How Movies Have Portrayed Las Vegas Over the Years

It shouldn’t be a surprise that countless movies have been set in Las Vegas over the past several decades. The city is truly one of a kind, which lends itself to be the setting for some amazing stories, some of which are based on true events and others that are pure fiction. Either way, Las Vegas is often a useful setting for filmmakers, often becoming an extra character.

Of course, Las Vegas is different things to different people. Sometimes, it’s a haven for dreams and possibilities, while other times, it’s a dark place where dreams go to die. In films, we’ve seen so many different portrayals and interpretations of Las Vegas over the years that it seems fitting to remember some of the unique ways that filmmakers have used Las Vegas in movies.

Leaving Las Vegas

This movie is among the best at showing the dark and grim side of Las Vegas. It stars Nicholas Cage, whose character has come to Las Vegas intending to drink himself to death. The heroine who tries to save him turns out to be a sex worker. That’s not exactly a happy fantasy land. Instead, the movie portrays Las Vegas as a place people go when they hit bottom.

Ocean’s 11 (Eleven)

Both the 1960 version and the 2001 remake have a completely different version of Las Vegas. Obviously, there is an undeniable criminal element to these movies, which revolve around a casino heist. Yet, they both show the glitzy side of Vegas with bright lights and big casinos. They portray Las Vegas as a place where everyone goes to hit it big, even if they try to do so by committing a crime.

Casino

This is among the best movies about Las Vegas that blur the line between attraction and repulsion. It shows how some people are inherently drawn to the city, while others detest the city and would love to find a way out. In terms of its cinematic value, Casino is often seen as a poor man’s version of Goodfellas. Nevertheless, a movie that showcases the rise and subsequent downfall of a casino owner portrays Las Vegas in a unique light.

Anora

Of course, this is one of the newest movies to portray Las Vegas. Similar to other Vegas-set films, it shows the good and bad of the city. It shows how hard it can be for a dancer who’s at the bottom of the Las Vegas totem pole but also how good it can be when you’re in Las Vegas with a powerful figure who has money. Anora shows how detached Las Vegas can look from a typical American city, making it easy for someone to lose their bearings. This movie also shows a more modern version of Vegas. It’s not all about blackjack and slot machines because playing casino games online is more accessible than ever for those who just want to play games. Instead, Anora portrays Las Vegas as a playground for the rich and powerful. 

Showgirls

Last but not least, any discussion of Las Vegas in movies has to include Showgirls. There is absolutely no sugar-coating what Las Vegas can look like or feel like to someone who is struggling to succeed in an unforgiving world. The movie shows a version of Las Vegas that you almost don’t want to see because there is so much struggle, heartache, and exploitation. Yet, for good reasons and bad, Showgirls has remained a notable part of film and Las Vegas history for decades. 

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