15 Films and Shows Shot in San Marcos, Lockhart, and the City of Martindale

The charming towns of Martindale, San Marcos, and Lockhart, Texas have quietly played starring roles in the world of film. Tucked into the heart of Central Texas, these communities offer a blend of timeless architecture, rustic landscapes, and authentic small-town spirit that has made them irresistible to filmmakers. While they are seemingly modest in size, they have made a big impact on the silver screen.

At Western 1924, our historic lofts in the city of Martindale reflect the spirit of these towns: full of history, character, and built to inspire. We’re proud to be part of a community where stories, both real and fictional, come to life. These 15 films made in Martindale and its neighboring towns of San Marcos and Lockhart reveal just how much magic these places have to offer.

1. A Perfect World (1993)

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Costner, this film tells the story of an escaped convict who forms a bond with a young boy during a cross-country journey. Parts of the film were shot in Martindale, where the quiet streets and historic buildings created the perfect backdrop for this heartfelt story. The calm essence of the town provided the perfect environment for the film’s acclaimed emotional depth and added to its 1960s Texas setting.

2. The Newton Boys (1998)

This Western crime film was directed and co-written by Richard Linklater and stars Matthew McConaughey and Ethan Hawke. It follows the real-life story of the Newton Gang, one of the most successful bank robbing families in history. Set in the 1920s, the movie needed authentic period locations, and the preserved early-20th-century architecture in the city of Martindale created the perfect aesthetic.

3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

A modern reboot of the 1974 horror classic, this slasher film is full of raw visuals and creepy, isolated settings. The Martindale area’s rural roads, fields, and aged buildings added an unsettling beauty to the production.

4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)

This prequel, directed by Jonathan Liebesman, delves into the origins of Leatherface and the horrors that unfolded in the Texas backwoods. Filming again returned to the Martindale area, where the desolate landscapes and old buildings created the perfect setting for this story’s terrifying tone. The filmmakers used Martindale’s eerie quietness to increase the psychological dread.

5. The Garage (2006)

Directed by Carl Thibault, this film tells the story of a young mechanic in a small Texas town who dreams of a bigger life. Filmed almost entirely in Martindale, the town’s small-town charm and working-class authenticity helped create a believable and moving narrative.

6. The Great Waldo Pepper (1975)

This adventure-drama, starring Robert Redford as a World War I pilot turned barnstormer, needed rural views and vintage towns to match its 1920 setting. Filmed near Martindale in the city of Lockhart, the open countryside and classic structures of this area helped bring the postwar aviation world to life. The film is a reminder of how easily this side of Texas can transport audiences to another time.

7. 1923 (2023)

This Paramount+ series stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren and explores life in the American West during the early 20th century. Portions of the show were filmed in Martindale, using its timeless and rustic settings to depict frontier towns of the era. The series needed locations that felt both cinematic and historically accurate. Martindale fit this criteria perfectly.

8. Boyhood (2014)

Filmed over 12 years by director Richard Linklater, this coming-of-age film captured scenes in San Marcos. From the Hay’s County Courthouse to Palmer’s Restaurant, the town became part of the film’s emotional evolution. If you are a fan wanting to explore beautiful places in San Marcos, TX, these landmarks are must-sees.

9. The Faculty (1998)

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, this film features a high school overrun by aliens. Filming took place in San Marcos and nearby towns, with local schools and streets providing the perfect setting for a high-stakes teen sci-fi thriller.

10. The Ringer (2005)

Starring Johnny Knoxville, this comedy is about a man faking a disability to enter the Special Olympics. They used San Marcos extensively as a filming location, including Texas State University. Local businesses and landmarks appear throughout, providing fun places in San Marcos for film enthusiasts to explore.

11. Courage Under Fire (1996)

Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan star in this Gulf War drama, which used the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos for several important military scenes. The location added realism to the film’s depiction of conflict and memory.

12. The Getaway (1972)

Directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring Steven McQueen and Ali MacGraw, this action-packed crime film included scenes filmed in San Marcos. The town’s classic buildings and infrastructure served the narrative well.

13. The War at Home (1996)

This emotional drama is about a Vietnam veteran’s return home. It was directed and produced by Emilio Estevez and starred Kathy Bates. Filmed partially in San Marcos, it used the city’s suburban feel to reflect the inner turmoil of its main character.

14. Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

This show is a hit NBC drama about Texas high school football. Many scenes were filmed in San Marcos and the town’s passion for sports and education made it a natural backdrop for this beloved series.

15. American Crime (2015-2017)

This anthology crime drama filmed various episodes in San Marcos, showcasing the city’s diversity and depth. The show’s intense subject matter found resonance in the area’s range of visual and cultural textures.

Why Filmmakers Choose Central Texas

From heartwarming dramas to spooky horror movies, Central Texas has quietly built a reputation as a cinematic goldmine. But what draws production crews to this area in the first place? We think it comes down to three things:

Authenticity: There’s a genuine, unique quality to Martindale, Lockhart, and San Marcos that can’t be faked.
Versatility: The towns here can portray different eras and moods, from eerie horror to romantic Western themes.
Community Support: Locals have long embraced film crews, offering warm hospitality and understanding.

These towns offer more than just a backdrop; they provide character, tone, and authenticity that no green screen can replicate. Filmmakers return here because they find real history and a real community.

Martindale Living: Where History Meets Storytelling

It is obvious that Martindale has something special that filmmakers recognize instantly: authenticity. At Western 1924, we’re proud to be part of a town full of inspiring stories. Our lofts honor Martindale history by combining modern comfort with historical elegance. Next time you stroll down Main Street, relax on your balcony, or look out over the San Marcos River, remember that you’re not just in a beautiful Texas town—you’re standing on a film set where stories have come to life for generations.

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