The Lost Bus - Filmed in Ruidoso: Cinematic Location, Real Resilience
When The Lost Bus premiered on Apple TV+ on October 3, 2025, audiences were on the edge of their seats. Directed by Academy Award–nominee Paul Greengrass (United 93, Captain Phillips), the gripping survival drama is inspired by real events: a wayward school bus driver (Academy Award–winner Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated teacher (America Ferrera, Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe Award–winner) race to save 22 children as a wildfire closes in.
Based on Lizzie Johnson’s acclaimed book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire, the screenplay was co-written by Brad Ingelsby (Mare of Easttown) and Greengrass, and produced by Jason Blum for Blumhouse Productions, Jamie Lee Curtis for Comet Pictures, Ingelsby, and Gregory Goodman.
Though the story unfolds in California, much of the movie was filmed right here in New Mexico. Ruidoso’s soaring pines, winding mountain roads, and even parts of Midtown provided the perfect backdrop for several of the film’s most intense scenes. Additional filming took place in Santa Fe, Española, Truchas, and Glorieta, where New Mexico’s diverse landscapes helped recreate the desperate escape at the heart of the story.
For visitors, exploring Ruidoso is a chance to step into the landscapes that brought The Lost Bus to life. Hike Lincoln National Forest trails, drive scenic routes through the Sacramento Mountains, or shop and dine in Midtown Ruidoso, where key moments were filmed. Everywhere you go, the cinematic scenery adds a new layer of appreciation to the village’s natural beauty.
The story also resonates close to home. Ruidoso knows the heartbreak of wildfire—and the resilience it takes to recover. That lived experience makes the film especially poignant here, reminding viewers not only of the risks of mountain living but also of the courage and compassion that arise when a community pulls together.
New Mexico’s thriving film industry—powered by state incentives, experienced local crews, and unmatched scenery—continues to draw high-profile productions. For Ruidoso, the spotlight of The Lost Bus shines on both the village’s breathtaking landscapes and its enduring spirit.
Plan your own cinematic getaway: cozy up in a cabin, take in the fall foliage, and stream The Lost Bus as you look out over the same mountain views that helped bring it to life.
Now streaming on Apple TV+
Also released in theaters September 19, 2025
Cozy up in a cabin, take in the fall foliage, and stream The Lost Bus as you look out over the very cinematic landscapes that helped bring it to life.
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More Movie Magic in Ruidoso
The Lost Bus isn’t the only film to feature Ruidoso’s landscapes. Our village has also been the backdrop for holiday movie fun.