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 https://crazystar-casino.com/ 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.
Honeymoon in Vegas (
The Card Counter is a revenge thriller about an ex-military interrogator turned gambler who is haunted by his past. Although the MCU and DCEU exist separately from each other, there are instances where each studio has referenced the other in their movies. The ’90s were the Wild West of fantasy films, rife with experimentation before the genre found its way to Middle Earth. If you’re looking for thrillers, these underrated features on Netflix are guaranteed to deliver the tension you seek. And it was of course a massive success in theaters, raking in $469.3 million on a $35 million budget. It chronicles the tale of Phil, Alan, Stu, and Doug as they travel to Las Vegas for Doug’s bachelor party.
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Gambling can encompass poker and other card games, of course, but also sports betting, the lottery, and anything else of that ilk you could muster. 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.
The Captive City
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. Although Peaky Blinders would not be the first TV show or movie to show gambling in all its complicated glory, it has been lauded as one of the best. These movies are near perfection, though one annoying character has left a negative impression on some fans. 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. 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 “color of money” just to happens to match the hue of a pool table, devouring the duo into a blinding world of green.
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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. One of my friends once said that ‘Bad Lieutenant’ was a film that shook him to the core and forever changed the way he looked at the world. While it didn’t affect me on a profoundly personal level, I can see how devastating the film could be for some people. It’s a film that is brutally honest in its exploration of the dirtiest sides of human nature, and while it may disturb a lot of the viewers, one cannot ignore the universally truthful message that it so brilliantly manages to convey.
Bullsh*t The Gameshow
- Also in the mix is one of the franchise’s finest villains in Le Chiffre, who is played by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen.
- “Revolver” incorporates elements of crime, psychological drama, and neo-noir, focusing on themes such as ego, self-discovery, and the power of the mind.
- “Let It Ride” is a lighthearted comedy that explores themes of luck, risk-taking, and the charms of gambling.
- The film is a relentless, anxiety-inducing journey through New York’s diamond district.
- That’s the greatest gross differential from any gambling movie ever released, and that commercial appeal is in large part due to its star-studded cast.
- It’s a tale of greed, integrity, and the risky game of predicting sports outcomes, highlighting the psychological and emotional rollercoaster of gambling addiction and the high-pressure world of sports betting.
- It combines elements of a heist film with a coming-of-age story and offers an entertaining and suspenseful cinematic experience.
These films enchant audiences and leave lasting impressions by capturing the essence of the gambling world and its multifaceted characters. 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. “Casino” received positive reviews for its ability to capture the essence of Las Vegas as a capital of gambling. This Western comedy revolves around a high-stakes poker game in the Old West town of Laredo.
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“Two for the Money” delves into the high-stakes world of sports betting, with Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey, and Rene Russo leading the cast. The film explores the relationship between a former college football star, who becomes a sports handicapper, and his boss, a betting agency magnate. It’s a tale of greed, integrity, and the risky game of predicting sports outcomes, highlighting the psychological and emotional rollercoaster of gambling addiction and the high-pressure world of sports betting.
The 15 Best Movies About Gambling and Casinos, Ranked
George Clooney stars as Dapper Danny Ocean, a thief who’s up to no good just hours after being released from his parole. That ragtag group of fellow thieves consists of familiar faces such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mack, etc. On an annual basis, the town of Laredo, Texas becomes the epicenter for the most important poker game in the state. Five of the wealthiest men in the area come together to risk it all while an interested crowd watches them with bated breath. An ex-gambler ends up wandering into town in the midst of the big poker game and finds himself going right back to his former addiction. When things become too tough to bear for the latest addition to the game, the ex-gambler’s wife steps in to take his place and defy the odds as she takes on her wealthier opposition.
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The movie is known for the protagonist’s outstanding performance and is a nice representative of the heist genre. The movie which seems to be rated as the worst of the three and combines elements of a heist thriller with clever twists and a stylish presentation. It features elaborate schemes, unexpected alliances, and the charismatic camaraderie between the characters. The movie is still a very enjoyable comedy with decent suspense and a layered storyline.
- Filmmakers from Spike Lee to Martin Scorsese understand this all-in mindset of gambling and infuse it into their awesome films.
- 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.
- William H. Macy plays the ultimate loser employed by a casino to jinx high rollers in “The Cooler.” The film is a unique take on luck, love, and the possibility of change, offering a heartwarming narrative amid the glitz of Las Vegas.
- Charlie Waters and Bill Denny are gamblers who come together through a mutual appreciation of their hobby.
- It’s an endlessly intelligent film that will likely satisfy any gambling addicts looking for a realistic movie about poker — that’s almost entirely due to the wit of Sorkin’s script.
- This forces Eddie to find a way to gamble his way into getting all his friend’s duffle bag money back in full.
- It’s a heartfelt and humorous look at the struggles of addiction and the quest for redemption.
Croupier
His rival is Minnesota Fats, one of the coolest named characters in gambling film history. 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. And, of course, there’s a whole lot of gambling, which Altman films with casual mastery, letting us eavesdrop on the weird characters and dangerous oddballs who populate that world. California Split remains perhaps the director’s most underrated classic — and its gut-punch ending is so muted, yet so perfect. 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.
Unforgettable gambling films offer electrifying narratives and memorable characters, reflecting the allure and rich complexity of the casino world. These cinematic achievements are just a few examples of the great films that transport viewers into the world of gambling. Rather than spending most of his time in a casino like most of the other gambling addicts in the movies included on this list, Howard prefers to get his rush out of betting on sports. Gambling hasn’t lost its cultural vitality over decades, and the same is true for great gambling films like 1974’s The Gambler.
- This is basically a comedy about how one man brought his small community together for a common goal.
- ‘Mississippi Grind’ must be watched for its honest approach and the simple but universal message that it tries to convey.
- The movie revolves around a gambling addict whose life takes a shocking turn after he meets a new bookie who introduces him to a special game which seems highly lucrative but has its own dangers.
- You have to see this thriller for yourself to discover the violence, heists and clowning these guys must go through to evade Harry’s wrath.
- The film features one of the most famous robbery sequences of all time and has appeared on several best of lists, including Empire magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time”.
- In order to pay his debt, Howard does precisely what every high-stakes gambler would do; he places an enormous bet that could help pay off his entire debt but could also destroy what’s left of his life if it fails.
This time around, the Western setting of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” was traded in favor of 1936 Chicago. The most efficient British Secret Service agent the world has ever seen takes on an especially dangerous mission in Casino Royale – take down Le Chiffre, a man who’s actually a financier for terrorist organizations. James Bond goes undercover in order to infiltrate Chiffre’s major poker game, which is secretly being used as a way to acquire even more funds to support his terrorist dealings.
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- The Sting is a classic film that’s the perfect onscreen representation of what it takes to pull off a major con job.
- 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.
- Gambling can encompass poker and other card games, of course, but also sports betting, the lottery, and anything else of that ilk you could muster.
- This Robert Rossen film was an adaptation of the novel of the same name written by Walter Tevis, who also wrote “The Man Who Fell to Earth” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” two more novels to receive high-profile adaptations.
- The gambling in the film is more of a backdrop to Hard Eight’s character study of an assortment of interesting figures.
- Of course, it also features Bradley Cooper, which helped establish him as a juggernaut of the industry.
- Melville’s approach is unsurprisingly quite minimalistic and subtle but the film manages to engage you on every level.
The story follows Bond as he gets assigned to a bankrupt terrorist financier in a high-stakes poker game. The film features intense action sequences, high-stakes gambling, and a compelling storyline in the context of stylish gambling glamor. “Casino Royale” remains a popular entry in the James Bond film series due to its fresh take on the character.
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.
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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. 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.
After her career was derailed by a life-changing injury to her spine, Molly was then put in charge of an underground poker game within the Viper Room in Los Angeles. The film stars Jessica Chastain in the titular role, with supporting efforts from guys like Idris Elba and Michael Cera. And all the performers delivered Sorkin’s world-famous dialogue to a critically acclaimed degree. It’s an endlessly intelligent film that will likely satisfy any gambling addicts looking for a realistic movie about poker — that’s almost entirely due to the wit of Sorkin’s script.
‘The Hustler’
He got the idea to build a hotel and casino resort, the Flamingo, during one of his trips to Vegas to check up on a gambling joint. If you’re up for a unique Netflix gambling movie that combines casino heists, tons of action, and zombies, then you should definitely give Army of the Dead a shot. Through her charismatic personality, she attracts higher caliber players and eventually starts running her own games, which gained her a lot of money.
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. And what materializes from its slick style and intelligent script is a career-defining performance from English actor Clive Owen that dives deep into the intricate nature of the human condition.
Adam takes on the role of a lovable NYC jeweler who loves playing it big when it comes to betting. When he makes one of the biggest bets of his life, his world starts to cave in around him as debt collectors come calling. Uncut Gems follows Adam’s character as he looks to keep his life intact as his high-risk gambling endeavors threaten to tear it all apart. 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. When a professional gambler by the name of Sydney runs into a fellow gambler named John, Sydney takes John under his wing and teaches him how to truly be successful in the world of gambling.
- Pitt ends up getting the jobs done himself like an angel of death befallen anyone silly enough to gamble their lives away by messing with the mafia.
- His rival is Minnesota Fats, one of the coolest named characters in gambling film history.
- George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon lead a supporting crew that consists of actors like Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, and Elliot Gould.
- Whether characters ride the rush and win big or lose it all to a crippling addiction, these are the highest-rated gambling films of all time.
- This fun, gentle comedy focuses mainly on themes like integrity, giving back, and the importance of family.
- 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.
This process seems to go well at first, but things take a turn for the worst when both men come into contact with a local prostitute and a sketchy casino patron. This criminally underrated movie shows the intense highs and lows of the gambler’s mind, with the audience having a front-row seat. Acting as a realistic portrayal of gambling addiction, Ben Mendelsohn’s performance as Gerry shows the misery and recklessness that comes with his type of dependency. There is a trove of exceptional movies about gambling that match Peaky Blinder’s level of entertainment.
Since the film is based in reality, it’s fitting that “Owning Mahowny” is also one of the most realistic portrayals of gambling addiction ever seen in a movie. Matt Damon stars as Mike McDermott, a man with serious poker skills but life elements that keep him away from the game, namely a disapproving girlfriend, an attachment to law school, and a failed attempt at a big win looming over him. Mike is drawn back to the game when his trouble-making friend named Worm, played by Edward Norton, puts a debt on both of their heads. John Turturro has a memorable supporting role as Joey Knish, and John Malkovich makes for a fun villain named Teddy KGB with an over-the-top Russian accent.
“California Split” is best known for its improvisational style of acting and accurate authentic portrayal of the gambling subculture of the 70s. These are the 15 best gambling movies ever made according to IMDb, which are calculated based on user-submitted ratings. Some of these movies revolve entirely around gambling, while others prominently feature casinos and games of chance but also explore other story directions. Variations of poker remain the dominant focus of most of these gambling movies, but this list is also populated with movies utilizing the games of blackjack, craps, roulette, billiards, sports betting, and more.
While not considered a standout in either genre, it provides an entertaining and suspenseful viewing experience, especially for fans of classic Western movies. Long before Paul Thomas Anderson became the modern master that he is today, he built an idea on telling a story about five people whose lives are connected through a 20$ bill. This idea was further built up and expanded as it ended up being his debut feature film, ‘Hard Eight’ — an outstanding neo-noir crime thriller that portrays the relationship between a professional gambler and his protege.
“Casino Royale” tells the story of Bond gaining his 007 status, earning his license to kill, and of his romance with Vesper Lynd. Also in the mix is one of the franchise’s finest villains in Le Chiffre, who is played by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen. Not only does Louis Cropa run a successful restaurant alongside his star chef son, but he also handles part-time bookmaker duties on the side.
Gambling is typically portrayed in films as a boys’ club, but Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game shows how women can be even more adept at navigating the treacherous world of underground gambling. As with the best gambling movies, the poker table is only one arena where the stakes are high in Molly’s Game. She relies on gambling the people’s identities from her poker game to keep her money and avoid prison when the FBI comes knocking.
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. 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.
The movie revolves around a gambling addict whose life takes a shocking turn after he meets a new bookie who introduces him to a special game which seems highly lucrative but has its own dangers. The story is a little too simplistic and its exploration of addiction is a little one-dimensional but nevertheless, the attempt is commendable, and the performances lift the film beyond the realms of mediocrity. The title can be translated as either “Bob the High-Roller” or “Bob the Gambler.” The titular Bob, played by Robert Duchesne, is a former gangster with a life-consuming gambling addiction. To do it, he calls on his old gangster contacts and puts together a team of experts to pull off a heist.
He eventually succumbs to his dark desires and ends up in a situation far worse than he could have ever imagined. Bernie Lootz is very efficient at what he does – he works at a Las Vegas casino as a sort of “bad luck bringer” that goes out of his way to jinx gamblers into losing. Shelly Kaplow, the casino’s boss lady, appreciates him and his ability to keep her casino on the winning end of things. But Bernie’s “cooler” abilities start to falter when he comes across a waitress named Natalie Belisario, who he falls head over heels for. Once Shelly takes notice of Bernie’s changed behavior, the plotline within The Cooler blossoms into something you’ll become heavily invested in as it unfolds. Robert De Niro, Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Tom Cruise and a host of other world-class actors have appeared in some of the greatest gambling movies ever put on the big screen.