Devils Tower in northeastern Wyoming is one of the most distinctive natural landmarks in the United States. The isolated rock formation rises dramatically from the surrounding prairie and is known for its steep, almost vertical columns and flat-topped silhouette. It became the first United States National Monument in 1906 and has long been an important cultural and sacred site for several Native American tribes. Its strange, monumental shape gives it an almost unreal quality, which explains why it became such a powerful film image once Hollywood connected it with visitors from outer space.
Devils Tower is most famously connected to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977), where it is not just a background location but one of the central images of the entire film. It also appears in the science-fiction comedy “Paul” (2011), which uses the monument partly as a playful reference to Spielberg’s earlier film. Both films connect Devils Tower to alien contact, but in very different ways: one as a mysterious and awe-inspiring destination, the other as a self-aware pop culture landmark.
In “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977), Devils Tower becomes the place that ordinary people are mysteriously drawn to after encountering UFOs. Roy Neary, played by Richard Dreyfuss, becomes obsessed with the shape of the tower, building models of it before finally understanding where he is being called. In the film’s final act, the area around Devils Tower is sealed off by the military under a false emergency warning, while a secret landing site is prepared nearby. The real monument is used to create one of the most iconic images in science-fiction cinema, with the tower standing as a physical meeting point between humanity and the unknown.
In “Paul” (2011), Devils Tower appears near the end of the film as the destination connected to Paul’s departure from Earth. The comedy follows two British science-fiction fans on an American road trip, and the use of Devils Tower is clearly part of the film’s affection for classic alien cinema. Where “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977) treats the location with wonder and mystery, “Paul” (2011) uses it with humour and recognition, turning the monument into a knowing tribute to one of the most famous UFO movie locations of all time.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Close Encounters of the Third Kind story begins in Indiana and stretches toward Wyoming, the film was shot in California, Alabama, Wyoming and India.
Paul
The Paul story begins with Comic-Con and moves through famous UFO-country landmarks, the production was based largely in New Mexico, in the desert and surrounding roads.
Indiana Jones Bed & Breakfast
Indiana Jones Bed & Breakfast in Antonito, Colorado, is one of the most charming real-world locations connected to "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade".
Old Joliet Prison
Old Joliet Prison appears in The Blues Brothers (1980), Prison Break (2005–2006), Let’s Go to Prison (2006), Derailed (2005), and Empire (2015–2020).
The Donut Hole
The Donut Hole has appeared in Moving Violations (1985), Dragnet (1987), and Calendar Girl (1993).
7 Days Liquor Store
In Superbad (2007), 7 Days Liquor Store is used for the scene in which Fogell, using his fake McLovin ID, goes into the liquor store to buy alcohol.
Circus Liquor
Circus Liquor appears in Clueless (1995), Blue Thunder (1983), and Alpha Dog (2006).
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory appears in Rebel Without a Cause, The Terminator, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, La La Land, Transformers, and many more.
The Shelley
The Shelley appears in Seinfeld (1989–1998). In the series, it serves as the exterior of Jerry’s apartment, even though the character’s address is in Manhattan.
The Viper Room
The Viper Room appears in Valley Girl (1983), The Doors (1991), Be Cool (2005), Daisy Jones & the Six (2023), and Walking the Edge (1985).
Beverly Hills City Hall
Beverly Hills City Hall in Beverly Hills was used in the "Beverly Hills Cop" films, where it appears as part of the Beverly Hills Police Department.
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