Denis Villeneuve’s tense border thriller – an FBI agent drawn into a shadowy war on a Mexican cartel – was filmed along the real frontier, in New Mexico, Texas and Mexico itself.
Where was Sicario filmed?
Sicario was filmed in New Mexico and Texas, with scenes in Mexico.
Every Sicario location, explained
1
The task force – Albuquerque
The team’s base and motels used Albuquerque, New Mexico.
2
The border – El Paso
The frontier scenes used El Paso, Texas.
3
Juárez – Mexico
The cartel city used Ciudad Juárez and Mexico.
4
The desert crossing
The tense border convoy used the New Mexico desert.
Planning a visit
The desert around Albuquerque and El Paso – the film’s real frontier – is stark, accessible border country.
Sicario Fun Facts
1
Filmed on the border The thriller used New Mexico, Texas and Mexico.
2
A night-vision raid The film’s tunnel raid became one of its signature scenes.
3
A Villeneuve thriller Denis Villeneuve directed the tense border drama.
4
Deakins's cinematography Roger Deakins shot the film’s striking desert vistas.
5
'Sicario' means hitman The title refers to a cartel assassin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Sicario filmed?
In New Mexico and Texas, with scenes in Mexico.
Is it set on the border?
Yes – on the US-Mexico frontier.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Albuquerque and El Paso are accessible.
Who directed it?
Denis Villeneuve.
Who stars in it?
Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro.
