Moving from California to Idaho is sort of like trading a surfboard for a snowboard.

To say the least, it's a bit of a culture shock. And in 2023, the Census Bureau shared the revelation that 31% of the Gem State's population between 2017 and 2021 came from the Golden State. But whether you're from California or any place, one fun way to get acclimated to Idaho living is to binge on movies, TV shows, and even documentaries about the Gem State.

Laugh all you want, but these movies could be more than just entertainment for you!

They could be a window into your new home, revealing insights about its quirks, culture, and evolution. Think of it as a crash course in Idaho living without having to leave the comfort your couch. Plus, it’s pretty neat to recognize places you might visit or pass by when you're out and about in the community. It makes you feel more local while you get your bearings and put down roots. 

How cool would it be to make a new pal at a backyard barbeque because of your shared love Napoleon Dynamite, arguably one of Idaho's favorite movies of all time?! Conversations like these are great at kick-starting friendships and building a sense of community.

So, jump into some jammies this weekend, grab a snack, and pull up an Idaho movie on [insert your favorite streaming service]! Even if you don't end up loving every movie in the gallery in the gallery below, you'll still walk away with a few fun talking points and a better sense of Idaho living.  

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  • 9 movies about Idaho California transplants should watch ASAP

  • Kuna Does Movies on the Greenbelt: dates & times

  • 5 movies you didn't know were filmed at Utah's Lagoon theme park

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  • 15 times Boise was a major plot in your favorite TV series

  • Boise film fanatics & VHS collectors want to buy your old movies

  • "Sweeet!" Napoleon Dynamite facts every Idahoan should know

9 Movies About Idaho California Transplants Need To Watch ASAP

Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela

The Most Filmed Locations in Idaho and Its Neighboring States

HawaiianIslands.com poured through thousands of film credits on IMDb to find which locations, not cities, were used the most in each state. Would you recognize these places if you saw them in a movie?

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

5 Movies You Didn't Know Were Filmed at Utah's Lagoon Amusement Park

Lagoon Park in Farmington, UT isn't just a great roadtrip destination for Idaho families looking to ride coasters and splash down waterslides. It's also been a destination for filmmakers!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

You'll Never Believe What These Boise VHS Tapes Are Selling For

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

9 Sweet Napoleon Dynamite Facts Every Idahoan Should Know

"Tina, eat the food! EAT THE FOOD!" -Napoleon

While Tina, Napoleon's ravenous and rebellious llama eats her food, treat yourself to a sweet gallery of fun facts about Idaho's favorite movie!

Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela

Kuna's Movies on the Greenbelt 2024

Kuna's "Movies on the Greenbelt" are back again this summer. Here are the movies showing on Friday nights behind City Hall in 2024. For more details click HERE.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

5 Movies You Didn't Know Were Filmed at Utah's Lagoon Amusement Park

Lagoon Park in Farmington, UT isn't just a great roadtrip destination for Idaho families looking to ride coasters and splash down waterslides. It's also been a destination for filmmakers!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

5 Movies You Didn't Know Were Filmed at Utah's Lagoon Amusement Park

Lagoon Park in Farmington, UT isn't just a great roadtrip destination for Idaho families looking to ride coasters and splash down waterslides. It's also been a destination for filmmakers!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

You'll Never Believe What These Boise VHS Tapes Are Selling For

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

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