Casinos have been part of inspiration to the film industry for quite some time now. In most of these movies, the filmmakers try to depict a real chance to win life-changing fortunes by using powerful themes supported by well-choreographed gambling storylines. These movies follow a similar trajectory. Most of all, the people in casino films aren’t just playing with money they can afford to lose—they put it all on the line.
Whether you want to experience the intrigues of gambling lifestyles or learn a few tricks to play at casinos like Zamsino, the best casino films got you covered. You only have to figure out where to start, given there’s a long list of casino inspired movies to watch. This article highlights the top ten popular casino films that you shouldn’t miss on your watch list.
- Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler puts in an award-winning performance in this Netflix gambling film. Set in New York, Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a gambler deeply in love with risky games involving high-stakes sports betting. The movie displays both the dark and comical sides, with Sandler at the centre of it all.
If you love playing on this list of casinos, you probably need to pay attention to everything event in this movie. Howard Ratner’s degeneration into financial ruin is just one of the movie’s few lessons on responsible gambling. The film also centres on NBA betting, with the inclusion of Kevin Garnet in a supporting role. Adam Sandler’s sympathetic character of a degenerate gambler will also catch your attention.
- Molly’s Game
Molly’s Game is directed by Aaron Sorkin, best known for his hand in ‘A Few Good Men’. He debuts his directing role in this fast-paced gambling film based on Molly Bloom’s true story. In this film, Molly runs an exclusive underground poker club for filthy rich high rollers.
Jessica Chastain, who plays Molly Bloom, doesn’t disappoint in this movie. She excels as a lead character in a masterful portrayal of the real-life Molly Bloom and her intrigues with celebrity poker players. Other notable characters in this 2017 film are Idris Elba and cameo appearances from Chris O’Dowd and Joe Keery.
- Casino Royale
Casino Royale is a popular gambling film that dates back to 1967. For a gambling enthusiast who loves James Bond, this is your movie. The movie casts James Bond, who is set to compete against a banker to the world’s top terrorist organization.
The film depicts two high-stake scenarios. First, Le Chiffre, the terrorist banker, must win back his money to stay safe amongst the terrorists. However, James Bond is also sent with a sole mission to win and stop Le Chiffre from escaping. The movie is radiated by its captivating casino scenes where class and wealth are all on display.
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Even though Fear and loathing in Las Vegas doesn’t feature a lot of gambling, you’ll indeed be treated with a twisted sense of humour. The movie casts Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke and Benicio Del Toro as Dr Gonzo in lead roles.
With its mantra, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, they bring out the best from their roles with an exciting sense of humour.
- Mississippi Grind
If you love casino movies with fairy tale stories, you won’t go wrong with Mississippi Grind. In a touching story, Ryan Reynolds, star of the just-released ‘Hitman’s wife’s Bodyguard’, brings out his best alongside Ben Mendelsohn.
They take a trip to the Mississippi River, where they experience everything gambling brings. The two go through tough times, from losing to winning and losing again while keeping their strong bond intact. The movie’s ends with a life-changing lucky win for the two.
- 21
21 is a gambling film based on a true story featuring six MIT students trained to become experts in card counting. The students take casinos in Las Vegas for millions by playing the perfect game of blackjack. Kevin Spacey, who casts as Micky Rosa, plays a math professor educating young tucks on Blackjack strategies.
The movie is all about trickery, betrayal and self-indulgence from the students. Their primary mission is to bring down the house with their mastery of gaming tricks. But time isn’t on their side as the casinos are about to catch up with them in this two-hour film.
- Casino
Casino is a 1995 film casting Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in Las Vegas. The two pair up again after their master class performance in Goodfellas, also directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a true story about greed, deception, power and murder. The movie’s action-packed scenes will make you get lost on whether gambling is the central theme. Even so, gambling remains the only common factor that sets the stage rolling.
- Ocean’s Eleven
George Clooney plays Danny Ocean in this film, where he plots to swipe $150 million from the world’s famous casinos. He gathers a group of talented and risk-taking individuals to help him execute his heinous plan.
The Bellagio, the Mirage and the MGM Grand, all owned by mogul Terry Benedict plays host to this exciting gambling film. While on their mission, the team faces hurdles and twists, which could dim their hopes. Well, will they eventually sail through in their mission to pull a heist on these casinos?
- Rain Man
The main story in this film revolves around blackjack games. It follows two siblings who survive a kidnapping and later turn on a road trip across America. Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise execute these two roles to bring out an epic gambling film.
Hoffman, who casts Raymond, uses his extraordinary memory to count cards in Las Vegas for money. The two brothers deliver excellent performance for two estranged siblings connecting over a game of blackjack.
- The Gambler
The film is about a professor who has an addiction to casino gambling. James Caan, who plays this role, plunges into self-destruction as his mental state begins deteriorating. He resorts to borrowing and thrills, which later endangers his life.
The gambler is one of the few gambling classics that offer a lot of lessons to gambling addicts. First released in 1974, the movie has everything you can ever hope for in a classic gambling film. Its 2014 re-make stars Mark Wahlberg in the lead role.
Final Thought
Since their inception, casinos have been the subject of many exciting films. Most of the topics in these films revolve around fun and the explorations of gambling addiction. The above highlighted are just a few picks meant to serve as a starter pack.
