Hollywood may be known as the entertainment capital of the world, but few places can match the sheer spectacle and excitement of Las Vegas. Sin City, as it’s famously dubbed, embodies its moniker with round-the-clock casinos, a plethora of bars, and its infamous slogan: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” The dazzling lights, glitz, and glamour, coupled with its close proximity to Los Angeles, make it a favored setting for countless films.

Founded in 1905, Las Vegas truly came into its own with the opening of El Rancho Vegas in 1941. This establishment set the standard for today’s luxury hotel-casinos, boasting features like air conditioning, a swimming pool, and a showroom right on the iconic Strip. The ’50s and ’60s saw a surge in casino development, marking the beginning of a new era for Las Vegas.

The 1960s ushered in an entertainment boom in Las Vegas, both in live performances and cinematic portrayals. The Rat Pack, featuring icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., highlighted the city’s allure in the original “Ocean’s 11” (1960). Over subsequent decades, films like “Rain Man” and “Casino” focused on the high-stakes world of gambling that epitomizes Las Vegas.

As the city continues to evolve, so does its portrayal in film. The 2001 remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” showcased a sleek, modern Vegas, while 2009’s “The Hangover” offered an exaggerated glimpse into the city’s notorious debauchery.

Sqore has delved into film history to compile a list of the 15 best films set in Las Vegas. To qualify, each film had to be primarily set in Vegas, have at least 1,000 IMDb user votes, and hold a minimum user rating of 6.5 or a Metascore of 70.

One such film is “Go,” which explores the aftermath of a drug deal through multiple characters and viewpoints. Often compared to “Pulp Fiction,” it includes a segment set in Las Vegas where drug dealer Simon Baines (Desmond Askew) indulges in mischief with bridesmaids, resulting in a hotel fire. Filming took place at the now-demolished Riviera Hotel and Casino and New Frontier Hotel and Casino.

“The Night Stalker,” a made-for-TV movie about a Las Vegas news reporter investigating vampire murders, used only exterior shots of the city, with most filming done in studios.

Martin Scorsese’s “Casino” (1995) is another standout, filmed entirely on location in Las Vegas. The movie delves into the lives of a casino executive and a mafioso vying for control of a gambling empire. Shooting locations included various hotels, casinos, and restaurants throughout the city.

Despite its title, none of “Bugsy,” which chronicles Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel’s construction of the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, was filmed in Las Vegas. Instead, a replica was built in Southern California due to the significant changes to the original Flamingo by 1991.

Francis Ford Coppola’s “One from the Heart,” centered on dreamers seeking love, was entirely filmed on a soundstage to achieve a grandiose aesthetic.

In “Leaving Las Vegas,” Nicolas Cage plays Ben Sanderson, who loses everything and decides to drink himself to death in Vegas. While exterior shots feature the Strip, interior casino scenes were filmed in Laughlin, Nevada, known as “Mini Vegas.”

“Lost in America” follows a couple who quit their jobs to travel the U.S. in a Winnebago. A pivotal scene features Linda Howard (Julie Hagerty) losing their savings at roulette in the Desert Inn, filmed on location before its closure in 2000.

“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, faced challenges filming at Circus Circus casino due to its controversial content. The crew instead used fictional settings like Bazooko Circus at Stardust and Riviera hotels. However, the Flamingo allowed on-site filming for some scenes.

Elvis Presley remains synonymous with Las Vegas, but his 2022 biopic was entirely filmed in Queensland, Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions and tax credits.

“Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets,” which mimics a documentary about the final night of a dive bar called The Roaring 20s, was actually filmed at an operational bar by the same name in New Orleans. The cast consisted mainly of real patrons consuming real alcohol.

“Behind the Candelabra” explores Liberace’s complex relationship with Scott Thorson. Despite being set largely in Liberace’s Las Vegas homes, most filming occurred in Los Angeles.

“The Lady Gambles” provides a raw portrayal of gambling addiction through Joan Boothe (Barbara Stanwyck), who transitions from reporter to compulsive gambler. Filming took place across Nevada and California.

“Rain Man” features Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as brothers who exploit Hoffman’s character’s card-counting skills to win big at Caesars Palace.

Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) revolves around Danny Ocean’s (George Clooney) plan to rob three major casinos: Bellagio, Mirage, and MGM Grand. Only the Bellagio was used for filming.

“The Hangover” hilariously depicts a bachelor party gone awry in Las Vegas. Filmed mainly at Caesars Palace, the story follows four friends who lose the groom and their memories after a wild night.

Read on to explore these iconic films and their deep connection with Las Vegas.