Giggster logo
Hell or High Water movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Hell or High Water filmed?

2016

City Locations

New Mexico (USA)

Location Types

House, Cafe, Hotel, Restaurant

Location Styles

Americana, Southwestern, Rustic, Dilapidated, Desert

About Hell or High Water

Ironically, those weary of blockbuster films may discover the perfect remedy in Hell or High Water. Directed by David Mackenzie and written by Taylor Sheridan, this 2016 crime drama captivates with its compelling narrative and masterful storytelling. The film stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges in the lead roles.

It follows two desperate brothers, Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster), who are on a mission to save their family farm from foreclosure. To do so, they commit a series of bank robberies across Texas while aging Sheriff Marcus (Jeff Bridges) is tasked with tracking them down. The brothers also grapple with internal family disputes and shortcomings while striving to safeguard their family farm at any cost.

They concurrently dog Sheriff Marcus' unyielding chase, who is determined to enforce justice for their unlawful acts. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into concepts of allegiance, fraternity, and redemption, presenting an exhilarating, gripping saga of criminality and ethicality.

The movie received extensive critical praise, notably for the performances of Pine, Foster, and Bridges, alongside Sheridan's scriptwriting and the film's editing. With a budget of $12 million, it successfully grossed $37.9 million.

The American Film Institute included it in its selection of the top 10 films of the year. It was also in the running for numerous accolades, including four Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Jeff Bridges), and Best Editing.

Hell or High Water Locations

New Mexico predominantly served as the Hell or High Water primary filming location, with a few scenes in Arizona. The flat landscapes and historical charm convinced viewers that they were watching a story unfold in the Lone Star State. However, Clovis, Portales, and Albuquerque all stem from the rich beauty of New Mexico.

From driving down Main Street in Clovis to visiting JP Stone Community Bank in Portales to admiring the New Mexico Bank & Trust building in Albuquerque, movie fans turned locations tour travelers can immerse themselves into the world of high-stakes robberies and thrilling shootouts of Hell or High Water.

Clovis offered a small-town vibe, with Suddenlink and St. James Episcopal Church prominently featured. Portales showcased its bank, and several open spaces provided the perfect backdrop for action sequences. Meanwhile, Albuquerque allows you to explore a range of unique visual effects used to create specific scenes while enjoying some modern comforts such as restaurants and shopping outlets.

The first robbery scene in Hell or High Water

Suddenlink Communications, 1106 N Main St, Clovis, NM 88101, USA

The film begins on a serene morning in a tranquil town in West Texas. Outside the Texas Midland Bank, two masked and armed men (Chris Pine and Ben Foster) dressed in plain clothes confront an unsuspecting female bank employee.

They usher her indoors, demanding she unlock the cash drawers. She reveals the drawers are empty and opens them to prove it, and then, she insinuates that they are novices at this, suggesting that their only crime would be foolishness if they depart now. She later tells them they will only get cash when the bank manager arrives at 8:30 a.m. Upon the manager's arrival, one of the robbers assaults him with his firearm.

The premises of an internet company called Suddenlink Communications, situated at 1106 North Main Street in Clovis, New Mexico, provided the setting for the Texas Midlands Bank, Archer City. Opposite this location, the three unique cross-shaped windows belong to the St. James Episcopal Church and are not a creation of the film's Art Department.

To get there from Main Street in Clovis, head south towards 10th street, then turn left onto 8th street; you will see St James Episcopal Church on your right-hand side after two blocks down 8th street.

Toby chats with a waitress while Tanner robs a bank scene in Hell or High Water

Bill's Jumbo Burger, 2113 N Main St, Clovis, NM 88101, USA

While dining in a different town, the brothers spot a bank not affiliated with Texas Midland across the street. Tanner (Ben Foster) excuses himself, leaving Toby (Chris Pine) to settle the check. Toby converses with the waitress, sharing that he previously worked in natural gas drilling before losing his job. The waitress seems interested and suggests they could use a cook at the diner as a commotion sounds from the kitchen.

Toby pulls out his money to pay for the meal and leaves the entire amount as a tip for the waitress. As he exits the diner, he realizes that Tanner has committed a robbery at the bank.

The diner is in Clovis, New Mexico, at 2113 North Main Street at West 21st Street. It is open to visitors, allowing fans to take photos and marvel at the building's exterior from the outside and the inside. As well as try some delicious dishes at the diner.

For those who wish to visit this historic location, it is accessible by car from anywhere in Clovis. Visitors can take buses running along North Main Street if they are coming from further away.

The Indian casino scene in Hell or High Water

Route 66 Casino Hotel, 14500 Central Ave SW, Rio Puerco, Albuquerque, NM 87121, USA

Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) proceed to an Indian casino. Tanner picks up some chips for a round of poker, while Toby merely lounges at the bar with a significant stack of chips. Tanner fares well in the poker game but ends up offending a Native American seated opposite him. The incident concludes with a verbal exchange, where Tanner discovers Comanche translates to “enemy to everyone.”

The Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, served as the setting for the scene. This location offers an assortment of amenities to meet the needs and preferences of all its guests.

The entertainment options are diverse and abundant, including 26 table games for gaming enthusiasts, a lively bingo hall, a vast selection of slot and video poker machines, and a specialized poker room housing ten tables. Best of all, it remains open, ready to welcome you for an unforgettable experience.

Take U.S. Route 40 from Los Angeles to Albuquerque. From downtown Albuquerque, it will take around 25 minutes by car to reach the Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort.

The cold reception at the diner scene in Hell or High Water

Blue Ribbon Bar & Grill, 315 5th St, Estancia, NM 87016, USA

The Texas Rangers, Marcus (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto (Gil Birmingham), have tracked down a criminal in a small town with a Texas Midland bank. They decide to grab a bite to eat across the street, but instead of being welcomed, they find themselves met with a cold reception. The old waitress (Margaret Bowman) refuses to serve anything other than the regular T-bone steak and takes her time getting the meal to them.

The Blue Ribbon Bar & Grill, located at 315 5th Street in Estancia, New Mexico, is where the scene came to life. While the establishment is no longer operational, fans can visit the location and capture photographs.

Navigate to 5th Street in Estancia, New Mexico. Situated merely 56 miles south of Albuquerque, it's accessible by car through US Route 40.

The ‘Post’ bank scene in Hell or High Water

901 Pile St, Clovis, NM 88101, USA

Upon reaching the bank in Post, Tanner (Ben Foster) and Toby (Chris Pine) encounter a bustling crowd. Tanner procures the money while Toby keeps an eye on the multitude. A customer sends a text alerting someone about the bank robbery, urging them to rush over.

Simultaneously, another customer and a security guard arm themselves and open fire. Tanner neutralizes both threats and escorts Toby outside, where they find a gathering of armed individuals. Tension fills the scene as customers gradually sense something amiss while the guard reaches for his weapon.

901 Pile Street in Clovis, New Mexico, provided a backdrop for the scene. Interestingly, the house used for this scene is a privately owned residence, meaning fans are respectfully not permitted to enter and disturb its occupants.

Drive along Interstate 40 until you reach Clovis, then take W 7th St. until 901 Pile Street. If using public transport, catch a bus to Clovis, then walk or take a taxi to 901 Pile Street.

Tanner and the Rangers meet at the rocky outcrop scene in Hell or High Water

Canoncito Indian Reservation, Canoncito, New Mexico 87026, USA

Tanner (Ben Foster) positions himself atop a hill, fending off the police using a deer rifle. Alberto (Gil Birmingham) tragically succumbs to a headshot wound, leaving Marcus (Jeff Bridges) visibly distressed. A crowd of locals gathers, and Marcus steps forward to brief them about the predicament — one local offer to assist Marcus in strategizing a vantage point to target Tanner. Using the local's rifle, Marcus successfully takes down Tanner.

The dramatic showdown between Tanner and the Rangers takes place on the To'hajiilee Indian Reservation, situated approximately 30 miles west of Albuquerque. Despite its limited geographical size, the landscape of the Tohajiilee Indian Reservation boasts a wild and majestic. This location is also notably used in the popular television series Breaking Bad, even lending its name to an episode in the final season.

The To'hajiilee Indian Reservation is 36 miles west of Albuquerque, off Highway 6. It can also be accessed from I-40 via Route 66 on a dirt road that leads directly into the reservation.

Conclusion

Hell or High Water was a highly acclaimed Western crime drama heralded for the performances by the two lead actors, Chris Pine and Ben Foster. Their chemistry together was brilliant, as they each portrayed their characters in a believable and likable way. The script, written by Taylor Sheridan, was another strong point in the movie that kept audiences engaged with its intelligent dialogue and thought-provoking story elements.

The film beautifully alternates between stunning landscapes and intense action scenes, crafting an intriguing contrast that ensures each has suspense and gravity. The adaptable musical score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis enriches the more subdued moments.

New Mexico embodied the West Texas setting, further adding to the film's atmosphere. Any fan who wants to embark on a Hell or High Water filming locations-inspired tour should also stop by the Sunset Motel at 501 Rte 66, Moriarty. It is where Hamilton and Alberto booked a room while following a hunch. The Caprock Escarpment also appears in the film and is 30 miles from Santa Rosa.

All things considered, Hell or High Water is an excellent watch for anyone who enjoys engaging dramas with solid character development and meaningful social commentary. Even though it may not appeal to everyone due to its slow pacing and occasional lapses into melodrama, viewers who can appreciate its unique style will find it worth watching more than once.