Best Films by State List

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Last Updated: 6/15/25
Note: It's simple and straightforward: the best film by state in cinema history. In order to be considered, the film must represent the state very well. If there are at least two films listed, they are ranked in order from left to right.

Multiple parts (i.e. duology, trilogy, etc.) can be put together as one if there's a continuation in the narrative. Miniseries, telefilms, and documentaries are fair game.

These films have made the cut because they have shown brilliance in most, if not all, aspects: acting, characters, screenplay, plot, direction, editing, cinematography, and so on. They must also be "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Then, I think about cultural phenomenon, uniqueness, famous movie moments, iconic scenes and/or lines, cinematic power, and timelessness.

This list is based on what I have seen so far. At the bottom will be some states that have no representative at all.




Alabama


Alaska


Arkansas


Arizona


California


Colorado


Connecticut


Florida


Georgia


Hawaii


Idaho


Illinois


Indiana


Iowa


Kansas


Kentucky


Louisiana


Maine


Massachusetts


Michigan


Minnesota


Mississippi


Montana


Nebraska


Nevada


New Hampshire


New Jersey


New Mexico


New York


North Carolina


Ohio


Oklahoma


Oregon


Pennsylvania


Rhode Island


South Carolina


South Dakota


Tennessee


Texas


Virginia


Washington


West Virginia


Wyoming









None: Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin