casino movies

For anyone who’s into movies or casinos, this list is a solid gold find. Based on the true story of six talented MIT students with gifts for doing math, 21 is one of the best and most famous casino movies of all time. 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. 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. Director Robert Altman must have recognised himself in the characters of Bill and Charlie, and we believe that’s what makes California Split one of the greatest casino movies of all time. When you think about the best movies for poker players, you have to start with Rounders.

Gambling movies.

  • The film explores family ties and the murky limits of legality in Vegas.
  • A selfish, debt-laden Los Angeles car salesman, played by Tom Cruise, learns that his wealthy father left millions to someone else in a trust fund.
  • Matt Damon stars as the poker-playing Mike McDermott, who falls in love with a Russian gambling baron and must beat him at high-stakes games to pay his college fees.
  • Two con men get revenge for a fallen friend in this buddy comedy starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman.
  • As it is based on a true story, Casino easily earns a place on the famous casino movies list.
  • Along with The Sting, this is the other film on the list that almost transcends the gambling ilk from a sheerly critical perspective.
  • So, get ready to be amazed and entertained by all these movies‘ cool stories and adventures.

Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond redefined the character, bringing a gritty realism to the franchise. The film’s gripping central scene takes place at Montenegro’s luxurious Casino Royale, where Bond must outplay the sinister Le Chiffre in a nerve-racking game of Texas Hold’em poker. In this article, we explore the top 10 best casino movies of all time, providing you with cinematic gems that captivate both gambling aficionados and film lovers alike. We used the iMDB rating as the main criteria for differentiation because it happened to reflect our perspective on the listed Netflix casino movies. However, you should keep in mind that iMDB ratings are based on viewer input, not expert opinion, so take them with a grain of salt.

  • And those accolades are more indicative of the film’s actual quality than its acclaim from critics or number of tickets sold in theaters.
  • Arguably the best film on the list, this is a clever piece of filmmaking that somehow makes a massive horse racing con not only believable but edge of the seat exciting.
  • We want players to feel certain that our comparisons and rankings tell the full truth.
  • It got overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, nabbing a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 79% audience score.
  • We have financial deals with the operators we present, but that does not affect the results of our reviews.
  • Scorsese, however, defended the project, stating in a Los Angeles Times report that “a short film is even tougher in a way…It has to be contained in and of itself.” Make your own judgement by watching it above.
  • This iconic film takes us back to the time of the Great Depression when poker wasn’t just a game but a way of life.
  • 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.

LUCKY YOU (

In a unique dramatic role for Adam Sandler, “Uncut Gems” has him starring as a slick New York jeweler with a gambling addiction. When he comes across a rare, expensive opal that should pay off his debts, the protagonist gets involved in some dicey deals. The top casino movies range from moody noire films to action-packed heists, so you’re certain to find something you like.

The 18 Best Gambling Movies

The plot revolves around a pair of aspiring musicians who travel around Nevada playing slot machines in the hopes of winning the lottery. These cinematic gems are a must-watch, not just for the gambling connoisseur but for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling that deals with the high stakes of life and the risks we take. While our top picks showcase the very best of the casino genre, there are a few more films that didn’t make our list but offer compelling portrayals of the casino world and the multifaceted characters who inhabit it. This rollercoaster ride of a film showcases the downward spiral of gambling addiction and the desperate lengths one will go to chase euphoria. 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. 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.

Molly’s Game (

And that’s hardly scratching the surface of what makes Croupier so great. 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.

The Card Counter (

The movie is of course a highly romanticized version of actual events, but it’s captivating and definitely one of the top gambling movies on Netflix to watch on any day. Then you can pretend you are in your own movie playing against hardened pros. Movies about gambling take audiences on exhilarating journeys with characters who face overwhelming odds, yet navigate through with luck, strategy, and skill. Gambling is an integral part of each story’s unfolding, whether through the gamblers’ pursuit of fortune, the excitement of outwitting adversaries, or the psychological battles they wage against themselves. The immersive plots and stunning visuals of these casino movies cause viewers to become fully invested in the characters and their gripping stories.

casino movies

Dark City

Suspenseful movies about gambling are a unique blend of excitement and drama. From the glitzy charm of Las Vegas to nerve-racking poker games, these films transport us to a universe where luck can change in the blink of an eye. Matt Damon stars as the poker-playing Mike McDermott, who falls in love with a Russian gambling baron and must beat him at high-stakes games to pay his college fees. If you are a fan of old classics and gambling movies, then you were waiting for this film’s name to appear on the list. In Robert Altman’s nightmarish drama-comedy, the great Elliott Gould and George Segal invite us to a world of night casinos, booze, and loose relationships. California Spirit is a full-fledged close-up not only of gaming as a way of life but also of the American culture of money and luck.

The Best Casino Heists in Film Revealed

The movie runs the gamut of things a viewer would expect to find in any great movie on gambling; greed, deception, money, power, and even murder. The film’s main point revolves around the involvement of the mob in the Vegas casinos of the ’70s and ’80s. Bay of Angels comes from the visually sumptuous director Jacques Demy who was lauded for his artistic visuals and unique approaches to drama. A compulsive gambler falls in love with a bank clerk while on vacation in Nice in this romantic drama. The film goes from casino to casino when the World Series of Poker becomes a beacon for the main characters, making poker the poison of the protagonist’s choice.

  • Uncut Gems follows the story of Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a jeweller gambling addict who tries to retrieve a pricey gem he had bought to cover his debts.
  • Try your luck at slots, bingo and over 21 table games in our high-energy casino.
  • The poker is treated with real love and there is even some genuine discussion on pre-internet poker theory, while there are some truly iconic scenes including one involving an Oreo cookie and a bizarre tell.
  • McDermott decides to stop gambling and focus on getting his college degree.
  • While not as good as Oceans 11, the line, “I don’t gamble, not with people’s lives” is maybe the best in the entire franchise.

Top 10 Casino Movies Available On Netflix: A Detailed Guide Of 2024

casino movies

“California Split” was well-received by critics and casual viewers alike, with an 87% rating from critics and 83% from audiences. This movie takes a deep dive into the psyche of this cold character for a moody, complex story. It got overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, nabbing a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 79% audience score. George Clooney’s celebrity-packed Ocean’s 11 (2001) rebooted the genre. The billion-dollar franchise – spinning off three sequels at last count – may be a superstar take on the casino heist theme, but there are plenty of other legendary films. After he became the laureate of loneliness in Casablanca and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Humphrey Bogart turned on the charm in films like Sabrina and The African Queen.

Using poker faces to score bull points

The Card Counter is a revenge thriller about an ex-military interrogator turned gambler who is haunted by his past. One of James Caan’s best movies, The Gambler focuses on a literature professor with a gambling vice who must avoid loan sharks when they begin to circle. A perennial down-on-his-luck guy works as a gambling jinx, known as a cooler, in an old school casino until his luck changes for the better when he becomes smitten with a cocktail waitress, much to his cutthroat boss’s frustration. The script for the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie is nearly done, according to creator Steven Knight, and fans couldn’t be more excited to see the Shelby boys back on screen.

The 26 Best Movies About Gambling

Mikkelsen plays the role of an arrogant terrorist banker, who ends up playing at Casino Royal for his life. It is a game of life and death, where the characters are gambling for their lives; that is why it is number one on our lists. When the protégé becomes the mentor, that’s when things get interesting. Reprising his role from 1961’s “The Hustler,” Paul Newman plays retired pool player Fast Eddie Felson, who takes Tom Cruise’s character, Vincent, under his wing as a pool shark-in-training.

Implementing Digital Twins in Manufacturing: How IT Support Drives Integration and Performance

  • Oscar Issac plays card counting wizard William Tell who teaches himself how to count cards in a military prison to practice the patience and restraint from succumbing to the darker impulses that landed him in prison in the first place.
  • Both characters create an intense scene that keeps viewers glued to the screens.
  • If that all sounds a bit deep then it also features some of the best pool scenes recorded on film, some top quality betting action and an effortlessly cool performance from Paul Newman in the lead role.
  • We’ve all seen the GIF of Zach Galifianakis in deep thought, equations whipping around his head.
  • 21 was a major success at the box office, the top-grossing film in North America for the first two weekends after it was released.
  • This is one of the most popular gambling movies on Netflix that you should watch.

It’s not just a movie about gambling; it’s a story of regret, penance, and the search for forgiveness. The film takes viewers through the dark underbelly of the casino world, depicting the devastating aftermath of the gamble. “The Gambler” presents a haunting exploration of addiction that strips away the bright lights and glamor from a poker game.

Things To Keep In Mind When Playing Online Gambling In Singapore

While the casino isn’t the most glamorous location for a movie, it can be thrilling. In addition to the fact that you’ll never have to risk your own money, these movies are popular with both gamblers and moviegoers. They let you see the world of casinos through the eyes of the main character, and show you how you can gamble safely while still having a great time.

  • If this list were ranking the most underrated gambling movies ever made, Hard Eight (1996) by Paul Thomas Anderson would undoubtedly come out on top.
  • And it was of course a massive success in theaters, raking in $469.3 million on a $35 million budget.
  • Sam states that the bosses did not authorize the bombing because they had “other ideas” for him.
  • He goes up against Mads Mikkelsen’s character, Le Chiffre, a formidable player who finances terrorist organizations.
  • Movies about gambling have an inherent drama because, by definition, they’re about risk.
  • Based on Mario Puzo’s 1960 novel of the same name, The Godfather Part II is the second installment in The Godfather trilogy.

Although Vegas isn’t the main character in the movie, it emerges as a very essential supporting one that moves the plot along. Swingers follows Mike Peters (masterfully played by Jon Favreau), a struggling comedian who moved to Los Angeles in search of stardom and is still angry over Michelle, his girlfriend of six years, leaving him six months earlier. In an effort to lift Mike out of his despair, his friend tries to reintegrate him into society.

Steven Soderbergh’s use of Las Vegas also turns the city into a character in its own right, creating film magic at its best. WIth him at the helm, the film blends the classic thrill of a heist movie with that glamour of Las Vegas and the large sums from its gambling empire. James Bond appears to play a poker game against Le Chiffre, a brilliant, evil genius character. Both characters create an intense scene that keeps viewers glued to the screens. On the big screen, casinos are the backdrop for heists, personal journeys, glamorous nights, complex relationships and much more. From star-studded casts to award-winning stories, https://true-fortune.us/ have it all.

casino movies

Gambling movies are so remarkably tense for viewers because the stakes of casino games are already inherently high. Perhaps it’s not surprising then that filmmakers have returned to the well as inspiration for thrillers, dramas, and action-packed adventures over the years. Chow would return to Macao again in 2023’s One More Chance in which he played against type by taking on the role of a deadbeat gambler.

Meghalaya Polls: Congress releases first list of 55 candidates

Simply tag us (@filmshortage) on a social media post with your trailer link and the hashtag #shortfilmtrailer included. Heist films are the ultimate guilty pleasure, a scheming world of cons and quips with the audience along for the ride as accomplices. His writing has appeared in NBC, FOX, MSN, Yahoo, Purewow, The Playlist, The Wrap and Los Angeles Review of Books. While not as good as Oceans 11, the line, “I don’t gamble, not with people’s lives” is maybe the best in the entire franchise. Betting has never seemed as bitterly hopeless as it does in the Safdie Brother’s intense farce about a jeweler (Adam Sandler), the mob, and Kevin Garnett.

With its moody cinematography, gripping plot, and stellar performance by Owen, “Croupier” offers a compelling glimpse into the dark underbelly of the casino world. As Jack grapples with moral dilemmas and ethical compromises, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the very end. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

Among his list of creditors is his own brother-in-law, but that’s the least of his worries as he’s also in bed with Arno, a loan shark and a mafiosi-type who is very keen to get his money back by whatever means necessary. Uncut Gems is perhaps one of the most gutting dramas on the big screen which goes to show how successful people, through bad judgment calls, can end up in bad situations caused by gambling. So far as gambling movies on Netflix go, this one is a fair warning to everyone who hopes to turn gambling into a full-time job and highlights the dangers that the activity invites. Poker may soon finance Le Chiffre’s entire criminal organization if he is to win a high-stakes poker game hosted at the Casino Royale in Monte Carlo.

Honeymoon in Vegas follows Jack Singer (Cage), who promised to never get married to his mother when she was dying. However, he still proposes to his long-term girlfriend, Betsy (Sarah Jessica Parker) and they fly to Las Vegas to get married, where Jack loses Betsy in a high-stakes poker game that has been rigged. 21 follows Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) who will need to have $300,000 for the program in order to get admitted into Harvard School of Medicine. He and five other MIT students received training to be professionals at card counting in blackjack as a result, and they later used Las Vegas casinos to earn millions of dollars. In any event, Eddie Garrett, a gambling addict, is tasked to stash the money for an acquaintance – if that’s what you can call a local thug who is rummaging through your kitchen one morning – who is heading into prison.

Jeweler Howard Ratner, played immaculately by Adam Sandler, will gamble anything away to crawl out of a never-ending debt spiral, including Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett’s 2008 NBA Championship and mobster money. The film is an uncompromising look into how much gambling is truly a disease that can destroy a gambler’s life and the lives of nearly anyone who touches him. The lasting phrase from the film may be a delusionally confident Howard exclaiming, “This is how I win,” but the tragic irony of it all, gambling is ultimately how he loses everything. 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. His rival is Minnesota Fats, one of the coolest named characters in gambling film history. In this action-packed heist film, Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, gets a skilled group together to rob the biggest casinos in Las Vegas.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Website Field Is Optional.

CommentYour Message
NameYour Name
EmailEmail
WebsiteWebsite