Over the years, there have been many films that have taken advantage of Utah's amazing scenic backdrops. Today, we call out just a few movies since 1980 that were filmed in Utah that some may be unaware of.

'Fletch' (1985)

In the hilarious mid-'80s film, Chevy Chase is the infamous newspaper reporter who, at one point, uncovers some bad financial dealings in "Provo, Utah." However, these scenes actually weren't in Provo; they were shot in Ogden. The motel he stays at is the Mountain View Motel on 24th Street in Ogden.

'Thelma & Louise' (1991)

Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis occupy the roles of Thelma and Louise in Ridley Scott's early-'90s hit. All about two women who go on an impromptu road trip only to find trouble along the way, viewers will recognize scenes from Moab, Canyonlands National Park, the La Sal Mountains, Mexican Hat, Dead Horse Point and West Valley City.

'The Stand' (1994)

Technically a miniseries, "The Stand" offers many easily recognizable Utah locations. The postapocalyptic Steven King story shows off Orem, Lehi, Provo Canyon, Sundance, Pleasant Grove and Osmond Studios.

'Independence Day' (1996)

Can you believe it's been nearly 20 years since we first heard Will Smith utter the line, "Welcome to Earth"? Interestingly enough, for the scene where Smith crash-lands and is walking across the Bonneville Salt Flats, the cast and crew still got sunburns up their legs from the sun's reflection off the white salt despite wearing long pants. The Bonneville Salt Flats, Skull Valley, Wendover, Lake Point and Tooele are featured in some way.

'Con Air' (1997)

It's been almost 20 years since Nicholas Cage wreaked aircraft havoc on the silver screen. Despite not being listed in the credits, Utah actually has quite the presence in this film. Salt Lake International Airport doubled as Oakland International, Ogden-Hinckley Airport stood in for Carson City Airport and filmmakers even took advantage of an abandoned air strip out near Wendover.

'Galaxy Quest' (1999)

This movie seems to always make it on these lists, and for good reason. To this day, the sequence in "Galaxy Quest" that is shot among the goblins of Goblin Valley State Park is a lot of fun and really does a great job of showing off the unique beauty of some of Utah's wonders. For wanting an alien landscape, the filmmakers surely could not have done better.

'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde' (2003)

We all know that Utah's state capitol building is beautiful, but apparently so did the filmmakers of "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde." The Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill shots are actually of the Utah Capitol Building. My, how Utah's moved up in the world.

'National Treasure' (2004)

Cage sure loves coming to Utah. In the first "National Treasure" movie, the arctic scene viewers see in the movie was filmed at Strawberry Reservoir.

'The World's Fastest Indian' (2005)

Utah headlined one of the best movies of the last 10 years that nobody saw "The Worlds Fastest Indian." Telling the true story of Burt Munro and his journey from New Zealand to Utah to fulfill a goal of setting a motorcycle land speed record, Utah is showcased in scenes featuring the Bonneville Salt Flats, Salt Lake City, Echo, Tooele, Wendover and Skull Valley.

'Star Trek' (2009)

Last but not least, isn't it only logical that the home of Mr. Spock would be found here in Utah, specifically the San Rafael Swell? For JJ Abrams 2009 reboot of the beloved franchise he sent the second unit to come and film aerial shots and take stills that would act as the backdrop for the planet Vulcan. Now if only we could get Disney to bring the Force here as well.

'The Tree of Life' (2011)

Director Terrance Malick and director of photography (and back-to-back Oscar winner) Emmanuel Lubezki sure knew how to make Utah look good in "The Tree of Life," starring Brad Pitt. There are several scenes shot in Goblin Valley State Park and the Bonneville Salt Flats that are pretty unforgettable for their sheer beauty.

'Gravity' (2013)

The details surrounding this entry are a bit hazy, but apparently the scene where Sandra Bullock's character crash-lands into the lake at the end of the film was shot at Lake Powell, although in the credits it says "Lake Powell, Arizona." Regardless, what makes this shot even more incredible is apparently the filmmakers felt so strongly about shooting there that they decided that all the lush greenery you see surrounding her when she emerges from the water would be added in post-production to cover up the desert look.

'Need for Speed' (2014)

This is another film to showcase Moab and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Aaron Paul of "Breaking Bad" fame, leads "Need for Speed" through some nice shots of Utah while driving amazing cars entirely too fast. The money shot — the scene where they drive their mustang off of Dead Horse Point — is particularly stunning.

This list could go on and on.

Utah is a rich, beautiful place and we are all lucky to live here. Hopefully, our time isn't spent indoors on the couch, but rather outside seeing these sites in person. Look no further than to Utah.com for all the information you need for the famous and noteworthy Utah locales that dot the state.

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