Arizona's diverse and unique natural environment makes it ideal for shooting films. While we may not be New York or California, Arizona has been the backdrop of many famous movies. Here are just a few you might recognize.

Psycho

Arguably Alfred Hitchcock's most famous film, Psycho, is filmed in Arizona, with the opening scene famously panning across downtown Phoenix. Psycho tells the start of an on-the-run secretary, Marion Crane, and her encounter with a motel owner, Norman Bates. The psychological horror received huge critical acclaim and largely contributed to Hitchcock being known as a master filmmaker.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Filmed in 1983, this iconic film features scenes filmed around the world, however, most of the desert footage was done near Yuma, on the border of Arizona and California. Return of the Jedi was the final release of the initial Star Wars Trilogy.

The Scorpion King

Another film with backdrops featuring the desert near Yuma is The Scorpion King. While not a cinematic masterpiece, the action-adventure film is one of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s earliest films, following The Mummy Returns. The story tells the origins of Mathayus, who becomes the adversary Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

This film was the second release of Michael Bay's Transformers series. These American science fiction films famously feature over-the-top action and theatrics. Revenge of the Fallen has scenes filmed at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base, located southeast of downtown Tucson, which is now home to the largest aircraft boneyard in the world.

Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine won an Oscar for Writing and Best Actor in a Supporting Role on top of several Baftas. The indie movie was mostly filmed in Arizona. Chandler, Phoenix, and Flagstaff are all cities that were featured backdrops of the film, despite the storyline taking place in New Mexico. It was filmed in less than 30 days and had a budget under $8 million!