You and your pals may be getting older, but these movies and TV shows filmed in Austin just keep staying the same age.
There’s no time like the present to grab your best bud and watch these 10 big and small screen stories that illustrate how friendship, like Texas, is forever.
10. Dazed and Confused/ Everybody Wants Some!!
Dazed and Confused art courtesy of Gramercy Films/ Everybody Wants Some!! art courtesy of Paramount Pictures
This double feature is sure to start out your night alright, alright, alright. The classic ’70s-set flick Dazed and Confused celebrates all types of teenage friendships. From the graduating seniors, to the upcoming underclassmen, and everyone in between, a party at the moontower never sounded more enticing. Though director Richard Linklater’s follow-up ’80s film Everybody Wants Some!! isn’t as universally loved, it’s another nostalgic look at friendship that is worth a watch.
9. Office Space
Office Space art courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Who hasn’t ever wished they could band together with their friends and stick it to the man? There’s nothing that bonds people together more than commiserating about their boss/job. Of course, committing a federal crime may be taking it a bit too far. But, hey, it makes for a great movie.
8. Where the Heart Is
Where the Heart Is art courtesy of 20th Century Fox
After a pregnant 17-year-old (played by Natalie Portman) is abandoned at a Wal-Mart by her skuzzy boyfriend, she strikes up friendships with the folks in a small Oklahoma town. One of those most notable friendships is with a character played by Ashley Judd, who names her children after sweet treats. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to snack on some pralines and brownies with your peach of a pal.
7. “From Dusk Till Dawn”
From Dusk Till Dawn art courtesy of Miramax
We’re talking about the El Rey television series here, not the film. That’s because the TV show was filmed in Austin. More than simply a story about vampires, this Robert Rodriguez series delves deeper into the relationship of the Gecko brothers (played by hotties DJ Cotrona and Zane Holtz), while also exploring the Mesoamerican, Aztec, and Mayan mythologies where a vampire culture could have actually existed.
6. “The Leftovers”
The Leftovers art courtesy of HBO
OK, so “The Leftovers” may not strike you as a flowery friendship-based series. However, the second season, shot in nearby Lockhart, does contain quite a few storylines that focus on friendship, including Kevin and John’s (though the season two finale may leave you pondering this one). Honestly, this is just one damn good show that will leave you and your bestie with much to talk about.
5. Bandslam
Bandslam art courtesy of Summit Entertainment
Vanessa Hudgens and Ally Michalka star in Bandslam, filmed in Austin in 2008, as part of a like-minded crew of misfits who form a rock group to perform in their school’s battle of the bands competition. Impress your BFF by pointing out the cameo from iHeartMedia morning show host and Raging Idiot Bobby Bones. Learn more about the movie’s filming locations here.
4. The Faculty
The Faculty art courtesy of Miramax
This Robert Rodriguez-helmed ’90s flick is set in a high school where the students suspect the teaching staff of being aliens, intent on making the students their victims. The light-hearted horror movie was filmed in Austin at the Texas School for the Deaf and features a variety of teen actors that you and your pals probably had a crush on at one point — if you’re old enough to remember the ’90s, that is.
3. Man of the House
Man of the House art courtesy of Columbia Pictures
When a group of cheerleaders witness a murder, a Texas Ranger is assigned to go under cover and protect them. And that Texas Ranger is Tommy Lee Jones. Yep, Tommy Lee freaking Jones. Fun fact: Man of the House is the first film to be allowed to use the full and actual name of the University of Texas at Austin. Make sure your BFF watches for many well-known UT symbols and references to be made for the first time ever on screen.
2. Varsity Blues
James Van Der Beek may not want your life, but you may want his after watching this turn of the millennium football flick. The Beek, Paul Walker, Scott Caan, and Ron Lester star as a group of guys living the high school dream in West Texas. Perhaps ice cream sundaes are in order for this viewing. Or maybe they’re not? You decide.
1. “Friday Night Lights”
Friday Night Lights art courtesy of NBC
Dillon may have been fictitiously set in West Texas, but we all know the real Dillon is right here in Austin. Whether you love the relationship between Coach Eric Taylor and wife Tami, Matt and Landry, Riggins and Street (we could go on and on), there’s no better film or series that makes an ode to friendship quite like “Friday Night Lights.” Friends forever + Texas forever = one of the best TV shows ever. And if you and your bestie feel like getting out of the house, check out all these filming locations in the area that still exist!
Since this post was originally published, a few more series have chosen to film in Austin. Those include: AMC’s “Fear the Walking Dead,” the CW’s “Walker,” and the Amazon Prime series “Panic.”
Featured photo courtesy of NBC
If you would like to read more about movies, TV, celebrities and other entertainment, you can check out Dani Dudek’s website ATXgossip.com.
