Top Casino Movies of All Time Best Casino Movies
October 2, 2024 1:00 am Leave your thoughtsThere are many outstanding ones to choose from, some of which narrowly missed the cut but still deserve some recognition. Adam Sandler’s Uncut Gems (2019), Martin Scorsese sports drama The Color of Money (1986), James Caan’s The Gambler (1974), and the underrated Hard Eight (1996) are all excellent films that are worth checking out. But they fell just short of the PokerNews list of top five gambling movies ever created. As part of the slick 30 for 30 ESPN documentary series this episode focuses on pro-bettor and one-time TV commentator James Snyder who was better known as Jimmy The Greek. After arriving in Vegas in the mid-50s he set up one of the first sports tipping lines on the then nascent NFL, which eventually led to him appearing on CBS to make predictions on upcoming games. This is every poker player’s favourite film and one most can quote from endlessly.
The 15 Best Gambling Movies on Netflix 🎬
Of course, it’s also about British secret intelligence operatives and the undercover workings thereof. The 1970 gambling movie you’re referring to is probably “The Cincinnati Kid”. Four years before the WSOP was even a thing, Warner Brothers released A Big Hand for the Little Lady, also known as Big Deal at Dodge City. It may be a bit old for today’s poker audience, but those who don’t mind watching a classic will surely have fun. Even in the present day, it’s common for people to fire up Netflix and be met with various…
Top Gambling Movies on Netflix Worth Watching
For a little over 90 minutes, Hard Eight Sydney takes John under his gambling wing after helping his homeless protege get enough money for his mother’s funeral. 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.
#9: “The Cooler” (
- But pulling off such a big heist is a lot harder than he expected it to be.
- It’s really a tale of the two main characters and their attempts to get revenge on a slightly cartoon-like villain but it’s a hugely entertaining ride and the old-school horse racing world has a wonderfully nostalgic feel to it.
- Molly’s Game is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a world-renowned Olympic-class skier.
- This scheme soon leads to Charlie taking his autistic brother on the road with him for a life-changing excursion.
- Steve McQueen delivers a stellar performance as an up-and-coming poker player seeking to establish his reputation by challenging a seasoned pro.
- The answer is so surprising that it touches the boundaries of credibility, if not go beyond that.
- This Aaron Sorkin directorial doesn’t just revolve around poker; it encapsulates the compelling tale of one woman’s resilience, ambition, and grappling with alluring yet perilous casino culture.
A good gambling movie will have strong and believable characters that the audience can invest in. The characters should be relatable and sympathetic, and their journey should be one that is entertaining to watch. Starring Oscar Isaac, “The Card Counter” is about the exploration of personal redemption set against the backdrop of poker tables.
‘House of Games’
The tension escalates when he is joined at the table by his loose cannon buddy, Worm (Edward Norton), who has just been released from prison with poker debts of his own. Supported by a noirish voiceover, Damon plays the straight man to admirable effect, as he struggles to keep his composure and his head in a dangerous game that he insists is not about chance. “Rounders” paints a colorful depiction of a seedy poker underworld filled with enough pulse-pounding river cards to keep the average poker enthusiast on the edge of their seat.
THE CARD COUNTER (
This movie is sure to delight those who have seen “Cards, Money, and Two Guns”. This movie has a similar background, but the events take place in Las Vegas. The plot of the movie is centered around a priceless artifact that is lost during a poker game. You can meet different characters in the picture – cowboys, Native Americans, girls of easy virtue, and police officers who prefer corruption. Robert De Niro starred as Ace Rothstein who controlled the mafia in Chicago.
Features
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. 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. Trying to keep up with all of the twists in Lucky Number Slevin is almost as difficult as picking a winner in a horse race but just as entertaining.
“The Sting” (George Roy Hill,
The gambling in “Casino” is on a macro-level; rather than taking place in the casino or on the card table, it happens behind closed doors, where the stakes are sky high. Molly’s Game is based on the real life of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-grade skier who suffered a serious and career-ending injury while preparing for the Winter Olympics in 2002. She then went on to host underground poker games that included several esteemed individuals on behalf of real estate developer Dean Keith. The shady world of professional tipsters is pretty well laid bare here, but it also conveys the tension, adrenaline rush and mentally bruising nature of sports betting with real heart. There is, of course, the obligatory love story sub-plot and it loses its way a bit towards the end but it’s well worth two hours of your time. Whether exploring the high-stakes world of professional poker, the adrenaline-fueled rush of card counting, or the dark underbelly of addiction and betrayal, these films offer a captivating blend of excitement, suspense, and drama.
Molly’s Game (
Except for Hoffman, that is — although, his one scene in the film almost managed to steal the entire show. Spacey is particularly checked-out here, and the movie was criticized for “whitewashing” in its casting, turning https://true-fortune.us/mobile/ the mostly Asian-American real-life players into generic white people. 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.
The Gambler ( – The Philosophy of High Stakes
- Should you end up enchanted with the game of poker through the movie, make sure to check out our expert selection of 1 euro online casinos where you can indulge in your favourite game by depositing as little as 1 euro.
- As one of the more well-known entries of the James Bond film franchise, Casino Royale (2006) stands out much as the most action-packed project ever made about gambling.
- Rounders is an entertaining film that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
- Charlie goes out of his way to gamble as much as he can in a bid to win the biggest payday there is alongside Bill.
- A good gambling movie will have high stakes, both for the characters and the audience.
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. 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. Though not a traditional gambling film, Ocean’s Eleven is a favorite casino movie. Starring an ensemble cast of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, Elliott Gould, Casey Affleck, Don Cheadle, and Carl Reiner, the gang comes together to pull off the biggest Vegas heists of all time. The worst gambling addicts are the ones who seem to be addicted to losing yet always think they have a shot at winning, and Eddie Garrett (Jake Johnson) in Netflix’s original comedy film Win It All fits that bill perfectly.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Tigers-Astros Wild Card Series matchup
- In the case of The Cincinnati Kid, it was five-card stud, which means one card down and four cards placed face up one at a time with a round of betting between each street.
- We meet Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro, both deeply embedded in the mafia world, making fortunes in casinos before it all goes wrong in a spiral of power, love, greed, drugs, and violence.
- As you can expect, his gambling habit forces him to repeatedly come to the duffel bag oblivious of the consequences that may befall him and his family once the criminal who tasked him with safekeeping comes out of prison.
- Like many other Martin Scorsese films, Casino is based on true events that occurred when the Mob dominated Las Vegas during the 1970s.
- His awakening to love and genuine companionship starkly contrasts with the superficial allure and ephemeral joys peddled by the gambling world.
- Released in 1995, Casino is a classic gambling movie that is based on the true story of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a professional gambler and casino operator in Las Vegas.
- New York becomes a manic monstrosity full of bookies, sad sacks, and noise; the entire city seems to reflect Sandler’s down-on-his-luck, out-of-options plunger.
- These films enchant audiences and leave lasting impressions by capturing the essence of the gambling world and its multifaceted characters.
The 2001 version of the 1960 Rat Pack film ends up being a far superior rendition that features a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers. George Clooney stars as Dapper Danny Ocean, a thief who’s up to no good just hours after being released from his parole. He puts his big casino heist plan into motion alongside a top-notch crew. That ragtag group of fellow thieves consists of familiar faces such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mack, etc.
- We get to see what gambling’s like from a dealer’s perspective while gaining insight into the manipulations, calculations, and human drama unfolding at the casino table.
- Along with The Sting, this is the other film on the list that almost transcends the gambling ilk from a sheerly critical perspective.
- Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie “Hard Eight” follows the story of a seasoned gambler who takes a young man under his wing, introducing him to the casino scene.
- It’s from the golden 80s movie archives but Lost in America stands the test of time.
- From the Safdie Brothers, Uncut Gems follows fast-talking jeweler Howard as he tries to juggle family obligations, his mistress, angry collectors, and mounting debts on top of his insatiable thirst for gambling.
- One thing to remember is that back then, no-limit hold’em wasn’t really played, while the popular game at the time was Stud.
- It’s easily the most well-assembled cast any gambling film has to offer, even if all its characters in the end stifle the overall pacing (and realism, for a different time) of the film itself.
Vegas Vacation (
And those accolades are more indicative of the film’s actual quality than its acclaim from critics or number of tickets sold in theaters. William H. Macy stars as the titular character Bernie Lootz — and as a cooler in a casino, he acts as bad luck for the other gamblers, placed there by the casino themselves as a sort of negative presence. And it actually explores its characters to a meaningful extent while also showcasing the inner workings of Vegas. It’s one of the more modern poker movies, especially since it is based on a true story. In the film, Jessica Chastain narrates the story of Molly Bloom, a champion skier who suffers a career-ending injury on her road to the Winter Olympics. The hilarious movie features a group of friends who decide to spend a night out in Las Vegas at a bachelor’s party.
Due to its immediate success and popularity, “Ocean’s Eleven” had three more films added to the franchise. While these films delve into lavish worlds with gambling and casinos, nothing beats the real thing. At Tachi Palace, you can get the full casino experience from the comfort of the West Coast.
Storyline
The plot revolves around four friends who decide to put all their cash together and enter a major poker game against a big-time crime boss. That crime boss takes the win under dubious means, which forces the main man who convinced his crew to enter the game to pay up or be forced to give up his father’s pub as collateral. In order to pay that debt, the four friends get in way over their heads when it comes to acquiring those funds through illegal means. While gambling movies often provide a window into a world of high stakes and high drama, their commitment to factual accuracy varies widely. As historical documents, they offer a filtered lens—colored by the needs of drama and audience engagement.
“The Hangover” is a beloved movie that has gained a cult following over the years. The film became a massive hit, with its fans quoting and re-watching it repeatedly with their friends and family. Even today, eleven years after its release, people still enjoy “The Hangover”!
Latest Casino Movie Releases: Films for Gambling Enthusiasts
Our list begins with a modern classic, “Casino Royale,” where the world of espionage intersects with the equally risky poker realm. 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. Translated as either “Bob the Gambler” or “Bob the High Roller,” Bob le flambuer is a cinematic breakdown of what happens when someone is forced to risk it all.
Both characters create an intense scene that keeps viewers glued to the screens. The movie follows his story as he rises to the top of the gambling world, but it also shows the darker side of the industry with its portrayal of greed, violence, and betrayal. Making $116.1 million at the box office, it stars Robert De Niro in the lead role, while both Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci play prominent roles in the Martin Scorsese-directed film.
If you put all of the James Bond films in order of best to worst received, “Casino Royale” would come in at No. 4, according to Rotten Tomatoes. This beloved franchise gave us a mature, reinvented Bond with the introduction of Daniel Craig and his excellent poker face. He goes up against Mads Mikkelsen’s character, Le Chiffre, a formidable player who finances terrorist organizations.
“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. After losing even more money, the mobsters eventually assault Ratner at his store, but he is all ready for them this time and traps them in the security room. In the meantime, he convinces his wife, Julia, to place a parlay bet hoping that he will make enough money to repay everyone, and he does as the bet wins. Craig’s character, the charismatic daredevil double-oh-seven, appears in the movie to play a game of cat and mouse against Le Chiffre, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, who is a criminal genius with a soft spot for poker.
This scheme soon leads to Charlie taking his autistic brother on the road with him for a life-changing excursion. All the while, Charlie relies on his brother’s amazing mathematical skills to help him win big at every gaming table they come across during a stop in Las Vegas. This moment then leads to a change in character for Charlie that makes this film a real tearjerker that’s bound to hit you right in the feels. Ever hear about the underground gambling dens that were visited by multiple A-list celebrities? Writer and director Aaron Sorking tells the tale of Molly Bloom, the queenpin behind the exclusive and illegal underground ring of high-stakes poker games.
Through the ups and downs of the first four games, the stellar play of Nico Collins has been the one constant for the Houston Texans. Another history lesson, Steve McQueen is basically Mike McD from Rounders decades earlier. It’s gritty, and like all gambling stories does not always have a happy ending.
This rollercoaster ride of a film showcases the downward spiral of gambling addiction and the desperate lengths one will go to chase euphoria. An English professor by the name of Axel Freed knows this sentiment all too well. The Gambler (1974) follows Axel as his life spirals out of control due to his out of control gambling habits. Things reach a fever pitch once he recklessly gambles away a huge sum of his casino earnings, which proceeds to put his life in danger. With notable celebrities, like actors and athletes, and wealthy financiers being played by other well-known actors, you may find yourself trying to guess each character’s real-life inspiration.
It is also a film that captures the essence of poker and the people who play it. Next on our casino movies list is an evergreen classic called “The Sting,” which brings together Paul Newman and Robert Redford in a brilliant story about elaborate cons and cunning wit, all centered around a dangerous betting plot. Set against the backdrop of a complex horse race gambling operation, the film ingeniously weaves a tale of deception and redemption. The Hustler should be seen first as it is the predecessor to that other highly recommended gambling film. The Hustler charts the early origins of “Fast Eddie” Felson and his days as a notorious poolroom hustler. Throughout the film, viewers will get to see Eddie play against a billiards champion, fall in love with a woman with plenty of emotional baggage and come into contact with an experienced gambler who wishes to take Eddie under his wing.
Categorised in: ! Без рубрики
This post was written by wp-admin