There was a time that Mel Gibson was considered such a light and lively leading man that a big-budget studio movie could coast on his charm as a card shark and con man. But the film still has its pleasures, not least of which is Gibson’s pal Jodie Foster, who has a blast playing the sort of damsel-in-distress female sidekick role she’d otherwise spent most of her career avoiding. Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut tells the true story of Molly Bloom, the Queen of Hollywood’s underground poker empire. Loosely based on a true story, the movie tells of a married pair who exploited a fascinating flaw in a national lottery and reinvested the money they drifted off the system into their small Michigan town. This is basically a comedy about how one man brought his small community together for a common goal.
Hard Eight
That’s enough to put Rounders on the shortest of shortlists of best gambling movies ever. The reason you know director Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham traces back to Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, a dark comedy that is one part heist film, one part gambling film, and two parts hijinks. As a gambling film, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels succeeds at finding the humor in people trying to cheat their way into money, only to twist their lives around to wiggle their way out of debt. Clive Owen has been such a familiar, somewhat disappointing, presence in films for the last two decades that it’s now hard to remember what a lightning bolt his arrival was.
Film Reviews
Vincent and Eddie embark on a road trip to all the pool halls, betting and scamming their way to the big bucks. Atlantic City and the nine-ball beckon them, but their combined egos threaten to block the way. Rupert Wyatt’s 2014 remake of The Gambler received indifferent reviews because it pales in comparison to the taut 1974 classic. Karel Reisz directed the original movie, in which James Caan’s strong central performance was nominated for a Golden Globe.
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- Steve McQueen stars herein as Eric “The Kid” Stoner, an up-and-coming poker player in New Orleans.
- Robert Altman exposes the grim underbelly of the Vegas scene, where cocaine, violence, and prostitution tangle with roulette tables and betting booths to destroy lives.
- Walsh was a dedicated gambler in real life and pulled a great deal from his own experiences when writing the script.
- From the Safdie Brothers, Uncut Gems follows fast-talking jeweler Howard as he tries to juggle family obligations, his mistress, angry collectors, and mounting debts on top of his insatiable thirst for gambling.
- “California Split” explores the highs and lows of their gambling adventures as they travel from one casino to another in California.
- After finding out that a massive sum of inheritance money is being left to an autistic brother (played by Dustin Hoffman) he never even knew he had, Charlie gets the bright idea to somehow lift all of that money from his older sibling.
- Acting as a realistic portrayal of gambling addiction, Ben Mendelsohn’s performance as Gerry shows the misery and recklessness that comes with his type of dependency.
A film cynical in nature, the beguiling use of the spiraling roulette wheel is meant to represent the randomness and transience of life. “Win It All” is a Netflix original comedy about a small-time gambler who gets in over his head when he’s entrusted with a bag full of cash. It’s a heartfelt and humorous look at the struggles of addiction and the quest for redemption. Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Casino” is a grandiose depiction of the glitz, glamour, and corruption that defined Las Vegas in the 1970s and 80s. Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone deliver stellar performances in this epic story of a gambling empire’s rise and fall.
Rounders
The Card Counter is a revenge thriller about an ex-military interrogator turned gambler who is haunted by his past. Although the MCU and DCEU exist separately from each other, there are instances where each studio has referenced the other in their movies. The ’90s were the Wild West of fantasy films, rife with experimentation before the genre found its way to Middle Earth. If you’re looking for thrillers, these underrated features on Netflix are guaranteed to deliver the tension you seek. And it was of course a massive success in theaters, raking in $469.3 million on a $35 million budget. It chronicles the tale of Phil, Alan, Stu, and Doug as they travel to Las Vegas for Doug’s bachelor party.
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And they’re all portrayed by talented thespians, most of whom shine particularly bright within comedic roles — Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Heather Graham, for example. Of course, it also features Bradley Cooper, which helped establish him as a juggernaut of the industry. Two con men get revenge for a fallen friend in this buddy comedy starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The Sting won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, and many more in 1974, as the smart but tense comedy keeps the audience guessing who will come out the better grifter. In this one, Paul Newman is cool as a cucumber as the younger version of Fast Eddie, still making a name for himself in the gangster-like world of gambling (for all its reputation and nicknames).
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The Ocean’s 11 targets three of Vegas largest casinos – the MGM Grand, the Mirage and Bellagio. In this film, the three casinos are owned and operated by scum-bag tycoon Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Ace (de Niro) is a Vegas casino operator with mob connection but he lives a seemingly normal and civilized life with his family. It follows a mishap-filled story of Doug (played by Justin Bartha) and his 3 friends – Alan (Ed Helms), Stu (Zach Galifianakis), and Phil (Bradley Cooper). The odd crew decides, 2 days before Doug’s wedding, to make a trip to Las Vegas for a bachelor party.
Johnny O’Clock
Fans of poker, roulette, or just placing bets on sports teams understand the adrenaline and despair that can occur with the make-it-or-break-it atmosphere of gambling. Filmmakers from Spike Lee to Martin Scorsese understand this all-in mindset of gambling and infuse it into their awesome films. James Caan plays a university professor with a crippling gambling addiction in “The Gambler.” The film delves deep into the psyche of a man who risks everything on the turn of a card, showcasing the dark side of gambling addiction. Directed by Martin Scorsese, who’s rumored to be working on a biographical film about the punk band The Ramones, Casino is a gripping exploration of the rise and fall of a Las Vegas gambling empire. Robert De Niro stars as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a casino operator tangled in a web of corruption, greed, and betrayal.
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George Clooney stars as Dapper Danny Ocean, a thief who’s up to no good just hours after being released from his parole. That ragtag group of fellow thieves consists of familiar faces such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mack, etc. 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.
- The film features one of the most famous robbery sequences of all time and has appeared on several best of lists, including Empire magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Movies of All Time”.
- In order to pay his debt, Howard does precisely what every high-stakes gambler would do; he places an enormous bet that could help pay off his entire debt but could also destroy what’s left of his life if it fails.
- The movie revolves around a gambling addict whose life takes a shocking turn after he meets a new bookie who introduces him to a special game which seems highly lucrative but has its own dangers.
- Melville’s influence on the art of filmmaking is undeniable and his work has altered the dimensions of the neo-noir genre in cinema.
- You have to see this thriller for yourself to discover the violence, heists and clowning these guys must go through to evade Harry’s wrath.
- I’m Eva, the opinionated voice behind every online casino review we make here on CasinosHunter.
FanDuel Review: Everything You Need to Know About the Sportsbook
Inspired by true events, 21 tells the story of a group of MIT students who use their math skills to count cards and win millions at blackjack tables in Las Vegas. Led by their professor (Kevin Spacey), the group devises an intricate system to outsmart casinos. The film balances the allure of easy money with the moral complexities of bending the rules. 21 offers a sleek, modern take on casino movies, blending intellect with suspense in the neon-lit world of Vegas. Paul Newman may seem like the greatest billiards player of all time in The Hustler, but that doesn’t make his high stakes pool games feel any less like he’s about to lose it all.
( Casino (Martin Scorsese,
If you want to chill at home with a good movie about sports betting or gambling, we’ve curated a great selection of films that are currently on Netflix, as well as a few options that might make their way to the platform at some point. Alongside his protege Michael Scanlon, Abramoff fails terribly after his attempt to influence turns into murder and corruption. Played by a youthful Clive Owen, Jack Manfred is a writer struggling to make ends meet. His financial misfortune forces him to become a croupier (dealer) at a London high-street casino. Soon, he starts making underhand gambling dealings with a player, and from then on his life becomes one rollercoaster ride. Even though Ocean and the team have laid out a highly detailed and elaborate plan, the heist faces plenty of turns and twists en route.
- How the movie unfolds can make you forget that it’s based on a true story of 6 MIT students who were taught by their unorthodox math professor Micky Rosa (played by Kevin Spacey) how to count cards.
- Kicking things off with a bit of an anomaly, The Hangover (2009) is the only clear-cut comedy movie on the entire list.
- Louis’ fine dining establishment attracts a number of shady characters, including two gangsters whom one of Louis’ chefs is indebted to.
- Inspired by the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, “21” is a thrilling tale of math, memory, and money, highlighting the strategy of card counting and the casinos’ efforts to stop it.
- So much so that Gerry takes Curtis on the road with him as he taps into his good luck during their gambling tour around the South.
- Little Knife’s hustling mindset kicks in once he discovers Ko Chun’s supernatural abilities, and he puts them to use as the pair dive back into high-stakes gambling.
- During those eight years, he learned to count cards while serving time for his hand in torturing and abusing Abu Ghraib prisoners (a real tragedy that surfaced in 2004).
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story
If you have 1hr 57min to spare, this is a casino heist movie that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. He comes across John, played by John C. Reilly, by chance after John has gone broke and takes pity on him. The two enter a mentor-mentee relationship centered around a Reno casino, and Sydney even becomes a father figure for John. «Rounders» not only made a big splash as a movie but was also hugely influential to the development and popularization of Texas Hold ‘em poker in the real world. According to PokerListings.com, «Rounders» can be credited with elevating no-limit Texas Hold ‘em to its current status as the most popular card game in the world.
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. But his role in Uncut Gems reminded everyone that he’s a force to be reckoned with when he’s given incredible material to work with.
The Hustler (
During those eight years, he learned to count cards while serving time for his hand in torturing and abusing Abu Ghraib prisoners (a real tragedy that surfaced in 2004). Gambling can be an intense, life-destroying addiction that’s as far from funny as it gets. Mississippi Grind, however, features Ryan Reynolds—so, obviously, it’s going to have laughs. However, he was not alone in his endeavors, as he was also joined by his partner, Virginia Hill, played by Annette Bening. Bugsy met Virginia in Los Angeles and fell madly in love with her, which caused him to divorce his then-wife. One of the first things most gamblers learn is proper bankroll management to ensure their bankroll lasts throughout the season.
Stream On Starz
This is a classic American film noir crime drama about a cynical gambler who becomes involved with a corrupt casino owner and then meets a woman and falls in love with her. As the plot unfolds, the protagonist has to solve his problems trying to protect himself and those he cares about.”Dark City” is known for its dark and moody atmosphere with its shadowy visuals and morally ambiguous characters. The story of “5 Card Stud” begins with a poker game where one of the players is caught cheating. Years later, in a remote town, the players mysteriously start getting murdered one by one. The movie combines elements of the classic Western genre with a murder mystery plotline.
He eventually succumbs to his dark desires and ends up in a situation far worse than he could have ever imagined. Bernie Lootz is very efficient at what he does – he works at a Las Vegas casino as a sort of “bad luck bringer” that goes out of his way to jinx gamblers into losing. Shelly Kaplow, the casino’s boss lady, appreciates him and his ability to keep her casino on the winning end of things. But Bernie’s “cooler” abilities start to falter when he comes across a waitress named Natalie Belisario, who he falls head over heels for. Once Shelly takes notice of Bernie’s changed behavior, the plotline within The Cooler blossoms into something you’ll become heavily invested in as it unfolds. Robert De Niro, Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Tom Cruise and a host of other world-class actors have appeared in some of the greatest gambling movies ever put on the big screen.
- This crime thriller skillfully captures the intensity, anxiety, and desperation of a man on the edge hoping for a big win.
- He, along with his friends, then comes up with a heist plan in order to pay off the debt.
- “Eight Men Out” was appreciated for historical accuracy and portrayal of the players of the time period.
- She relies on gambling the people’s identities from her poker game to keep her money and avoid prison when the FBI comes knocking.
- Matt Damon stars in “Rounders” as a reformed gambler who must return to the high-stakes poker tables to help a friend pay off loan sharks.
- “The Cincinnati Kid” became famous for its impressive poker scenes and powerful demonstration of the psychology behind the game.
- Confidential/Wonder Boys/8 Mile/In Her Shoes run with this mostly hackneyed story of a superstar poker player (Eric Bana) with a complicated relationship with his even bigger superstar poker-player father (Robert Duvall).
This psychological thriller explores themes of manipulation, trust, and power dynamics within the con game. The viewers can enjoy the cat-and-mouse play between the characters who try to outsmart each other and deal with their own vulnerabilities. “Croupier” is a neo-noir drama about a struggling writer who takes a job as a croupier (dealer) at a London casino to make ends meet. The movie describes the seductive hidden side of the casino industry, the charm of chance and fate, and the adrenaline of risk-taking. “Croupier” was praised for its style and atmosphere and gives an unusual perspective on the gambling genre movies.
James Cann as gambling addict Axel Freed is obsessed with the thrill of gambling, even if it ends in self-destructive losses, and director Karel Reisz depicts the downward spiral of addiction with depressing accuracy. Freed gambles with more than his and other people’s money; he gambles with his life, putting himself in dangerous situations for his sadistic enjoyment. Besides a stellar cast including The Goodfellas’ Paul Sorvino and American Gigolo’s Lauren Hutton, The Gambler is a psychological thriller masked as a gambling movie.
The Ocean’s Trilogy is one of the most iconic casino heist movie series and includes Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, and Ocean’s Thirteen. All movies star George Clooney as Danny Ocean, an aspiring criminal who wants to complete the largest heist in history. Arguably the most popular film on this list, Martin Scorsese’s follow up to the iconic ‘Goodfellas’ was another tale of friendships, betrayal, greed, violence and morality. Only this time, the setting shifted from the mean streets of New York to the infamous Casino world of Las Vegas. Scorsese has always been fascinated by the glamour world and exposing the dark sides of success and prosperity. The film was widely criticized for its unrestrained use of violence and thematic resemblance to ‘Goodfellas’ but over the years, people have been more vocal in its praise and it is now regarded as one of Scorsese’s better works.
Brad Pitt and the late James Gandolfini briefly team up as Jackie and Mickey, two hitmen tasked with exacting some street justice on three men who perpetrated the robbery. Pitt ends up getting the jobs done himself like an angel of death befallen anyone silly enough to gamble their lives away by messing with the mafia. An odd little comedy about a perpetual loser gambling addict (Richard Dreyfuss) who, for one day, hits on every single bet at the horse races.
As you might expect, there’s a ringleader, Danny Ocean (played by George Clooney), and a team of high risk-takers who want to execute one of the most elaborate casino heists in history. Vegas is probably not the right place to go for your honeymoon, a subtle fact Jack Singer (played by Nicolas Cage) learns the hard way. After burning through his life-savings of $65,000 at the poker table, Jack who’s about to get married to Betsy (Sarah Jessica Parker) is forced to lend his fiancée to the winning opponent and con artist, Tommy Korman (James Caan). If you keep a tab on what’s happening in the world of poker, then Stu Ungar needs no introduction.
Since the film is based in reality, it’s fitting that «Owning Mahowny» is also one of the most realistic portrayals of gambling addiction ever seen in a movie. Matt Damon stars as Mike McDermott, a man with serious poker skills but life elements that keep him away from the game, namely a disapproving girlfriend, an attachment to law school, and https://crazystar-casino.com/ a failed attempt at a big win looming over him. Mike is drawn back to the game when his trouble-making friend named Worm, played by Edward Norton, puts a debt on both of their heads. John Turturro has a memorable supporting role as Joey Knish, and John Malkovich makes for a fun villain named Teddy KGB with an over-the-top Russian accent.
- Daniel Craig’s first outing as James Bond features a gripping high-stakes poker game against a terrorist financier.
- In “Mississippi Grind,” Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds play two gamblers on a road trip through the South, betting on anything and everything in a bid to reclaim their lost fortunes.
- It combines elements of comedy, action, and adventure, with the poker game serving as a central plot point.
- California Split remains perhaps the director’s most underrated classic — and its gut-punch ending is so muted, yet so perfect.
- 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.
- The gambling in the film is more of a backdrop to Hard Eight’s character study of an assortment of interesting figures.
- What’s worth noting off the bat about this project is its utilization of interior monologues to emulate the neo-noir or detective style of film that screenwriter Paul Mayersburg and director Mike Hodges drew inspiration from.
Directed by Robert Rossen and starring Paul Newman as “Fast Eddie” Felson, this is of course the film that sparked Scorsese and crew to create The Color of Money. And although that film was well-acclaimed in itself, The Hustler (1961) has almost gone down as a classic. Which makes sense, as lead actors Paul Newman and Robert Redford had previously worked with director George Roy Hill on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). The performers share a tangible chemistry with the filmmaker, and that dynamic pops out through the screen of every featured frame. Its story of two professional grifters who team up to con a mob boss and avenge the death of their mutual friend. And Uncut Gems (2019) as a whole made decent money in theaters — it was actually production company A24’s highest-grossing film at the time of release — on top of garnering great impressions from critics.
Played by Jessica Chastain, Molly Bloom tries to keep her gambling empire afloat while the FBI investigates the massively illegal operation. Gambling movies are so remarkably tense for viewers because the stakes of casino games are already inherently high. Perhaps it’s not surprising then that filmmakers have returned to the well as inspiration for thrillers, dramas, and action-packed adventures over the years. This Best Picture winner exudes pure pleasure … well, unless you run afoul of Shaw (Paul Newman) and Kelly (Robert Redford), that is. These two con men decide to take down a no-good mobster (Robert Shaw), and their elaborate grift involves card games and horse racing. Understanding the machinations of Shaw and Kelly’s plan doesn’t matter — it’s just a delight to watch the characters (and director George Roy Hill) turn The Sting into one big, electric narrative sport.
‘Mississippi Grind’ must be watched for its honest approach and the simple but universal message that it tries to convey. It’s a film that has good intentions, but unfortunately that alone doesn’t guarantee the quality of the film. ‘Even Money’ focuses on several seemingly unrelated people whose lives are ruined by gambling addiction. It’s one of those movies where you understand what the filmmaker is trying to convey or express right from the first scene.