Many of the best gambling movies often follow the same storyline and aren’t usually an instant hit because of the low-budget production. However, such films have a special place in the mind of a movie connoisseur. Hence, we have come up with the perfect list of the best gambling movies of all time.
Top Famous And Unrealistic Gambling Movies
There are few things in comparison to the adrenaline rush one gets while going all-in on a bet. But, then, every second becomes nail-biting when it comes to winning everything or losing everything. Though having a gambling addiction is not good, there’s no need to put your money on the line as we bring you the best gambling movies of all time.
Rounders (1998)
IMDB – 7.3/10, Reviews
Mike McDermott is a law student who lost his money to Teddy K.G.B., a Russian club owner. John Dahl, the director, focuses and explores the private clubs of New York where high-stakes bettings take place.
Now Mike wants a quiet life and leaves gambling for good, focusing on his studies and Jo, his girlfriend. Jo is not so keen that Worm, his gambling buddy, is out of prison. She was right to worry as Mike was soon drawn to play poker.
When it becomes clear that Mike has no intention of stopping, Jo moves out, and Mike loses any interest in his studies. Worm has massive debt on his head, and despite this, Mike shelters him. When the deadline for clearing the debt comes near, the two go on a non-stop gambling hiatus—one of the best gambling movies of all time.
The Gambler (1974)
IMDB – 7.2/10, Reviews
Axel Freed works as a college professor and does very well at work. However, his gambling addiction is a significant issue. He often wins enormous amounts but loses it just as quickly. He owes everyone money, his girlfriend, mother, and even a loan shark.
It starts getting even worse as he can’t seem to stop. Finally, his girlfriend decides to leave him, and his mother is ready to disown him. Axel plans his biggest score to pay everyone off to redeem himself and stay alive. One of the most unrealistic gambling-themed movies.
Goodfellas (1990)
IMDB – 8.7/10, Reviews
Tommy De Vito and Jimmy Conway, small-time gangsters, participate in a robbery committed by Henry Hill. While Henry doesn’t dream big, Tommy and Jimmy have their eyes on the bigger prize.
The two are willing to kill off everyone who took part in the robbery to climb the leader of the mob world. But, on the other hand, Henry will suffer a lot because of his partner’s success. But will he stoop so low as to betray his friend?
One of the best gangster films, without a doubt. Scorsese set the right stage, and Pesci and De Niro lit it on fire. The movie has everything, violence, gore, profanity, and style.
Casino (1995)
IMDB – 8.2/10, Reviews
Martin Scorsese, the director, depicts the glittering lights of Las Vegas and the dark side of the glamorous city. Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro, two mobsters to make their mark move out to Las Vegas. They work and live in a paradoxical world.
The film is shown through the main character’s eyes, and we witness the mob’s involvement in the casino business during the 70s. Ace works in the Tangiers Casino and is a smooth operator, whereas Nicky, his childhood friend, robs and scares the locals.
But the two have their fair share of flaws as Nicky gets deep into drugs and violence while Ace falls for Ginger, a hustler. One of the best gambling movies of all time.
Casino Royale (2006)
IMDB – 8.0/10, Reviews
Daniel Craig plays the role of James Bond and, as a 00 agent, embarks on his first mission. Le Chiffre manages the money of global terrorists and is in Montenegro for a poker game.
He is desperate to win big to stay alive in the terrorist marker. “M,” the boss of MI6, orders Bond to participate in the game and prevent Chiffre from winning anything.
With the help of Felix Leiter, Vesper, and Rene Mathis, Bond enters the biggest game of his life. Regardless, whether Bond wins or not, his safety, along with Vesper’s, is a constant doubt. One of the most unrealistic gambling-themed movies.
The Gambler (2014)
IMDB – 6.1/10, Reviews
Jim Bennett works as an English professor and very much loves high-stakes gambling. So he borrows some money from a gangster and, as insurance, offers his life. Bennett, a risk-taker, bets it all in a go and puts the gangster on the operator of the gambling ring.
During this, his wealthy mother disowns him as Jim is busy playing both sides. He constantly involves himself in the illegal underground world, which catches the eyes of a loan shark, Frank. As he falls in love with a student, Bennett must risk it all to have a second chance.
The Color of Money (1986)
IMDB – 7.0/10, Reviews
Fast Eddie Felson is a pool hustler and stumbles upon Vincent, a young pool player with talent. He sees his younger self in Vincent and tries to make it to glory by teaching him how to become a hustler.
At first, Vincent is a little hesitant but agrees to Eddie’s offer, and along with Carmen, his girlfriend embarks on a tour of the pool halls through the country. But things won’t go as smoothly as Eddie thinks because of Vincent’s reckless behavior of showing off his talent and scaring other player’s away.
All of this soon leads to a confrontation between the two.
21 (2008)
IMDB – 6.8/10, Reviews
The plot follows Ben Campbell, an intelligent student studying at M.I.T. in Boston. Ben strives for success and needs the scholarship to enter Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor.
As he comes from a poor background, Ben knows he can’t afford the tuition fees for five years. Then, Ben meets Micky Rosa, an unorthodox math professor who runs a secret club through unforeseen circumstances.
The students in this club are taught the skill of counting cards at Blackjack. But, in desperate need of money, Ben’s desire overcomes his rational thoughts. So he joins his fellow friends on secret Vegas trips using hand signs to win big bucks going to one casino after the other.
At first, Ben was only looking to make enough to pay off his fees, but as Jill thought, his greed makes him corrupt. He soon becomes arrogant, which attracts the attention of Cole Williams, a brutal security guard of a casino. Cole has personal enmity towards Rosa, threatening to destroy everything they have built. One of the best gambling movies of all time.
The Hangover (2009)
IMDB – 7.7/10, Review
Angelo’s Doug Billings, our protagonist, will marry Tracy Garner. Doug, along with Phil Wenneck, Stu Price, and Alan Garner, goes for his bachelor’s party two days before his wedding. Together, they hop into Tracy’s father’s Mercedes convertible for a trip to Las Vegas.
Though he is married, Phil behaves like a teenager when around his friends. Stu is a dentist, but because of controlling girlfriend has to lie and worry a lot. Despite her behavior, Stu intends to marry her. Meanwhile, Alan doesn’t know anything about moral rights in the outside world.
They party all night after they arrive in Vegas and awaken to the worst hangover of their life the following day.
Wrapping Up
Gambling movies involve suspense, action, and unrealistic nerves of steel to win the big bet. These films showcase the various shades of human nature when greed takes over. Though they never provide entertainment to the viewers, such movies often also give a vital piece of advice to live life without desire. The list will continue as a part 2 in the next article coming soon!
If you couldn’t find the perfect film you were looking for, then make sure to check out other such lists full of marvelous gems: