Vermont is one of the most picturesque states in America. Known for its charming, covered bridges, breathtaking fall foliage, quaint villages, and mountain view’s, the state has that true New England beauty. No wonder filmmakers love to shoot in the small East Coast state. While many movies have been filmed in Vermont, some stand out because they really give audiences a glimpse of what makes the state special. These films show off Vermont’s cozy towns, natural wilderness, and unique scenery.
1. Beetlejuice (1988)
Few movies really capture the charm of a New England town better than Beetlejuice. While the fictional town of Winter River was meant to be in Connecticut, filmmakers used East Corinth, Vermont extensively for the exterior town scenes. The town was responsible for creating the movie’s small-town look. The film features classic New England architecture, quiet streets, old churches, and beautiful countryside. These Vermont elements all perfectly suit Tim Burton’s quirky visual style. The sleepy and peaceful town makes the spooky events stand out even more, creating a charming but very bizarre world.
2. The Cider House Rules (1999)
The Cider House Rules is one of the best movies for seeing Vermont’s natural beauty. Though the story is primarily set in Maine, significant filming took place in Vermont. The film is set in the early 20th century, so rural Vermont was the perfect place to tell a story of life before technology and advancements. Filmmakers used the state’s farms, orchards, and rolling hills to recreate rural Maine at the turn of the century. Different portions of the movies show wide fields, old barns, and changing seasons to help tell the story. Despite taking place in a different state entirely, it might show off Vermont’s quiet beauty better than any other film.
3. Baby Boom (1987)
Baby Boom is the ultimate “escape to the country” movie. After escaping a chaotic New York City lifestyle, the main character moves to Vermont for a change of pace. They discover a relaxed, more peaceful way of living. The movie features plenty of shot of the sprawling farms, small communities, and tiny rural homes. It helped push the image of Vermont as a great place for a new start.
4. Funny Farm (1988)
Funny Farm sort of makes fun of the idea of moving to a perfect little New England town. The movie follows a couple who ditch the city for a less stressful life in the Vermont countryside. Unfortunately, their dream does not turn out as planned. While the characters face different struggles, the audience is offered lots of beautiful scenery, historic homes, and village vibes. Vermont looks like the idyllic peaceful escape many people imagine it to be.
5. The Spitfire Grill (1996)
This is another one that was set in Maine but filmed in Vermont. The Spitfire Grill has great shots of Vermont’s forests, mountains, and isolated communities. The movie tells the familiar tale of a woman starting over in a small town, and Vermont’s still beauty is perfect for the story’s emotional tone. It focuses on themes of healing and second chances, and the rural areas give the movie a peaceful, isolated feeling. It is a great option if you want to see a quieter and more reflective side of Vermont.
6. What Lies Beneath (2000)
This supernatural thriller is very different from many of the quaint slice of life movies on this list. What Lies Beneath makes great use of Vermont’s lakes and wooded landscapes. The movie’s beautiful waterfront setting on Lake Champlain is truly calming, juxtaposing the mystery that soon begins. The contrast between the gentle scenery and the unsettling story is powerful. Vermont’s environment gives the film an eerie, isolated feel.
7. White Christmas (1954)
White Christmas is one of the most famous movies associated with Vermont. Many classic movie fans will mention this one first when Vermont movies are discussed, despite the fact that it was actually filmed on studio sets in California. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play successful performers who meet two singing sisters on their way to a Vermont inn for the Christmas season. The men decide to tag along, only to realize that their former Army general owns the struggling inn. The movie truly idealizes the beautiful wintry version of the state, complete with a cozy inn, magical snowy surroundings, and old-fashioned New England charm. Vermont is essential to the story as the foursome work to help save the quaint inn. Though it doesn’t show the real state on camera, it does a darn good job of recreating what makes it so special. It did a lot to contribute to the romantic image of Vermont during the holidays.
8. Super Troopers (2001)
Super Troopers takes a much less family-oriented approach to Vermont. The comedy follows a group of Vermont state troopers working near the Canadian border. Though they spend plenty of time solving crimes, they also humorously mess with motorists and each other. The state’s rural highways, small communities, and proximity to Canada are all important to the story. While a lot of the movie was actually filmed in New York, there are sweeping shots of Vermont landscapes, and the plot is greatly tied to the small state. It offers a funny and exaggerated version of life in Vermont.