unique architecture, and stunning mountain range backdrop. With the help of Avalanche Studios, we can make your Salt Lake City-based film a reality. We provide comprehensive video production services, from capturing the perfect shot to adding motion graphics or animation. We make filmmaking easy for you. Our team of award-winning directors, creators, and writers has the expertise you need to bring your vision to life.
Based in Northern Utah, we know all the ideal filming locations for your new movie, whether it’s a horror flick or a dramatic tear-jerker. Contact us today to request a quote from our team and get started on your filmmaking process.
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