Top 5 Gambling Movies You Must Watch

It features a range of emotions from the joy of winning to the rage over a series of losses. The whole truth about gambling is perfectly presented here, from the high ups to the steep downs. With his 1996 neo-noir debut feature “Hard Eight,” Paul Thomas Anderson burst onto the cinematic scene.

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Casino Royale is simply a masterpiece and clearly one of, if not the best James Bond movie ever. Daniel Craig has been voted many times as the best Bond actor, as he makes the character more humane, and at the same time very distant and out of reach. Eva Green makes a great Bond girl, just like Mads Mikkelsen plays frighteningly the role of the bad guy, Le Chiffre.

• It’s considered one of the best poker films of all time and is credited with helping to popularize Texas Hold’em during the early 2000s poker boom.
• Matt Damon stars in this movie all about placing big bets and fighting to escape crippling debt.
• As the British secret services seem to be out of their depth, they cannot outright go and arrest Le Chiffre, but what they can do is get close, play with the man’s hand, and beat him at a game of poker.
• Bugsy is not only a cinematic peek into the glitz and glamour seen within the world of gambling, but it’s also a fascinating biopic that’s all about legendary New York mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel.
• If you like Molly’s Game, Follow the Bitch (1996, Michael Cudlitz) depicts single guys at an all-night poker game and the woman who shows up.
• Kakegurui is Netflix’s highly acclaimed series about a girl who gets admitted to a school that teaches pupils how to gamble and cheat.

The Gambler ( ‍

Both men are granted lucky wins here and there, but a series of downturns and unfortunate mishaps threaten to destroy their gambling streak. California Split follows both men on their wild journey as they look to truly hit the jackpot. These cinematic portrayals, while compelling, tend to prioritize narrative drive over factual accuracy. They sculpt characters who navigate the highs and lows of casino life, but with a level of polish and drama that often sidesteps the mundane realities of actual gambling activities.

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Jake Green, a gambler, seeks revenge against a crime boss who sent him to prison unjustly. A famous casino movie quote is, ‘Change the rules on what controls you, and you will change the rules on what you can control.’ Its IMDb rating is 6.3/10, but it has 15% Rotten Tomatoes. Another pool-based good gambling film about casinos is The Color of Money.

FILM AS PROPAGANDA – ART, TRASH, HEROISM, TREASON, EVIL?

The list of casino movies with realistic casino scenes is not limited. However, there is a depiction of a casino Hollywood experience listed above. The movie features James https://true-fortune.us/ Caan, an English Professor who has a gambling addiction. The Professor uses most of his earnings to gamble and borrows more money from lenders if he needs money to bet.

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Molly’s Game is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a world-renowned Olympic-class skier. Molly’s athletic career is certainly noteworthy, but her side gig garnered even more interest once it was made public. Molly just so happened to be running an exclusive poker game ring for an entire decade that welcomed celebrities, business tycoons, and even mobsters. After being arrested during a massive FBI sting, Molly comes into contact with a criminal defense lawyer and relays more of her enthralling life story to the viewing audience. Hard Eight features three A-list actors that you might not have expected to see in a film such as this one – John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel Jackson.

“The Gambler” (Karel Reisz,

• The film shows quite a complex life drama and the fact that it is based on early events is particularly interesting.
• So, we have curated a list of gambling movies on Netflix that will increase your interest in gambling.
• Adam takes on the role of a lovable NYC jeweler who loves playing it big when it comes to betting.
• More than 100 years later and baseball historians are still talking about one of baseball’s biggest scandals ever.
• The film’s title refers to the job of a casino cooler, someone who is paid to keep gamblers from winning too much money.
• There is nothing that can describe the real experience or show risky and thrilling gambling can be like movies.

On an annual basis, the town of Laredo, Texas becomes the epicenter for the most important poker game in the state. Five of the wealthiest men in the area come together to risk it all while an interested crowd watches them with bated breath. An ex-gambler ends up wandering into town in the midst of the big poker game and finds himself going right back to his former addiction. When things become too tough to bear for the latest addition to the game, the ex-gambler’s wife steps in to take his place and defy the odds as she takes on her wealthier opposition. A down on his luck college professor hatches a get rich quick scheme with the aid of three students of his choosing. 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.

• Isaac portrays an ex-military interrogator turned gambler whose haunting past is continually at odds with his present.
• It’s a shame that Owen has rarely found a film since that’s so magnetic.
• And, of course, there’s a whole lot of gambling, which Altman films with casual mastery, letting us eavesdrop on the weird characters and dangerous oddballs who populate that world.
• For anyone who’s into movies or casinos, this list is a solid gold find.
• The movies explored in this article provide a thought-provoking glimpse into the world of gambling addiction, showcasing its destructive power and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their loved ones.
• Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan, host of the new podcast series Gamblers, pick their favorite gambling movies.
• 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.
• Until, that is, he goes bust against Teddy “KGB,” an eccentric Russian gangster played by John Malkovich, who chews the scenery as he literally chews on Oreos.

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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.

Lights, Camera, Action: The 10 Best Casino Movies of All Time

Paul Thomas Anderson is known for his films Boogie Nights and Magnolia. Both would be full of characters and stories in a way reminiscent of Robert Altman’s films. Anderson’s debut-length Hard Eight (1996; originally called Sydney) is a whole another story; it focuses greatly, not rushing at all, on its four protagonists.

#1 – Rounders (

But as you will find out from the film this doesn’t come without some serious consequences. So, our list has something for everyone, whether you are a fan of classic casino games like poker, blackjack, or roulette or prefer to explore the darker side of the casino world. You can trust us to provide a fair and honest review of each movie and accurately portray the gambling world. As one of the best casino movies out there, “Casino” got several nominations for Oscars and Golden Globes. It earned a 79% rating from critics and a whopping 93% from audience members on Rotten Tomatoes. Another great documentary series on Netflix, Untold takes a good hard look at some of the biggest scandals in sports – from match-fixing to doping and performance-enhancing substances.

From professional poker players to the mafia that once ruled the casinos, this list of top gambling movies showcases the very best films ever made about this thrilling and somewhat distant world of gambling. It offers insights into the psychology behind gambling and the people involved, a topic that fascinates many. Is a movie about two friends who need to make some quick cash and decide to gamble on high-stakes poker games. The film follows the two friends as they go from one game to the next, trying to win enough money to stay afloat. Along the way, they run into some colourful characters and learn a few lessons about life and gambling. A 2003 biopic based following Stu Ungar, an American professional poker & gin player.

‘The Cincinnati Kid’

DeNiro and Pesci in a ‘90s Scorcese flick about hardened casino operators — deal us in! The Mafia sends sports handicapper Sam “Ace” Rothstein to set things straight at a Vegas casino. The casino increases profits, Sam falls in love, and he’s got his friend around to protect the operation. People from his wife’s past show up, the casino loses money, the Mafia gets mad, and the cops show up. In this 2006 take on Bond, Daniel Craig has his first romp as the infamous MI6 special agent and is tasked with beating a financier with terrorist ties at a high-stakes game of poker.

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A distraction that quickly transforms all the characters’ situations. Tension, a classic storyline, and strong acting are only slightly affected by the near impossible poker hands that pop up during the film. This list has been dominated by masculine films led by male stars, which unfortunately reflects the genre as a whole. A set of lucky circumstances sees Ratner develop a professional relationship with NBA star Kevin Garnett. With some insider information, Ratner sets up a bet on the NBA Championship Finals.

THE COLOR OF MONEY (

• Gambling is an integral part of each story’s unfolding, whether through the gamblers’ pursuit of fortune, the excitement of outwitting adversaries, or the psychological battles they wage against themselves.
• From the glamour of Las Vegas to the realities of gambling addiction, these films offer a true journey into the world of gambling.
• “The Cooler,” featuring William H. Macy as Bernie Lootz, steers the audience through a distinctive narrative path within the alluring yet morally complex world of Las Vegas gambling.
• A popular quote is, ‘Gambling’s not about money… Gambling’s about not facing reality, ignoring the odds.’ Croupier release was two years later & features 3 alternate types, with a 7/10 rating on IMDb and 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
• If you haven’t checked this out, it’s worth it for their performances alone.

The nuances of human connection, ethical dilemmas, and the subtle yet pervasive impacts of addiction are masterfully woven into a story that is emotionally gripping and morally reflective. As the young John is indoctrinated into the world of professional gambling under the elder John’s tutelage, “Hard Eight” unravels not merely as a tale of luck, risk, and addiction, but as a reflection on mentorship and paternalism. The elder John, guiding his protégé through the labyrinthine paths of gambling, oscillates between a figure of salvation and a harbinger of doom. His intentions, although seemingly benevolent, become increasingly blurry as the narrative unfolds, providing a rich, ambiguous moral ground for the viewer to traverse.

• Eight Men Out (1988), starring John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, and Charlie Sheen, is an all-time classic, especially for baseball fans.
• And Ladyfingers, of course, who has seen it all so many times that the story has played out before it even begins.
• A compulsive gambler falls in love with a bank clerk while on vacation in Nice in this romantic drama.
• This movie is a must-watch for poker players who enjoy the adrenaline rush of the game.
• There’s no denying this entry as a classic of the gambling movie ilk, and although it hasn’t aged as well as some of its older counterparts, it will forever be remembered for its tangible tone and rock-solid narrative.
• The insights are nevertheless accurate and they will definitely help you not just enjoy the institution of gambling as fiction but look at the hard facts and come back to the green felt a much smarter player.
• The movie runs the gamut of things a viewer would expect to find in any great movie on gambling; greed, deception, money, power, and even murder.

This exhilarating film depicts the dark side of excessive gambling and how chasing a big win may not always be the best option. It’s one of the best movies regardless of category from the 1990s, arguably the greatest decade for film. Yes, The Hangover is available on Netflix, along with many other epic gambling and comedy movies. But it’s not a story that ends well for Jimmy and this fascinating documentary shows how far he rose and how fast he fell. It’s well worth seeking it out on YouTube, if nothing else to finally understand a stream of TV and film references you never really understood before. “Mississippi Grind” is a bit divisive, earning a 91% rating from critics and just 55% from audiences.

#1: “The Hustler” (

“The Gambler” presents a haunting exploration of addiction that strips away the bright lights and glamor from a poker game. James Caan plays an English professor with a dangerous penchant for betting who’s consumed by his obsession. The Sting is a classic film that’s the perfect onscreen representation of what it takes to pull off a major con job. The movie follows two fellow conmen that decide to get revenge on a crime boss who’s responsible for the death of their mutual acquaintance. The two men concoct a fail-proof plan that starts out easy enough but soon gets harder and harder to maintain as unexpected elements enter the picture. A whole lot of big bets, plus plenty of surprising twists and turns come to pass in this film that’s all about pulling one over on an unsuspecting victim.

A calm and collected early feature from Melville, “Bob le Flambeur” practically oozes cool and anticipated the French New Wave with its innovative use of handheld camerawork and the jump cut. As far as true gambling addiction goes, James Caan’s titular character in The Gambler (1974) portrays the mental illness better than perhaps anyone in the history of the silver screen. He’ll bet good money on a poker game in Las Vegas, on a professional football championship with his friends, or on a pickup game of basketball he stumbled upon during his afternoon stroll through the park. After her career was derailed by a life-changing injury to her spine, Molly was then put in charge of an underground poker game within the Viper Room in Los Angeles. The film stars Jessica Chastain in the titular role, with supporting efforts from guys like Idris Elba and Michael Cera.

Embarking on a hazardous and devastating financial journey, Garrett begins to gamble the money, never really caring about how much is in the bag but taking money out of the bag in increments – usually $500. 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. Although there is nothing illegal in what the students and their professor are going to do, the air is heavy with tension. Campbell quickly finds out that by counting cards he can win hundreds of thousands of dollars – enough to pursue his medical studies and not have to worry about the money coming in. He agrees reluctantly to join the team and displaces the former leader, Fisher, who adds even more tension.

Things finally fell into place when Martin Scorsese came aboard as an executive producer. After they roll into Las Vegas with $100,000, Linda’s tango with ‘22’ is a must-watch meltdown. It’s from the golden 80s movie archives but Lost in America stands the test of time.

Gerry and Curtis, while united by their love for gambling, each bring their own layered emotional and psychological baggage to the trip, adding depth and nuance to their characters and the storyline. What is distinct about “Mississippi Grind” is its careful avoidance of moralizing or providing easy answers about gambling addiction. The viewers are not merely spectators to a progressive downfall or redemption but are instead immersed in the experiences, choices, and consequences that evolve naturally from the characters and their journey.

Uncut Gems is one of the few recently made movies to feature on this list. Adam Sandler stars as a hopeless gambling addict seemingly bend on destruction so why are we on board for his crash? Because he may actually be able to pull off an insane caper and redeem himself. Uncut Gems took 10 years to make as the Safdies brothers couldn’t get financing but this was their passion project.

While players today are used to table stakes, there was no such thing in the old west. The movie tells the story of Mike McDermott, played by Matt Damon, a reformed gambler who gets pulled back into the game due in no small part to his friend Worm, played by Edward Norton. John Malkovich, Grethchen Mol, John Turturro, and Martin Landau all played supporting roles in a well-conceived New York underground poker world.