The 26 Best Movies About Gambling and Poker, Ranked

It tells the story of Charlie Babbitt (Cruise), a selfish and abrasive young man who discovers he has an older autistic brother named Raymond (Hoffman) after their father’s death. Seeking to gain access to his father’s inheritance, Charlie kidnaps Raymond from the institution where he lives and takes him on a road trip across the country. 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. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best casino-themed films that have become timeless classics, combining action, intriguing plots, and memorable characters. Another notable film is “The Cooler” (2003), directed by Wayne Kramer, where the protagonist, played by William H. Macy, is a “cooler” hired by a casino to bring bad luck to winning players.

The Best Casino Movies of All Time

Well, it’s not exactly easy, but a team of pros who have lots of previous heist experience should be able to pull it off. Vincent and Eddie embark on a road trip to all the pool halls, betting and scamming their way to the big bucks. Atlantic City and the nine-ball beckon them, but their combined egos threaten to block the way. The Color of Money brings together Martin Scorsese, Tom Cruise, and Paul Newman. Based on Walter Tevis’s 1984 novel, The Color of Money is a kind of sequel to The Hustler (also written by Tevis and starring Newman).

• Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman gave the performances of their careers portraying brothers Charlie and Raymond in this emotionally charged drama.
• The “color of money” just to happens to match the hue of a pool table, devouring the duo into a blinding world of green.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Though not a traditional gambling film, Ocean’s Eleven is a favorite casino movie.
• To prove himself, Eddie challenges top dog Minnesota Fats (played by Jackie Gleason) to a high-stakes game of pool.
• Directed by Norman Jewison, the movie is widely regarded as a classic in the gambling movie genre.

Rounders (

The movie is still a very enjoyable comedy with decent suspense and a layered storyline. To prove himself, Eddie challenges top dog Minnesota Fats (played by Jackie Gleason) to a high-stakes game of pool. The Hustler isn’t just one of the best gambling movies, but best sports movies of all time. The accurate representation of gambling psychology is one of the reasons this film is worth watching. Unlike other movies about poker we’ve listed here, this one features characters who are convinced they will magically strike gold.

What is the Difference Between Casinos with Fast Payouts?

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.

Cast

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.

The 12 Most Famous Casino Movies of All Time

His rival is Minnesota Fats, one of the coolest named characters in gambling film history. Based on a true story of a crippling gambling addiction, screenwriter James Toback wrote The Gambler about his own problematic behavior, anger, and feelings of general desperation. The conflict makes for a great drama, as long as you’re watching the original ’70s film with James Caan and not the hated 2014 Mark Wahlberg remake.

• This fun, gentle comedy focuses mainly on themes like integrity, giving back, and the importance of family.
• Four men – Doug, Alan, Stu, and Phil – go to Las Vegas for a stag night, awakening the next morning with the worst hangovers of their lives.
• Movies about gambling have an inherent drama because, by definition, they’re about risk.
• Like other gambling films, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas takes us into the rotten world of gamblers and drug dealers.
• “The Hustler” drama delves into themes of ambition and addiction and depicts the world of pool halls with the tense atmosphere of the game.
• 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.
• Besides the actual twists of relationships, the movie also shows the atmosphere of the gambling world.
• Casino was released on November 22, 1995, by Universal Pictures, to a mostly positive critical reception, and was a worldwide box office success.

The Hustler

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 Gambler (

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.

The Gambler

Released in 2006, Casino Royale was Daniel Craig’s first appearance as Bond and arguably his best. 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. 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. Directed by Martin Campbell, the movie is known for its intense action sequences and stunning cinematography. 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. The drama story revolves around a talented poker player and law student pulled into the underground poker world.

Poker Queens

“Eight Men Out” was appreciated for historical accuracy and portrayal of the players of the time period. “Hard Eight” is a neo-noir crime drama about an experienced and enigmatic gambler who takes a young man under his wing. “Hard Eight” is all about fate, redemption, and the complex dynamics between its characters.

What Do We Know About the New Rocky Picture?

The Sting won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, and many more in 1974, as the smart but tense comedy keeps the audience guessing who will come out the better grifter. I’m Eva, the opinionated voice behind every online casino review we make here on CasinosHunter. I’ve been working as a copywriter for 10+ years, half of the time in the online gambling niche, among others.

“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.

The Card Counter (

• Martin Scorsese’s intricate drama is for you, chronicling Sin City’s evolution from seedy to sanitized over the span of several years.
• The Sting is another multi-Academy Award winning film (bagging seven Oscars in total) that follows the story of two professional grifters, Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman).
• “Casino Royale” is an action James Bond spy movie inspired by the old version released many years earlier.
• These films enchant audiences and leave lasting impressions by capturing the essence of the gambling world and its multifaceted characters.
• In addition to the bright and outstanding gambling scenes, the movie also skillfully shows the psychological aspects of addiction and the emotional turmoil that comes with it.
• Barry Levinson’s remarkable film about the Babbitt brothers won five Academy Awards when it was released in 1988, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

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.

Conclusion: Best Movies That Take Place In Casinos

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. The main characters in these films are upping the ante by risking their lives on the big score, falling into debt or addiction—or trying to game the system. Sometimes, they’re running underworld operations; sometimes those involved are super spies. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each of the 10 best movies about casinos.

Her addiction not only jeopardizes her marriage but also puts her in dangerous situations. “The Lady Gambles” explores the destructive nature of addiction and the consequences it has on relationships and personal well-being. As a “film noir”, this movie skillfully portrays the protagonist’s descent into the world of gambling, with elements of suspense. Today, the legalization of gambling has become a Hail Mary last-ditch effort for many financially eroding urban areas like Detroit, St. Louis, and others — but Atlantic City did this first. The movie feels both dated and timeless, capturing a specific moment that has the power of folklore.

Here are my picks for the best movies about gambling that capture the thrills and falls that come with the territory. In 1980, Ginger kidnaps little Amy, planning to flee to Europe with her and Lester. Sam convinces Ginger to return with Amy, then overhears her planning on the phone to kill him. Sam soon discovers their affair, confronts Ginger, and ends his friendship with Nicky.

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.

Roll the dice and hit play on these cinematic gems, where fortune and fate collide on the casino floor. ” (2020) with the lovable characters being offered $2.5 million for a single game of Texas Hold’em, which takes them to multiple locations by various means of travel to play the card turns- with absurd hilarity ensuing. The movie is delightful both for the fans of the first movie and for the new audiences due to its engaging events and charming characters. “The Cooler” is a romantic drama that tells about an unlucky man who works as a “cooler” in a Las Vegas casino. His fortunes take an unexpected turn when he meets and falls in love with a cocktail waitress and his luck begins to change.

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. The story of “5 Card Stud” begins with a poker game where one of the players is caught cheating.

With Matt Damon and John Malkovich in one movie, you know the film will be worth your time. Add poker and gambling to the mix, and you’ve got Rounders helping you make the best of your weekend poker movies night. Croupier is a character study of one man as he faces temptation – which turns out to be a common theme among movies about casino gambling. Intrigue, suspense, insights, and a powerful performance by Clive Own earn Croupier a spot on our list of the best casino films.

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 https://thebescasino-login.com/ 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.

Tense, entertaining, and carried by incredible performances, Molly’s Game has everything a good crime-drama needs. Like most gamblers, Mike loses more than just his money—but that doesn’t stop him from driving towards the lights of Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker. In 1982, the FBI discovers Piscano’s records, closes the Tangiers, and Green agrees to cooperate. The FBI approaches Sam for help by showing him photos of Nicky and Ginger together, but he turns them down. The Chicago bosses are arrested, get ready for trial, and arrange the murders of anyone who might testify against them. In 1983, Ginger dies of a hot dose in Los Angeles, with Sam suspecting that the bosses may have been responsible.

The movie follows the adventures of a charming and roguish gambler and gunslinger. It combines elements of comedy, action, and adventure, with the poker game serving as a central plot point. The movie was loved by the public due to its humorous take on the Western genre and unexpected twists. This is a classic American film noir crime drama about a cynical gambler who becomes involved with a corrupt casino owner and then meets a woman and falls in love with her.

The movie captures the atmosphere of the Las Vegas casino scene and provides a unique perspective on the role of luck and human relationships. It was praised for its blend of romance and drama, and it garnered several award nominations. The very first original movie shot back in 1960, Ocean’s Eleven became a foundation for the three famous movies about Ocean’s friends. This older movie showcases the meticulous planning and execution of the elaborate heist, highlighting the group’s camaraderie and the twists and turns they encounter along the way.

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.

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.

Played by Jessica Chastain, Molly Bloom tries to keep her gambling empire afloat while the FBI investigates the massively illegal operation. They transport us into the high-stakes world of gambling and risk-taking, whether in Las Vegas or underground poker rooms. 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.

Here on CasinosHunter, I write reviews, guides, all cornerstone content, and also make sure that every text on the site or our social media is well-written and correct. Gambling movies and caper movies often overlap, and that’s certainly the case with The Sting. Starring Paul Newman—man, he sure likes to hustle—The Sting follows two pro grifters who try to con the mob. 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.

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. Director Steven Soderbergh takes us through all the intricate planning and execution, then wraps up with a satisfying ending. It may not have been showered in Oscar nominations, but Ocean’s Eleven is undoubtedly the most famous heist movie of our age. Ocean’s Eleven is the ultimate heist movie, and it just so happens to take place in a 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.