5 movies that were filmed in Sedona you didn’t realise

Sedona has been a quietly stunning participant in the movie-making process for years. Beyond its well documented natural beauty, Sedona has played a significant role in the backdrop of several well-known movies across different eras. Here are five films you might be surprised to learn were filmed in Sedona.

1. “Sedona” (2011)

It’s only fitting to include a movie named after the town itself. “Sedona” is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a successful advertising executive who finds herself stranded in Sedona and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The film beautifully showcases the town’s mystical landscapes and vibrant community, capturing the essence of Sedona and its transformative power.

2. “Broken Arrow” (1950)

This classic Western movie stars James Stewart and Jeff Chandler and is among the first to use Sedona’s majestic landscapes in its movie. “Broken Arrow” tells the story of the historical figure, Tom Jeffords, and his peacekeeping efforts between the US cavalry and Apache tribes, with Sedona’s natural beautiful landscapes enhancing the film’s authentic feel.

3. “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)

The Griswold family’s cross-country trip to the Walley World theme park in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” includes memorable scenes shot in Sedona. The movie, a classic comedy, shows the family’s funny adventures set in the American West, with Sedona’s red rocks serving as one of the notable natural landmarks they encounter on their hilarious journey.

4. “Midnight Run” (1988)

This action-comedy film stars Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin as an unlikely duo on the run. While the movie takes its characters across various states, several of its chase scenes were filmed in Sedona. The film’s dynamic action sequences are set against the beautiful landscapes of Sedona, adding a visually stunning dimension to the comedy and suspense.

5. “Only the Brave” (2017)

A more recent film, “Only the Brave,” tells the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite crew of firefighters who battled the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona in 2013. Sedona’s landscapes stand in for several key locations in the film, adding a visually striking and emotional background to this heroic tale. The film highlights the natural beauty and the potential dangers of the wild landscapes that define Sedona and the surrounding areas.

Sedona’s appearance in these films may come as a surprise, but it’s a testament to the town’s versatile and captivating beauty. From comedies to introspective dramas, Sedona provides the perfect canvas for storytelling of all kinds.