Editor-In-Chief with 20 years experience covering the betting angles to breaking news stories. Daily slots player, Portsmouth fan and League Snooker Player
Our carefully curated list of the 25 most highly acclaimed movies set in the heart of Las Vegas and its Casinos, is your ticket to experiencing the highs, lows, and everything in between of this vibrant city. Whether you're a fan of nail-biting casino dramas or laugh-out-loud comedies, these films promise to deliver the full Vegas experience. Let us guide you through the neon lights and onto the silver screen with the best movies Las Vegas has to offer.
Take a Cinematic Trip to Vegas with the Top 25 Movies 🎥✨
TOP 25 VEGAS FILMS
1. The Hangover (2009) - 7.7/10
A wild bachelor party in Casino Haven Las Vegas goes hilariously off the rails, leaving a group of friends with no memory of the night before and a missing groom.
Their outrageous and chaotic quest to piece together the events leads to unexpected laughs and a slew of unforgettable antics.
2. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
In "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971), James Bond uncovers a plot involving diamond smuggling that leads him to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas casinos.
Amidst high-stakes gambling and flashy performances, Bond confronts his arch-nemesis Blofeld in a bid to thwart a deadly laser satellite scheme.
3. Rain Man (1988) - 8/10
Tom Cruise’s Charlie Babbitt discovers his autistic brother, played by Dustin Hoffman, possesses an extraordinary ability for counting cards.
Together, they hit the Las Vegas casinos, turning Hoffman's unique skill into a high-stakes advantage, in a heartwarming yet high-risk tale of family, redemption, and casino intrigue.
4. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) - 7.7/10
Danny Ocean, played by the marvellous George Clooney, leads a suave crew of skilled thieves as they devise an audacious plan to simultaneously rob three Las Vegas casinos.
With wit, style, and high-tech finesse, they aim to hit the jackpot in this sleek and sophisticated heist thriller.
5. Casino (1995) - 8.2/10
In the glitzy and dangerous world of 1970s Las Vegas, a mob-controlled casino becomes a battleground for power, greed, and betrayal.
Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci deliver intense performances in this high-stakes tale of love, loyalty, and the ultimate gamble.
6. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
In "Ocean’s Twelve" (2004), Danny Ocean and his crew return for another heist, but this time they must repay a debt to Las Vegas casino owner Terry Benedict.
Their plan takes them to Europe, where they target three major heists, blending high-stakes action with cunning strategies.
7. Ocean's Eleven (1960)
In "Ocean's Eleven" (1960), a group of World War II veterans led by Danny Ocean hatch an audacious plan to simultaneously rob five major Las Vegas casinos.
The heist unfolds amidst the neon lights and high-stakes glamour of Sin City, blending camaraderie with crime.
8. Now You See Me (2013)
In "Now You See Me" (2013), a team of illusionists called the Four Horsemen pull off a series of daring heists, starting with a Las Vegas casino, baffling audiences and law enforcement alike.
As they perform magic tricks that redistribute wealth, an FBI agent and an Interpol detective race to uncover their true motives.
9. Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005)
In "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" (2005), FBI agent Gracie Hart goes undercover again, this time in the glitzy world of Las Vegas casinos, to rescue her kidnapped friend.
Amidst the flashing lights and showgirls, Gracie uses her charm and wit to navigate the high-stakes environment and thwart the criminals’ plans.
10. Viva Las Vegas (1964)
In "Viva Las Vegas" (1964), race car driver Lucky Jackson heads to Las Vegas to compete in the city's Grand Prix and finds himself drawn into the vibrant world of its casinos.
Along the way, he falls for a charming swimming instructor, leading to a whirlwind romance set amidst the thrilling backdrop of Sin City's entertainment and nightlife.
11. Mars Attacks! (1996)
In "Mars Attacks!" (1996), a bizarre alien invasion wreaks havoc on Earth, with the chaos extending to the vibrant casinos of Las Vegas.
Amidst the flashing neon lights and iconic venues, quirky characters—including gamblers and showgirls—face a hilarious and catastrophic showdown with the extraterrestrial invaders.
12. What Happens in Vegas (2008)
Maximum Film / Alamy Stock Photo
In "What Happens in Vegas" (2008), two strangers, Joy and Jack, impulsively marry after a wild night in a Las Vegas casino.
When they win a huge jackpot, a judge sentences them to six months of marriage, forcing the mismatched duo to figure out their differences amidst the high-energy backdrop of Sin City.
13. Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
In "Ocean’s Thirteen" (2007), Danny Ocean and his team assemble once more to pull off a high-stakes heist against ruthless Las Vegas casino owner Willy Bank.
As they aim to rig the games, sabotage the grand opening, and ensure Bank's latest venture fails, the crew navigates the opulent and high-risk world of Sin City’s gambling empire.
14. Leaving Las Vegas (1995) - 7.5/10
A haunting and raw portrayal of self-destruction, Leaving Las Vegas sees a troubled screenwriter who heads to Las Vegas with a plan to drink himself to death.
There, he forms an unlikely bond, and together they grapple their demons in a heavy and heart-wrenching film of addiction and despair.
15. Last Vegas (2013)
In "Last Vegas" (2013), four lifelong friends—Billy, Paddy, Archie, and Sam—reunite for a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas.
Amidst the allure of casinos and nightclubs, the quartet embarks on a comedic adventure, celebrating their enduring friendship while navigating the thrills and mishaps of Sin City.
16. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) - 7.5/10
On a wild and psychedelic journey through the heart of Sin City, journalist Raoul Duke and his eccentric attorney Dr. Gonzo, embark on a drug-fueled road trip.
With bizarre characters, mind-bending experiences, and a distorted vision of the American Dream, the film directed by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam and starring Johnny Depp is one that will leave you baffled.
17. Showgirls (1995)
In "Showgirls" (1995), drifter Nomi Malone arrives in Las Vegas with dreams of becoming a top showgirl.
As she navigates the cutthroat world of high-stakes performances and glitzy casinos, Nomi faces betrayal, ambition, and the dark underbelly of Sin City's entertainment scene.
18. 21 (2008)
In "21" (2008), a group of MIT students trained in card counting use their skills to take Las Vegas casinos for millions.
Led by their unorthodox professor, they navigate the high-stakes world of gambling, but the allure of wealth and the watchful eyes of casino security bring mounting risks.
19. Bugsy (1991)
In "Bugsy" (1991), charismatic gangster Bugsy Siegel travels to Las Vegas with a vision of transforming the desert into a glamorous casino paradise.
As he navigates violent rivalries and romantic entanglements, Siegel's dream culminates in the creation of the Flamingo Hotel, laying the foundation for modern Sin City.
20. Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)
In "Honeymoon in Vegas" (1992), Jack loses big at a poker game in a Las Vegas casino and is coerced into lending his fiancée to the winning gambler for a weekend to settle his debt.
The comedic adventure unfolds amidst the neon lights and bustling casinos, as Jack desperately tries to win back his love.
21. Pay It Forward (2000)
"Pay It Forward" (2000) centers on young Trevor McKinney, whose school project about doing good deeds triggers a wave of kindness across the community.
A key subplot involves his mother, who works at a Las Vegas casino, providing a glimpse into the struggles and dynamics of their lives amidst the casino backdrop.
22. Las Vegas Story (1952)
In "The Las Vegas Story" (1952), a couple's return to Las Vegas rekindles old flames and tensions as they become embroiled in a murder investigation.
The glamorous casinos of Sin City serve as the backdrop for a tale of romance, mystery, and intrigue.
23. Swingers (1996)
In "Swingers" (1996), struggling actor Mike and his friends head to Las Vegas to lift his spirits and find adventure in the city's iconic casinos.
Amidst the high-energy gambling and nightlife, they navigate love, friendship, and the pursuit of success in a heartfelt and humorous journey.
24. Lucky You (2007)
In "Lucky You" (2007), talented but troubled poker player Huck Cheever heads to the high-stakes tables of Las Vegas casinos to compete in the World Series of Poker.
Amidst the tension of the card games, he navigates complex relationships with a new love interest and his estranged father, a poker legend.
25. The Cooler (2003)
In "The Cooler" (2003), Bernie Lootz works in a Las Vegas casino, using his bad luck to "cool" off winning streaks at the tables.
However, when he falls in love, his fortune changes, threatening the casino's profits and bringing chaos to the establishment run by a ruthless boss.
Author Information and Methodology
Resident Casino Expert
Survey Name: | Vegas Movies |
Date carried out: | 3rd-8th May 2024 |
Number of respondents: | 2,000 |
Demographics: | UK: Adults (weighted to be nationally representative on the basis of age / gender / region) |
Questions asked in Survey
1. Which, if any, of the following do you consider to be the greatest ever Las Vegas-based film? [Select best match]
| 1. Which, if any, of the following do you consider to be the greatest ever Las Vegas-based film? [Select best match] | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| The Hangover (2009) | 14% | 276 |
| Diamonds Are Forever (1971) | 9% | 178 |
| Rain Man (1988) | 9% | 174 |
| Ocean’s Eleven (remake) (2001) | 5% | 104 |
| Casino (1995) | 4% | 84 |
| Ocean’s Twelve (2004) | 3% | 61 |
| N/A- I do not watch films | 3% | 60 |
| Ocean's Eleven (1960) | 3% | 60 |
| Now You See Me (2013) | 3% | 53 |
| Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005) | 3% | 51 |
| Viva Las Vegas (1964) | 2% | 49 |
| Mars Attacks! (1996) | 2% | 46 |
| What Happens in Vegas (2008) | 2% | 44 |
| Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) | 2% | 41 |
| Leaving Las Vegas (1995) | 2% | 38 |
| Last Vegas (2013) | 2% | 37 |
| Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) | 2% | 36 |
| Showgirls (1995) | 2% | 31 |
| 21 (2008) | 1% | 25 |
| Bugsy (1991) | 1% | 25 |
| Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) | 1% | 22 |
| Pay It Forward (2000) | 1% | 19 |
| Las Vegas Story (1952) | 1% | 18 |
| Swingers (1996) | 1% | 17 |
| Lucky You (2007) | 1% | 12 |
| The Cooler (2003) | 1% | 10 |
| None of the above | 7% | 141 |
| N/A- I have not watched a Las Vegas based film | 14% | 288 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000 |
2. Have you ever visited Las Vegas?
| 2. Have you ever visited Las Vegas? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Yes | 22% | 447 |
| No | 75% | 1497 |
| Can’t remember | 3% | 56 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000 |
3. How likely or unlikely would you be to visit Las Vegas purely to recreate or see a place from a Vegas-based film?
| 3. How likely or unlikely would you be to visit Las Vegas purely to recreate or see a place from a Vegas-based film? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Very likely | 10% | 202 |
| Fairly likely | 19% | 373 |
| Neither likely nor unlikely | 15% | 287 |
| Fairly unlikely | 17% | 329 |
| Very unlikely | 39% | 749 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
4. How much do you enjoy films that are set in Las Vegas?
| 4. How much do you enjoy films that are set in Las Vegas? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Very much | 15% | 289 |
| Somewhat | 46% | 888 |
| A little | 28% | 540 |
| Not at all | 11% | 223 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
5. How accurately or inaccurately do you think film portray Las Vegas?
| 5. How accurately or inaccurately do you think film portray Las Vegas? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Very accurately | 9% | 146 |
| Somewhat accurately | 40% | 668 |
| Neither accurately nor inaccurately | 40% | 668 |
| Somewhat inaccurately | 9% | 148 |
| Very inaccurately | 1% | 22 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1652; total n = 2000 |
6. Would you like to see more or less films set in Las Vegas?
| 6. Would you like to see more or less films set in Las Vegas? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| More | 18% | 343 |
| About the same | 53% | 1023 |
| Less | 12% | 238 |
| Not sure | 17% | 336 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
7. Have you ever participated in any Las Vegas filmed-themed experiences or tours? (e.g. going on a casino experience)
| 7. Have you ever participated in any Las Vegas filmed-themed experiences or tours? (e.g. going on a casino experience) | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Yes | 13% | 260 |
| No | 80% | 1609 |
| Not sure | 7% | 131 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000 |
8. How much do you think films about Las Vegas contribute to its tourism industry?
| 8. How much do you think films about Las Vegas contribute to its tourism industry? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Very much | 18% | 351 |
| Somewhat | 40% | 796 |
| A little | 21% | 425 |
| Not at all | 5% | 92 |
| Not sure | 17% | 336 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000 |
9. How important or unimportant do you think the portrayal of Las Vegas in films is for its image?
| 9. How important or unimportant do you think the portrayal of Las Vegas in films is for its image? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Very important | 19% | 378 |
| Somewhat important | 46% | 902 |
| Neither important nor unimportant | 29% | 553 |
| Somewhat unimportant | 3% | 66 |
| Very unimportant | 2% | 41 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
10. To what extent do you agree with the following statement ‘Las Vegas serves as an effective backdrop for storytelling in films’?
| 10. To what extent do you agree with the following statement ‘Las Vegas serves as an effective backdrop for storytelling in films’? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Strongly agree | 21% | 411 |
| Somewhat agree | 46% | 892 |
| Neither agree nor disagree | 28% | 542 |
| Somewhat disagree | 3% | 63 |
| Strongly disagree | 2% | 32 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
11. What specific aspects of Las Vegas do you enjoy seeing depicted in films movies
| 11. What specific aspects of Las Vegas do you enjoy seeing depicted in films movies | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| The nightlife | 44% | 721 |
| Entertainment/shows | 41% | 684 |
| Gambling | 39% | 650 |
| Attractions nearby, i.e The Grand Canyon | 32% | 528 |
| Unusual characters | 24% | 398 |
| The natural scenery | 22% | 359 |
| The weather | 20% | 338 |
| Dining | 19% | 311 |
| Pools | 13% | 214 |
| Other (please specify) | 1% | 11 |
| N/A- No aspect in particular/ not sure | 16% | 258 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1652; total n = 2000 |
12. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I think the inclusion of gambling scenes in films makes them more enjoyable”?
| 12. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I think the inclusion of gambling scenes in films makes them more enjoyable”? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Strongly agree | 14% | 267 |
| Somewhat agree | 30% | 590 |
| Neither agree nor disagree | 36% | 692 |
| Somewhat disagree | 12% | 231 |
| Strongly disagree | 8% | 160 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
13. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I think the intensity of gambling scenes lends itself well to cinema”? (By ‘intensity’, we mean high stakes and not knowing what the next move will be)
| 13. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I think the intensity of gambling scenes lends itself well to cinema”? (By ‘intensity’, we mean high stakes and not knowing what the next move will be) | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Strongly agree | 19% | 371 |
| Somewhat agree | 39% | 748 |
| Neither agree nor disagree | 31% | 593 |
| Somewhat disagree | 6% | 126 |
| Strongly disagree | 5% | 102 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
14. Do you think films in Las Vegas with poker or gambling scenes are more or less memorable than those without them?
| 14. Do you think films in Las Vegas with poker or gambling scenes are more or less memorable than those without them? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| More memorable | 31% | 519 |
| About the same | 39% | 647 |
| Less memorable | 16% | 269 |
| Not sure | 13% | 217 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1652; total n = 2000 |
15. What components do you think make the perfect gambling movie scene? [Select all that apply]
| 15. What components do you think make the perfect gambling movie scene? [Select all that apply] | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| An unexpected twist | 39% | 749 |
| High stakes | 35% | 678 |
| Intensity/tension | 33% | 633 |
| A massive win | 27% | 533 |
| Grasping victory from the jaws of defeat | 24% | 459 |
| Underdogs | 23% | 454 |
| A comeback | 23% | 452 |
| Big pot | 18% | 358 |
| Cheating | 18% | 353 |
| A massive defeat | 15% | 297 |
| Other (please specify) | 0% | 6 |
| N/A- No components in particular / don’t know | 22% | 430 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1940; total n = 2000 |
16. Which, if any, of the following real-world casinos would you like to visit? [Select all that apply]
| 16. Which, if any, of the following real-world casinos would you like to visit? [Select all that apply] | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, United States | 23% | 458 |
| Monte Carlo Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco | 21% | 428 |
| MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, USA | 18% | 356 |
| The Bellagio, Las Vegas, USA | 18% | 356 |
| The Venetian, Las Vegas | 13% | 264 |
| The Hippodrome Casino, London, England | 9% | 187 |
| Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | 8% | 162 |
| Casino Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden, Germany | 7% | 133 |
| Grand Lisboa Casino, Macau, China | 6% | 121 |
| The Venetian Macao, China | 6% | 120 |
| Sun City, Rustenberg, South Africa | 6% | 117 |
| Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut, USA | 5% | 94 |
| None of the above | 45% | 903 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000 |
17. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Las Vegas is a cool place to set a movie in”?
| 17. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Las Vegas is a cool place to set a movie in”? | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Strongly agree | 21% | 424 |
| Somewhat agree | 43% | 862 |
| Neither agree nor disagree | 28% | 565 |
| Somewhat disagree | 4% | 76 |
| Strongly disagree | 4% | 73 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000 |
18. Which, if any, of the following are why you think that Las Vegas is a cool place to set a movie in? [Select all that apply]
| 18. Which, if any, of the following are why you think that Las Vegas is a cool place to set a movie in? [Select all that apply] | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| It’s so far removed from everyday life | 50% | 649 |
| It can tell lots of different kinds of stories | 43% | 548 |
| There are loads of interesting characters | 42% | 540 |
| The history of the city is interesting | 35% | 451 |
| There’s an air of lawlessness | 31% | 404 |
| None of the above | 3% | 35 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1286; total n = 2000 |
19. What is your favourite aspect of Las Vegas? [Select best match]
| 19. What is your favourite aspect of Las Vegas? [Select best match] | ||
|---|---|---|
| % | count | |
| Attractions nearby, i.e The Grand Canyon | 14% | 284 |
| The nightlife | 13% | 253 |
| Entertainment/shows | 12% | 240 |
| Gambling | 11% | 229 |
| The natural scenery | 7% | 136 |
| The weather | 5% | 105 |
| Dining | 4% | 78 |
| Pools | 2% | 40 |
| Other (please specify) | 1% | 19 |
| N/A- Nothing in particular/ not sure | 7% | 142 |
| N/A- I do not have a favourite aspect of Las Vegas | 24% | 474 |
| (c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000 |
