The 75+ Best Movies About Gamblers & Casinos, Ranked
These films enchant audiences and leave lasting impressions by capturing the essence of the gambling world and its multifaceted characters. The story goes that Robert Altman sent Elliot Gould the screenplay to California Split, hoping he’d play Charlie, a gambler who befriends fellow gambler Bill (George Segal). And yet the two men’s rakish charm, in one of the high watermarks of ’70s hangout cinema, makes this not just a great buddy movie but a beautiful exploration of boys-will-be-boys friendship.
- If the plot complications aren’t always satisfying, the film’s vivid recreation of dingy casino life is utterly intoxicating.
- The movie is all about greed, capitalism, and disillusionment with the American Dream.
- We follow journalist Raoul Duke (Depp) – a thinly-veiled portrait of the artist – and his attorney Doctor Gonzo as they travel to Vegas in 1971 to cover a motorcycle race.
- In 1983, Ginger dies of a hot dose in Los Angeles, with Sam suspecting that the bosses may have been responsible.
- Casino Royale truly is a classic that you have to watch at least once in your life – especially if you are a fan of James Bond and his legendary service to the British Secret Service.
- ” (2020) with the lovable characters being offered $2.5 million for a single game of Texas Hold’em, which takes them to multiple locations by various means of travel to play the card turns- with absurd hilarity ensuing.
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As it turns out, gambling and gangsters go hand-in-hand, and for this Scorsese film, it’s the Chicago Outfit that serves as the focal crime unit. Director Steven Soderbergh takes us through all the intricate planning and execution, then wraps up with a satisfying ending. It may not have been showered in Oscar nominations, but Ocean’s Eleven is undoubtedly the most famous heist movie of our age. Ocean’s Eleven is the ultimate heist movie, and it just so happens to take place in a casino!
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Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or simply seeking an adrenaline rush, these movies offer non-stop entertainment. It’s not quite Goodfellas (although Joe Pesci does play a similar, psychotically inclined character in both films), but Casino is just as bold, stylish, and slick as any other Scorsese picture of its kind. A nickname like «Worm» is itself a red flag for a person, and it’s made even worse when that person has served time.
Rounders
He steals $44,000 from his own mother and heads to Vegas, looking for a big score so he can settle all of his financial obligations. When you get Terry Gilliam to direct a biographical gambling movie based on a Hunter S. Thompson novel, it’s more than clear the result won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you are open to a mix of scary, gross, hilarious, and bizarre elements, you’ll definitely love it. The group faces many obstacles and challenges which they, quite naturally, manage to get out of cleverly. Because they succeed in their exceptionally complex mission and deliver an unexpected twist in the end, this movie deserves its spot on the list of the best casino movies in the history of cinema. Movies about gambling have been popular since the very beginning of cinematography.
The Gambler (
- Croupier describes this distinctive world from a professional dealer’s perspective.
- “The Lady Gambles” explores the destructive nature of addiction and the consequences it has on relationships and personal well-being.
- It shows an impressive moral dilemma between personal choices and the impact on careers and reputations.
- Like other gambling films, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas takes us into the rotten world of gamblers and drug dealers.
- But for a brief moment, before Spacey is being kidnapped and beaten in a hotel room, it’s an interesting look at the science behind smart gambling.
That said, Manfred still ends up enveloped by the gambling world, which his girlfriend isn’t overly pleased about. Axel Freed is an English professor from a family of established doctors and businessmen. However, Axel’s not quite as successful as his loved ones believe, running up huge tabs to the ire of his mafioso bookie. Jessica Chastain delivered one of the strongest, most dynamic female performances of the year as she showed how one woman stood up to the most powerful men in the world without flinching. Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck take us all across the South, from Memphis to Mississippi, as they piece together bits, blues, and bumbling characters.
Best Casino Movies to Watch: Top 10 Gambling Movies
Her addiction not only jeopardizes her marriage but also puts her in dangerous situations. “The Lady Gambles” explores the destructive nature of addiction and the consequences it has on relationships and personal well-being. As a “film noir”, this movie skillfully portrays the protagonist’s descent into the world of gambling, with elements of suspense. Today, the legalization of gambling has become a Hail Mary last-ditch effort for many financially eroding urban areas like Detroit, St. Louis, and others — but Atlantic City did this first. The movie feels both dated and timeless, capturing a specific moment that has the power of folklore.
Top 25 Casino Films
- “Let It Ride” is a lighthearted comedy that explores themes of luck, risk-taking, and the charms of gambling.
- This Western comedy revolves around a high-stakes poker game in the Old West town of Laredo.
- Robert Altman exposes the grim underbelly of the Vegas scene, where cocaine, violence, and prostitution tangle with roulette tables and betting booths to destroy lives.
- The 2008 movie follows Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), a brilliant student who is recruited by a charismatic professor (Kevin Spacey) to join the team.
- With a star-studded cast that includes Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, Ocean’s Eleven seamlessly blends comedy, action, and clever twists.
- Like most gamblers, Mike loses more than just his money—but that doesn’t stop him from driving towards the lights of Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker.
- Directed by John Dahl, the movie has become a cult classic and is known for its accurate portrayal of the underground poker world.
- Intrigue, suspense, insights, and a powerful performance by Clive Own earn Croupier a spot on our list of the best casino films.
Released in 2006, Casino Royale was Daniel Craig’s first appearance as Bond and arguably his best. The movie follows Bond as he earns his license to kill and is tasked with taking down a financier of international terrorism in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. Along the way, he falls in love with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a treasury agent who is sent to provide the money for the game. Directed by Martin Campbell, the movie is known for its intense action sequences and stunning cinematography. In the book, a game of baccarat between Bond and Le Chiffre sorts the boys out from the men, while in the film, Texas Hold’em is the game with license to thrill. The drama story revolves around a talented poker player and law student pulled into the underground poker world.
The Hustler
Set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, “Killing Them Softly” follows a professional enforcer as he investigates the robbery of a high-stakes poker game. The movie is all about greed, capitalism, and disillusionment with the American Dream. “Killing Them Softly” combines intense performances, stylish cinematography, and sharp dialogue to deliver a compelling and atmospheric crime drama. Clive Owen has been such a familiar, somewhat disappointing, presence in films for the last two decades that it’s now hard to remember what a lightning bolt his arrival was. So go back and rewatch Croupier, where all that promise was laid out fairly magnificently.
Atlantic City (
He’s up against Mads Mikkelsen, who plays an international criminal with a questionable tell, risking the funds of the exact sort of people you don’t want to be on the bad side of. There’s nothing the casino can do if someone’s playing hot and winning a lot of money—unless they send in «The Cooler,» anyway. Played with a timid, nervous energy by William H. Macy, «The Cooler» is naturally unlucky, and he works for the casino by jinxing players and spreading his misfortune.
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story
As he immerses himself in this world of deceit, Victor begins to question the moral implications of his actions and the consequences they may have on his relationships and future. The movie addresses the themes of ethics and ambition, and despite its age, is known for high-quality performance. The 1961 original is less concerned with a swaggering Tom Cruise–Paul Newman movie-star face-off and more focused on loyalty and integrity and ambition.
Vinyl Lives
The professor, played by Kevin Spacey, will later use the team’s skills to count cards at blackjack tables in Las Vegas. He has spent the magazine’s large cash advance on narcotics, which he indulges in liberally as he transforms his assignment into a search for the American Dream. Before they know it, the two friends are wrapped in a world of gamblers, dealers, druggies, and corrupt cops. Two con men get revenge for a fallen friend in this buddy comedy starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman.
The Color of Money
The Color of Money takes place 25 years after Robert Rossen’s 1961 drama, with retired pool hustler «Fast Eddie» (played by Paul Newman) teaching Vincent (played by Tom Cruise) how to finesse the game of life. Although it revolves around the search for a missing groom-to-be, The Hangover still manages to be one of the best casino movies you must see. With Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, and Ed Helms in the leading roles, this movie guarantees a good laugh. The plot of California Split revolves around a gambler, Charlie, who befriends a fellow gambler named Bill. Their pranks, pick-ups, games, and misadventures ultimately lead them to a big win in Reno. But his best friend, a poker player named Worm, needs McDermott’s gift to help him pay off a dangerous debt.
Ably directed by Steven Soderbergh, this fast-paced heist film follows the story of Danny Ocean (Clooney), a recently paroled ex-convict who plans to rob three Las Vegas casinos at the same time. To do this, he assembles a team of eleven skilled criminals, each with their own expertise, including Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), and Frank Catton (Bernie Mac). Their plan involves complex and elaborate schemes to bypass the casinos’ high-tech security systems, and they must overcome obstacles and setbacks along the way. Barry Levinson’s remarkable film about the Babbitt brothers won five Academy Awards when it was released in 1988, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
While filming, James Caan was battling his own addiction to drugs, and he used that to suffuse his character with a raw sort of desperation. Casino follows Sam «Ace» Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American gambling expert handicapper who is asked by the Chicago Outfit to oversee the day-to-day casino and hotel operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Other significant characters include https://thebescasino-login.com/ Nicky Santoro (Pesci), a «made man» and friend of Sam, and Ginger McKenna (Stone), a streetwise chip hustler whom Sam marries and has a daughter with. But Mississippi Grind eventually ends up being Hollywood’s archetypal tragicomic casino movie. Axel Freed, played by James Caan in the original, heads the cast of the film as a gambler who is also an inspiring English professor and author.
The Color of Money (
Here on CasinosHunter, I write reviews, guides, all cornerstone content, and also make sure that every text on the site or our social media is well-written and correct. Gambling movies and caper movies often overlap, and that’s certainly the case with The Sting. Starring Paul Newman—man, he sure likes to hustle—The Sting follows two pro grifters who try to con the mob. Eric Stoner (played by Steve McQueen), also known as The Cincinnati Kid, is the young, cocky, and eager-to-card-duel newbie on the block who’s dying to try his luck against the master.
These two films are often considered among the most realistic casino movies, primarily because they take the time to accurately portray the intricacies of the gambling world and the casino business. Happening in the stylish 1930s setting during the Great Depression, the plot is about two con artists seeking revenge for the murder of their mutual friend. The movie artistically combines the elements of comedy, drama, and crime genres.
The movie combines elements of a character study, a gripping thriller, and a contemplation on the nature of obsession. Known for its atmospheric and introspective storytelling, “The Card Counter” offers a slow-burning and thought-provoking narrative that examines the destructive power of vengeance. The plot explores the main protagonist’s self-destructive behavior, his complex relationships with his students and family, and his desperate attempts to find a way out of his predicament. “The Gambler” is full of gambling scenes and delves into themes of addiction, obsession, and the consequences of one’s choices, providing an intense portrayal of the protagonist’s downward spiral. Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut tells the true story of Molly Bloom, the Queen of Hollywood’s underground poker empire.
Inspired by true events, 21 tells the story of a group of MIT students who use their math skills to count cards and win millions at blackjack tables in Las Vegas. Led by their professor (Kevin Spacey), the group devises an intricate system to outsmart casinos. The film balances the allure of easy money with the moral complexities of bending the rules.
- Today, however, the gambling experience is no longer confined to physical casinos.
- Their convoluted plan involves creating a fake horse racing betting parlour in order to swindle the mob boss, with twists and turns aplenty along the way.
- Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Samuel L. Jackson comprise the impressive cast for this debut indie movie.
- As it is based on a true story, Casino easily earns a place on the famous casino movies list.
- The 2006 version starring Daniel Craig is one of the top-rated and most-watched casino movies on Netflix.
- This is basically a comedy about how one man brought his small community together for a common goal.
- While not considered a standout in either genre, it provides an entertaining and suspenseful viewing experience, especially for fans of classic Western movies.
- Eric Stoner (played by Steve McQueen), also known as The Cincinnati Kid, is the young, cocky, and eager-to-card-duel newbie on the block who’s dying to try his luck against the master.
One of the most realistic casino movies often cited by critics and audiences is “Rounders” (1998), directed by John Dahl and starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton. “Rounders” is often praised for its authentic portrayal of the underground poker scene and the dynamics of high-stakes poker games. The film details various poker strategies, terminology, and the ups and downs of professional poker players. “Molly’s Game” is a biographical crime drama based on the memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom. The film tells the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who becomes involved in hosting high-stakes poker games for wealthy and influential players. The main themes of this movie are power, greed, and the conflict between legality and morality.
Explore top online casinos for an immersive gambling experience from your comfortable space. These sites offer various games and bonuses, making them a convenient alternative to traditional casinos. “The Gambler” is an original drama movie that became the foundation for the newer movie later. “The Gambler” tells a story of a literature professor with a severe gambling addiction, trapped in a dangerous cycle of compulsive gambling, debt, and self-destruction. In addition to the bright and outstanding gambling scenes, the movie also skillfully shows the psychological aspects of addiction and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Shade tells a story of a group of professional card cheats who are planning to pull off a major con in Los Angeles by outsmarting a gangster.
In Casino, he’s Ace, a gangster running a mobbed-up casino who’s trying to do things “the right way,” only to be undercut by his hotheaded pal (Joe Pesci) and an ambitious woman (Sharon Stone) he shouldn’t trust. Martin Scorsese’s intricate drama is for you, chronicling Sin City’s evolution from seedy to sanitized over the span of several years. As he did previously with GoodFellas, Scorsese understands how American enterprise works in the criminal underworld — and also how individuals get trampled on along the way. There was a time that Mel Gibson was considered such a light and lively leading man that a big-budget studio movie could coast on his charm as a card shark and con man.
Directed by the master of French crime thrillers, Jean-Pierre Melville, Bob le Flambeur, a.k.a. Bob the Gambler, is an early masterpiece. After losing it all at the casino due to a lifelong addiction, Bob decides he’s going to get the old gang back together and rob the joint—if he can only keep himself away from the tables. While they often include elements of drama and suspense, they ultimately explore the excitement and consequences of chasing fortunes in a casino setting. So, grab some popcorn, get comfy, and prepare to be entertained by these thrilling films that bring the casino experience to the big screen. Of course, being a Scorsese and De Niro movie, you know there’s going to be some serious gangster undertones.
The movie is still a very enjoyable comedy with decent suspense and a layered storyline. To prove himself, Eddie challenges top dog Minnesota Fats (played by Jackie Gleason) to a high-stakes game of pool. The Hustler isn’t just one of the best gambling movies, but best sports movies of all time. The accurate representation of gambling psychology is one of the reasons this film is worth watching. Unlike other movies about poker we’ve listed here, this one features characters who are convinced they will magically strike gold.
Upon its release, “Ocean’s Eleven” was a commercial success and received positive reviews and love from the viewers. Loosely based on a true story, the movie tells of a married pair who exploited a fascinating flaw in a national lottery and reinvested the money they drifted off the system into their small Michigan town. This is basically a comedy about how one man brought his small community together for a common goal.
- Atlantic City and the nine-ball beckon them, but their combined egos threaten to block the way.
- But his best friend, a poker player named Worm, needs McDermott’s gift to help him pay off a dangerous debt.
- The film intricately portrays how the mob infiltrated Vegas casinos, while Sharon Stone’s dazzling performance as Rothstein’s troubled wife adds layers of drama.
- “Hard Eight” is all about fate, redemption, and the complex dynamics between its characters.
- “The Hustler” drama delves into themes of ambition and addiction and depicts the world of pool halls with the tense atmosphere of the game.
- Besides the actual twists of relationships, the movie also shows the atmosphere of the gambling world.
Tense, entertaining, and carried by incredible performances, Molly’s Game has everything a good crime-drama needs. Like most gamblers, Mike loses more than just his money—but that doesn’t stop him from driving towards the lights of Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker. In 1982, the FBI discovers Piscano’s records, closes the Tangiers, and Green agrees to cooperate. The FBI approaches Sam for help by showing him photos of Nicky and Ginger together, but he turns them down. The Chicago bosses are arrested, get ready for trial, and arrange the murders of anyone who might testify against them. In 1983, Ginger dies of a hot dose in Los Angeles, with Sam suspecting that the bosses may have been responsible.
This Western comedy revolves around a high-stakes poker game in the Old West town of Laredo. The movie is very lighthearted and entertaining and features clever plot twists and witty dialogues. One of the most satisfying aspects of it is the power of wit demonstrated by the protagonist. Despite formally moderate success, “A Big Hand for the Little Lady” is considered a charming Western comedy with decent humor and suspense. “Eight Men Out” is a sports drama based on the true story of the 1919 Black Sox scandal caused by the eight players who wanted to make big money from sports bettors. It shows an impressive moral dilemma between personal choices and the impact on careers and reputations.
Through the journey of the two brothers, the film sheds light on the challenges and strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum and the challenges for their families. Gambling in the movie is one of the tools for human connection between the two brothers. The story of “Tricheurs” revolves around a talented but rebellious student from a working-class background who becomes involved with a group of students who engage in cheating and fraud to achieve academic success.