Woodland isn't Hollywood. Not even close. But if you think this sleepy Yolo County seat is just a place for tomatoes and Victorian houses, you’re missing a pretty cool cinematic pulse.
Honestly, movies in Woodland California have this weird, dual identity. On one hand, you’ve got the State Theatre and Multiplex on Main Street, which is basically the heart of downtown. On the other, the town itself has actually popped up in major films and indie projects more often than the locals sometimes realize.
People always talk about Davis or Sacramento when they want "culture." But Woodland? It's got that grit and history that filmmakers actually dig.
The State Theatre: More Than Just Popcorn
You can't talk about movies in Woodland California without mentioning the State Theatre. It’s located at 322 Main Street. It isn't some soulless, plastic megaplex in a suburban strip mall.
Built back in 1937, it’s got that Art Deco soul that you just can't fake. It went through a massive renovation by Cinema West, so now it’s this strange hybrid of 1930s glamour and 2026 tech. We’re talking 10 screens, luxury recliners, and 4K digital laser projection.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab a craft beer or a glass of wine at the concession stand—which, let’s be real, is the only way to sit through a three-hour blockbuster like Avatar: Fire and Ash.
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Currently, it’s the primary spot to catch new releases. Whether it's the latest horror flick like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple or something for the kids like Zootopia 2, the State is where the town gathers.
Wait, Was That Actually Filmed Here?
This is what surprises people. Woodland has a "look." It looks like "Anytown, USA," which is exactly why scouts love it.
You’ve probably heard of The River Wild (1994) with Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon. While a lot of that was shot on the actual wild rivers of Montana and Oregon, some of those serene riverbank shots? Yeah, those were filmed near the banks of the Sacramento River right by Woodland.
Then there’s the historic downtown.
Walking past Reiff’s Gas Station or the Woodland Opera House, you’re literally walking through potential (and past) film sets. Independent filmmakers are constantly crawling around here. The Yolo County Film Festival has even showcased shorts that were shot right on Main Street.
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It’s not just big movies, either. If you’ve ever watched one of those "small town Christmas" movies on TV—the ones where a high-powered executive falls in love with a guy who owns a Christmas tree farm—there’s a solid chance some of those Victorian homes in the background are Woodland originals.
The Opera House Paradox
Here’s a tip: don’t confuse the State Theatre with the Woodland Opera House.
The Opera House is a State Historic Park at the corner of Main and Second. While it’s mostly for live theater and concerts, they do occasional film screenings. Seeing a classic movie in a building that first opened in 1885? It hits different.
The acoustics are wild. The seats are historic (though they’ve been restored so you don't get a splinter). It’s less about the latest Marvel movie and more about the experience of cinema as it used to be.
Why Woodland Still Matters for Film
Digital streaming was supposed to kill the small-town theater. We all heard that back in 2020. But in 2026, the opposite is happening in Woodland.
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The State Theatre stays busy because people actually want to leave their houses. There’s a community vibe there that you don't get in the bigger Sacramento theaters.
Plus, the town is still a "hidden" gem for location scouts. It offers:
- Authentic Victorian Architecture: Not the "Disney-fied" version, but real, lived-in history.
- Agricultural Backdrop: The sprawling fields surrounding the town are perfect for documentaries and rural dramas.
- Proximity to Sacramento: Crew can stay in the city but shoot in a place that looks like 1950.
Your Woodland Movie Strategy
If you're heading into town to catch a show or scout some locations, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Calendar: The State Theatre does "Special Events" that aren't always on the main marquee. Sometimes they run old classics or indie docs you won't find at the Regal in Davis.
- Validate Your Parking: Downtown parking is usually okay, but on Friday nights it gets hairy. Use the public lots behind Main Street.
- Eat Local: Don’t just eat theater popcorn. There are a dozen spots within two blocks of the State Theatre—hit up one of the taquerias first.
- Look Up: If you’re a film nerd, walk the historic district (around First, Second, and Third streets). You’ll start recognizing porch railings and storefronts from random commercials and indie films.
Woodland is basically the "quiet kid" of the California film scene. It doesn't brag, but it's always there, working in the background. Whether you're in the reclining seats at the State or spotting a camera crew near the river, movies in Woodland California are a lot more relevant than you'd think.
To get the most out of your visit, book your tickets for the State Theatre online via their app to skip the weekend lines, and if you're interested in the local history, check the Woodland Opera House schedule for their "Classic Film" nights which typically run during the off-season of their live stage productions.