All Time Best Gambling Movies

Its compelling plot becomes a character study of sorts, and Jack Manfred should by dint of that go down as the single most compelling protagonist to ever be featured in a gambling movie. And that’s hardly scratching the surface of what makes Croupier so great. There are several movies that either feature poker or see the actors play poker. Some of the more famous poker movies are The Cincinnati Kid, Molly’s Game, Rounders and Casino Royale, all of which have poker form some of all of the action in the film.

• It’s a whirlwind journey that navigates the dazzling highs and devastating lows of the casino and mobster world, making it one of the best casino-related movies of all time.
• So far as gambling movies on Netflix go, this one is a fair warning to everyone who hopes to turn gambling into a full-time job and highlights the dangers that the activity invites.
• With music by Giorgio Moroder and that man Dreyfus in a lead role it’s a real blast from the past, but still stands up to repeated viewing today.
• Watch how his rise in the gambling scene changed his life — for good and bad.
• Starring The Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli, High Roller is a triumphant, harrowing, and downright interesting take on this legend’s life, perfect for any game-lover out there.

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The plot centers on the Hyakkaou Private Academy, which, as noted, is all about teaching its students to gamble. Uncut Gems is perhaps one of the most gutting dramas on the big screen which goes to show how successful people, through bad judgment calls, can end up in bad situations caused by gambling. So far as gambling movies on Netflix go, this one is a fair warning to everyone who hopes to turn gambling into a full-time job and highlights the dangers that the activity invites. The Cooler embeds itself into the casino milieu, showing the techniques that casinos use to get all the money they can from gamblers. In addition, the film sheds a light on the change in casino policies as the movie’s setting is forced to undergo changes to keep up with modern casinos. The charm of the 1950 crime noir film Dark City is how quickly a movie about gambling can turn into a murder mystery revenge flick.

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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 Sting” (George Roy Hill,

And all the performers delivered Sorkin’s world-famous dialogue to a critically acclaimed degree. It’s an endlessly intelligent film that will likely satisfy any gambling addicts looking for a realistic movie about poker — that’s almost entirely due to the wit of Sorkin’s script. The Netflix show you’re likely referring to is “Molly’s Game” (2017), although it’s a movie rather than a series. It’s a biographical drama based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who ran one of the most exclusive high-stakes poker games in Hollywood. Movies about gambling have an inherent drama because, by definition, they’re about risk. They usually don’t end up with a calm home life upstate, counting their winnings.

Games

When a professional gambler by the name of Sydney runs into a fellow gambler named John, Sydney takes John under his wing and teaches him how to truly be successful in the world of gambling. This process seems to go well at first, but things take a turn for the worst when both men come into contact with a local prostitute and a sketchy casino patron. God of Gamblers (1989) stars Chow Yun-Fat as a master gambler losing his memory, while Freeze Out (2005) includes Tom Sharpe in an ugly high-stakes poker game. It’s pretty cool seeing the mix, from old-school vibes to the new high-stakes dramas.

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The story of law student Mike who, surprise surprise, is a bit of a gambling addict and loses all his cash and his journey of revenge and redemption against the man who sent him broke. The characters are great, especially the just about believable villain Teddy KGB, and the poker is the right side of plausible while also being ridiculous enough to be entertaining. This is less a tale of pool and more a tale of how we deal with losses, both financial and personal. If that all sounds a bit deep then it also features some of the best pool scenes recorded on film, some top quality betting action and an effortlessly cool performance from Paul Newman in the lead role. The tale of small-time pool hustler Eddie taking on the big time is one any gambler can empathise with and it features the same mix of hope, hubris, heroics and heartbreak we’ve all experienced.

Molly’s Game (

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 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.

Win It All

Casino combines the essence of a classic Mafia film with plenty of gambling elements and tons of drama. Yes, this legendary sports and gambling movie is part of a Disney+ subscription package. D.B. Sweeney plays “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, the most famous and talented player from that 1919 White Sox team. Cusack, in typical fashion, puts on an excellent performance as Buck Weaver, one of the ringleaders on the team who helped convince the other seven players to follow his lead. William H. Macy (Fargo, Pleasantville) is one of the most talented actors of all-time. In The Cooler, he put on one of his most brilliant performances playing a down-on-his-luck character named Bernie Lootz.

Casino Royale (

Gambling is a captivating and thrilling activity that has been the subject of many movies over the years. While some are based on pure https://true-fortune.us/ fiction, others are actually based on true stories. The Big Picture is using Letterboxd to share film reviews and lists with friends.

• Supported by a noirish voiceover, Damon plays the straight man to admirable effect, as he struggles to keep his composure and his head in a dangerous game that he insists is not about chance.
• Its compelling plot becomes a character study of sorts, and Jack Manfred should by dint of that go down as the single most compelling protagonist to ever be featured in a gambling movie.
• The response to “Uncut Gems” was overwhelmingly positive, with a strong approval rating of 91% on the review website Rotten Tomatoes.
• 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.
• As in the best films about gambling and casino, famous saying is, ‘See, life is a people game too.’ The rating is 6/10 on IMDb and 55% on Rotten Tomatoes.
• The plot of the movie is centered around a priceless artifact that is lost during a poker game.
• Before going into the best movies at the casino, let us know how we selected them.
• The Cincinnati Kid is a gripping story of ambition, rivalry, and deceit.

#9: “The Cooler” (

White Men Can’t Jump is centered around two basketball hustlers, Sidney “Syd” Deane (Wesley Snipes) and Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson)— who would gamble their last breath on making a jump shot if it meant they could gamble their next one. Billy makes a living lulling people into a false sense of confidence on the court because of him being an unassuming white man before turning into Larry Bird and snatching the money he can. What makes White Men Can’t Jump is how it displays the almost imperceptible difference between betting on yourself and betting for yourself. Because she was confident in betting on her preparation and smarts because it was a dream of hers. Billy made bets because his identity is inextricable from his gambling addiction.

The Cincinnati Kid

The feelings of a gambling addict are portrayed perfectly, as Toback himself has had gambling addictions in the past and tries to convey his feeling through the movie. A wonderful drama about an English language teacher who gets addicted to gambling; and gets chased by debts and creditors. This British crime comedy from Guy Ritchie follows four actual partners-in-crime who have to make up the debt they owe from losing a rigged card game.

What Are the Best Movies About Casinos?

Thanks to its incredible success, two more movies – “The Hangover 2” and “The Hangover 3” – were made. Some of these gambling movies have received essential honors for their exceptional depiction of gambling. They are an excellent way to experience the joy of gambling without risking money. Critics of the production have argued that many of the arguments made in the documentary were actually debunked and disproven over the years and that Fine should have done a better job of the narrative he put together in the end. Regardless, we still think this is one of the best gambling movies on Netflix and definitely worth seeing.

You can find many casino movies on Netflix that are worth watching for educational purposes and entertainment as well. Some of those movies even won awards for the way they represented the stories of different gamblers, their struggles, and their obsession. Mel Gibson plays a poker expert in the Old West, who’s making his way to a renowned tournament to prove his mettle. Along the way, he encounters many obstacles as he attempts to earn enough money to pay the tournament entry fee. But it’s fun, light-hearted and full of gambling, so it earns its spot. Most gambling movies focus on the casino’s glamor and excitement, but what about the unsung heroes that work the tables?

The way gambling scenes are shot and edited also plays a crucial role in shaping viewer perception. Cinematic techniques — such as close-ups on tense faces, quick cuts during exciting hands, and the strategic use of music and sound effects — enhance the emotional impact of gambling scenes. While effective for storytelling, these techniques can exaggerate the reality of gambling moments, making them seem more glamorous or fraught with tension than they might actually be. Many argue that movies frequently miss the mark in showing the cognitive distortions and emotional challenges faced by real gamblers.

The film shows quite a complex life drama and the fact that it is based on early events is particularly interesting. The article was written and developed by a Senior Business Project Manager of Freeslotshub. On the website, he provided a wide selection of games with popular film heroes on the page with movie slots that are available online with no downloading for users all over the world. If any of the movies we talked about piqued your interest, what are you waiting for? Although, for some of these films, you might need to do some digging around to find which country they’re available in. The Mafia then hires him to run a casino in Las Vegas, where he meets Ginger McKenna, portrayed by Sharon Stone, and falls for her.

• 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.
• 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.
• Directed by Robert Altman, this gambling saga tells the tale of its two primary characters, Bill Denny and Charlie Waters — played by George Segal and Elliot Gould, respectively.
• For anyone who’s into movies or casinos, this list is a solid gold find.
• George Clooney stars as Dapper Danny Ocean, a thief who’s up to no good just hours after being released from his parole.
• Isaac portrays an ex-military interrogator turned gambler whose haunting past is continually at odds with his present.
• If you happened to miss this critical darling from a few years back, it’s undoubtedly worth checking out.
• Often cited as “Goodfellas Go West,” “Casino” has long struggled to get out of the shadow of Scorsese’s other three-hour mob epic starring Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci.

It is a cautionary tale of what can happen when addiction takes over. The classic Paul Newman/Jackie Gleason tale takes us back to a time when gambling was conducted in back rooms and in this case, pool halls. While gambling has become mainstream, this was a time of hustlers, con men and shady people. This is a heist drama film directed by Wayne Kramer and starring William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Maria Bello, and Ron Livingston.

• In order to regain his wealthy status, Bob maps out a plan to rob a casino during a, particularly important weekend.
• This is every poker player’s favourite film and one most can quote from endlessly.
• “Mississippi Grind” does not serve its audience a straightforward narrative of downfall or triumph but rather a textured portrayal of two lives intertwined by fate, choice, and the tantalizing allure of fortune.
• While most see The Hangover as a comedy, and it is, there’s some high-stakes gambling that takes place.
• Based on a true story and one of the MGM casino movies, “21” portrays the thrilling account of a group of MIT students who become experts in blackjack card counting and subsequently win millions in Las Vegas.
• Played with a timid, nervous energy by William H. Macy, “The Cooler” is naturally unlucky, and he works for the casino by jinxing players and spreading his misfortune.
• Bugsy tells the story of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, played by Warren Beatty.
• Whether you’re in it to learn how to beat the house or just want to hear the soothing sounds of chips stacking and slots spinning, these are the best gambling movies to put you right in the action.

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• The film’s portrayal of high-stakes poker captures the intense psychological warfare between players.
• And it’s easy to get caught up in the plight of the individuals who find themselves in the crosshairs of the bigwigs that run their own gambling underworld.
• 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.
• However, the PokerNews crew got together, along with input from social media, to determine the top five must-watch poker movies of all time.
• 1986 American drama directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Helen Shaver & Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
• This film is one of our top movies about poker because the world of gambling can serve as both a refuge and a battlefield for personal demons.

There is action, murder attempts, kidnapping and a few perilous moments that make us all ask ourselves if we will see Mr Bond come out of this alive. If you love poker, can look past the fact that Daniel Craig knows nothing about the game, and enjoy good cinematography, Casino Royale may yet be the best movie about gambling on Netflix today. Gambling hasn’t lost its cultural vitality over decades, and the same is true for great gambling films like 1974’s The Gambler. 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.

The billion-dollar franchise – spinning off three sequels at last count – may be a superstar take on the casino heist theme, but there are plenty of other legendary films. Casino is the test of a friendship, a marriage, and a cutthroat businessman, and every minute of it will have you on the edge of your seat. Starring The Sopranos alum Michael Imperioli, High Roller is a triumphant, harrowing, and downright interesting take on this legend’s life, perfect for any game-lover out there. 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. Familiye is a black-and-white film that depicts the story of a family of three brothers, the eldest of whom has just got out of prison.

“Mississippi Grind” tells the story of two gamblers on a road trip, playing risky games in the American South. This film delves into the psychological aspect of gambling, portraying the superstitions, fallacies, and the thrill of the game that keeps players coming back for more. Moving into the psychology behind the flashy exterior, films like Rounders depict the gambler’s mindset with a focus on skill, bluffing, and the high of risk-taking. The film’s portrayal of high-stakes poker captures the intense psychological warfare between players. However, it often simplifies the broader spectrum of gambling psychology, which encompasses a range of behaviours from recreational to problematic.

Following his breakthrough “Good Will Hunting,” Damon takes on the role of yet another math wunderkind in John Dahl’s cult classic, though he trades in his janitor gig for a steady life on the poker grind. 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. Having already lost his tuition, Damon proceeds to gamble with his own life as he has to come up with $15k in five days.

The best movies on Apple TV+ range from documentaries about celebrated performers to musical comedies and incredibly deep original dramas. In dire straits, Gerry pairs up with the charismatic Curtis on a road trip across the American South to win back what they have lost in their poker gambling in Mississippi Grind. One of James Caan’s best movies, The Gambler focuses on a literature professor with a gambling vice who must avoid loan sharks when they begin to circle. The script for the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie is nearly done, according to creator Steven Knight, and fans couldn’t be more excited to see the Shelby boys back on screen. The series focuses on the Shelby family who built their empire through gambling.

Although subjective, Rounders (1998) is widely considered the quintessential poker movie due to its realistic poker action, memorable characters and influence on poker culture during the poker boom of the early 2000s. All of those are among the best poker movies of all time, and if this article was “Top 10” instead of “Top 5 Poker Movies,” chances are they’d make the final list. However, the PokerNews crew got together, along with input from social media, to determine the top five must-watch poker movies of all time. Over the decades, poker fans have been treated to a plethora of poker movies, some good and others not so much.

In a decade that saw Robert Altman make “MASH,” “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” “The Long Goodbye,” “Nashville” and “3 Women,” it makes sense his gambling drama “California Split” has gone relatively unseen since its 1974 release. It may not have the ensemble dynamics or the psychological hold of his other titles, but “Split” is an assured two-hander between stars Elliot Gould and George Segal and an efficient beginner’s course to many of Altman’s auteur tendencies. Eschewing much of a traditional plot, the drama is a study of behaviors chronicling the freindship between rookie Bill Denny (Segal) and his mentor Charlie Waters (Gould), a wisecracking pro. The two’s bond grows deeper over the course of the film, as Bill becomes more addicted and finds himself in hot water with rival players and hotheaded bookies.

And those accolades are more indicative of the film’s actual quality than its acclaim from critics or number of tickets sold in theaters. William H. Macy stars as the titular character Bernie Lootz — and as a cooler in a casino, he acts as bad luck for the other gamblers, placed there by the casino themselves as a sort of negative presence. And it actually explores its characters to a meaningful extent while also showcasing the inner workings of Vegas. It’s one of the more modern poker movies, especially since it is based on a true story. In the film, Jessica Chastain narrates the story of Molly Bloom, a champion skier who suffers a career-ending injury on her road to the Winter Olympics. The hilarious movie features a group of friends who decide to spend a night out in Las Vegas at a bachelor’s party.

The allure of quick riches and the thrill of the game can lead people down a treacherous path, often resulting in financial ruin and emotional distress. In cinema, this compelling subject matter has been explored in various ways, shedding light on the destructive nature of gambling addiction. In this article, we will delve into some of the best movies that tackle this issue, exploring the emotional depths and consequences of compulsive gambling. We will also provide IMDb ratings for each film to help you decide which ones to watch. If this list were ranking the most underrated gambling movies ever made, Hard Eight (1996) by Paul Thomas Anderson would undoubtedly come out on top. It stars Phillip Baker Hall along with a star-studded supporting cast of John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and they all play a meaningful role in the wide-ranging plot.

Have you ever had one of those days at the race course where you can’t stop winning? “Ocean’s Eleven” is a popular gambling movie that offers its viewers multiple thrills. The movie is well-known for its star-studded cast, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle.

When he comes across a rare, expensive opal that should pay off his debts, the protagonist gets involved in some dicey deals. The top casino movies range from moody noire films to action-packed heists, so you’re certain to find something you like. Forget the suspense and drama that most gambling movies on Netflix seem to focus so heavily on.