Casinos are often the dramatic backdrop to many 'all or nothing' scenes in the glitzy world of cinema.
Whether it be intense stares shared over a deck of cards, or a stony poker-face that escalates the tension, casinos are natural settings for climactic, white-knuckled plots.
If you can't quite place your favourite face-off, or are on the look-out for a great film that gets the blood pumping, then look no further.
Best Movies About Gambling
Casino Royale remains one of the most loved and watched movies in the Bond franchise. Earning an outstanding 8 stars at IMDb, the film scores points on every front, from the cool gambling moves to action-packed scenes. Best casino movies Casino (1995) – Universal Pictures. This award-winning film stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as Sam 'Ace' Robinson. 21 (2008) – Columbia Pictures. In this film, a group of MIT college students and their professor use a card-counting. Casino Royale (2006) –.
By Gem Seddon, Jack Shepherd 06 November 2020 From Spike Lee joints to Oscar-nominated epics, these are the best Netflix movies available to watch right now. Casino (1995) In this 1995 film set in the 1970s, you can watch what critics have called one of the best casino movies ever made. It has top actors including Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. There are lots of memorable scenes in Casino (1995), but the cowboy scene is a fan favorite. What better movie to watch to fuel your casino needs than Ocean's 11! The Rat Pack comedy classic features some of Hollywood's biggest names as they try to steal $150 million from one of Las Vegas' biggest casinos.
We've compiled some of the best poker and casino films to have ever graced the big screen.
Best poker movies
Rounders (1998) – Miramax Films
Set in New York City, this poker film sheds light on the city's burgeoning underground poker world. Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, Rounders follows two friends in need of quick cash after accruing a substantial debt.
A 'rounder' is somebody who travels from city to city, seeking high-stakes cash games to get them by. However, for this pair it is nothing short of a bumpy ride.
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003) – New Line Home Video
The son of a bookie, Stu Ungar (Michael Imperioli) begins his career as a tournament gin player, progressively moving into the realm of poker.
The film documents his life, through cocaine abuse and the eventual breakup of his marriage. The culminating scene features Ungar's third victory at the Main Event of the WSOP one year before his death, at the height of his success.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965) – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Warner Bros.
This movie is a gambling classic. Starring Steve McQueen, this film tells the story of an up-and-coming gambler who dreams of defeating high-roller, Lancey Howard.
The Kid, as he is known, earned his reputation after defeating a series of opponents in low-stakes backroom games. However, the leap from backroom to front of house is a big step, and the Cincinnati Kid has to learn how to deal with the raising stakes.
Mississippi Grind (2015) – A24
Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) is dealing with financial woes and is desperate to change his luck. With the help of young charismatic poker player, Curtis (Ryan Reynolds), the two journey across the South, setting their sights on a legendary high-stakes poker game in New Orleans. An undeniable bond forms between the two and, what was once a hunt for more money, turns into a journey of self-discovery for the pair.
The Hustler (1961) – 20th Century Fox
The Hustler tells the tale of small-time pool hustler 'Fast' Eddie Felson as he attempts to break into the major league of high-stakes wagering. His persistence sees him up against the best pool player in the country, 'Minnesota Fats'.
Despite his grand ambitions, he loses to Fats and pays the price when he butts heads with the unscrupulous manager of the pool club, Bert Gordon. How will this small-time player fare when the big boys come knocking?
California Split (1974) – Columbia Pictures
This 1974 film is perfect for those wanting to make it as a poker pro. It focuses on the life of a poker professional, played by Elliot Gould, and another player who combines it with a day job, which is played by George Segal.
The two players fall into debt and are forced to play in a game that contains the great poker man Amarillo Slim himself.
The movie captures the tension and thrill that a poker match tends to provide perfectly and while it is on the old side, it is a must watch for anyone interested in poker.
The Sting (1973) – Universal Pictures
This is another which may be a little dated but is another classic which picked up 7 Oscars back in 1974.
The modern-day tactics won't be seen in this film, but you will get to delve into the cheating aspect of the game.
Virtual casino bonus codes. Paul Newman, who plays Henry Gondorff knows the only way to beat well-known poker cheat Doyle Lonnegan, played by Robert Shaw, is to be even better at cheating
A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966) – Warner Bros.
The sole focus of this movie is a poker game – what could be better than that!
A poor farmer needs money to pay for a field, and despite his lack of poker knowledge he enters a high stakes game – much to the disgust of his wife.
During the game, he suffers a heart attack and his wife is then forced to take his place at the table – but can she pull of a massive shock?
Best casino movies
Casino (1995) – Universal Pictures
This award-winning film stars Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as Sam 'Ace' Robinson and Nicholas 'Nicky' Santoro. Ace is called by the Italian mob to oversee operations at the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas, whilst Nicky is there to ensure the mobsters are kept in line.
If you love Las Vegas and gangster movies, this iconic Martin Scorsese film is a must-see.
21 (2008) – Columbia Pictures
In this film, a group of MIT college students and their professor use a card-counting system to break the blackjack tables in Las Vegas. They fleece one casino after the other and, what was once an easy way to pay off tuition fees, turns into a full-time scam.
However, their good luck only lasts for so long, and everything goes pear-shaped once the casinos catch onto them and demand retribution. As if that wasn't enough to make you go out and view it, this movie is based on a true story!
Casino Royale (2006) – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Columbia Pictures
Casino Royale is the first of the Bond series to star Daniel Craig as the world's most dangerous MI6 agent.
After preventing a terrorist attack at Miami International Airport, Bond is assigned to bankrupt a terrorist financier, Le Chiffre, by beating him in a high-stakes poker game. Will Bond fulfil his mission, or is it all over for 007?
Ocean's Eleven (2001) – Warner Bros.
In this classic remake, ex-convict Danny Ocean and his partner-in-crime, Rusty Ryan, devise a plan to rob the men who put them behind bars: casino entrepreneurs who own three of the most lavish casinos in Las Vegas.
After recruiting several former colleagues and criminal specialists, the team conspire to break into the Bellagio, The Mirage and the MGM Grand.
The Gambler (2014) – Paramount Pictures
The Gambler tells the story of Jim Bennett: a Los Angeles literature professional with a gambling addiction, played by Mark Wahlberg.
After a series of gambling tête-à-têtes, Wahlberg ends up owing $240,000 to Lee, the proprietor of an underground gambling ring, and another $50,000 to Neville Baraka, a loan shark. This film depicts the dark side of the gambling world, and is a stark reminder that addiction isn't pretty.
The Hangover (2009) – Warner Bros.
This comedy classic is based around a stag do in Las Vegas – what could possibly go wrong?
It's a true tale of ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' and the night starts as any stag do does in Vegas – in the casino. It soon spirals out of control though in a bizarre series of events and they have a battle on their hands to get back in time for the wedding – will they make it?
Rain Man (1988) – United Artists
This movie focuses on the blackjack aspect at the casino after Tom Cruise's character Charlie Rabbit only receives a bunch of roses in his father's will.
He then meets his older autistic savant brother Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman and they go on the pursuit to Vegas with the idea of using his gift to win big at the blackjack tables.
The film covers many aspects including family ties, mental astuteness and crossing the boundaries of ‘legal' in Las Vegas.
Maverick (1994) – Warner Bros.
The plot for this 1994 film starring Mel Gibson is centred around a Poker game with Gibson playing Bret Maverick – a card player and con artist collecting money to enter a high-stakes poker game.
For true poker aficionados the games played in the movie are slightly flawed – such as a royal flush beating a straight flush – but it doesn't detract from the movie which grossed over $183million worldwide.
What do you think of these gambling films? Have we missed any of your favourite poker films? Let us know in the comments section, below!
Have these movies inspired you to want to feel the rush of poker? Head to our casino and play poker online!
Comments
comments
Jun 27, 2014
Representations of card counting range from the rousing to the ridiculous so we take a look at 7 of the very best.
Earlier this year those nice people over at the Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel & Casino had to ask that Hollywood hunk Ben Affleck to stop playing blackjack at their tables citing the fact that he was counting cards…too obviously.
Do these lucky 7 get portrayals of card counting right?• What else do Kevin Costner and Kevin Spacey have in common?
• Which actor has the best casino table manners?
• Where will Affleck take his affliction next?
Well what did they expect from Mr. Affleck? Acting? He's never shown any ability in that regard before so why did they think he'd manage under pressure at the blackjack tables?
Mr. Affleck should stick to online blackjack tournaments if he can't keep it on the down low. Of course Hollywood has always had a fascination for gambling.
From 'The Sting' to 'The Hangover' gambling is a big part of the dramatic repertoire and whilst not every movie can reach the dazzling heights of 'Casino' with Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, there are plenty of others to choose from.
But in tribute to Mr Affleck's lack of thespian prowess let's look at some of the portrayals of card counting that have graced the silver screen in our Top 7 Card Counting Movies.
Stacy's Knights
Starring Kevin Costner, and the distinctly foxy Andra Millian, this 1983 classic concerns Stacy, a young novice, who our Kev teaches to count cards in order that she has that edge necessary for winning at blackjack.
Unfortunately corrupt casino bosses (don't you just hate 'em?) not only set cheating dealers on her but actually have Will killed leaving Stacy with no absolutely no alternative but to put together a team of players and get her revenge.
Holy Rollers
When someone tells you there's a 2011 movie about committed Christians counting cards in casinos it can be tempting to make sure they're not holding any sharp objects and that you know precisely where all the exits are.
It sounds so implausible, and yet Holy Rollers is that movie. Is it a documentary or a badly scripted drama? Are they hypocrites or heroes? Is prayer a blackjack strategy? You decide. If nothing else it'll leave you wondering, 'Where would Jesus gamble?'
The Hot Shoe
This 2005 documentary by the Director David Layton charts the history of blackjack card counting. Mixing interviews with gambling authors, casino employees and card counters themselves (including that bunch of guys from MIT) and reviews the math behind these smart strategies.
He then goes on to practice what he's been preached by learning to count cards and gambling $5000 of the films budget. How did he make out? You'll have to see it to get the answer to that one.
The Last Casino
A professor recruits three bright students, teaches them to count blackjack cards then sets out on a spree. Sound familiar? It should.
Excellent performances in this 2004 film from Charles Martin Smith, Katharine Isabelle and Kris Lemche more than make up for a slightly made-for-TV feel and a card counting system that probably wouldn't work anywhere anymore. Chargeback online casino.
Breaking Vegas
Although a 2004 dramatic recreation of the MIT teams now legendary pursuits this documentary styled film doesn't overly egg the theme with good performances from the 'actors' and a nice pacing that lends itself to the mood.
Brian christopher gambler married. If they don't explain the blackjack tips in enough mathematical detail for many it's still an excellent watch for a movie that could have done with a slightly larger budget and perhaps just a little more substance to add to the quite piquant atmosphere.
Rain Man
Best Casino Movies Imdb
Couldn't leave everyone's favorite card counter out of the list, could I? Of course I couldn't. With four Oscars, two Golden Globes and an Eddie award to its credit there's no good reason to sit down and watch this.
A 1988 classic about an autistic savant and his less than perfect brother and their helter-skelter journey across the USA with an inheritance in the balance it has it all. Dustin Hoffman is superb, Tom Cruise is actually watchable, and the card scenes are so fabulous they're now part of blackjack history. A must see.
21
The 2008 incarnation of that now age old story sees Kevin Spacey train a bunch of bright MIT students in blackjack tricks and card counting. A lavish production with some excellent cameos from the likes of Lawrence Fishburne, this movie bounces neatly between high energy casino scenes and the emotional drama behind cunningly created facade.
Breaking Vegas
Although a 2004 dramatic recreation of the MIT teams now legendary pursuits this documentary styled film doesn't overly egg the theme with good performances from the 'actors' and a nice pacing that lends itself to the mood.
Brian christopher gambler married. If they don't explain the blackjack tips in enough mathematical detail for many it's still an excellent watch for a movie that could have done with a slightly larger budget and perhaps just a little more substance to add to the quite piquant atmosphere.
Rain Man
Best Casino Movies Imdb
Couldn't leave everyone's favorite card counter out of the list, could I? Of course I couldn't. With four Oscars, two Golden Globes and an Eddie award to its credit there's no good reason to sit down and watch this.
A 1988 classic about an autistic savant and his less than perfect brother and their helter-skelter journey across the USA with an inheritance in the balance it has it all. Dustin Hoffman is superb, Tom Cruise is actually watchable, and the card scenes are so fabulous they're now part of blackjack history. A must see.
21
The 2008 incarnation of that now age old story sees Kevin Spacey train a bunch of bright MIT students in blackjack tricks and card counting. A lavish production with some excellent cameos from the likes of Lawrence Fishburne, this movie bounces neatly between high energy casino scenes and the emotional drama behind cunningly created facade.
Kate Bosworth and Jim Sturgess handle their complex roles with suitable professionalism for their age and if the dramatic license taken with real life events means there's not much of the original true story left, it doesn't spoil the effect. Worth a watch.
Tags: 21, Andra Millian, Ben Affleck, blackjack cards, blackjack history, blackjack strategy, blackjack tips, blackjack tricks, Breaking Vegas, Casino, casino table manners, Charles Martin Smith, Christians, David Layton, Dustin Hoffman, Eddie, Golden Globes, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Holy Rollers, Jesus, Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Katharine Isabelle, Kevin Costners, Kevin Spacey, Kris Lemche, Las Vegas, Lawrence Fishburne, MIT, Online blackjack tournaments, Oscars, Rain Man, Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, smart strategies, Stacy's Knights, The Hangover, The Hot Shoe, The Sting, Tom Cruise, winning at blackjack
Related posts:
- Blackjack's Best – Hollywood's top 3 cheat-at-blackjack movies
There are countless films out there about gambling, and several of them have scenes that.. - New Casino Movie From Scorsese Will Be Short
Big names join Martin Scorsese to make short film to promote new casino and resort.. - Blackjack Movies: Rain Man
Check out the blackjack related classic Rain Man, with Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in.. - Blackjack Movies: Casino
Casino is classic movie from 1995 based on real-life events with well-known actor legends and.. - 4 Ways People Tried to Save Their Ass by Playing Blackjack
Sometimes, when the chips are down, people hit the blackjack tables to try and change..
