Casino movies are all about action, risk, and excitement. They take us inside the realm of gambling, where big stakes can make or ruin you. That is precisely why these films are so popular. Whether you are a casino lover or you are just in for another movie to watch on a Sunday night, we have provided you with a list of 10 casino movies that will surely keep you entertained. So, scroll down to find out which one you should start with.
Rounders
An American drama movie released in 1998 depicts the underground world of high-stakes poker. The plot revolves around two friends who must win high-stakes poker in order to swiftly pay off a hefty bet. Mike McDermott, the main character, is a law student with a talent for poker. After losing a game to a Russian criminal, he chooses to give up poker and concentrate on his education. Furthermore, his boyhood friend has been freed from prison but owns a large sum of money to someone. As a result, Mike decided to return to poker, a desperate move to assist his friend.
Mississippi Grind
This is a drama movie directed by Ben Mendelsohn and starring Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn. Gerry, played by Mendelsohn, is a miserable gambler whose addiction has cost him his marriage and the opportunity to see his daughter grow up. Curtis, played by Reynolds is a mysterious fellow poker player who shares his passion for Woodford bourbon. Gerry teams up with him in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South. Their purpose is to win back what they have lost.
Ocean’s Eleven
This is a heist comedy movie managed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ted Griffin that was released in 2001. Danny Ocean breaches his parole by heading to California to see his partner-in-crime and friend Rusty Ryan. Also, he suggests committing a robbery after his release from prison. They travel to Las Vegas to present their concept to a wealthy buddy and previous casino proprietor Reuben Tishkoff. The aim is to loot the Bellagio, Mirage, and MGM Grand casinos all at the same time.
21
Robert Luketic directed this 2008 American heist casino movie. The movie is based on the true story of MIT Blackjack students who were tutored to become experts in card counting and then took on Las Vegas casinos for millions of dollars in profits. The plot centers around Ben Campbell, who aspires to attend Harvard Medical School and become a doctor. Moreover, his maths professor recruits him to join a covert group in order to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars at casinos.
Casino Royale
This is a classic James Bond movie that will keep both casino enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts entertained in their chairs. Here, 007 must defeat in a high-stakes game of poker a private banker funding terrorists, Le Chiffre. The best agent from MI6 must prevent Le Chiffre from stealing all the money and fleeing. The movie takes place in Casino Royale, Montenegro, and it is another timeless classic that is worth seeing.
The Cincinnati Kid
This is a 1965 American drama movie directed by John Huston. It follows the story of Eric “The Kid” Stoner, a depressed teenager that plays poker as he strives to establish himself as the best. This quest leads him to face Lancey “The Guy” Howard, an experienced player widely regarded as the best, which culminates in an apocalyptic final poker hand between the two. Steve McQueen is the main role meanwhile Edward G. Robinson portrays Howard.
The Gambler
The Gambler is a crime drama movie that was released in 1974. The story revolves around literature professor Alex Feed, who develops an uncontrollable gambling addiction. After losing all of his money, he borrows from his fiancée. Then, he starts borrowing from his mother and is eventually pursued by evil guys. Also, Alex goes to Las Vegas to try his luck at the city’s casinos. Despite all the risks associated with his addiction, he is unable to stop gambling.
Molly’s Game
Molly is an outstanding mogul skier with Olympic ambition, the outcome of years of grueling training from her domineering father. She was severely injured in a qualification event for the 2002 Winter Olympics, thereby terminating her career. After that, Molly decides to take a year off from law school and goes to Los Angeles instead of continuing with her original plan. She works as a bottle service server at a club after arriving, when she meets Dean, an ostentatious but failing real estate tycoon. Then, she becomes his office manager, and he quickly enlists her in the operation of his underground poker games at “The Cobra Lounge.” The whole movie is based on a real story.
Casino
This Martin Scorsese movie is based on Nicholas Pileggi’s novel. In the early 1970s, low-level mobster Sam is hired to handle the Tangiers Casino by his masters. He is initially successful in his position, but in the long term, he clashes with his loose-cannon assassin Nicky, previous wife Ginger, and con artist Lester. This movie is all about greed, money, and power. Moreover, a murder occurs when two best friends compete against each other over a gambling empire. After watching the movie you might get inspired to gamble a bit yourself, if that is the case, make sure to check out Reactoonz slot.
Croupier
A British neo-noir film from 1998 about life in a casino. The story revolves around an aspiring writer who gets a job as a croupier in a casino. Therefore, the main character is sucked into the casino world’s lifestyle, and this job eventually takes over his life. Unfortunately, he becomes desperate for money and plots a casino heist. As a result, he subsequently recognizes that his life as a casino croupier would make an excellent story.
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This concludes our top picks of the best casino movies to watch. All of those movies are well-acted and produced. Casino and gambler’s lifestyle films have been a staple of the film industry since their inception.
If you don’t know which one to watch first, we recommend Molly’s Game. It’s one of the rare casino movies that is told from a woman’s perspective. Furthermore, it is a biographical movie that has been praised by both, the critics and the public too.
Other casino movies that we recommend watching are The Hangover, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Ocean’s Thirteen, The House, and Uncut Gems. If you believe there are any noteworthy titles that we have overlooked, please leave a comment!