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.
- Thanks largely to Scorsese’s strong directing, this classic has contributed a great deal of popularity to the glamorous and mysterious Las Vegas lifestyle.
- 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.
- 21 offers a sleek, modern take on casino movies, blending intellect with suspense in the neon-lit world of Vegas.
- These two con men decide to take down a no-good mobster (Robert Shaw), and their elaborate grift involves card games and horse racing.
- 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.
- Their pranks, pick-ups, games, and misadventures ultimately lead them to a big win in Reno.
- Gerry is a talented Texas hold ’em player whose adventures start once he encounters Curtis during a poker game in Iowa.
- 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.
Which Game Shows Would Make for Good Movie Adaptations?
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.
Cast
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.
The Color of Money
- These movies often feature intricate storylines, captivating characters, and thrilling twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
- 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.
- The film balances the allure of easy money with the moral complexities of bending the rules.
- Gambling and casinos have always been closely tied to the allure of luxury and risk, especially in iconic destinations like Las Vegas and Monte Carlo.
- The movie combines elements of a character study, a gripping thriller, and a contemplation on the nature of obsession.
- The story of “Finder’s Fee” revolves around a group of neighbors who gather for their regular poker game.
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.
The Card Counter (
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.
The 50 Best Casino Movies of All Time
21 offers a sleek, modern take on https://thebescasino-login.com/, blending intellect with suspense in the neon-lit world of Vegas. “21” explores themes of greed, ambition, and the challenge of living on the edge. It combines elements of a heist film with a coming-of-age story and offers an entertaining and suspenseful cinematic experience.
Dark City
- “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” is known for its fast-paced narrative and colorful characters.
- 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.
- 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.
- The movie captures the atmosphere of the Las Vegas casino scene and provides a unique perspective on the role of luck and human relationships.
- However, Axel’s not quite as successful as his loved ones believe, running up huge tabs to the ire of his mafioso bookie.
- Before they know it, the two friends are wrapped in a world of gamblers, dealers, druggies, and corrupt cops.
- The opulent world of land-based casinos has inspired filmmakers to create unforgettable movies that delve into the high-stakes drama of the gambling world.
“Molly’s Game” was positively assessed for its dynamic directing style and strong performance. Matt Damon plays Mike McDermott, a reformed gambler who finds himself drawn back into the game to help a friend pay off dangerous debts. Alongside Edward Norton, Damon delivers a memorable performance that highlights the psychology and strategy behind poker, rather than just the thrill of winning or losing. The film emphasizes loyalty and redemption, while giving audiences a realistic look at the risks of gambling addiction.
Atlantic City (
The world of high-stakes gambling has long been an enticing playground for filmmakers, inspiring a plethora of stunning films that immerse audiences into the exhilarating casino atmosphere. These movies often feature intricate storylines, captivating characters, and thrilling twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. By exploring themes like obsession, addiction, deceit, and redemption, some of the top movies about gambling reveal the complex nature of human beings and the consequences of their actions. “Casino” is a 1995 American crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, which tells the story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a gambling expert who is chosen by the mafia to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. As tensions rise between the casino and the mob, and the FBI starts investigating their activities, Sam and Nicky’s relationship deteriorates and turns into a combustible rivalry. No top ten of casino movies can be complete without at least one James Bond film.
Top 25 Casino Films
Rounders has become a cult favorite, particularly within the poker community, for its authenticity. Set in New Orleans during the Great Depression, this classic American drama tells the story of a talented young poker player who aspires to be the best in the game. He gets the opportunity to prove his skills when he challenges the reigning poker champion to a high-stakes poker game. “The Cincinnati Kid” became famous for its impressive poker scenes and powerful demonstration of the psychology behind the game. Even today, despite the movie’s age, it is considered one of the key gambling movies of the time. There are several movies that revolve around the theme of winning money at a casino, often with high-stakes gambling and big payouts as central plot elements.
The Card Counter
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.
House of Games
But the film still has its pleasures, not least of which is Gibson’s pal Jodie Foster, who has a blast playing the sort of damsel-in-distress female sidekick role she’d otherwise spent most of her career avoiding. What it does have, though, is Adam Sandler chaotically pawning Kevin Garnett’s NBA Championship Ring to place a six-way parlay on him winning the game. It gets to the point where Axel has to borrow thousands from his mother—and even bet his own life—in order to fund his gambling addiction.
- 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.
- 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.
- In 1980, Ginger kidnaps little Amy, planning to flee to Europe with her and Lester.
- Their pranks, pick-ups, games, and misadventures ultimately lead them to a big win in Reno.
- Most movies set in casinos usually present the gambling world from the gambler’s point of view.
- 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?
- These two con men decide to take down a no-good mobster (Robert Shaw), and their elaborate grift involves card games and horse racing.
- 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.
Rounders
Robert De Niro stars as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a casino operator tangled in a web of corruption, greed, and betrayal. 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. Scorsese’s signature cinematic style—sharp dialogue, epic storytelling, and vivid violence—elevates Casino to a classic.
- Through interviews with prominent players, the documentary showcases their journeys, strategies, and the determination required to excel in the game.
- A great buddy film—and Robert Altman’s most underrated classic—California Split stars Elliot Gould and George Segal, both performing incredible feats of stoic face-acting.
- The movie is still a very enjoyable comedy with decent suspense and a layered storyline.
- With the Mafia now out of the casino industry, nearly all the old casinos are demolished, and new casinos are built with money from junk bonds.
- Released in 2006, Casino Royale was Daniel Craig’s first appearance as Bond and arguably his best.
- Using the position as research for a new book, he finds himself getting pulled deeper and deeper into gambling-based crime.
Best Casino Movies to Watch: Top 10 Gambling Movies
Whether you go for the original 1974 version of The Gambler or you decide to watch the contemporary remake, this cautionary tale deserves a place on your to-watch list. Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman gave the performances of their careers portraying brothers Charlie and Raymond in this emotionally charged drama. A great buddy film—and Robert Altman’s most underrated classic—California Split stars Elliot Gould and George Segal, both performing incredible feats of stoic face-acting.
The Gambler (
Invited to attend a meetup in a remote Illinois cornfield, they are brutally beaten with baseball bats upon arriving, stripped of their clothes, and buried alive in a shallow grave. With the Mafia now out of the casino industry, nearly all the old casinos are demolished, and new casinos are built with money from junk bonds. 21 is inspired by the real-life experiences of a talented MIT math student who pursues the goal of conquering casino blackjack to score a big win. Upon being released from prison, suave thief Danny Ocean gathers the gang and heads to Las Vegas, determined to organise the greatest heist in history. The team of highly talented risk-takers concoct a mission to steal from the three biggest casinos in Las Vegas — The MGM Grand, the Mirage, and the Bellagio — all property of Terry Benedict. Like other 007 films, Casino Royale provides plenty of violence, intrigue, romance, and dirty mind tricks, all wrapped up in classic Bond style.
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.
“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.