Las Vegas is the home of gambling, glitz, and glamour in the United States.
The Nevada-based city is the go-to location for bachelor and bachelorette parties, honeymoons, gambling competitions, theater productions, and musical concerts.
Another reason why there is such a unique aura around Las Vegas is because of how the city is featured in Hollywood movies. Some of the funniest movies about gambling are set in Las Vegas, while there are plenty of other great films that take place in this city.
Below are four very funny movies that were filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Hangover – 2009
If you were to ask people about the quintessential Hollywood comedy from the past two decades, they are likely to name The Hangover. Starring some of the most well-known actors in the world, including Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover made a lot of money at the box office and is a massive hit with movie fans around the world.
The Hangover centers around Justin Bartha’s Doug, who is going to Vegas with three of his closest friends for a stag party. When his three friends wake up the next morning, they have no memory of the previous night, and cannot find Doug!
The film treads a fine line between hilarious and shocking, as the main characters get up to various shenanigans around Vegas. One aspect of the film that is outstanding is its setting. Every scene in a Vegas casino hall, nightclub, or other venue is filmed perfectly. You can feel as if you are in the city, not just watching a movie about Vegas.
Ocean’s Eleven – 2001
While Ocean’s Eleven is not strictly a comedy, the film does have plenty of hilarious and lighthearted moments. Starring the likes of George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Don Cheadle, Ocean’s Eleven is about a group of thieves who work together to pull off an outrageous heist at a casino.
Ocean’s Eleven picks up with Clooney’s Danny Ocean coming out of prison on parole. Within 24 hours, he is already planning his next heist, even though he knows that getting caught could send him to jail for the rest of his life.
The movie showcases the way that casinos are run, offering a deep insight into the Las Vegas world to viewers. The Bellagio is the perfect setting for the film, as it is one of the most glamorous and famous casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – 1998
A classic movie directed by Terry Gilliam, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a dark comedy starring Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, and a host of other talented actors and actresses.
The film features Depp as Raoul Duke and Del Toro as Dr. Gonzo, with the plot centering on the duo as they drive through the Mojave desert. Their eventual destination is Las Vegas, where Duke needs to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race for his job as a journalist.
Both characters consume copious amounts of psychedelics and other drugs throughout the film, leading to hallucinations and other unique experiences in and around Vegas.
Rush Hour 2 – 2001
While the movie did not reach the heights of its predecessor, Rush Hour, the second installment in the Jackie Chan franchise is still a highly-rated and hilarious comedy.
The film takes place in several cities around the world, including Hong Kong. Las Vegas is where a significant portion of the American story takes place.
Featuring Chan as Lee, Chris Tucker as Carter, and Roselyn Sanchez as Isabella Molina, the film had an outstanding cast that played off each other to perfection. If you are looking to catch a glimpse of Las Vegas glamour while laughing through a 90-minute movie, you must watch Rush Hour 2.
The Las Vegas of Your Dreams
Seeing Las Vegas on the big screen is an amazing experience, as you can feel like you are with the actors in the various casino halls and nightclubs they frequent. The charm, glamour, and excitement can be felt, even in the movie theater.
While seeing Las Vegas on the movie screen is fun, being there in person is an entirely different experience. If you watch any or all of the above movies set in Vegas, you are likely to wish that you could spend your next vacation there.
Then you can go about experiencing Las Vegas in the way that you have likely dreamt about for many years.