Mountain towns in movies have become some of the most recognisable destinations on screen, with filmmakers returning to alpine villages and rugged peaks to create unforgettable settings for blockbuster films and hit television series.
From the Canadian Rockies and the Swiss Alps to New Zealand’s Southern Alps and the Cascade Mountains, these mountain towns in movies have played starring roles in everything from Brokeback Mountain and Twin Peaks to The Lord of the Rings and Yellowstone.
Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply looking to visit iconic filming locations, these mountain towns in movies deserve a place on every film fan’s travel bucket list.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Nestled within Banff National Park, Banff is known for its dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and year-round outdoor adventures.
It has featured in Brokeback Mountain, The Revenant, Inception, and numerous Hallmark movies – making it one of the best movie towns in movies and TV series.
Telluride, Colorado, USA
Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a historic mining town famous for its alpine landscapes and world-renowned film festival.
It has appeared in The Hateful Eight, The Lone Ranger, National Lampoon’s Vacation, The Prestige, and The Last of Us.
Jackson, Wyoming, USA
Located beside Grand Teton National Park, Jackson is one of America’s best-known gateway towns for mountain adventures and wildlife.
It has been featured in Yellowstone, The Last of Us, Django Unchained, Rocky IV, and numerous National Geographic documentaries.
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Canmore sits just outside Banff National Park and has become one of Canada’s busiest filming destinations thanks to its rugged mountain backdrop.
It has appeared in The Last of Us, Fargo, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Interstellar, and The Revenant.
Hallstatt, Austria
Overlooking Hallstätter See and surrounded by the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is one of Europe’s most photographed mountain villages.
It inspired the kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen and has appeared in numerous European productions and international travel documentaries. 2025’s John Wick universe flick, Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, was also filmed here.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is one of the world’s premier adventure destinations.
It has featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, A Wrinkle in Time and Xena: Warrior Princess.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Tucked beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls in the Bernese Alps, Lauterbrunnen is renowned for its spectacular alpine scenery.
It inspired Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings and has appeared in documentaries, travel series, and productions celebrating the Swiss Alps.
North Bend, Washington, USA
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, North Bend is renowned for its evergreen forests, misty peaks and small-town charm, making it one of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognisable filming destinations.
It has featured in Twin Peaks, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, Twin Peaks: The Return, Harry and the Hendersons, The Vanishing, and Northern Exposure (nearby filming locations).
Wanaka, New Zealand
Located on the shores of Lake Wānaka beneath New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Wanaka is celebrated for its crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks and dramatic hiking trails.
It has featured in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy, A Wrinkle in Time, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Ouray, Colorado, USA
Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a former mining town surrounded by steep mountain peaks, waterfalls, and scenic mountain passes.
It has featured in True Grit (1969), How the West Was Won, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and numerous Western productions.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of Europe’s most famous mountain resorts, renowned for its world-class skiing and breathtaking Alpine scenery.
It has featured in The Matterhorn documentaries and countless other travel and adventure television series.
Love our list of the best mountain towns in movies and TV? Which one is your favourite?