Journey Through the Cinematic Midwest: The Midwest has been the backdrop for a variety of major film and media productions, ranging from big-budget Hollywood films to significant independent projects and documentaries.

Embark on a visual adventure through the heartland of America, where each stop reveals the rich tapestry of the Midwest’s cultural and natural beauty, captured through iconic films and television shows. Our journey begins in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois.

In the Windy City, where The Blues Brothers (1980) brought to life a rollicking musical comedy featuring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. The city’s vibrant streets and iconic landmarks are also home to the timeless coming-of-age tale Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), where we follow Ferris on his unforgettable day of playing hooky.

In the thrilling chase of The Fugitive (1993), Chicago’s urban landscape becomes a labyrinth of suspense, as Dr. Richard Kimble, played by Harrison Ford, eludes capture while searching for his wife’s true killer.

Next, we step into the peaceful yet mystical cornfields of Field of Dreams (1989) in Dyersville, Iowa. Here, the whisper of “If you build it, he will come” transports us into a world where dreams and reality blur on a baseball diamond.

Heading back to the suburbs of Chicago, we visit the home of young Kevin McCallister in Home Alone (1990). The quiet streets of Winnetka are anything but dull as Kevin defends his house from bumbling burglars.

Venturing to the snowy terrain of Minnesota, we find ourselves in the darkly comedic world of Fargo (1996). The stark white landscape is the backdrop for a tale of crime and quirky characters that’s both chilling and charming.

Back in Chicago, the superhero epic The Dark Knight (2008) transforms the city into Gotham, where Batman faces off against the Joker in a visually stunning and intense showdown.

We travel to Wisconsin for the documentary American Movie (1999), which follows the humorous and poignant journey of a man striving to make his low-budget horror film.

In Cleveland, Ohio, the suspenseful indie thriller Blue Ruin (2013) showcases a story of revenge with a hauntingly beautiful and minimalist approach. Cleveland and Cincinnati have also been chosen as prime locations in the 2025 Superman, as shooting has already started on the city’s iconic Downtown Superior Avenue. The project was awarded over 10 million in tax credits, and is expected to hire over 3000 people. That’s a huge assist from the DC mega figure by bringing it back home to the city and state that originated him!

Moving onto Cincinnati:

The setting for The Fits (2015), where a young girl’s life changes as she joins a dance team and experiences a mysterious outbreak.

In the documentary realm, Roger & Me (1989) explores the economic decline of Flint, Michigan, through Michael Moore’s lens, presenting a stark yet compelling narrative.

Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine (2002) includes segments from Michigan, examining America’s gun culture and its societal impacts.

The heartwarming documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018) takes us into the world of Fred Rogers, whose television show profoundly influenced generations.

An Inconvenient Truth (2006), features Midwest segments highlighting the region’s role in the global climate conversation.

Chicago is once again the focus in The Interrupters (2011), documenting the efforts to curb violence in the city’s most troubled neighborhoods.

From Kentucky, Harlan County, USA (1976) dives into the lives of coal miners, presenting a powerful and gritty documentary narrative.

Dayton, Ohio, sets the stage for American Factory (2019), a tale of cultural clashes and economic challenges in a reopened factory.

Illinois features in the haunting documentary Capturing the Friedmans (2003), unraveling the complexities of a family accused of horrific crimes.

Chicago’s mystery unfolds in Finding Vivian Maier (2013), revealing the hidden talent of a street photographer who captured the city’s soul.

The harrowing true-crime series Making a Murderer (2015) takes us to Wisconsin, diving deep into a controversial legal battle.

Our TV adventure starts with Fargo (2014–present), a series that captures the quirky yet dark spirit of its namesake film in various Minnesota locations.

Chicago’s gritty reality comes alive in Shameless (2011–2021), a series that portrays the chaotic life of the Gallagher family.

In the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, Parks and Recreation (2009–2015) delivers humor and heart through the antics of its dedicated public servants.

The beloved sitcom Roseanne (1988-1997, 2018) is set in the fictional Lanford, Illinois, showcasing the working-class Conner family.

Hawkins, Indiana, is the eerie setting for Stranger Things (2016–present), where supernatural events unfold in this nostalgic sci-fi thriller.

The fictional Point Place, Wisconsin, is home to That ’70s Show (1998–2006), capturing the spirit and humor of the 1970s through the lives of a tight-knit group of friends.

In the fictional Detroit suburb, Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000) follows the trials and triumphs of high school life in the early 1980s.

While Supernatural (2005–2020) isn’t exclusively set in the Midwest, many of its ghostly and demonic adventures take place in the region, adding a supernatural twist to our journey.

Various episodes of The X-Files (1993–2018) also traverse the Midwest, blending mystery and the unknown in the heartland.

Finally, we find ourselves in the Ozarks, Missouri, with Ozark (2017–2022), where a financial planner turned money launderer navigates the dangerous underbelly of crime.

Through this cinematic journey, the Midwest reveals itself as a region rich with stories, landscapes, and characters that have captivated audiences around the world.