Famous Movies Filmed in Portland

Reference
Updated June 9, 201718 items
Voting Rules
The movies below must have at least one major scene that was filmed in Portland

List of movies that were filmed in Portland, including trailers of the films when available. Portland has a lot of famous landmarks and beautiful landscapes, making it a great location to film movies in. This list of famous movies shot in Portland is listed by popularity, so the movie names at the top of the list are the most well-known. This isn't necessarily a list of all movies shot in Portland, so if you notice an important film is missing then feel free to add it at the bottom of this list.

This list has everything from Zero Effect to Paranoid Park.

If you're trying to answer the questions, "What films were shot in Portland?" and "Which famous movies were filmed in Portland?" then you'e in the right place.

Both big studio and independent films that were filmed in Portland are included below, as well as all genres including horror, action, comedy and more.
  • The Postman

    The Postman

    Kevin Costner, Will Patton, Larenz Tate
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Kevin Costner
    In The Postman, Kevin Costner dons the role of a drifter in post-apocalyptic America. In an effort to survive, he masquerades as a mail carrier. This seemingly trivial role evolves into an emblem of hope and restoration, as the character unwittingly inspires fragmented communities to unite against a tyrannical warlord, General Bethlehem (Will Patton). The film showcases the power of communication and unity in rebuilding society, casting it under a lens of action and drama. Despite its mixed reviews, The Postman bagged a nomination for Best Original Score at the 55th Golden Globe Awards.

    Available On:

  • Drugstore Cowboy

    Drugstore Cowboy

    Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James LeGros
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Gus Van Sant
    Bob Hughes (Matt Dillon) is the leader of a "family" of drug addicts consisting of his wife, Dianne (Kelly Lynch), and another couple who feed their habit by robbing drug stores as they travel across the country. After a tragedy befalls a member of his group, Bob decides he must leave his dysfunctional clan and go straight. Parting ways with his junkie past proves more difficult than expected when Bob is stalked by an old acquaintance looking to score drugs at any price.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Pay It Forward

    Pay It Forward

    Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Mimi Leder
    In the heartwarming drama Pay It Forward, young Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) is inspired by a social studies assignment. His teacher, Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey), encourages students to think of an idea to change the world and put it into action. Trevor's grand plan is a benevolent chain reaction of good deeds, which he calls 'pay it forward'. The boy's actions ripple outwards, affecting his hardworking single mother Arlene (Helen Hunt) and the wider community. A tale of simple acts sparking monumental changes, this film explores the power of kindness in unexpected ways.

    Available On:

  • Are We There Yet

    Are We There Yet

    Ice Cube, Nia Long, Jay Mohr
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Brian Levant
    Attempting to win the favor of the newly divorced Suzanne (Nia Long), Nick (Ice Cube) offers to accompany her children, Lindsey (Aleisha Allen) and Kevin (Philip Bolden), on a flight from Portland, Ore., to Canada to see their mother. A mishap with a corkscrew and a metal detector gets the troupe banned from the flight, however, so Nick is forced to drive the kids in his prized Lincoln Navigator. Tensions inevitably rise during the long road trip, but Nick is not to be deterred.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Assassins

    Assassins

    Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Julianne Moore
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Richard Donner
    Assassin Robert Rath (Sylvester Stallone) arrives at a funeral to kill a prominent mobster, only to witness rival hired gun Miguel Bain (Antonio Banderas) complete the job for him -- with grisly results. Horrified by the murder of innocent bystanders, Rath decides to take one last job and then return to civilian life. But finding his way out of the world of contract killing grows ever more dangerous as Rath falls for his target, Electra (Julianne Moore), and becomes a marked man himself.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Zero Effect

    Zero Effect

    Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Ryan O'Neal
    • Released: 1998
    • Directed by: Jake Kasdan
    Private investigator Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman) is one of the finest sleuths in the world but also one of the most eccentric. A recluse prone to odd behavior, Daryl utilizes his assistant, Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller), as his face to see clients. When businessman Gregory Stark (Ryan O'Neal) falls victim to a blackmail plot, he employs Daryl to find the culprit. Daryl starts to home in on Gloria Sullivan (Kim Dickens) as a suspect, but he also finds her attractive, which complicates the case.

    Available On:

    subscription