The Top 25 Movies Set in Las Vegas - Casino Capital

Updated: 499

Dive into the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas through the lens of the 25 highest-rated movies.

The Top 25 Movies Set in Las Vegas - Casino Capital
In this article: More
Steve Madgwick Editor-In-Chief

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 🎥✨

📽️✨ Ready to hit the Vegas strip from the comfort of your home? Check out our list of the 25 most highly acclaimed Movies In LasVegas 🎲🍸. Experience the magic of Sin City through cinema! 🔗

Dream Vegas

TOP 25 VEGAS FILMS

1. The Hangover (2009) - 7.7/10

The Hangover

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)

diamonds are forever

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

rain man

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

oceans eleven

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

Casino (1995)

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)

oceans twelve

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)

oceans 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)

now you see me

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)

miss congeniality 2 armed and fabulous

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)

viva las vegas1964

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)

mars attacks

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)

what happens in vegas 2008Maximum 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)

oceans thirteen

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)

Last Vegas movie scene

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

fear and loathing n Las Vegas

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)

showgirls

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)

21 movie

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)

Bugsy

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)

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

"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)

the las vegas story

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)

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)

lucky you

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)

the cooler

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

Steve Madgwick

Resident Casino Expert

Steve is our Editor-In-Chief and resident casino expert having played and visited hundreds of casinos worldwide and an integral part of our casino review team. Often providing expert commentary on the casino industry online and in the retail sphere.

- Steve Madgwick, Editor-in-chief

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
Oceanā€™s Eleven (remake) (2001) 5% 104
Casino (1995) 4% 84
Oceanā€™s Twelve (2004) 3% 61
N/A- I do not watch films 3% 60
Ocean's Eleven (1960) 3% 60
Share

2. Have you ever visited Las Vegas?

2. Have you ever visited Las Vegas?
% count
Yes 22% 447
No 75% 1497
Canā€™t remember 3% 56
(c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000    
Share

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    
Share

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    
Share

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    
Share

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    
Share

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)Ā 
% count
Yes 13% 260
No 80% 1609
Not sure 7% 131
(c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 2000    
Share

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    
Share

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 filmsĀ  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    
Share

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 ā€˜Las Vegas serves as an effective backdrop for storytelling in filmsā€™?
% 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    
Share

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
Share

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: ā€œI think the inclusion of gambling scenes in films makes them more enjoyableā€?
% 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    
Share

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: ā€œI think the intensity of gambling scenes lends itself well to cinemaā€? (By ā€˜intensityā€™, 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    
Share

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    
Share

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
Share

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
Share

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: ā€œLas Vegas is a cool place to set a movie inā€?
% 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    
Share

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
Itā€™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
Thereā€™s an air of lawlessness 31% 404
None of the above 3% 35
(c) OnePoll 2024; base n = 1286; total n = 2000    
Share

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
Share


Keep Reading

By using this site you confirm you are 18+ and consent to our use of cookies and processing of personal data as set out in our Privacy Policy
Got it!