Toby is a divorced father who's trying to make a better life. His brother is an ex-con with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that's about to foreclose on their family ranch.
First Baptist Church, Williams Avenue, Estancia, Torrance County, New Mexico, 87016, United States of America
Scene: (diner where rangers wait outside the bank for robbers)
Third Central Plaza, 300, Central Avenue Northwest, Martineztown-Santa Barbara, Barelas, Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, 87102, United States of America
This modern Western about two brothers robbing banks across a hard-luck West Texas plays out among dusty small towns and empty highways – but filmed almost entirely in New Mexico, whose plains and faded main streets doubled for the Texas of the story.
Where was Hell or High Water filmed?
Hell or High Water was filmed almost entirely in New Mexico – the towns of Clovis, Portales, Tucumcari and Albuquerque – standing in for West Texas.
Every Hell or High Water location, explained
1
West Texas – Clovis and Portales
The bank robberies and small towns used Clovis and Portales in eastern New Mexico.
2
The open road – Tucumcari
The highway and roadside scenes used Tucumcari and the plains of New Mexico.
3
The rangers’ base – Albuquerque
The Texas Rangers scenes used Albuquerque, New Mexico.
4
The casino – Albuquerque
The Oklahoma casino used a location in Albuquerque.
Planning a visit
The wide plains and faded main streets of eastern New Mexico – which stood in for West Texas – are real, atmospheric, accessible country.
Hell or High Water Fun Facts
1
New Mexico plays Texas The West Texas story was filmed almost entirely in eastern New Mexico.
2
A modern Western The film updates the Western to a story of debt and dying towns.
3
A Taylor Sheridan script The screenplay came from Taylor Sheridan of Sicario and Yellowstone.
4
Bridges shines Jeff Bridges stars as a drawling Texas Ranger.
5
Oscar-nominated The film earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Hell or High Water filmed?
Almost entirely in New Mexico – Clovis, Portales, Tucumcari and Albuquerque – standing in for West Texas.
Is it set in New Mexico?
No – it’s set in West Texas, but filmed in New Mexico.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Clovis, Tucumcari and Albuquerque are accessible New Mexico towns.
