'Dances With Wolves' (1990)Kevin Costner against the dramatic rolling prairie in 'Dances With Wolves,' which was shot in western South Dakota in 1989. (Photo: Dean Semler)Arguably the state's most iconic film, "Dances With Wolves" was shot in western South Dakota in 1989 and released worldwide in 1990. Get South Dakota stories An email summary on most weekdays that links to the full version. "The Rider" and "Nomadland," Zhao's most successful releases, were shot in western South Dakota. Brady Jandreau as himself in "The Rider," one of Chloe Zhao's many films shot in South Dakota.