Nothing can quite compare to a casino-themed film.
The thrill of the character working to win big at their game will never fail to keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s no wonder, then, that there are so many casino films which are beloved by many. Whether it’s the seedy underbelly of the gambling world or tales of winning big, there’s a casino movie for everyone. If you’re looking for some inspiration for the best casino movies to sink your teeth into tonight, look no further as we have compiled a list of the best of all time.
21
If there’s one thing we all love, it’s a film based on a true story. 21 is a film which tells the story of a class of MIT students who are trained to count cards and win big. Casinos hate it when you count cards and you’ll probably be kicked out for it, but it makes for a great storyline!
In the film, Ben Campbell needs to find a way to fund his time at university, so joins his classmates as their math professor, Micky Rosa, trains the students to be the best at card counting and tests out their skills along the famous Las Vegas strip.
They manage to make hundreds of thousands of dollars with their newfound skills but, once their scamming has been discovered, it threatens to derail their success and change their lives forever. It’s the perfect film to watch before hitting the casino to inspire you to improve your game.
Casino Royale
The 2006 remake of the 1967 Bond classic, Casino Royale is one of the greatest casino movies of all time. It doesn’t get more classy or badass than James Bond and, when you put him in a casino, there’s no limit to what he can do.
When Bond learns that Le Chiffre, the financier of some of the world’s leading terror organizations, is planning to earn his funds in a poker game, he must take him on and beat him at his own game. The pressure is on because, if Bond loses, the world is in grave danger. When he finally sits at the table to take on his opponent, you’ll be unable to take your eyes off the screen. This captivating movie has been hailed as not only one of the best casino movies, but also one of the best Bond movies of all time.
Rounders
In a similar plot to 21, Rounders features a baby-faced Matt Damon as he delves into the world of poker to pay his university fees. Damon’s character retired from the game but returned to it to help rescue his friend from loan sharks. It results in a high-stakes game against the Russian gangster to try and win the game.
A combination of casino banter, highly intense gameplay and the dark side of gambling, it makes for a hugely entertaining watch. Whether you’re a poker lover or not, you’ll be enthralled by this film.
Casino
Casino is one of those classic 90s gangster films you’ll never forget after watching it. It combines the flashing lights and exuberant wealth of Las Vegas as well as the brutal and savage world of gangster dealings. Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro give out of this world performances as mobsters. De Niro’s character is a casino owner with ties to the mob, and Pesci is his lifelong friend who is an erratic and psychopathic mafia enforcer.
The film tells the tale of how the mafia controlled and built Las Vegas and the cruel goings on to keep things going and make themselves rich. There are some brutal scenes and, if the thought of a graphic beating makes you queasy, this might not be the film for you. While it doesn’t centre on gambling, it’s still a must-see casino film for anyone.
Ocean’s 11
Who doesn’t love a good heist movie? Seeing a huge, well-thought-out plot come together is something we can all enjoy. Ocean’s 11 is a great example of this, as it tells the tale of 11 professional crooks who join forces as they try to pull off one of the greatest heists of all time.
Their goal is to steal a whopping $150 million from three of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas: The Bellagio, Mirage, and MGM Grand. Of course, the group encounter a few bumps along the road which threaten to derail the entire plot and leave them at the mercy of casino tycoon Terry Benedict. Will they succeed or will their plan be foiled?
It’s one of those great heist films which has inspired many more in a similar vein. It’s one of those ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ films too, and it will absorb the audience as you can’t look away from the action.
Ready to Hit the Casino?
These films serve as great inspiration to hit up the casino and try to win big, too! But you don’t need to be a gambler to enjoy these films; they’re great for everyone to enjoy. Next time you’ve got an evening free, stick one of these movies on and you’ll be in for a treat.
