Where was Napoleon Dynamite (2004) filmed? All filming locations explored

Napoleon Dynamite is a 2004 independent comedy directed by Jared Hess, starring Jon Heder as Napoleon, a socially awkward high schooler. The film evokes small-town high school nostalgia with its hallways, classrooms, and playgrounds.

Filmed in Preston, Idaho, it uses authentic locations to tell its quirky story. The film follows Napoleon's small-town life and adventures, with memorable scenes at Preston High School, like the tetherball scene. Farms and streets in Franklin County, Idaho, add to the rural feel. Napoleon befriends an immigrant classmate, awkwardly pursues a romance, and interacts with his eccentric family.

Napoleon Dynamite had a $400,000 budget, but filming in Idaho helped it succeed. Residents supported the filmmakers and even appeared in the film, which was crucial. This collaboration produced a film that entertained and accurately depicted small-town life.

The official synopsis of the movie reads—

"A listless and alienated teenager decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home."

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Napoleon Dynamite: Primary filming locations

Preston, Idaho: The heart of Napoleon Dynamite

The primary location, Preston, Idaho, is where numerous critical scenes were filmed. Jared Hess, who was raised in Preston, drew inspiration for the film from his own life experiences.

Many of Napoleon's awkward moments and significant plot developments are set against the backdrop of Preston High School, where Hess attended.

Franklin County: Capturing rural life

Napoleon Dynamite also uses other Franklin County locations besides Preston. Napoleon helps with farm chores, including feeding Tina, a llama, in one of the most memorable scenes. The film's rural setting appears on a Franklin County farm in this scene.

The rural settings, such as the farm with its dusty fields and simple farmhouse, capture the essence of rural Idaho. This authenticity makes the film’s humor more relatable and impactful.

Other scenes, like Napoleon riding his bike through town or visiting a local thrift store to find his infamous suit, were carefully chosen to reflect the autobiographical roots of the story. These locations maintain the integrity of the film’s narrative and contribute to its enduring charm.

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Plot and community involvement

Where was Napoleon Dynamite (2004) filmed? (Image via Prime Video)

The plot of Napoleon Dynamite centers on a socially awkward 16-year-old boy from Preston, Idaho, who lives with his grandmother and older brother. Napoleon navigates high school, dealing with bullies and making new friends. His grandmother’s accident leads to their Uncle Rico moving in, adding to Napoleon's challenges.

Napoleon befriends Deb, a shy girl, and Pedro, a new student from Mexico. Pedro’s campaign for class president and Napoleon's efforts to help him form the film's climax. Through these interactions, the film portrays the humorous and heartfelt moments of small-town life.

The involvement of the Preston community in the film's production added a layer of authenticity. Local residents supported the filmmakers by participating in the movie and providing the necessary resources. The film shows Preston's authentic atmosphere and community effort.

The filmmakers and community collaborated to make a film that entertained audiences and showcased small-town Idaho's charm. The filming of this movie started from Jul 8, 2003, to Aug 1, 2003.