My Favorite Movies Filmed In Las Vegas

I had no idea when I was going to write this that there are over 200 movies that have been filmed (either partially or entirely) in Las Vegas! And if you throw in TV shows, made for TV movies, and short cameo shots filmed here, the number is more like 1,000.

Now recently, there haven't been many films made here because Las Vegas hasn't offered the incentives to film makers that are available in other places. As a result, the last five years or so have seen fewer movies being filmed here. I did hear of one movie being made in July of this year, with filming being done downtown, and with parts of it filmed on Fremont Street. That movie is an "Escape To Witch Mountain" sequel starring "The Rock." Other than that, filming has been slow here.

After paging through lists of 200 or more movies, it wasn't an easy task to pick "favorites," but I'll give it a try here. See how many of these you remember as well!

(1964)-

Viva Las Vegas - starring Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret - Elvis plays a race car driver trying to win the "Las Vegas Grand Prix"... this is classic Elvis, and classic Vegas at their best! The sheer magnetism of the two co-stars (Elvis with Ann Margaret), blended with the glittering extravagant scenes filmed here make this a fun one to watch! And of course, Elvis's singing will bring back wonderful memories as well.

(1991) -

Bugsy - starring Warren Beatty and Annette Benning. This is the true story of mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. He was living in California, and grew restless so he left to travel to Hollywood, where he is fascinated with movie lots. There he fell for an actress (Annette Benning) who wasn't just content to be a mistress. Together they take a trip to desert Nevada, where Bugsy envisions a hotel and casino that could be built that could draw thousands of visitors to the Las Vegas area. This became the "Flamingo" hotel, which is still open today on the Las Vegas strip. When you walk through the courtyard there, and the gardens, stop to read the plaques about Bugsy Siegel, they are fascinating!

(1991) -

Swingers - starring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Two friends hit Las Vegas after one goes through a difficult breakup, and together they take a hilarious trip through the dating games of the 1990's, going to the strip, martini bars and other "hunting grounds."

(2001) -

Ocean's Eleven - Starring George Clooney, Bradd Pit, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Andy Garcia. In this movie, Brad Pitt and George Clooney (as Danny Ocean) steal money from the Bellagio hotel based on an elaborate scheme. Danny Ocean is just released from prison, and breaking his parole, travels to Las Vegas, then meets up with his former partner in crime, Brad Pitt to propose the scheme. The two men pitch this scheme to a former casino owner and wealthy friend. Their plan is to rob the Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand.

(1988) -

Rain Man - parts of this movie were shot in Las Vegas. The stars are Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. In a brilliant performance, Hoffman plays the part of the Autistic Savant, Raymond, who is the formerly unknown brother of Cruise. Tom Cruise plays the abrasive and selfish yuppie, Charlie Babbitt, who's wealthy father passes away and leaves his entire multimillion dollar estate to his Autistic Savant brother, Raymond (played by Dustin Hoffman.) In some unforgettable scenes from the movie, Raymond uses his skills to win big at Blackjack at Caesar's Palace. This movie went on to win many awards, including four Oscars in March of 1989.

(1997) -

Vegas Vacation - starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Marisol Nichols, and Ethan Embry. This movie is the fourth in a series of "Vacation" movies, following a family known as "the Griswold's" as they take a vacation to Las Vegas, where they end up in dilemma's that seem like only the Griswold's could possibly find. Scenes from the movie were filmed in downtown Las Vegas, as well as out in the desert, and even some hilarious scenes from Hoover Dam. Some of the funniest scenes star Wayne Newton (as himself.) The Mirage resort on the strip is where most of the filming took place. The film received not so good "reviews" but found quite a bit of success in the home video market.

(2009) -

The Hangover - starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Barth, and Heather Graham. Hilarious "adventure" tell the tale of a bachelor party gone very, very wrong. Scenes filmed all over Las Vegas, but some of the most memorable wedding scenes were filmed at the "Best Little Wedding Chapel" on Las Vegas Blvd. South.

So, next time you are home on a rainy day, rent one of these films, and enjoy. You'll get a glimpse of this crazy town I'm living in... oh and, please pass the popcorn!