Jaw-Dropping Films about Gambling That Must Be Watched
The allure of gambling can hardly be confused with something else. A little luck can change your life once and for all. And this is quite many films were made on the topic over the years. They take you to places like Atlantic City, Monte Carlo, or Las Vegas.
Let’s take a look at the best gambling-related films that came out of Hollywood. You might even pick something for your next home cinema session.
The Best Films about Gambling: Part 1
If gambling is your passion, you surely like watching gambling films. The best cinematographic achievements related to world of gambling world are down there.
Casino Royale (Martin Campbell, 2006)
Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s first role as James Bond, features an iconic casino scene. The main hero has to play a poker game against Le Chiffre, an evil genius who finances a terrorist group. Both characters create an intense atmosphere that keeps viewers attached to the screens for a while. No wonder it has become one of the most-watched pieces in the James Bond series.
Casino (Martin Scorsese, 1995)
This is surely one of Martin Scorsese’s most famous films where Robert De Niro plays a Las Vegas casino owner asked by the Chicago mafia to take over the Tangiers. Some crime, murder, and gambling will let you understand the inner affairs of the criminal underworld. Instead of sticking players, you will be following different locations and their profitability.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (Guy Ritchie, 1998)
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is devoted to a poker game that ends with a gang war. Made like a dark comedy, it involves robbing cannabis growers, escaping an ambush, stealing money, and other criminal activities. The film manages to find the humor in people trying to cheat their way into money. Who are we to judge them?
The Hustler (1961)
Paul Newman stars as the greatest billiards player in The Hustlers. After suffering a sad loss to a competitor, the main hero announces his mission to redeem himself and claim the pool shark throne. Through the tough training given by his manager Bert Gordon, “Fast” Eddie Felson can become as good as he was before. This is one of those films that reveals the origin of gambling in the United States.
Rounders (John Darl, 1998)
In Rounders, the hero of Matt Damon is a good poker player, namely Citizen Kane for gambling addicts. The film features one of the major quotes in all of cinema: “Give that man his money!” and one of the most iconic poker scenes. Rounders is surely one of the favorite films among gamblers.
The Best Films about Gambling: Part 2
When you are picking a film, you should consider less popular games as well. These gambling related films also deserve your attention.
The Cincinnati Kid (Normal Jewison, 1965)
The Cincinnati Kid has been created for gamblers who want to achieve success in gambling activities. The film mentions some of the most unique hands in poker. These include queen-high straight flushes and full houses. Steve McQueen, “The Kid,” is the main narrator of the drama. In the end, he becomes a winner and keep his losses low.
Croupier (Mike Hodges, 1998)
In Croupier, Clive Owen plays a financially challenged novelist who starts working at the casino. The hero uses his experience for writing a new book. Eventually, he get more and more involved into the criminal part of gambling. Croupier explores the absolute anxiety and crippling sadness of those who have destroyed their lives by putting everything they have at the tables.
The Gambler (Karel Reisz, 1974)
Based on a real story of gambling difficulties, screenwriter James Toback describes his own behaviors, worries, and feelings during the gameplay. The conflict creates a great drama. The main hero plunges himself into self-destruction while his mental state is getting worse every day. The Gambler is created for those who are against gambling for all the right reasons.
Casino Jack (George Hickenlooper, 2010)
The film is inspired by real events. All the heroes have the names of the people, including Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon. The film follows the hero’s rise to fame and his eventual decline when he has to face tax evasion, bribery, and conspiracy. Kevin Spacey stars next to Jon Lovitz and Barry Pepper, which definitely sounds promising.
Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly’s Game is based on the true story of an Olympic skier who has organized an international poker tournament for celebrities. The high-stakes games are illegal operations. So the whole idea falls under the FBI investigation pretty soon. The thriller is incredibly smart as you can follow Molly’s tricks one by one.
These films are the most touching, exciting, and provocative in the gambling theme. Each one offers a lesson worth learning. The next time you decide to pick a film for home cinema night, consider watching the ones listed above. From a risky personal experience in the casino to mafia based casino operations, you will surely have a great time.