It’s dark at times, it’s touching every once in a while, and the whole way through Mississippi Grind (2015) will make you laugh at the absurdity of its characters and their many questionable decisions. The two leads develop a legitimate friendship, too, one which mirrors the chemistry of the actors themselves. This seedy, ’50s gambling noir was the Hollywood debut for actor Charlton Heston, who would go on to star in Planet of the Apes and The Ten Commandments. In Dark City, he plays an underground casino owner based in Los Angeles who must deal with patrons who won’t pay their dues. Starring an ensemble cast of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Elliott Gould, Casey Affleck, Don Cheadle, and Carl Reiner, the gang comes together to pull off the biggest Vegas heists of all time. 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.
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- Atlantic City and the nine-ball beckon them, but their combined egos threaten to block the way.
- Hard Eight features three A-list actors that you might not have expected to see in a film such as this one – John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel Jackson.
- An odd little comedy about a perpetual loser gambling addict (Richard Dreyfuss) who, for one day, hits on every single bet at the horse races.
- The team of highly gifted individuals is trained by a professor at MIT (although, in reality, the actual blackjack team wasn’t started by a professor) and has plenty of success in its escapades before things begin going south.
- A classic of French cinema, “Bob le Flambeur” combines the elegance of noir with the thrill of the heist genre, telling the story of an aging gambler planning one final score at the Deauville casino.
- Caan manages to make his character, who steals from his own mother to pay his gambling debts, one that the audience can still root for.
- The movie was written and produced by Joseph Walsh in what would wind up being his only feature-film credit in either capacity, though he regularly worked as an actor from the late 1940s into the 1990s.
William H. Macy stars as the titular character Bernie Lootz — and as a cooler in a casino, he acts as bad luck for the other gamblers, placed there by the casino themselves as a sort of negative presence. And it actually explores its characters to a meaningful extent while also showcasing the inner workings of Vegas. We should all consider ourselves lucky that these tales didn’t stay in Vegas, as Sin City has produced some of the best and most underrated movies to ever grace the silver screen.
5 Card Stud
With a star-studded cast that includes Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, Ocean’s Eleven seamlessly blends comedy, action, and clever twists. Clooney and Pitt’s chemistry is electric, and their camaraderie adds to the charm of the film. Recently, both actors made waves at the Venice Film Festival while promoting their latest collaboration, Wolfs, demonstrating that their on-screen magic continues to captivate audiences. 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.
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As far as true gambling addiction goes, James Caan’s titular character in The Gambler (1974) portrays the mental illness better than perhaps anyone in the history of the silver screen. He’ll bet good money on a poker game in Las Vegas, on a professional football championship with his friends, or on a pickup game of basketball he stumbled upon during his afternoon stroll through the park. There is a thin line between a con-man and a gambler, and the Best Picture-winning The Sting is one of the best films in both genres. From a phony off-track betting parlor and waitresses doubling as assassins to fake FBI agents and real murder, The Sting is the benchmark of great gambling movies. Geniuses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) can usually go on to do anything, yet a group of them decided to use their gifts to count cards.
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In order to pay that debt, the four friends get in way over their heads when it comes to acquiring those funds through illegal means. Ocean’s Eleven isn’t just one of the greatest gambling movies, it could appear on lists for the best heist movies, best George Clooney movies, best movies from Las Vegas, and even best movies snubbed by the Academy Awards. 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. The movie is full of excitement and the lure of gambling but it also shows characters’ personal lives and how their choices impact their lifestyles.
Storyline
- This is one of the lesser-known films on the list from a modern perspective — and that isn’t to say that The Cooler (2003) was well-received upon release with millions of dollars accrued in theaters.
- One might argue that it’s more of a sports flick than a gambling movie, but both elements are essential to the film.
- However, in the ultimate act of irony, the very same gambling addiction that got Bob into trouble in the first place rears its ugly head yet again.
- 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.
- His troubles quickly worsen once Eddie finds out his friend is getting out of prison sooner than expected.
- Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, this is The Social Network (2010) of gambling films — which makes sense, as the biographical drama about the founder of Facebook was also written by Sorkin.
- Parts of the film do not hold up well and may seem a bit dated now but the plot is quite cleverly tackled and gives a smart, funny picture into the world of poker games.
It exudes a particularly anxiety-inducing tone to its general style of cinematography and sound design, which remains a main talking point among fans to this day. If you happened to miss this critical darling from a few years back, it’s undoubtedly worth checking out. The heist is shown on screen, but things get interesting when Pitt’s character, a hitman named Jackie Cogan comes into play. And although there are some questionable choices of editing with little to write home about in the technical departments of camerawork, the overall project was definitely a success. Kicking things off with a bit of an anomaly, The Hangover (2009) is the only clear-cut comedy movie on the entire list. That said, this modern hit is in the end definitely a film of actual quality, with positive ratings from critics and even a win at the Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy.
The Color of Money
At home, McDermott is being pressured by his girlfriend Jo to call it quits from gambling. « Croupier » also features what is undoubtedly one of the most realistic portrayals of gambling ever put to screen. OnlineCasinos.com even calls the film a convincing depiction of casinos and gambling « down to the smallest details. » As the first James Bond film featuring Daniel Craig, « Casino Royale » made a strong impression. Bond was darker and grittier than ever before, and with that extra edge came an added sense of realism that was lacking from some of the goofier Bond entries, such as those of the Roger Moore era.
Television & Film
Rounders has become a cult favorite, particularly within the poker community, for its authenticity. Paul Newman won his only Oscar for The Color of Money, revisiting the character of Fast Eddie Felson, whom he played in 1961’s The Hustler. This isn’t one of Scorsese’s best movies — and as we said earlier, The Hustler is the better overall film — but it’s solid and despairing. Like with Scorsese’s mobsters, these are people who are magnetic but not ones you’d want to spend time with in real life. The movie explores the themes of friendship, gambling and gambling addiction, and generally the complexity of human relationships.
- The Ocean’s 11 targets three of Vegas largest casinos – the MGM Grand, the Mirage and Bellagio.
- Along with The Sting, this is the other film on the list that almost transcends the gambling ilk from a sheerly critical perspective.
- Gerry hopes that with Curtis by his side, he’ll be able to hit it big at a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans.
- “Killing Them Softly” combines intense performances, stylish cinematography, and sharp dialogue to deliver a compelling and atmospheric crime drama.
- I came across this film as part of research for this article and it was just the kind of stuff that completely took me by surprise.
- The stakes are truly raised within this classic film when Eddie decides to go all in during a high-stakes matchup.
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This comedy-drama follows a group of struggling actors trying to navigate the dating scene in Los Angeles, seeking romantic and social success. “Swingers” captures the spirit of the 1990s and explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggles of young adulthood. Due to its relatable depiction of the era and characters, this movie was called a defining one of its time.
Bullsh*t The Gameshow
Walsh was a dedicated gambler in real life and pulled a great deal from his own experiences when writing the script. In an interview with the poker website PlayCA, Walsh described his goal to make a gambling movie that would be realistic, timeless, and devoid of the romanticized portrayal of gambling often seen in other films. The interviewer notes that « he avoided the temptation to embellish or make gambling seem more romantic than it really is. » Whether you enjoy gambling yourself or prefer to let fictional characters make the bets, the best gambling movies are always good for a rush of adrenaline. The conflux of luck, skill, danger, and, in some cases, cheating is what makes these top gambling films so memorable.
The 20 Best Gambling Movies to Watch if You’re Feeling Lucky
“Casino Royale” redefined the Bond franchise with its intense action and psychological depth. It won two of its nine nominations at the 34th Academy Awards, and has since been selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry. And as Fast Eddie seeks to test his pool hustling aptitude against the professional player “Minnesota Flats”, the stars of this sports show in Newman and George C. Scott lead the project to utter greatness. Directed by Robert Altman, this gambling saga tells the tale of its two primary characters, Bill Denny and Charlie Waters — played by George Segal and Elliot Gould, respectively. A friendship between the two blossoms after a fellow gambler gets angry at them for beating him and taking their money.
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In Daniel Craig’s debut as a young James Bond, Casino Royale features 007 playing in a high-stakes Texas hold ’em poker tournament. 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. In Australia, losing all your money gambling leads to drinking binges and fighting kangaroos, or at least it does in the eccentric psychological thriller Wake In Fright.
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Life inside for him is utterly miserable and he is dying to liberate himself when he meets a gorgeous cocktail waitress and falls in love with her. ‘Cooler’ does not break any new grounds but is highly entertaining, replete with some fine performances from its leads. Influenced by Martin Scorsese‘s ‘Casino’, the film takes place, for the most part, inside the casino and tells quite an interesting story with well etched characters in a very unpretentious manner. Perhaps not among the best movies released in recent times, but ‘Flutter’ is a lovely little indie flick that makes a brave attempt at exploring the dangerous depths of gambling.
The film was directed by Mike Hodges, who was best known for films like « Flash Gordon » and the Michael Caine classic « Get Carter. » « Croupier » was one of Hodges’ final films. « Hard Eight » was the debut feature film from writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson, the filmmaker behind movies like « There Will Be Blood, » « Boogie Nights, » and « Punch-Drunk Love, » amongst others. https://crazystar-casino.com/ The title refers to a particular dice roll in the game of craps; two fours equal a hard eight. Craps and other casino games play a significant role in the film, but the story is just as much about romance and murder as it is about gambling. With violent loan sharks coming after him, Howard is in a tight spot and needs to come up with money as quickly as possible.
The most stressful part of « Uncut Gems » is watching Howard fall into the same old pitfalls time after time, unable to overcome his gambling addiction. « The Hustler » makes for a nice change of pace by switching up the setting and the type of game being gambled on. Rather than a casino, the gambling in « The Hustler » takes place within the confines of a billiard hall where money exchanges hands over games of pool. Mississippi Grind plays out like a gambling road trip tale that takes viewers on a wild ride through the South. When Gerry ends up meeting a gentleman by the name of Curtis (played by Ryan Reynolds), Gerry deems him his new lucky charm. So much so that Gerry takes Curtis on the road with him as he taps into his good luck during their gambling tour around the South.
- Using the position as research for a new book, he finds himself getting pulled deeper and deeper into gambling-based crime.
- But when things turn dour for him and his good luck subsides, the ones that once loved him the most decide to abandon him.
- Directed by Robert Altman, this gambling saga tells the tale of its two primary characters, Bill Denny and Charlie Waters — played by George Segal and Elliot Gould, respectively.
- Nevertheless, it’s a movie that must be seen for the intriguing true story it is based on.
- It offers a stylish and atmospheric depiction of the criminal underworld, with a blend of crime, drama, and dark humor.
- Unforgettable gambling films offer electrifying narratives and memorable characters, reflecting the allure and rich complexity of the casino world.
The story of “Intacto” revolves around the concept of luck as a tangible and transferable asset. In this world, there are individuals known as “luck thieves” who possess the ability to steal the luck of others. The movie broadly explores themes of fate, chance, and the limits of control over one’s own destiny via original storytelling.
He gets robbed at gunpoint, loses friends, and has very little to show for it besides a cool story. Watching the smartest people do the dumbest things could be enough to scare anyone away from gambling because winning is always enough until you want more. This British crime comedy was the directorial debut of Guy Ritchie, who also wrote the screenplay. A group of four friends finds themselves in a desperate situation after one of them loses a high-stakes card game against a powerful crime lord. “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” is known for its fast-paced narrative and colorful characters.
Indeed, Las Vegas (nicknamed Sin City) is best known for its casinos and all the gambling that happens therein. From comedic heist movies to dark crime dramas, there are all kinds of movies about the ups and downs and wins and losses of the gambling world. The film follows the story of a charismatic but compulsive New York City jeweler with a gambling addiction and immerses viewers in the frantic and chaotic world of gambling. This crime thriller skillfully captures the intensity, anxiety, and desperation of a man on the edge hoping for a big win. The story of “Finder’s Fee” revolves around a group of neighbors who gather for their regular poker game.
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. Apart from Netflix’s large collection of gambling-themed movies, there are plenty of other excellent gambling films. Some have even been on Netflix before and may return at some point, while others are still waiting to make their Netflix debut.
The Ocean’s Trilogy is one of the most iconic casino heist movie series and includes Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, and Ocean’s Thirteen. All movies star George Clooney as Danny Ocean, an aspiring criminal who wants to complete the largest heist in history. Arguably the most popular film on this list, Martin Scorsese’s follow up to the iconic ‘Goodfellas’ was another tale of friendships, betrayal, greed, violence and morality. Only this time, the setting shifted from the mean streets of New York to the infamous Casino world of Las Vegas. Scorsese has always been fascinated by the glamour world and exposing the dark sides of success and prosperity. The film was widely criticized for its unrestrained use of violence and thematic resemblance to ‘Goodfellas’ but over the years, people have been more vocal in its praise and it is now regarded as one of Scorsese’s better works.
So go back and rewatch Croupier, where all that promise was laid out fairly magnificently. 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. “Casino Royale” is an action James Bond spy movie inspired by the old version released many years earlier.