by Kim Pascoe
On top of all that, they inspire many gamblers and show that anyone can get reasonable rewards for playing. With the help of movie buff and gambling expert Kim Pascoe, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best casino movies and movies about gambling that you should watch.
1. The Gambler (1974 and 2014)
No list is complete without 1974’s The Gambler. The movie is about a literature professor who has a gambling addiction that destroys his life. His debt makes him the mob’s target and forces him to borrow money from loved ones.
The original film has a more candid and rawer portrayal of gambling addiction. If the original movie’s ending doesn’t satisfy you, you can also watch the 2014 remake. It features Mark Wahlberg and a different problematic gambler character.
2. Rain Man (1988)
The year 1988 was the year of many iconic movies. It was the year Die Hard, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Coming to America came out. Rain Man was also one of them, and it was the highest-grossing film of that year.
Did you know that Rain Man was also one of the first casino films that shot a scene in a real casino? In short, it was one of the first movies that showcased what a real casino looked like. The blackjack scene occurred at the legendary Caesars Palace, one of the most iconic casino hubs.
3. The Sting (1973)
As a Best Picture Winner, we can’t leave out George Roy Hill’s The Sting. Considering how smooth and entertaining the gambling scenes are, it’s no surprise that the movie won the award. It follows the story of Johnny Hooker and Henry Gondorff, who create an elaborate scheme to exact revenge on a crime boss.
Like the characters in The Sting, you can also experience adrenaline-fuelled online casino games. New Zealand has some of the best online casinos for local players. It also has many reputable casinos that even accept cryptocurrency. To find reliable casinos that offer fast payouts, head to https://nz-casino.online/.
4. Molly’s Game (2017)
In this movie, we follow the story of the people that make gambling possible. Molly, played wonderfully by Jessica Chastain, runs a lucrative operation where rich people can gamble. The acting is excellent, and the movie features witty writing.
5. Oceans 11 (2001)
Oceans 11 set up the Oceans movie series. While its sequels had improved writing and storytelling, the cast of Oceans 11 acted amazingly. The humorous heist film, set in glamorous Las Vegas, also focused on a gamble most people wouldn’t dare take.
6. Casino Royale (2006)
James Bond—that is all we need to say. In one scene, Agent 007 plays a poker game against the terrifying criminal Le Chiffre to thwart his criminal organisation from funding terrorists. Texas Hold ’Em players will enjoy watching the elaborate poker scene that feels real but is also emotionally charged.
7. Maverick (1994)
Are you tired of seeing tragic casino films? If you want an amusing change of pace for your movie nights, watch Maverick. Mel Gibson shines through in this excellent satirical film.
Gibson commits to the role of Bret Maverick, a cardsharp who wants to join a poker contest where he can get a significant payoff. While he gathers funds, he faces various comic mishaps and challenges. He also meets a charming woman along the way, who turns out to be a thief.
8. Casino (1995)
Martin Scorsese’s love for eccentric main characters inspired him to create a classic character study set in a Casino. It features Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, who play two mobsters competing against each other over a gambling empire.
9. Hard Eight (1996)
Next on the list of films about casino living and gambling is a movie with a Royal Flush of a cast. It features Phillip Baker Hall, Gwyneth Paltrow, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Like most casino movies, the film is set in Las Vegas and carries a strand of tragedy. A veteran card player meets a young man and transforms him into a casino champion. However, his protégé falls for a prostitute, and they soon find themselves in a pinch.
10. The Card Counter (2021)
Last but not least is a story about cards, grief, trauma, and faith. This American revenge thriller has Paul Schrader’s trademark cinematic intensity. It’s a fascinating character study of austere, stern, and existential people.
Conclusion
These ten films are the most touching, inspiring, and evocative in the gambling movies genre. Each one offers a lesson worth learning and an array of characters to learn from and study. The next time you sit down and pick a film for movie night, consider watching the ones we listed above.
