Part of the six-state New England region of the United States, Vermont has a lot going on. And we don’t just mean maple syrup production. (Although the state is its largest producer, averaging about 500,000 gallons per year.) Or ice cream. (Although Ben & Jerry’s did originate there) Or cheese. (Although Cabot cheese is made there).
Among its 9600 square miles, you’ll find quite a bit. There are more than 100 covered bridges and over 4.5 million acres of forest terrain to explore. In fact, trees actually take up more than 75 percent of the state. You’ll also find about 135,000 dairy cows, giving it the highest ratio between people and cows in the United States.
Although not actually part of the original thirteen colonies, Vermont was next in line to enter the union as number 14 in 1791. With so much open space and history to go around, it’s also been frequently used as a site for filming movies. Take a look below at some of the most interesting:
Movies filmed in Vermont
Beetlejuice (1988)
He’s the ghost with the most. Director Tim Burton’s 2nd movie, this horror-comedy had Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis in title roles, with Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder, among others, in supporting roles. While the Maitlands lived (and died and then “lived”) in Winter River, Connecticut, the movie was filmed in Corinth.
1 h 32 min | PG
The Spitfire Grill (1996)
After Allison Elliot’s Percy is released from prison, it’s time to get back to life. And she finds that at The Spitfire Grill. Ellen Burstyn and Marcia Gay Harden also starred in this drama. While the story took place in Maine, scenes were filmed in Peacham and St. Johnsbury. It spawned an off-Broadway musical in 2001.
1 h 56 min | Pg-13
The Four Seasons (1981)
Alan Alda starred, wrote, and even directed this rom-com, with an assortment of actors like Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno in co-starring roles. When a long-established tradition of traveling together every season for three couples is upended by a breakup, the gang must learn how to make do with it. Some scenes were done in Stowe.
1 h 48 min | PG
Sweet Hearts Dance (1988)
This dramedy was set in New England and filmed in Hyde Park. It starred Don Johnson and Susan Sarandon as long-time husband and wife and Jeff Daniels and Elizabeth Perkins as new lovers, each couple working to broaden their relationships. Vermont-native and current senator Bernie Sanders also made a cameo.
1 h 40 min | R
Ghost Story (1981)
When the ghost of Eva Galli seems to be back to haunt them, Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, John Houseman, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. meet again to discuss the part they played in her death so many years ago. It is based on Peter Straub’s 1979 novel. Filming locations included Woodstock and White River Junction.
1 h 50 min | R
Where the Rivers Flow North (1993)
![Where the River Flows North [VHS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BrcwlpHSL._SL500_.jpg "Where the River Flows North [VHS]")
Based upon a 1978 novel by Howard Frank Mosher, this drama starred Rip Torn, Treat Williams, Tantoo Cardinal, and Michael J. Fox. The story, set in the 1920s, is about a logger and his partner fighting to keep their land from industrial development. The movie was set in Vermont, with filming done in Northeast Kingdom.
1h 46m | PG-13
Ethan Frome (1993)
This romance was based upon a 1911 Edith Wharton novel and starred Liam Neeson, Joan Allen, and Patricia Arquette. When his wife’s cousin comes for a visit, Ethan can’t help but fall in love with a woman who is capable of loving him back. The film is set in fictitious Starkfield, Massachusetts, with scenes done in Northeast Kingdom.
1 h 39 min | PG
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
While not known for their horror movies, on occasion, Walt Disney Pictures produced one. This film was based upon a 1961 Ray Bradbury book, with the author also writing the screenplay. It had Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, and Diane Ladd in starring roles. The film was set in Illinois with scenes done in Morrisville and Waterville.
1h 35m | PG
Time Chasers (1994)
This sci-fi film starred Matthew Bruch, Bonnie Pritchard, and George Woodard. A physics teacher by day and scientist at night, Nick Miller is pleased to have completed his work on time travel and delights in going forward and backward. However, a bleak look into the future changes his mind. Filming locations included Rutland and Burlington.
1h 29m | PG-13
A Return to Salem’s Lot (1987)
This horror movie was a sequel to the 1979 miniseries, which was based on a 1975 Stephen King novel. It starred Michael Moriarty as Joe Weber, a man who heads back to his hometown of Salem’s Lot with his son, only to find that it is now overrun with vampires. Filming was done in Newbury, Saint Johnsbury, and Peacham.
1h 41m | 18+
The Trouble with Harry (1955)
One of Hitchcock’s rare comedies, this film was about what happens after a body pops up in Highwater, Vermont. It was based upon Jack Trevor Story’s 1950 book. It starred Edmund Gwenn and John Forsythe and was Shirley MacLaine’s first movie. Filming stayed true to the setting, with scenes done in Morrisville, Barre, and Craftsbury Common.
1h 39m | PG
The Survivors (1983)
This comedy had Robin Williams (in his 4th movie) and Walter Matthau (in his 49th movie) in leading roles. The comedians starred as two very different men living in New York City, who are suddenly very much connected to one another, whether they like it or not. The film was set partly in Vermont, with scenes done in Fairlee.
1 h 43 min | R
Baby Boom (1987)
Diane Keaton starred as J.C Wiatt in this romcom about a NY workaholic who must suddenly care for an infant that is left to her as an inheritance. Never having wanted children before, she must decide if she wants to give up Elizabeth or her work. Part of the movie is set in Vermont, with scenes filmed in Weston, Manchester, and Peru.
1 h 50 min | PG
Star Trek (2009)
Although this is the 11th film in the Star Trek series, it was the first of three in the reboot directed by J.J. Abrams. Both Spock and Captain Kirk are back, this time played by Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine, respectively. Although it was filmed in Utah and California for the most part, some scenes were done in Barre.
2 h 6 min | 16+
The Cider House Rules (1999)
Based upon John Irving’s 1985 book, this drama had an ensemble cast, including Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, and Michael Caine. It follows the life of orphan Homer Wells during and after his time in an orphanage. While the film was set in Maine, scenes were done all over New England, including Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, and Dummerston.
2 h 5 min | PG-13
What Lies Beneath (2000)
This horror movie was the 11th by director Robert Zemeckis and starred Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford as a married couple whose home and lives become haunted by a mysterious young woman. The film was set in Vermont, with locations done in both Waterbury and Burlington.
2 h 9 min | PG-13
Funny Farm (1988)
Based on Jay Cronley’s 1985 novel, this comedy starred Chevy Chase and Madolyn Smith as a married couple who leave the hustle and bustle of NYC for the greener pastures of Redbud, Vermont. Except this small town is anything but charming and idyllic.
Filming locations included Townshend, Windsor, Grafton, and Reading.
1 h 41 min | PG
Me, Myself and Irene (2000)
The 5th movie from the Farrelly brothers, this comedy starred Jim Carrey as both Charlie, a Rhode Island cop, and Hank, a much angrier and ruder version. Other costars included Renée Zellweger, Chris Cooper, and Anthony Anderson. Some filming was done in Burlington, Waterbury, Colchester, Johnson, Williston, Essex Junction, and Richmond.
1 h 56 min | R
Not only does the Green Mountain State have the 2nd-smallest population, it is also the 8th-smallest by size. And its capital city of Montpelier only has a population of about 7500. It is one of 12 states that have only one area code (802). And along with Maine, it is one of the most rural states in the United States.
But as you can see, when it comes to locations that are ideal for movies, size definitely does not matter for Vermont.