Rounders/Miramax/YouTube
Just like sports, all forms of gambling are more exciting when people find themselves in the middle of it, rather than watching from the sides. Having said this, the huge number of people who watch sports on TV and live the thrills of key matches highlights tremendous interest from bystanders. Casino and poker movies mirror this trend and in recent years, more thematic films were released. Hollywood blockbusters are of course at the top of the list and some of them have emerged as classic films, easy to recommend even to people who don’t even gamble.
The best poker-themed films
Ranking the best movies is always a challenge regardless of theme and casino movies make no exception. However, there are a few titles that stand out from the crowd, in terms of acting, narrative and lasting impression. Casino Royale is at the top of many lists, for the simple reason that it has reignited the interest for the James Bond movies. It was also the first film in which 007 played high-stakes Texas hold ‘em instead of baccarat. The timing was ideal, as the movie was launched at the exact moment when the online poker industry was gaining traction and led to a surge in the number of online players.
Rounders is another classic poker movie that has acted as a catalyst for the online gambling industry. The stellar cast that included Matt Damon, Edward Norton and John Malkovich surely contributed to its critical acclaim. Poker players were quick to acknowledge the sheer quality of the movie in regard to its ability to capture the emotions of high-stakes poker. Although most hands and the action around the table were exaggerated, Rounders remains one of the most accurate poker film ever released.
Going back a few decades ago, movie such as Maverick and The Cincinnati Kid paint a very different image of poker. The former was story-driven and less attention was paid to the manner in which the poker hand and gameplay were depicted. By comparison, The Cincinnati Kid did a fine job at depicting 5 card stud in authentic manner, while benefiting from Steve McQueen and Edward Robinson’s stellar acting.
The best casino-themed films
Casino is a Hollywood classic whose name speaks for itself as it focuses on the fast-paced action of the Las Vegas gambling world. They even have online slot games themed on it. You can find a list of the top online casinos who offer this fan favorite and check it out. Martin Scorsese did an amazing job at portraying Sin City as a playground for gangsters and with the help of a stellar cast, Casino was a huge hit. After all these years, it is still widely regarded as one of the best Mafia movies ever made and one easy to recommend to gamblers.
There are not many blackjack movies out there worth watching, but 21 is definitely the best in this category. Kevin Spacey and his crew of brilliant students try to beat the house by using a combination of math and complex signaling system. The original premise and the manner in which the movie was made has ensured its place among the best casino films ever produced.
