by Stanley Annersley
What’s better than chilling out with a good movie after a long day at work? Not much, we think.
Films involving casinos have been a staple for decades in Hollywood now, and below we’ve picked the top 5 best crime capers to make your movie night go off with a bang.
Casino (1995) is by far the best gambling movie ever, directed by legendary Martin Scorsese. It shows both faces of Las Vegas – the glittering glamourous side, and the dark and brutal side. In this movie, two friends, one a mobster and one an executive at the Tangiers casino, battle to make their mark and win the heart of a socialite. The classic movie is so immersive, it’s enough to have you wanting to jump in and play the most popular online pokies, roulette or other casino games for yourself. And, according to Vlad Grindu, a top casino expert, these games often come with some brilliant sign-up bonuses and free spins, which make them especially popular.
Up next is an oldie but a goodie, California Split (1974). A casual gambler befriends professional Charlie Walters and starts to mimic his life. As the novice player, Bill Denny, slips deeper into the world of gambling and debt, he plays a poker game that may determine his fortunes.
Hard Eight (1996) is one of those underrated movies that packs a punch. It follows a professional gambler named Sydney as he teaches a down-on-his-luck, John (who has lost all his money), all his tricks. John climbs to success as a gambler, until he loses his heart to the wrong lady.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001) is less about gambling and more about a casino heist, but Las Vegas slots still feature prominently. Danny Ocean, a renowned gangster, gathers a group of criminals and other associates in an attempt to rob three Las Vegas casinos at the same time (the Bellagio, the MGM Grand and the Mirage) while a popular boxing event is occurring. It stars A-listers George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Mat Damon and Julia Roberts.
Last but not least we have The Color of Money (1986), another film directed by Scorsese. Eddie Felson, a pro pool player, teaches his protege, Vincent, how to become a hustler at pool. However, Vincent tends to flaunt his talents, which raises concerns with other players, and he loses his money. Paul Newman takes up the role of Eddie while a young Tom Cruise plays Vincent.
