Films Shot in Las Vegas

The list of movies filmed in Las Vegas is extensive, starting in 1960. The glamorous backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip and its array of grand hotels provide a magnificent setting for dramatic films.

In 1960, the original ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ was filmed in various locations in and around the Las Vegas Strip. The Sands hotel served as the backdrop for numerous interior scenes, including the iconic closing shot. The movie starred Frank Sinatra, Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop.

‘Viva Las Vegas’ was filmed in 1964 and featured Elvis Presley alongside Ann-Margret. The movie is particularly notable for the scandal caused by an apparent affair between the two stars. The resulting chemistry on screen eventually led to the belief that this was one of Elvis Presley’s best films.

Only two movies were produced in Las Vegas during the 1970s: ‘Elvis: That’s The Way It is’ and ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. The 1970 Elvis presentation became a documentary showcasing the performer’s transition back to live music concerts from film roles. ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ was the seventh James Bond movie and starred Sean Connery as Agent 007. The film was shot in seven hotels across Las Vegas, all owned by Howard Hughes.

The 1980s witnessed three movies being filmed in Las Vegas, one of which received critical acclaim: ‘Starman’. In 1982, the comedy duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong starred in ‘Things Are Tough All Over’. ‘Desert Bloom’ was filmed in 1986 and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. ‘Starman’ is often regarded as the best film of 1984 and even inspired Inspired by nature - Artist Robert Tucker talks about himself and his artist experience in this exclusive article. Inspired by nature The glorious portal of a new year is again upon me. My mind has wondered since the start of 2008 as to which direction my creative self will take. For me a torrent of feelings were released in… a short-lived television series of the same name.

The movie industry in Las Vegas flourished during the 1990s, with 16 films being shot in the city. The most notable among them is ‘Casino’, starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. It was filmed at the Riviera casino during nighttime to replicate the fictional Tangiers. It has been reported that the film’s stars stayed at the ARIA resort during filming.

The late 1990s saw the production of several popular movies, including ‘Leaving Las Vegas’, ‘Showgirls’, ‘Mars Attacks!’, ‘Vegas Vacation’, ‘Con Air’, ‘Fools Rush In’, ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’, and ‘Lethal Weapon 4’. Many of these films showcased the famous Strip and iconic hotels such as the Paris Hotel Las Vegas.

‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ was filmed in 1998 as an adaptation of the 1971 novel of the same name. The movie starred Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro. It initially faced criticism and didn’t perform well at the box office. However, it has since become a cult classic, fueled by the success of the film’s stars in other movies. The film was directed by Terry Gilliam.

From 2000 to 2010, 21 movies were filmed in Las Vegas. The first was ‘Pay It Forward’, starring Helen Hunt, and the latest is a Bollywood movie called ‘Kites’. In 2001, 41 years after the original adaptation, ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ was remade in Las Vegas. It featured George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and others. Two sequels were made: ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ (filmed in European locations) and ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ (shot again in Las Vegas in 2007).

Las Vegas is undoubtedly a city whose success is intertwined with tourism, and increasingly, the film industry. The city takes pride in its impressive array of attractions, both fascinating and sometimes peculiar. For instance, the Excalibur Hotel is renowned for its medieval dinner theater and the absence of eating utensils. Whatever you expect to find when you visit the city, there’s no doubt that you will be entertained by what you see there.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME