5 Must-Watch Casino-Themed Movies

Gambling is always about risk, on-the-edge, thrilling emotions, and big wins or losses. So, it’s not a surprise that cinematographers often appeal to this theme in their movies, even if the main plot is not related to casino play. Scenes of casinos, VIP poker rooms, and underground gaming grab the audience’s attention, amaze viewers with unexpected twists, and stun them with the glitz and glam of gaming halls.

Such scenes, however, only scratch the surface and don’t show the gist of casino play, gamblers’ emotions, and their motives. That’s why we prefer movies fully dedicated to casinos – the best choice for someone who is truly into gambling.

Here are the 5 must-watch movies about casinos.

The Card Counter

The Paul Schrader’s Card Counter is among a few new gambling-themed movies that are truly worth your attention. Staring amazing Oscar Isaac and with Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, this 2021 casino drama tells the story of a former military interrogator and ex-convict, William Tell, who became a gambler and a successful card counter.

The plot revolves around Tell’s attempts to leave behind his old life and find a new one with the help of gambling. Like it always happens, the ghost of the past eventually finds a way to destroy his present.

The Card Counter is a top example of a good casino drama film that evokes emotions and keeps you engaged throughout the 112 minutes of action on the screen. It might happen that you feel a surge to play some casino games after watching the movie. If so, you can choose a good gambling site with many gaming machines at Best Casino Play – a trusted casino review website.

Rounders

A statement that Rounders is the best gambling-themed movie ever may be a bit controversial, but it’s a fact that it should be on a casino player’s must-watch list. Starring celebrity actors Matt Damon, John Malkovich, and Edward Norton, the 1998 film revolves around the attempts of law student Mike (Matt Damon) to leave behind gambling and live a decent life with his girlfriend. Everything changes when an old friend from the past returns from jail and immediately gets in trouble.

The movie is a true treasure for the fans of casinos and poker. It’s rich in scenes of underground gambling and shows how a player chooses and executes his strategy.

The Rounders criminal drama tells a story that can make any player emotional. High-stakes poker, a noble sacrifice for a friend, relationship challenges, and danger – this amazing mix is worth dedicating two hours of your time.

The Cincinnati Kid

Norman Jewison’s Cincinnati Kid is a classic of gambling-themed movies. Released in 1965, it’s still worth your attention as a very insightful film with many things you can learn from it. Starring Steve McQueen as Eric Stoner – the main character and ambitious poker player – it tells a story of audacity, challenge, love, and big money.

The Cincinnati Kid perfectly describes how hard it is to reach the top and how easily you can fall to nothing.

The movie revolves around a 5-card stud poker and the desire of Eric Stoner to be the king of the game. To reach this, he needs to outplay the current top player Lancey “The Man” Howard.

While gambling inspires many movies, there are lots of games inspired by films as well. You’ll find  dozens of slots based on Marvel and DC superhero sagas, horror movies, anime, and fantasy films.

21

The 2008 movie 21 by Robert Luketic is both praised and criticized. Why do gamblers like it? Well, it presents a rather comprehensive and deep view into card counting – a saint grail for blackjack players. This includes:

• math behind card counting;
• the preparation process;
• perfect teamplay;
• card counting training;
• roles of every team member.

As for the other side of the coin, critics often slam the movie starring Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, and Aaron Yoo for questionable plot twists, especially in the end.

Mississippi Grind

A 2015 comedy-drama starring Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn Mississippi Grind is a perfect example of the ups and downs in the life of a gambler. It shows how thin the line between having everything and nothing is.

The movie is rich with gambling scenes, humor, and striking plot twists. It’s a definite must-watch film for a gambler.

Conclusion on Gambling-Themed Movies

It’s no surprise that casino players like watching gambling-themed movies. You can learn from, find inspiration, and just do this to have a good time. Choose worthy movies that won’t fail your expectations to get the most from your film night.