Hollywood might be more than 1,000 miles away, but did you know that Dallas has its fair share of movie magic? These movies and TV shows have shaped the way we look at Dallas in media.
“Dallas Buyers Club” (2013)
Did you know? The movie written by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, and directed by Jean-Marc Vallée features many scenes that were shot in Dallas, including the historic Texas Theatre.
“JFK” (1991)
Directed by Oliver Stone, this film features reenactments of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, filmed around Dealey Plaza. This includes the actual location where the shooting took place, in the basement garage of Dallas City Hall.
“RoboCop” (1987)
The futuristic Detroit setting was filmed in and around Dallas, including the old Dallas City Hall. Fun fact: CW33’s Yolonda Williams also starred in the movie.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) and “The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1994)
While set in rural Texas, this iconic horror film was largely shot on the outskirts of Dallas. The original “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” set is now a diner named Hooper’s in Kingsland, TX.
“Friday Night Lights” (2004-2006)
Even though the five-season show was set in a fictional Texas town, several episodes were filmed in and around the Dallas area, including Dallas Carter High School.
“Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993-2001)
The TV show was set in Dallas with numerous episodes filmed on location around the city, featuring familiar Dallas spots. I guess you can say Dallas is “Chuck Norris-approved.” In one episode, a character is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.
“Dallas” (1978-1991)
“Who shot J.R.?” This iconic TV series is known for “the shot heard ‘round the world.” With the show taking place in Dallas, it used many local sites to establish the city as a central character in the show.
For the Dallas movie buffs out there, what’s your favorite Dallas movie?
