“National Minnesota Day” is kicking off the month of March, and I decided it was the perfect time to highlight my home state.
Minnesota was ranked second in the U.S. News & World Report Best State ranking. This is based on 71 metrics from eight different categories including opportunity, infrastructure, and natural environment.
They are not the only ones to recognize the splendor of Minnesota; many movie crews agree with them.
In honor of National Minnesota Day on March 1, I have decided to compile a brief list of five movies set or filmed in the North Star State of Minnesota.
1. Juno (2007): Set in Minnesota and Filmed in Vancouver, Canada
This story follows a teenage girl in high school who gets pregnant. She realizes she is not fit to be a parent and begins the journey of finding adoptive parents. When she believes she found the perfect pair of people, she soon finds out a secret that could unravel her whole plan.
2. Inside Out (2015): Set in Minnesota
This animated film won numerous awards including the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. It follows Riley, a shy and hockey-loving girl, as her family moves from Minnesota to California. Throughout the film, we witness Riley’s emotions both externally and internally.
3. Grumpy Old Men (1993): Set and Filmed in Minnesota
This classic movie follows the two childhood enemies as they grow closer through many trials and tribulations. By the end of the film, the feuding duo end up helping each other through financial and health troubles.
4. The Convincer/Thin Ice (2011): Set in Wisconsin and Filmed in Minnesota
Originally released as The Convincer then changed to Thin Ice, this movie is about an insurance salesman who has his eyes set on a valuable violin. However, when he teams up with a psychopathic locksmith, he finds himself in a deeper hole than he could have ever imagined.
5. The Mighty Ducks (1992): Set and Filmed in Minnesota
When a successful lawyer is sentenced to community service, he must coach a children’s hockey team that has never won a game. As his opinion on the boys changes, he finds himself invested in their journey and their success.
Although many of these movies are set during the winter time, they also showcase the hospitality and heart-warming nature of Minnesotans. Minnesota has always been one of the best states in my opinion, but these movies are evidence that other people think the same thing.
To my fellow Minnesotans, I hope you enjoy National Minnesota Day!