1. The Hangover (2009)
Perhaps the most famous Hollywood blockbuster to be filmed in Las Vegas, The Hangover features a missing groom, wild tigers, and a surprise appearance from Mike Tyson. This 2009 hit comedy film was outrageously hilarious, following the story of a bachelor party gone extremely wrong. It drew in thousands of moviegoers from all over the globe and earned millions at the box office.
Caesars Palace was used extensively in filming The Hangover and the vast opulence it showed was universally loved. For those of you looking for a fun and lighthearted watch that will take you through the luxurious halls of one of the most famous hotels in the world, then The Hangover is highly recommended.
2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Starring the biggest names in Hollywood – including, but not limited to, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts – this twisty and thrilling heist film has been capturing the hearts of audiences since it was first released in 2001.
The movie mainly takes place in the Bellagio, whose cascading fountains are the heart of the heist. While Ocean’s Eleven has since enjoyed a more recent remake – one that featured an all-female cast – the original is still worth a watch, mostly because of the fantastic shots of the Bellagio and its phenomenal landscapes.
3. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
For a more gritty take on Sin City, the 1998 Johnny Depp classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a definite must-watch. Renowned for their exhausting 56-day shoot that saw the production team furiously filming in the casinos between the hours of two and six in the morning. Their efforts, however, paid off and audiences were rewarded with a trippy film that kept them on the edges of their seats.
While the film takes place in the now-defunct Stardust Resort and Casino, it remains a classic that should be watched at least.
4. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
In one of Nicholas Cage’s most memorable performances, Leaving Las Vegas follows him as a suicidal alcoholic drinking himself to death. Instead of its bright lights and unlimited extravagance, the film exposes the grim and sordid side of Sin City.
Cage ended up winning an Oscar for his performance as the film’s main character, Ben Sanderson, and the film also earned other Oscar needs, including Best Director for Mike Figgis and Best Actress for Elisabeth Shue. Now, that’s how you know that watching Leaving Las Vegas should be on every movie enthusiast’s watch list!
5. Rain Man (1988)
Featuring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as unlikely siblings on a road trip, this 1988 hit exhibits sweeping shots of Caesars Palace, depicting Hoffman playing cards and learning how to dance. Rain Man shows audiences some of the best views of Las Vegas, making it the perfect movie for those who want a taste of Sin City on the big screen.