The gambling in the film is more of a backdrop to Hard Eight’s character study of an assortment of interesting figures. Hard Eight is Paul Thomas Anderson’s directorial debut, showing the early talents of one of the best directors of his generation. Possibly Paul Thomas Anderson’s least known film, Hard Eight tells the story of a veteran gambler who teaches stranger John the tricks of the trade. All goes well until John gets involved with a sex worker named Clementine. This seedy, ’50s gambling noir was the Hollywood debut for actor Charlton Heston, who would go on to star in Planet of the Apes and The Ten Commandments.
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And although that film was well-acclaimed in itself, The Hustler (1961) has almost gone down as a classic. 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. But Croupier (1998) also provides great insight into the ins and outs of casino work, with technical jargon around every corner of the British gambling house in which the film is set. 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.
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However, Axel seems discontent with his safe existence, and gambling increasingly consumes him. The film illustrates how gambling addiction can affect those around you as Axel ends up borrowing money from friends and, eventually, loan sharks. It addresses the ethical issues of gambling, its potential as a broader societal problem, and how difficult it is to escape addiction. In doing this, it promotes gambling safety, and that’s something that should be celebrated. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn, this comedy-drama was directed by American filmmaking duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, and it was released by A24. It’s almost a road film of sorts, as Mendelsohn’s character — a gambling addict named Gerry — befriends Gosling’s character Curtis, and deems him a good luck charm.
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This movie is sure to delight those who have seen “Cards, Money, and Two Guns”. This movie has a similar background, but the events take place in Las Vegas. The plot of the movie is centered around a priceless artifact that is lost during a poker game. You can meet different characters in the picture – cowboys, Native Americans, girls of easy virtue, and police officers who prefer corruption. Robert De Niro starred as Ace Rothstein who controlled the mafia in Chicago.
The Cincinnati Kid
The story goes that Robert Altman sent Elliot Gould the screenplay to California Split, hoping he’d play Charlie, a gambler who befriends fellow gambler Bill (George Segal). And yet the two men’s rakish charm, in one of the high watermarks of ’70s hangout cinema, makes this not just a great buddy movie but a beautiful exploration of boys-will-be-boys friendship. 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. California Split remains perhaps the director’s most underrated classic — and its gut-punch ending is so muted, yet so perfect. When two soon-to-be empty nesters want to help their daughter pay for college, they decide to turn their friend’s house into a local gambling den.
BIG DEAL AT DODGE CITY (
But as you will find out from the film this doesn’t come without some serious consequences. So, our list has something for everyone, whether you are a fan of classic casino games like poker, blackjack, or roulette or prefer to explore the darker side of the casino world. You can trust us to provide a fair and honest review of each movie and accurately portray the gambling world. As one of the best casino movies out there, “Casino” got several nominations for Oscars and Golden Globes. It earned a 79% rating from critics and a whopping 93% from audience members on Rotten Tomatoes. Another great documentary series on Netflix, Untold takes a good hard look at some of the biggest scandals in sports – from match-fixing to doping and performance-enhancing substances.
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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. Gerry hopes that with Curtis by his side, he’ll be able to hit it big at a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans. Mississippi Grind is the perfect road trip film that just so happens to be tied to big money bets and a nail-biting poker game. A fresh take on the 1974 film of the same name, The Gambler stars Mark Wahlberg in a striking story of fighting gambling addiction and breaking free from debt.
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For anyone who’s into movies or casinos, this list is a solid gold find. In its essence, Army of the Dead is a classic heist movie; a billionaire seeks to retrieve $200 million locked in a casino vault in Las Vegas, which is inhabited by zombies. He enlists mercenary Scott Ward, played by Dave Bautista, and his team to get back the money before the city is completely destroyed. For blackjack fans, the classing gambling movie 21 should be right up your alley. 21 is based on the story of the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students from top US universities, including MIT, who learned how to count cards in blackjack and attempted to take over casinos in Las Vegas.
- Regardless, we still think this is one of the best gambling movies on Netflix and definitely worth seeing.
- Together, they hatch a plan to con Lonnegan out of a large sum of money.
- At its heart it’s a film about being human and how we deal with success and failure and what those two things do to our soul and to our wallet.
- From a phony off-track betting parlor and waitresses doubling as assassins to fake FBI agents and real murder, The Sting is the benchmark of great gambling movies.
- They are an excellent way to experience the joy of gambling without risking money.
- Some have even been on Netflix before and may return at some point, while others are still waiting to make their Netflix debut.
- He enlists mercenary Scott Ward, played by Dave Bautista, and his team to get back the money before the city is completely destroyed.
- 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.
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For instance, the illusion of control is a common cognitive distortion in gambling, where players believe they can influence outcomes that are actually determined by chance. This aspect is rarely addressed in gambling films, which prefer to focus on the glamour and grit of the gambling experience rather than its psychological complexities. This article critically examines some of the most beloved https://true-fortune.us/login/—”Casino Royale,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” and “Rounders”—to assess their accuracy and how well they reflect the intricacies of gambling.
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- The movie portrays her life and how the FBI began to track her down, leading to her downfall.
- Adam Sandler’s Uncut Gems (2019), Martin Scorsese sports drama The Color of Money (1986), James Caan’s The Gambler (1974), and the underrated Hard Eight (1996) are all excellent films that are worth checking out.
- It features a young, sexy Jennifer Tilly – who is better known now for her real-life poker skills – and Teri Garr is terrific as the drunk wife.
- The plots of many of the best films about gambling are remarkably similar.
- The typical gambling tropes (mobsters and a crushing debt catalyst) are present.
- It premiered at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival and received a limited release in the United States on May 28, 2004.
- Based on his own short film “Cigarettes & Coffee,” “Hard Eight” casts the veteran character actor Philip Baker Hall as Sydney, a sullen gambler with a mysterious past.
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. The opulence of the casino, with its glitzy surface, acts as a stark contrast to the harsh realities that lurk beneath – organized crime, addiction, betrayal, and an insatiable quest for power and recognition. As Bernie’s relationship with Natalie blossoms, it juxtaposes the newfound hope and authenticity found in human connection against the manufactured and exploitative hope sold within the casino walls. His awakening to love and genuine companionship starkly contrasts with the superficial allure and ephemeral joys peddled by the gambling world. Bernie, once a passive participant in the perpetuation of gamblers’ despair, becomes a mirror through which the audience might reflect on the broader, systemic moral complexities inherent within the gambling industry. And what materializes from its slick style and intelligent script is a career-defining performance from English actor Clive Owen that dives deep into the intricate nature of the human condition.
Molly’s Game (
Due to its immediate success and popularity, “Ocean’s Eleven” had three more films added to the franchise. While these films delve into lavish worlds with gambling and casinos, nothing beats the real thing. At Tachi Palace, you can get the full casino experience from the comfort of the West Coast.
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.
- And Ladyfingers, of course, who has seen it all so many times that the story has played out before it even begins.
- Due to the popularity of bingo, it made its way into several sectors, and the entertainment industry is not an exception.
- The insights are nevertheless accurate and they will definitely help you not just enjoy the institution of gambling as fiction but look at the hard facts and come back to the green felt a much smarter player.
- This movie is a must-watch for poker players who enjoy the adrenaline rush of the game.
- Eight Men Out (1988), starring John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, and Charlie Sheen, is an all-time classic, especially for baseball fans.
- There’s no denying this entry as a classic of the gambling movie ilk, and although it hasn’t aged as well as some of its older counterparts, it will forever be remembered for its tangible tone and rock-solid narrative.
The Gambler
Each concludes that the choices and risks one takes have consequences, but if you can handle those, you might just pull off a casino heist. Steve McQueen stars herein as Eric “The Kid” Stoner, an up-and-coming poker player in New Orleans. It’s set during The Great Depression, and chronicles The Kid’s journey as he challenges a veteran card player in Lancey “The Man” Howard — played by Edward G. Robinson.
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In fact, Alec Baldwin and Maria Bello were nominated at several respectable award associations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. The project follows the aftermath of a robbery that took place within a Mafia poker game. Kicking things off with a bit of an anomaly, The Hangover (2009) is the only clear-cut comedy movie on the entire list. That said, this modern hit is in the end definitely a film of actual quality, with positive ratings from critics and even a win at the Golden Globes for Best Musical or Comedy. It’s considered one of the best poker films of all time and is credited with helping to popularize Texas Hold’em during the early 2000s poker boom. With new strict regulations on social distancing, Polish people shifted to working and playing from home.
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.
While Rothstein’s role in running the Tangiers Casino pulls him into a vortex of systemic corruption and unchecked ambition, the film also subtly yet poignantly touches upon the personal and social repercussions of gambling and addiction. It elucidates how the individual’s entanglement in the world of gambling is not an isolated occurrence but is intrinsically linked to a broader, omnipresent network of societal and moral degradation. Rothstein, despite his numerical prowess and calculated exterior, becomes a pivotal figure, around whom whirlpools of personal and professional turmoil persistently revolve. Moreover, the film, through its carefully crafted narrative and emotionally resonant performances, particularly by Philip Baker Hall, excavates the multifaceted nature of addiction.
- As much as Mark Wahlberg tried to give “The Gambler” a successful remake, it’s almost impossible to top the dramatic heights and thrills of Karel Reisz’s original.
- 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.
- It does not simply portray gambling as a straightforward path to destruction but explores the psychological and emotional intricacies that entangle those involved in it.
- The gambling in “Casino” is on a macro-level; rather than taking place in the casino or on the card table, it happens behind closed doors, where the stakes are sky high.
- Now it’s time to bust out our five favorites from the overall gambling space.
- As a result, giving this gambling film a much deeper meaning than what meets the eye.
- After experiencing such a devastating loss, Mike leaves the poker scene behind due to his girlfriend’s pleas to leave the game behind.
- This is also notable among fans today for being the first film in its franchise to feature Daniel Craig as the titular character.
- Due to its immediate success and popularity, “Ocean’s Eleven” had three more films added to the franchise.
Remember to set limits, educate yourself, avoid chasing losses, take breaks, seek support when needed, and make informed choices about where and how you gamble. Additionally, utilize resources like trusted guides to find safe and reliable online casinos, ensuring that your gambling experiences remain enjoyable and secure. “Casino” does not merely settle into a narrative about gambling and its accompanying perils but sprawls expansively into themes of power, greed, corruption, and the intricate, dark web spun between the gambling industry and organized crime. “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. This complexity offers a fresh perspective on gambling narratives, reflecting not just the despair, but the human connections, dreams, and moments of joy that can be found even in the most seemingly desolate paths of life.
The drama surrounding the professor’s debts and the ways in which his young protégés attempt to wipe them way makes this film a supremely absorbing experience. 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.
Pitched like a hard-boiler noir — Jack has the blasé seen-it-all vibe of a private dick — Croupier explores the sweaty anxiety and crippling sadness of those who have thrown their lives (and money) away at the tables. If the plot complications aren’t always satisfying, the film’s vivid recreation of dingy casino life is utterly intoxicating. It’s a shame that Owen has rarely found a film since that’s so magnetic. Made in the heat of the now-mercifully-cooled World Series of Poker craze, the late Curtis Hanson put an immediate halt to his terrific L.A.
There’s the Shooter, wise and bitter and failed, who still remembers that he was once a Kid himself. If you’ve not read the book by Ben Mezrich then this US made-for-TV dramatised documentary will be a fascinating watch. It’s the story of a team of students from a US university who perfected a card-counting system that they used to take Vegas casinos for huge sums of cash. The combination of mathematical strategy and old-fashioned con trickery required to pull this off makes this a massively entertaining watch, if you can forgive the slightly cheesy American production values. 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. Arguably the best film on the list, this is a clever piece of filmmaking that somehow makes a massive horse racing con not only believable but edge of the seat exciting.
According to Henry Hill, whose life inspired Ray Liotta’s Goodfellas character, Spider’s fate in the movie happened just as it did in real life – and it was equally as shocking. Film students have analyzed the legendary poker scene in Casino Royale from every angle, bluff, and tell. It’s an edge-of-your seat drama that sees Bond at a $10m Texas hold ’em tournament at Montenegro’s Casino Royale playing his villainous rival Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). It is must-watch movie magic that rebooted the entire franchise and guaranteed Craig’s 15-year reign as 007.
From a low-budget film to a cult favorite, Swingers is a must-stream film. A week before IF’s release, the highest probability based on market activity was that the film would score as high as 80, which would have sunk most of Zubkoff’s bets. On the Monday after IF opened to what was considered a disappointing $35 million and Hollywood assessed the box-office impact, what Zubkoff cared about was the movie’s Rotten Tomatoes score .
This exhilarating film depicts the dark side of excessive gambling and how chasing a big win may not always be the best option. It’s one of the best movies regardless of category from the 1990s, arguably the greatest decade for film. Yes, The Hangover is available on Netflix, along with many other epic gambling and comedy movies. But it’s not a story that ends well for Jimmy and this fascinating documentary shows how far he rose and how fast he fell. It’s well worth seeking it out on YouTube, if nothing else to finally understand a stream of TV and film references you never really understood before. “Mississippi Grind” is a bit divisive, earning a 91% rating from critics and just 55% from audiences.
These movies go into the lives of various gamblers, their struggles, and their obsession with gambling. Based on a true story, “Molly’s Game” has a fantastic cast and a captivating script. Jessica Chastain plays Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who runs an exclusive poker game for the wealthy and famous. One night, she gets arrested by the FBI and wrapped up in a high-stakes investigation into her players, some of whom are members of the Russian mob. Directed by Jeff Probst, the movie has an interesting if somewhat unlikely plot. Tepper, the protagonist, finds a lost wallet on the street and he calls the owner to come and pick it up.
Soon after, he develops an idea around a gambling epicenter that people from all over the US could come and place their bets. That gambling haven ends up being Las Vegas, a place that’s attributed to Bugsy’s forward-thinking approach. This biopic delves into everything that made Bugsy what he was and how he helped develop Las Vegas into what it is today.
And with Dead Money set for release September 2024, there’s yet another poker flick that could eventually make it to the list. If you got stuck in the never-ending search for an ideal movie on Netflix, it is time to stop scrolling. While it is an incredibly popular pastime, it is hardly a surprise that there are so many true stories that are possible to be told. In fact, it would not be a surprise if we were to continue to see many more of these be told in the future given the growth the industry has been afforded. However, McQueen is electric and the penultimate scene, when the final hands are revealed, is one of the best ever filmed. Their new friendship sees them both commit everything to a scintillating gambling trip to Reno.
The film offers a profound look into the mentoring aspect of gambling, where experience meets raw ambition, set against the moody ambiance of casinos and race tracks. The nuanced performances by Philip Baker Hall and John C. Reilly add depth to the movie. While our top picks showcase the very best of the casino genre, there are a few more films that didn’t make our list but offer compelling portrayals of the casino world and the multifaceted characters who inhabit it.
“The Cooler” provides a unique vantage point into the casino environment, diverging from tales of gamblers and their personal demons to spotlight those who facilitate the persistent cycle of hope and loss within the gambling ecosystem. Bernie’s life, seemingly settled into a resigned acceptance of his role as a harbinger of misfortune, encounters an unexpected pivot upon meeting Natalie, portrayed by Maria Bello. The character of Natalie ignites a spark of introspection within Bernie, compelling him to grapple with the ethical quandaries that envelop his peculiar occupation.
