Top 25 Casino Films

casino movies

Whether you’re in it to learn how to beat the house or just want to hear the soothing sounds of chips stacking and slots spinning, these are the best gambling movies to put you right in the action. Another film noted for its realism is “Casino” (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese, which offers a gritty and detailed look at the operations of a Las Vegas casino during the 1970s. While the movie does contain some dramatic elements, it’s known for its attention to detail in depicting the inner workings of the casino industry and the challenges faced by those who run it. The comedy story follows a group of friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party to celebrate their friend’s upcoming wedding and experience a series of outrageous and comedic misadventures.

  • We have seen that story a million times in a million better sports movies — this even has a Big Game at the end — but both Bana and Duvall find some truth in their characters regardless.
  • The movie was loved by the public due to its humorous take on the Western genre and unexpected twists.
  • Due to its relatable depiction of the era and characters, this movie was called a defining one of its time.
  • We at GamblingCollective take betting seriously, and as fun as it is we understand that it can cause a lot of problems.
  • Starring Paul Newman—man, he sure likes to hustle—The Sting follows two pro grifters who try to con the mob.
  • Sam convinces Ginger to return with Amy, then overhears her planning on the phone to kill him.
  • It earned multiple Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars – for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.
  • Rupert Wyatt’s 2014 remake of The Gambler received indifferent reviews because it pales in comparison to the taut 1974 classic.

Rounders

When one of them finds a lost wallet with a winning lottery ticket inside, it sets off a chain of events that leads to unexpected twists and revelations. The movie is known for its clever storytelling, intricate plot structure, and a series of suspenseful and thought-provoking moments. Movies about gambling take audiences on exhilarating journeys with characters who face overwhelming odds, yet navigate through with luck, strategy, and skill.

The Gambler

This Best Picture winner exudes pure pleasure … well, unless you run afoul of Shaw (Paul Newman) and Kelly (Robert Redford), that is. These two con men decide to take down a no-good mobster (Robert Shaw), and their elaborate grift involves card games and horse racing. Understanding the machinations of Shaw and Kelly’s plan doesn’t matter — it’s just a delight to watch the characters (and director George Roy Hill) turn The Sting into one big, electric narrative sport. Spacey is particularly checked-out here, and the movie was criticized for “whitewashing” in its casting, turning the mostly Asian-American real-life players into generic white people. 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.

Top Marine Movies to Watch in 2024

Besides the actual twists of relationships, the movie also shows the atmosphere of the gambling world. Despite his responsible position, he secretly develops a severe gambling addiction. He steals funds from the bank to fuel his habit and begins a downward spiral of risk-taking. “Owning Mahowny” offers a gripping portrayal of the destructive power of high-stakes gambling. “Bugsy” is a biographical crime drama that tells the story of a real-life mobster’s rise to power, his involvement in organized crime, and his obsession with building the Hotel and Casino in the desert. The movie offers a mix of crime, romance, and historical drama, capturing the atmosphere of the era, and in fact, it got multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

casino movies

Vinyl Lives

The people and events he encounters at a big casino inspire him – and add up to one of the industry’s top must-see casino movies. 21 is based on Ben Mezrich’s 2003 book, Bringing Down The House, about a group of MIT students who used their math skills to try and card count their way to a fortune in Las Vegas. The 2008 movie follows Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), a brilliant student who is recruited by a charismatic professor (Kevin Spacey) to join the team. As they become more successful, the stakes get higher and the risks greater, leading to conflicts and betrayals. Pale Flower is Japanese film about a yakuza hitman drawn to gambling by a beautiful woman who is constantly losing large sums of money. The ’60s noir expertly captures the intensity of the game despite the audience never learning how to play the tile-based Hanafuda.

  • 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.
  • No top ten of casino movies can be complete without at least one James Bond film.
  • The story of “Intacto” revolves around the concept of luck as a tangible and transferable asset.
  • 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.
  • As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime.
  • The plot of California Split revolves around a gambler, Charlie, who befriends a fellow gambler named Bill.
  • And, of course, being a Safdie movie, it was produced by A24, so expect a lot of visceral neon lights that illuminate its dark themes.
  • As the two brothers bond over their shared experiences and Raymond’s extraordinary abilities with numbers, Charlie begins to re-evaluate his priorities and learns to love and appreciate his brother for who he is.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Part of the fun lies in trying to figure out if Segal hit it big or lost thousands, because his worrying expression never changes. As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. The Ocean’s Eleven team is made up of con men, mechanics, surveillance experts, pickpockets, and even an acrobat.

What Is The Movie About Winning Money At The Casino?

The 2006 version starring Daniel Craig is one of the top-rated and most-watched casino movies on Netflix. Ultimately, Rounders is one of the best casino movies and one of the most educational poker films because it illustrates some of the consequences of compulsive gambling. This drama also demonstrates very clearly how important it is to know just what it is you’re betting when you enter the world of gambling. Nothing captures the stress of a gambling addiction more than Uncut Gems, the Adam Sandler-starring film about a New York City jewelry dealer who can’t stop himself from chasing the big win. He owes money to everyone in town, including the mob, bookies, watch salesmen, his own brother-in-law, and basketball legend Kevin Garnett. Paul Newman may seem like the greatest billiards player of all time in The Hustler, but that doesn’t make his high stakes pool games feel any less like he’s about to lose it all.

High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story

One of the best things about “The Sting” is the viewers guessing until the final plot twist. The movie received commercial success and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This crime drama is set in Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s, and it revolves around the operations of the fictional Tangiers Casino. The movie invites the viewer into a complicated world of casino businesses and gamblers, exploring themes of power and corruption, all against the background of the Las Vegas glamor.

Television & Film

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.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (

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.

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.

casino movies

The Hustler (

  • 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.
  • As it is based on a true story, Casino easily earns a place on the famous casino movies list.
  • “Croupier” was praised for its style and atmosphere and gives an unusual perspective on the gambling genre movies.
  • The 2006 version starring Daniel Craig is one of the top-rated and most-watched casino movies on Netflix.
  • The movie addresses the themes of ethics and ambition, and despite its age, is known for high-quality performance.
  • While not considered a standout in either genre, it provides an entertaining and suspenseful viewing experience, especially for fans of classic Western movies.
  • Today, however, the gambling experience is no longer confined to physical casinos.

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.

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.

He’s Jack, an aspiring novelist desperate for money — soon, he’s a croupier getting to know the world of casino gambling. Pitched like a hard-boiler noir — Jack has the blasé seen-it-all vibe of a private dick — Croupier explores the sweaty anxiety and crippling sadness of those who have thrown their lives (and money) away at the tables. If the plot complications aren’t always satisfying, the film’s vivid recreation of dingy casino life is utterly intoxicating.

The Color of Money

The movie became a surprise hit upon release due to its humor and unexpected plot twists. “The Hangover” does an excellent job of capturing the wild spirit of a night in Vegas. This psychological thriller explores themes of manipulation, trust, and power dynamics within the con game.

Mississippi Grind probably slipped under your radar, but all critics can agree it’s a hidden gem. Gambling can be an intense, life-destroying addiction that’s as far from funny as it gets. Mississippi Grind, however, features Ryan Reynolds—so, obviously, it’s going to have laughs.

“Poker Queens” is a documentary released in 2020 that explores the world of professional female poker players. It sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and successes of women in the male-dominated realm of professional poker. Through interviews with prominent players, the documentary showcases their journeys, strategies, and the determination required to excel in the game. “Poker Queens” offers an insightful look into the lives of these remarkable women who have significantly impacted the world of poker. The best gambling movies offer a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and intensity, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience.

One of the most realistic https://thebescasino-login.com/ 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.

Today, however, the gambling experience is no longer confined to physical casinos. Thanks to the rise of online casinos, anyone can enjoy the thrill of gambling from the comfort of their own home. You can access a wide variety of games and claim bonuses directly from a smartphone or computer. The debut film by Paul Thomas Anderson, Hard Eight starts off as a free-wheeling film about a casino pro (Philip Baker Hall) and his new protege (John C. Reilly), who start winning big at the casino. Everything changes when the young craps player falls in love with Clementine (Gwyneth Paltrow), forcing him to break some of his mentor’s rules to disastrous effects. In Daniel Craig’s debut as a young James Bond, Casino Royale features 007 playing in a high-stakes Texas hold ‚em poker tournament.

This just inspires him to push harder and keep it going, and while this might turn out to be a disaster in a movie like, say, Uncut Gems, here, it’s just a wacky ’80s comedy. Let It Ride still gets a lot of comedic mileage out of Dreyfuss’s mania and goes a long way on some very fun supporting performances from Teri Garr, Jennifer Tilly, and David Johansen. Hard Eight is a polished, expertly paced crime flick that began life as a 1993 short film called Cigarettes & Coffee. Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Samuel L. Jackson comprise the impressive cast for this debut indie movie. After being robbed by a sore card loser, Bill Denny (played by George Segal) and Charlie Waters (played by Elliott Gould) bond over their mutual, dangerous love of gambling. In 1986, the bosses, finally fed up with Nicky’s recklessness and attempt on Sam’s life, order Frankie and his crew to kill Nicky and Dominick.

“Best Casino Movies to Watch” is a collection of exciting films that take you into the world of casinos. These movies are perfect for anyone who enjoys the thrill of gambling and enjoys watching great stories on screen. “The Hustler” drama delves into themes of ambition and addiction and depicts the world of pool halls with the tense atmosphere of the game. It earned multiple Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars – for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography. Based on an older movie with the same name, this new variation of “Ocean’s Eleven” became the first in the popular trilogy of heist comedy movies with a charming group of thieves. The movie combines smart comedy, decent suspense, and very enjoyable styles of directing and performance.

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.

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.

Casinos are glamorous settings for meetings between superspies and supervillains, and they symbolise a wildcard that draws ordinary people to test their luck. Who better to take on the classic Hunter S Thompson novel of excess, psychedelic drugs, and a trip to Las Vegas than film-maker Terry Gilliam? 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.

This is a biographical drama that depicts the life and career rise and fall of Stu Ungar, one of the most renowned and talented professional poker players in history. However, the movie also delves into the darker aspects of Ungar’s life and explores the toll that his gambling addiction takes on his relationships, his health, and his professional success. The story follows the unlikely friendship between two gamblers who meet at a poker game and form a bond over their shared love for gambling. “California Split” explores the highs and lows of their gambling adventures as they travel from one casino to another in California.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

en_GBEnglish