1

Atlanta - "Gone with the Wind"

Image: Brad Huchteman

We can’t think of a film that captures the South quite like Gone with the Wind , can you?

In this sweeping epic that tells the story of love, war, and survival during the Civil War, Atlanta plays a crucial role as the backdrop for Scarlett O’Hara’s turbulent life and relationships, especially with Rhett Butler, played by the great Clark Gable.

The brilliance of the film and Scarlett’s story, iconically portrayed by Vivien Leigh, mirrors the history and transformation of Atlanta itself, a city that goes from bustling to ravaging due to war.

If you’re from Atlanta, cheer proudly—your city made it to the top of this list!

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St. Louis - "Meet me in St. Louis"

Image: Chris Hardy

Some movies make us wonder: Which came first—the city’s popularity or the movie’s? In any case, we can’t deny that some movies and cities share equal popularity, regardless of which one started it. That is the case of Meet Me in St. Louis a charming, feel-good musical that transports us to turn-of-the-century St. Louis.

The film follows the Smith family as they experience love, heartbreak, and the excitement of the 1904 World’s Fair. The one and only Judy Garland stars as Esther, and her unforgettable performance of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" makes this film a holiday favorite. St. Louis shines as the backdrop, from the family’s cozy home to the city’s festive atmosphere, giving the story an old-fashioned warmth.

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New York City - "12 Angry Men"

Image: Jason Briscoe

Movies that were inspired by The City that Never Sleeps? Well, that could be an article in itself. From The Godfather to Taxi Driver to Do the Right Thing , the list is truly endless. But for the sake of this article, we’ve committed to only one and that’s 12 Angry Men .

This classic courtroom drama follows twelve jurors as they decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. Set in the heart of New York City, 12 Angry Men contrasts the pressure and intensity of city life, against the claustrophobic jury room, where tempers flare. The cast is led by Henry Fonda, who plays a calm and reasoned juror who slowly persuades the others to see the case in a different light.

Much like living in this city, watching the film makes you feel every emotion possible!

4

Washington, D.C. - "All The President’s Men"

Image: Harold Mendoza

Washington, D.C., is the capital of our country, and when you think of it, you think of politics, prominent figures, and government matters. Combine that with the Watergate scandal—an event that shook America’s political class to its core—and you have the foundation for a compelling movie.

Based on a true story, All the President’s Men follows Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate political corruption at the highest level. Washington, D.C., serves as the backdrop to a story that offers a front-row seat to the unraveling of a presidency. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman deliver standout performances as the determined reporters who refuse to give up.

Washington, D.C., is the perfect setting for this high-stakes thriller.

5

Philadelphia - "Rocky"

Image: Jonathan Gong

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up," said Rocky, and with that, Philadelphia became forever associated with persistence, resilience, and, of course, boxing.

Philadelphia is inseparable from Rocky , the story of a down-and-out boxer who gets the chance of a lifetime. Sylvester Stallone stars as Rocky Balboa, whose iconic run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is as legendary as the movie itself. The city’s blue-collar spirit is on full display, making it the perfect backdrop for Rocky’s fight for respect and glory. Philly becomes a symbol of perseverance, where dreams are chased, and grit is rewarded.

Honorable mentions: The Wrestler (2008), The Sixth Sense (1999), and Blow Out (1981) also showcase Philly’s diverse storytelling.

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Miami - "Scarface"

Image: aurora.kreativ

What do you think of when you think of Miami? For us, it’s not just the beaches or the Everglades—it’s Tony Montana. And not because Miami is exactly dangerous, but because Scarface and its unforgettable anti-hero have been living rent-free in our minds ever since it premiered.

If you’ve seen it, you know it: this film takes us on a wild ride through the rise and fall of Tony Montana , played by Al Pacino in one of his most iconic roles.

As for the city, Miami—with its sunny beaches and drug-fueled underworld—serves as the perfect backdrop for Tony’s relentless climb to power. The city itself becomes a symbol of both opportunity and excess, where fast cars, palm trees, and glowing lights mask a darker reality. While we don’t think this is an accurate representation of this beautiful city, we can’t deny it was a supreme one!

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Chicago - "Home Alone"

Image: Fineas Anton

Chicago has seen some incredible productions, from the namesake musical to _The Untouchables_—each capturing the spirit of this dynamic city in its own way. But since we’ve already discussed crime-related films, let’s dive into comedy. And if we combine Chicago and the comedy category , nothing beats Home Alone .

In the movie, we follow Kevin, a kid left behind in the city while his family heads off on a holiday trip. Alone and loving it, Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, soon has to defend his home from two not-so-bright burglars, portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

The cozy suburban setting is perfectly snowy and festive, making it feel like the ultimate holiday getaway. Well, that is if you can ignore the burglars!

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Detroit - "True Romance"

Image: Alex Brisbey

Movies that mention Elvis Presley? Yes, please! This movie has action, an Elvis fan, and a great city—Detroit—and we have Quentin Tarantino to thank for it.

True Romance takes viewers on a wild ride through Detroit, following Clarence, played by Christian Slater, and Alabama, played by Patricia Arquette, as they try to outrun the mob.

The streets of Detroit and the industrial vibe of the city perfectly match the film’s fast-paced, chaotic energy. It’s a Tarantino film, one is expecting this kind of rhythm.

It’s a love story wrapped in a crime drama, with a dash of dark humor and a lot of action. The Motor City isn’t just a backdrop, we can consider it a character that adds to the rawness of the film.

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San Francisco - "Mrs. Doubtfire"

Image: Josh Hild

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San Francisco has that heartwarming spirit, and the story of a father who would do anything for his kids perfectly matches that vibe—it’s highly relatable, don’t you think?

In Mrs. Doubtfire , we follow Robin Williams although he’s not in his usual clothes. He dresses up as an elderly British woman, Mrs. Doubtfire, to work as a nanny and stay close to his kids.

The hilly streets of the City make it a perfect background for all the shenanigans going on in the family. From the classic foggy mornings to the iconic scene on the Golden Gate Bridge, the movie takes us around San Francisco with a perfectly matched playful spirit.

11

Las Vegas - "Casino"

Image: David Lusvardi

Quite appropriate, don’t you think? When you think of Vegas, you think of card games, gambling, a nice drink in your hand, and a comfortable hotel to return to.

In the movie Casino, we are taken into the neon lights and dark underbelly of Las Vegas, where the lives of casino operators and the mob intertwine . Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci in a dazzling, dangerous story about power, money, and, of course, betrayal.

Las Vegas, with its unique and vibrant spirit, is the perfect setting for this story in which stakes are high and risks even higher. Have you watched it?

1

Circle the wagons

Image: Dana Davis

Pioneer wagon trains literally circled their wagons at night for protection.

Creating a closed ring helped shield families, livestock, and supplies from raids, wild animals, and harsh weather—and the formation later evolved into a metaphor for any type of unified, defensive action.

2

Hold your horses

Image: Cemrecan Yurtman

Frontier riders needed to keep horses steady at all times, but particularly in chaotic and potentially dangerous settings like stage stops and river crossings.

By the mid-1800s, the phrase became a common command, later evolving into a figurative call for patience.

3

On the warpath

Image: Andrew James

This term originated as an English rendering of a Native American expression for wartime mobilization—specifically the route or course taken toward an impending conflict.

Euro-American settlers later adopted the phrase, and by the late 19th, century newspapers were using it metaphorically to describe anyone behaving aggressively or angrily.

4

Branding iron

Image: Jonny Gios

Ever wonder where the term "brand name" comes from? Frontier ranchers used heated irons to mark ownership on their cattle.

The idea of a distinctive identifying mark later moved into the commercial world, where "brand name" came to signify a recognizable product or company identity.

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Come hell or high water

Image: Furkan Elveren

Ranchers driving cattle across rough terrain used this phrase to signal determination despite floods, storms, conflict, and whatever else the wild frontier could throw at them.

The earliest known printed use appears in an 1882 issue of The Burlington Weekly Hawk Eye, an Iowa newspaper. Railroads later adopted it in contracts requiring delivery despite natural obstacles.

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Riding shotgun

Image: Paul Einerhand

In Wyatt Earp’s era, the seat beside a stagecoach driver was reserved for an armed guard carrying a shotgun to deter bandits.

By the early 20th century, the job had vanished, but the expression endured as a casual claim for the front passenger seat.

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Belly up to the bar

Image: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Saloon bars on the frontier often lacked stools, so patrons had to stand and lean their bellies directly against the counter.

The phrase soon came to mean approaching something boldly, whether at a bar or any other challenge.

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Kick the bucket

Image: Lucas van Oort

Rural butchers often suspended animals from a beam called a "bucket," and they sometimes kicked during slaughter.

The phrase was popular on farms and frontier towns, eventually becoming a euphemism for dying.

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Dead ringer

Image: Annie Spratt

Frontier horse racers engaged in plenty of shady practices—and one of the most common was substituting a horse with a look-alike, a "ringer," to scam bets.

When the substitute was an exceptionally close match, it was called a "dead ringer," emphasizing its perfect likeness.

10

High noon

Image: CHUTTERSNAP

Before standardized clocks or reliable rail schedules, "high noon" was an easy way to tell time by noting the sun at its highest point.

It also became associated with showdowns and other events because midday offered the clearest visibility.

1

Oregon: Official microbe

In 2013, Oregon became the first state to declare an official state microbe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae . While this might seem bizarre, it relates to an important part of Oregonian identity: their craft beer. Commonly known as brewer's yeast or baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a fungus instrumental to brewing and winemaking , and therefore a key element in Oregon’s history and economy.

2

Nebraska: Kool-Aid, official soft drink

As the birthplace of Kool-Aid, Nebraska has made sure to include this popular drink among its symbols. Nebraska is one of at least 20 states with milk as their official beverage, but Kool-Aid has a category of its own. Designated as the state’s official soft drink , it is celebrated annually in the city of Hastings, where it was developed in 1927.

3

Maryland: Jousting, official sport

Maryland was the first state to adopt an official state sport in 1962, and the choice was peculiar, but rooted in the state’s history. Jousting was brought from England by Maryland’s first governor, Cecil Calvert, second Lord Baltimore (1605–1675). Originally a combat sport between mounted knights, it developed into a show of horsemanship where mounted contestants try to spear hanging rings , and became extremely popular among farmers in the 19th century. For those not interested in medieval tournaments, Maryland has also chosen Lacrosse as its official team sport.

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Illinois: Tully Monster, official fossil

Despite its name, the Tully Monster is not Illinois’ official cryptid, but its official fossil. Discovered in 1958 in a coal mine by Francis Tully, it is believed to have lived around 300 to 310 million years ago. Going by the scientific name Tullimonstrum , the Tully monster was a marine creature, although scientists are unable to determine if it was a vertebrate or invertebrate. The Tully monster is the only fossil that is native to Illinois, and has become a local celebrity.

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Utah: Jell-O, official snack

Jell-O is a beloved snack for many Americans, but Utah leads the race when it comes to consumption, which has led to the designation of Jell-O as the state’s official snack. But why is this dessert so popular among Utahns? According to some sources, Jell-O’s marketing in the 1960’s was centered around being affordable, tasty, and light, which made it perfect for Mormon families with many children.

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Tennessee: "My Homeland, Tennessee" and 15 other official songs

Forty-nine out of 50 states have an official song (New Jersey is the exception), and some have even two or three. Tennessee, however, has 16 different officially designated state songs , which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the state’s musical history, especially when it comes to country music. The first designated song, "My Homeland, Tennessee", was adopted in 1925. In 1996, the song "A Tennessee Bicentennial Rap: 1796-1996" was adopted during the bicentennial celebration of the state, under the special title of "official bicentennial rap song".

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Mississippi: Teddy bear, official toy

You might know that teddy bears owe their name to President Theodore Roosevelt, but did you know that the story behind it happened in Mississippi? During a hunting trip in the Mississippi Delta in 1902, Roosevelt famously refused to shoot a bear that had been injured and tied for the sole purpose of him shooting it — which he considered to be unsportsmanlike . After a cartoon poked fun at the incident, a New York City store owner started selling stuffed bear toys under the name "Teddy’s bears". In honor of the Mississippian origin of the toy, teddy bears were designated the official state toy of Mississippi in 2002.

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New Mexico: Tarantula hawk wasp, official insect

Most states have a designated official insect, usually some species of butterfly, bee, or an equally lovely insect. New Mexico, however, stands out from the rest with its choice of the tarantula hawk wasp, named after their behavior of paralyzing tarantulas to hunt them . An insect key in controlling the spider population of the Southwest, it was chosen as part of an elementary school kids' initiative, where three insect candidates were chosen and voted on in schools across the state.

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Oklahoma: Gusty, official cartoon character

Oklahoma’s official cartoon character, Gusty, a lively and round wind figure who changes according to the weather, was actually born in Kansas under the name "Windy". Drawn by meteorologist Don Woods as part of his TV weather forecast, it was redesigned and renamed "Gusty" when Woods moved to Oklahoma and to a new TV channel. A part of Oklahoma’s weather reports for 35 years, Gusty was designated as the state’s official cartoon character in 2005.

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Vermont: Maple, state flavor

Maple is a recurring theme in New England and Northeastern state symbols, usually as a tree. The state of Vermont has the sugar maple as its official state tree, but has also designated maple as its state flavor, the only state to have this category. But unusual symbols seem to be the norm in Vermont: when declaring apple pie as the official state pie (surprisingly not shared with other states), the law explicitly stated that Vermonters should make a "good faith effort" to serve it accompanied by milk, vanilla ice cream, or half an ounce of cheddar cheese.