7 Cigarette Smoking Scenes

When there's no more room in Hell for "Eating Scenes" we will begin to address the "Smoking Scenes". For decades it was too commonplace to even take notice - not just in French noir and American Westerns, but in everything, from Looney Tunes shorts to gameshows. It started to be a bit more of a niche in the 70s, and even since then I was left with a zillion choices - but these were the first that came to mind. 

Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

- Paul

Ghostbusters

Cigarette as comedic prop. My father used to let me reenact this gag with an unlit True Blue, getting me that much closer to becoming a real life Ghostbuster. 

The Master

How to pick a single Joaquin smoking scene? Not to discredit either Joker movie but you really need to see the outtakes from this scene to appreciate the nicotine dedication. 

GoodFellas

A truly famous shot in a movie full of famous shots, it exemplifies the cigarette as a permissible prop for an actor to look busy. Add a good pop song and you've got Cinematic Gold. 

Die Hard

An excellent Smoking Movie all around, but nothing beats the peace pipe camaraderie between John McClane and Bill Clay. 

Cat's Eye

Smoking kills, but who cares? Like, seriously. Even if Alan King sends out goons to kidnap your wife and then electrocute her while playing a horrible cover of "96 Tears", it's still so satisfying to light up when you're stuck in traffic. 

War of the Roses

Doesn't matter how long it's been since you quit - if you have to deflect sexual advances from Kathleen Turner, you're gonna need to scratch that itch with something strong. 

True Romance

A last meal, a kiss before dying, a final request. Smoking (and hurling insults) are much more satisfying when there are no more longterm consequences.