West Virginia’s Blockbuster Legacy: The Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films Connected to the Mountain State

The top 10 highest-grossing films with strong West Virginia ties.

West Virginia’s scenic mountains and rich cultural heritage have inspired countless stories, some of which have become big hits on the silver screen. From heartfelt dramas to thrilling sci-fi adventures, here are the top 10 highest-grossing films with strong West Virginia ties—whether through character roots, filming locations, or stories set in the Mountain State—ranked by their worldwide box office earnings.

10. October Sky (1999)

Gross: $34.7 million worldwide

Tie to WV: Based on the true story of Homer Hickam from Coalwood, WV.

About: A boy from a coal mining town pursues his dream of rocketry against all odds.

9. We Are Marshall (2006)

Gross: $43.5 million domestic

Tie to WV: Filmed in Huntington, recounting the aftermath of the 1970 Marshall University plane crash tragedy.

About: This heartfelt drama honors the resilience of a community that rallies after a devastating loss.

8. Primal Fear (1996)

Gross: $53.5 million worldwide

Tie to WV: Includes scenes set in West Virginia.

About: A gripping courtroom drama featuring a defense lawyer uncovering chilling truths behind a murder case.

7. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Gross: $55.3 million worldwide

Tie to WV: Set and filmed in Point Pleasant, exploring the legendary Mothman folklore.

About: This thriller delves into eerie events surrounding a mysterious creature terrorizing a small town.

6. The River Wild (1994)

Gross: $92.2 million worldwide

Tie to WV: Set in the Appalachian region with scenes filmed in West Virginia.

About: A family’s rafting vacation turns into a fight for survival when they encounter dangerous criminals.

5. Patch Adams (1998)

Gross: $135.3 million worldwide

Tie to WV: The main character’s background includes West Virginia roots.

About: Robin Williams stars in this inspiring true story about a doctor who uses humor and compassion to treat his patients unconventionally.

4. Super 8 (2011)

Gross: $260.7 million worldwide

Tie to WV: Filmed extensively in Weirton, West Virginia

About: Directed by J.J. Abrams, this nostalgic sci-fi thriller follows a group of kids investigating mysterious happenings after a train crash in their small town.

3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Gross: $272.7 million worldwide

Tie to WV: Features scenes and storyline elements set in West Virginia.

About: The iconic thriller follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she consults imprisoned cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer. The film remains a classic in psychological horror.

2. Rain Man (1988)

Gross: $354.8 million worldwide

Tie to WV: Dustin Hoffman’s character, Raymond Babbitt, is loosely connected to Huntington, West Virginia.

About: This Oscar-winning drama tells the story of two estranged brothers embarking on a transformative cross-country trip. Rain Man captured hearts globally and snagged four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

1. Captain America: Brave New World (2024)

Gross: $370 million worldwide (approximate as of 2025)

Tie to WV: Filmed extensively in Green Bank, West Virginia, with scenes representing the state’s unique landscape.

About: The latest Captain America film stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, navigating new challenges and responsibilities as the iconic hero in a modern world.

West Virginia’s ongoing influence in cinema shines through these diverse films, which have brought the state’s landscapes, culture, and stories to audiences worldwide. Whether as a filming location or through characters and true events inspired by the Mountain State, West Virginia’s presence in Hollywood continues to grow—one blockbuster at a time.