35 College Campuses Where Hollywood Movies Were Secretly Filmed

25. University of Colorado Boulder: Catch and Release (2006), The Stand (2020)

Perched against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) offers an unparalleled blend of academic prestige and natural beauty. The romantic drama Catch and Release (2006), starring Jennifer Garner, utilized CU Boulder’s idyllic landscapes to frame the emotional journey of its characters. The university’s tranquil rivers, scenic mountain views, and charming town atmosphere added depth to the film’s themes of healing and self-discovery. On the opposite end of the spectrum, The Stand (2020), a TV miniseries based on Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic novel, transformed CU Boulder into a crucial safe zone in a world devastated by a deadly virus. The university’s sprawling open spaces and grand stone buildings were used to depict a community of survivors rebuilding civilization, proving that CU Boulder isn’t just a beautiful campus—it can also double as a dramatic, high-stakes setting.