Casper Van Dien's breakthrough role was the lead in Paul Verhoeven's science fiction film Starship Troopers (1997). It remains one of the most discussed films of 1997, with one of the largest cult audiences in film history. He also appeared in Tim Burton's critically acclaimed film Sleepy Hollow (1999) as Brom Bones. He became the twentieth Tarzan and the only one ever to film in Africa and ride an African elephant in the Warner Bros. film Tarzan and the Lost City (1998).

Other film work includes The Pact (2012), well received at Sundance. Casper played an alcoholic detective opposite Caity Lotz. A post-apocalyptic survivor in the film Beyond the Wave (2015), shot entirely in China. Together with Sean Maher, he played one of the two crew roles on a mission to the edge of the universe in the eagerly awaited independent film ISRA 88 (2016). Television work includes Monk (2008), where he played a military doctor in the season finale, and Beverly Hills, 90210 (1994).

His latest victory was behind the camera, as a director. He has directed three films in which he also starred. His second film, Patient Killer, won awards for Best Film and Best Director, was bought and aired on Lifetime.