Legendary cigar scenes in film history

Cigars have played an integral role in many classic films over the years. A single puff of smoke following the draw of a fine stogie can add drama, elation, and sophistication to a scene. Timeless characters like James Bond and Winston Wolf have helped transcend cigars from humble tobacco products to symbols of power, rebellion, and wealth.

While cigars can be spotted in thousands of movies, there are some cigar scenes you need to add to your must-watch list.

We’ve picked out 10 legendary moments where cigars have appeared in films and lit up the big screen. Grab some popcorn, take a seat, and light up a premium cigar to get a little closer to the action as we unveil classic smoking scenes.

Seeing cigars in films isn’t as common as it was in the golden gangster flick age of Hollywood (1930s and 40s). However, they still symbolize an array of emotions and a sense of importance.

Many examples of cigar smoking in movies are of male characters. They denote characteristics ranging from mysterious and hostile to success and distinct swagger.

Yet, that doesn’t mean female cigar smokers haven’t enjoyed a share of the spotlight. Who could forget Xenia Onatopp in the Bond film Goldeneye (1995)? Like any strong cigar-smoking character, when she lights up, she means business.

A glimpse of a cigar in the hands of a character can determine how we portray them in an instant. In some cases, the cigar becomes part of the character and the scene, representing something much bigger than just a “prop.”

Shot in the Penn Central Railroad boardroom, the meeting of the five organized crime families sees the Dons smoke cigars around the table in this quintessential Mafia movie. Don Vito (played by Marlon Brando) calls the meeting following the death of his eldest son, Sonny, and decides it’s time to call a truce.

Scarface (1983) is undoubtedly one of the best brutal gangster dramas. It stars Al Pacino, who plays Cuban refugee Tony Montana in the bloody rags-to-riches tale. Montana becomes a formidable drug lord, with his new-found wealth apparent in this outlandish cigar-smoking scene.

Sitting in a giant sunken circular bath in his bedroom, Montana bathes in utter opulence. He rests his head against a bath pillow while holding a cigar in his left hand and the TV remote in his right. He’s even got the champagne on ice.

Aside from the excessive swearing and hilarious misidentification of pelicans that are actually flamingos, it highlights cigars as one of the trappings of wealth.

Who in their right mind trash-talks and forcefully punches an alien in the face then smokes a cigar? The answer is Captain Steven Hiller (played by Will Smith) in Independence Day (1996).

It’s known as the “Close Encounter” scene because of Hiller’s remark, “Now that’s what I call a close encounter,” after putting the stogie in his mouth. The cigar in question is a Bering Imperial.

Unlike the alien’s hard-hitting “Welcome to Earth,” the Bering Imperial is much more amicable, especially for newcomers. It uses tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Mexico to create a true mellow smoke that delivers notes of coffee, sweet cream, wood, and hints of leather.

Opening scenes don’t come much better than the testosterone-fueled one in the sci-fi thriller Predator (1987). A helicopter lands by the water to the sound of ominous music. While the other commandos pile out of the aircraft, Major Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) stays reclined and lights up a stogie with carefree abandon.

He takes a few puffs as smoke billows from his face, tosses his bag out, and jumps out — you would never think he’s a man embarking on a renaissance mission.

The scene highlights how relaxing cigars are while giving instant depth to Schwarzenegger’s character. Exuding class and stature, the shot of Major Dutch putting fire to foot is especially memorable.

While the type of cigars used on the Predator set is a mystery, Schwarzenegger is known for his fondness of Cohiba and Punch Cigars.

There’s an art to lighting a cigar and no more is that evident than this heartwarming scene from Hellboy (2004). We’re of course referring to the moment the comic strip superhero struggles to get his cigar toasty with a low-quality zippo lighter.

Thankfully, Manning (head of the agency) lights it for him using a wooden match and reveals it “preserves the flavor.” It’s also proof that cigars can bring people together, rising above their antagonistic relationship.

This complex gangster epic was co-written and directed by Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone. It stars Robert De Niro as the gangster “Noodles”, who returns to New York after 35 years in exile. He strikes up a friendship with the film’s main antagonist, “Max” (played by James Woods).

Max is seen smoking cigars on numerous occasions. The scene where he greets Noodles following his release from prison (after six years) is particularly poignant. It shows Max all grown-up, flashily dressed, and puffing on a fifty-cent cigar.

De Niro plays a pathological homicidal ex-con in this scary yet superb thriller. He brings this tense scene to life with his over-the-top laughing and blissful ignorance as he smokes a cigar in the cinema while watching Problem Child.

The smoke from his stogie irritates the family sat a few rows back. Not even a tap on the back is enough to divert his attention, and the family leaves.

While the laughter is contagious, he shows a lack of cigar etiquette by biting the end off his Casa Blanca Half Jeroboam before lighting up with a bikini lighter. These handmade Dominican smokes are an ultra-thick 5 x 66 size and have a light, nutty character.

Using a burning truck to light a cigar isn’t recommended, but that’s what Logan (played by Hugh Jackman) does in this chaotic ‘Danger Room’ training scene. The leader of the X-Men turns to his team and sarcastically asks: “The whole world’s gone to hell, you’re just gonna sit there?” He then proceeds to light his stogie in this most unconventional way.

Logan goes on to lament the loss of his “last cigar” shortly after when he and Storm narrowly avoid being crushed by a large rock falling from the sky.

Logan’s penchant for a lit cigar is depicted throughout the X-Men series, with Cohiba smokes believed to be the ones that Jackman uses to express his character’s irking personality.

The acting between Gene Hackman and Denzil Washington’s characters in this military drama is top drawer. In this beautiful and impactful scene, the pair smoke cigars on the conning tower, while enjoying the sunset view and their “last breath of polluted air for the next 60 days.”

Lieutenant Hunter (played by Washington) confesses it’s his first ever cigar and describes it as “good.” However, Captain Ramsey (Hackman) jokes to him, “Not to like it too much — they’re more expensive than drugs.”

If we look at the cigar’s shape and band, it appears both men are smoking Montecristo No.2’s. The JR Cuban Alternative Montecristo No. 2 is a fitting tribute to this classic Cuban smoke. It has a lovely, rich aroma and burns smooth, traditional coffee, earth, and leather flavors.

Arnie’s at it again — this time in action movie spoof, Last Action Hero (1993). Amidst the dark, gothic setting, Arnie clamps his teeth down on a cigar and lights up using a flick lighter. He then delivers the cheesy yet immortal line, “Hey Claudius! You killed my father…big mistake,” and throws the enemy through a stained-glass window.

Seeing our favorite characters smoke cigars in movies is a welcome sight, bringing another dimension to the character, scene, and film. Many of the great cigar film moments we’ve listed have become fundamental to cigar culture and cinematic history.

Check out our fantastic selection of cigars to find the perfect one for your next movie night, and don’t forget to let us know about some of your favorite Hollywood cigar scenes.