Calgary and its surrounding areas, with their picturesque landscapes, have repeatedly attracted the attention of directors for award-winning films and TV shows. Here’s a list of the top productions shot in this region, as highlighted by Calgary-trend.
1. Brokeback Mountain
The acclaimed American film Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee, won three Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The story of two cowboys who embark on a forbidden romance is set in the fictional town of Signal, Wyoming.
Filming began in Calgary and prominently featured the iconic Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall.
2. Inception
This sci-fi thriller by Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, explores the world of dream heists. The breathtaking Fortress Mountain near Calgary is featured prominently in the film.
3. The Revenant
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this American adventure drama directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu is partially based on Michael Punke’s novel The Revenant, recounting the real-life tale of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper seeking revenge after being left for dead following a bear attack.
The movie, which earned three Golden Globes, five BAFTAs, and twelve Oscar nominations (including DiCaprio’s first Oscar win for Best Actor), showcases Alberta’s diverse landscapes, from Kananaskis to the rugged terrain of the Badlands.
4. Legends of the Fall
This American drama directed by Edward Zwick, set against Alberta’s stunning backdrops, tells a tale of courage, love, loyalty, and betrayal. The story revolves around retired Colonel William Ludlow and his three sons. Brad Pitt plays Tristan, one of the main characters.
Although set in Montana, the film features recognizable Alberta locations such as the Bow River and Banff National Park.
5. Superman (including Superman II and Superman III)
Calgary provided filming locations for various scenes in Superman. The first installment features East Village and Calgary’s transit system. The iconic St. Louis Hotel is showcased in the third installment.
6. Interstellar
This American-British sci-fi film by Christopher Nolan explores a dystopian future where astronauts search for a new home for humanity.
Scenes were shot at Tourmaline Field and Seaman Stadium, both near Calgary.
7. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Directed by Andrew Dominik, this biographical Western, based on Ron Hansen’s historical novel, stars Brad Pitt as Jesse James. The film was shot in Alberta, including Kananaskis.
8. Unforgiven
Directed by Clint Eastwood, this Western follows William Munny, a retired outlaw and killer who takes on one last job. The film garnered critical acclaim, winning four Academy Awards and two Golden Globes.
Alberta locations such as Calgary, Brooks, Longview, High River, and Drumheller serve as stand-ins for the American West.
9. Mystery, Alaska
This American sports dramedy by Jay Roach tells the story of an amateur hockey team in a small Alaskan town. Filming locations include Canmore and Banff National Park, with the Canadian Rockies providing a breathtaking backdrop.
10. Seventh Son
Despite its star-studded cast, including Julianne Moore and Jeff Bridges, this fantasy adventure directed by Sergey Bodrov failed to meet audience expectations. The film features Alberta’s Horseshoe Canyon near Drumheller.
11. Shanghai Noon
This action-comedy starring Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, and Lucy Liu tells the story of a kidnapped Chinese princess. Filming took place in Drumheller and at the renowned CL Westerntown movie ranch.
12. The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet
This Franco-Canadian-Australian adventure film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (known for Amélie) follows the journey of a ten-year-old boy who travels to the Smithsonian Institution to accept an award.
Although set in Montana, filming occurred in Calgary, Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Pincher Creek, and Longview.
13. War for the Planet of the Apes
This American sci-fi drama by Matt Reeves, the third installment in the Planet of the Apes franchise, tells the story of a battle between intelligent apes and human survivors.
Key scenes were filmed in British Columbia, but Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Fortress Mountain also appear.
14. The Bourne Legacy
Directed by Tony Gilroy, this spy thriller is the fourth installment in the Bourne film series. While primarily shot in New York, scenes were also filmed in Alberta, featuring Fortress Mountain and Elbow Falls.
15. Klondike
This American-Canadian miniseries, directed by Simon Jones, chronicles two adventurers’ journey to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Alberta locations, including CL Westerntown Ranch, Spray Lakes Reservoir, and Fortress Mountain, served as stand-ins for Dawson City in the Yukon.
16. Game of Thrones
In the globally acclaimed fantasy series, an Alberta wolf named Quigley played Ghost, Jon Snow’s direwolf. Select scenes featuring wolves were filmed in Calgary, with parts of Season 7 shot in Banff National Park.
17. Tin Star
This British crime drama, created by Rowan Joffe, follows Jim Worth, a former London Metropolitan Police detective who becomes the police chief of a fictional Alberta town. Filming took place in High River, Cochrane, and Waterton Lakes National Park.
18. Fargo
Inspired by the Coen brothers’ film, this anthology crime series was filmed in Calgary and its surroundings, doubling as U.S. locations such as Minnesota and the Dakotas.
