Casinos make great settings and subjects for movies, and Hollywood has given us memorable gambling and casino-related movies over the years. From classic mob movies to comical takes on the world of high-stakes betting, here are a few gambling and casino-related movies every movie buff or game enthusiast should see:
Rounders (1998):
Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, Rounders follows a reformed gambler who returns to the world of high-stakes poker after his friend finds himself in deep with some dangerous criminals. The film offers a no-holds-barred look at the underground world of high-stakes poker and its many colorful characters while providing an entertaining story about friendship and loyalty.
What’s interesting about this film is that Matt Damon’s character is a law student, so it offers a unique blend of legal and gambling elements that are sure to keep viewers entertained. Then there’s also the fact he later on played in the World Series of Poker, which makes his performance in this movie all the more noteworthy. Lastly, poker game legend Johnny Chan appears in the film, making it a must-watch for any poker enthusiast.
The Hangover (2009):
What list of gambling and casino-related films would be complete without The Hangover? Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, this classic comedy follows three friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. Then the next morning, they can’t remember a thing. It’s not just an excuse for slapstick humor, though, as the group soon discovers that some of their activities from the night before may have involved stealing Mike Tyson’s tiger and gambling away all of their money at a casino.
This movie captures Vegas in all its wildness and glory, with nods to the city’s legendary casinos, its vibrant nightlife, and of course, all the drunken shenanigans that can happen. It was a massive success at the box office and won numerous awards. Needless to say, it’s a must-watch for any movie buff or gambling enthusiast looking for some laughs.
Casino (1995):
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Casino is a classic crime drama about two mobsters running a casino in Las Vegas. It offers an unflinching look at the inner workings of the mafia and how their corrupt dealings affect the city and its people. There’s plenty of action, drama, and suspense as the two mobsters struggle to stay in control while dealing with rival gangs, corrupt politicians, and the FBI.
Casino captures all the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas during its heyday in the 70s and 80s. It’s a thrilling and gripping tale that offers a colorful look at the mafia’s control of the gambling industry in Las Vegas. It’s a must-watch for any movie buff or game enthusiast who wants to experience Las Vegas like never before.
21 (2008):
Starring Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey, 21 is a fast-paced drama based on the book Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich. It follows a group of MIT students who use their card-counting skills to win big at Las Vegas casinos. As they become more successful, they begin to attract the attention of casino security.
What’s interesting about this movie is that it’s based on an actual group of students who used advanced mathematical strategies to win millions of dollars in casinos. It offers a unique look at professional gambling and how it can quickly become an obsession. For any movie buff or game enthusiast, 21 is a must-see film that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001):
Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Matt Damon, Ocean’s Eleven is a heist film about a group of criminals trying to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. This movie seamlessly combines suspense and comedy as the robbers devise an ingenious plan to pull off the ultimate crime. Because the movie became such a hit, it then went on to have sequels Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, each one following the same rag-tag team of criminals as they come up with new and exciting ways to break into casinos. And they also play a few poker hands along the way.
This movie series stands out from other films in its genre because it focuses on the characters as much as it does the crime itself. The team of robbers is a diverse mix of personalities and quirks that keeps viewers engaged throughout the movie. It’s also a great example of how criminals can use gambling and casino-related activities to pull off their heists, making it a must-watch for any fans of the genre.
The Gambler (1974):
A classic movie starring James Caan, The Gambler follows the story of Axel Freed, a literature professor whose gambling habit lands him in more trouble than he can handle. With his debts piling up and all other options exhausted, Axel resorts to desperate measures to take on the mobsters out to get him. A great drama/thriller that is worth a watch.
The movie takes a hard look at the dangers of gambling addiction, showing how one man’s obsession can quickly spiral out of control. Although released in 1974, The Gambler remains relevant today and is an excellent lesson on the importance of being responsible with money when playing games. It’s certainly worth watching for anyone who loves gambling or is curious about the world of casino games.
Silver Screen And Casinos: What A Great Combination
These are some of the best movies about casinos that you can watch for an entertaining night. Whether it’s a wild comedy or a thrilling crime drama, these films capture and explore different aspects of the game industry. So grab some popcorn and get ready to take a wild ride through the world of gambling and casinos. And who knows? Maybe there will be a movie about online poker in the future.