31 Best Gambling Movies of All Time Ultimate Gamblers’ Watchlist

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 https://crazystar-casino.com/ 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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• In this world, there are individuals known as “luck thieves” who possess the ability to steal the luck of others.
• “Rounders” not only made a big splash as a movie but was also hugely influential to the development and popularization of Texas Hold ’em poker in the real world.
• Casino is an excellent film depicting what happens behind closed doors in Las Vegas, away from the world of sports betting apps and online casinos.
• The movie named after that important position follows an aspiring writer who takes on that role in order to support his ambitions.
• 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.

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. Directed by John Dahl, this is the only film on the list that has gone down as a true cult classic. It received lukewarm responses from critics upon release, and didn’t even double its $12 million budget when playing in theaters throughout the world. 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. If you’re feeling lucky and want to see what that luck can get you, put down the FanDuel app and check out the 20 best gambling movies you can watch to satisfy your hunger for more.

‘The Last Casino’

He’s well-known poker guru famed for becoming the first-ever player to scoop 3 WSOP Main Event tournaments in the history of World Series of Poker. Perhaps the most heartwarming story is that of Ben Campbell (played by Jim Sturgess), a gifted student and an aspiring medical doctor. With no way of getting $300k to attend Harvard Medical School, Ben decides to join the card-counting team. Unfortunately, power and greed get the best of the students, putting their plan in jeopardy. Lost to his addiction, Axel finds himself in poor favor with the loan shark he owes bundles to. “The Gambler” was remade in 2014 with Mark Wahlberg in the lead role, but that updated telling was far less well-received by critics and audiences alike, per Rotten Tomatoes.

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• 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.
• In Rounders, Matt Damon stars as a card-player-turned-law-student who’s trying to put his poker days behind him, but that proves almost impossible when Worm tornadoes back into his life.
• Rupert Wyatt’s 2014 remake of The Gambler received indifferent reviews because it pales in comparison to the taut 1974 classic.
• Fans of the films have come to adore Craig’s portrayal of the British secret agent, and that all started here with Casino Royale.
• He enlists mercenary Scott Ward, played by Dave Bautista, and his team to get back the money before the city is completely destroyed.
• 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.

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. Movies about gambling have an inherent drama because, by definition, they’re about risk. 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.

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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.

Top 25 Casino Films

It’s not quite Goodfellas (although Joe Pesci does play a similar, psychotically inclined character in both films), but Casino is just as bold, stylish, and slick as any other Scorsese picture of its kind. 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. Everything about the Safdie brothers’ crime-thriller is high-wire and frenzied, just like its haphazard protagonist. And, of course, being a Safdie movie, it was produced by A24, so expect a lot of visceral neon lights that illuminate its dark themes.

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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.

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“Eight Men Out” was appreciated for historical accuracy and portrayal of the players of the time period. The movie is based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who became skilled card counters and successfully won millions of dollars in Las Vegas casinos. It combines elements of a heist film with a coming-of-age story and offers an entertaining and suspenseful cinematic experience. 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. “Killing Them Softly” combines intense performances, stylish cinematography, and sharp dialogue to deliver a compelling and atmospheric crime drama. From crime heists and movies filled with action to hilarious comedies and some true tearjerkers, below you can find the best gambling movies currently on Netflix.

( Rounders (John Darl,

• OnlineCasinos.com even calls the film a convincing depiction of casinos and gambling “down to the smallest details.”
• The movie addresses the themes of ethics and ambition, and despite its age, is known for high-quality performance.
• After being banned from the casinos within Ontario and Quebec, the professor relies on his card-counting experts to take his place at those casinos and gamble their way to big money.
• There’s a lot of entertainment to be had when a movie is all about placing bets on horse races, boxing matches, and assorted sports games.
• The stakes are truly raised within this classic film when Eddie decides to go all in during a high-stakes matchup.

Bond goes all in order to put a stop to Le Chiffre’s plans and take down his evil organization in one fell swoop. After agreeing to keep an eye on a duffel bag full of money for a friend that’s heading to prison, Eddie gives in to his gambling demons and ends up using the money to indulge his addiction. His troubles quickly worsen once Eddie finds out his friend is getting out of prison sooner than expected.

Molly’s Game (

The main character of Axel’s weakness for gambling ranges from betting on basketball to hot shot casino games, showing that the protagonist is entrenched too deep in his addiction to think logically. 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. Oscar Isaac delivers a compelling performance in “The Card Counter,” portraying a gambler with a troubled past seeking redemption through a series of high-stakes poker games.

Lucky Number Slevin (

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.

5 Card Stud

While filming, James Caan was battling his own addiction to drugs, and he used that to suffuse his character with a raw sort of desperation. Based on an older movie with the same name, this new variation of “Ocean’s Eleven” became the first in the popular trilogy of heist comedy movies with a charming group of thieves. The movie combines smart comedy, decent suspense, and very enjoyable styles of directing and performance. Upon its release, “Ocean’s Eleven” was a commercial success and received positive reviews and love from the viewers. ” (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.

As he immerses himself in this world of deceit, Victor begins to question the moral implications of his actions and the consequences they may have on his relationships and future. The movie addresses the themes of ethics and ambition, and despite its age, is known for high-quality performance. Familiye is a black-and-white film that depicts the story of a family of three brothers, the eldest of whom has just got out of prison. He now has to care for his two brothers, one who suffers from compulsive gambling and is in massive debt and another with Down syndrome. The movie is a great watch both alone and with company, but gambling scenes are few and far between, with most of them bunched up during the latter parts of the film. Although not a particularly accurate representation of the actual MIT Blackjack Team story, 21 is still a great watch for anyone who enjoys the game of blackjack.

Television & Film

“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 film features intense action sequences, high-stakes gambling, and a compelling storyline in the context of stylish gambling glamor.
• Bugsy is a great watch for anyone wanting to learn more about how the Strip was created or if you enjoy gangster movies with lots of drama.
• “The Card Counter” delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of choices.
• ‘Bob Le Flambeur’ tells the story of an old, broke gambler who takes a chance and concocts a dangerous plan to rob the Deauville casino.
• Explore our curated list of the best gambling movies of all time, featuring classics and hidden gems that capture the thrill and drama of the casino world.
• Bob Montagne, the main character of the film, is known as an extremely lucky gambler who’s a big hit amongst the populace.
• In this film, the three casinos are owned and operated by scum-bag tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia).
• 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 Best Casino Movies: From ‘Casino’ to ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ Here Are The Must-See Classics

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. Here with Molly’s Game (2017), though, the screenwriter took his directorial debut and chronicled the life of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier. And those accolades are more indicative of the film’s actual quality than its acclaim from critics or number of tickets sold in theaters.

The 30 Best Gambling Movies of All Time

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. As the plot unfolds, the protagonist has to solve his problems trying to protect himself and those he cares about.”Dark City” is known for its dark and moody atmosphere with its shadowy visuals and morally ambiguous characters. The story of “5 Card Stud” begins with a poker game where one of the players is caught cheating. Years later, in a remote town, the players mysteriously start getting murdered one by one. The movie combines elements of the classic Western genre with a murder mystery plotline.

The Color of Money

It presents a humorous and satirical portrayal of the gambling culture, with colorful characters and comical situations. While “Let It Ride” received both positive and negative reviews upon its release, it was praised for its comedic approach to the world of gambling and the highs and lows of real-money betting. “Poker Queens” is a documentary released in 2020 that explores the world of professional female poker players.

If you have 1hr 57min to spare, this is a casino heist movie that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. He comes across John, played by John C. Reilly, by chance after John has gone broke and takes pity on him. The two enter a mentor-mentee relationship centered around a Reno casino, and Sydney even becomes a father figure for John. “Rounders” not only made a big splash as a movie but was also hugely influential to the development and popularization of Texas Hold ’em poker in the real world. According to PokerListings.com, “Rounders” can be credited with elevating no-limit Texas Hold ’em to its current status as the most popular card game in the world.