No matter if you’re a casino enthusiast or only considering visiting an internet casino to try your hand at it, the world of gambling gets to us all.
There’s something about the casino movies, too. They give us an insight into the glitz and glamour of the world and fascinating intrigues that lie beneath.
Luckily, there’s a lot to choose from, as Hollywood has been in love with casinos for a long time. So, from the thrillers to keep you on the edge of your seat to heists, there’s something for everyone. Here are our favorites.
Casino
How could we start this review without mentioning ‘Casino,’ the movie carrying the name of the genre? This 1995 cult-classic is a must-watch for anyone looking to get into the luxury and decadence of Las Vegas.
Don’t worry; the movie is more than a commemoration to rolling in money. You will also see the danger and grime of mobs and the mobsters’ truly frightening mentalities.
Dive into the world where ‘everybody’s gotta watch everybody else’. It’s full of paranoia, thrill, big wins, and more significant losses, and more. We promise you won’t be able to pause it.
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ is one of those movies with an enormous cult following. It’s based on a collection of stories by Hunter S. Thompson. Thompson wrote about a psychedelic, terrifying, and astounding road trip across the western USA.
Piles of narcotics and a desire to catch the elusive American dream drive this story. Instead of finding it, they will discover gambling, corruption, and a lot of paranoia.
This deranged side of Las Vegas will delight anyone tired of idealizing the place. It also stands as intelligent commentary on western society.
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
Starring: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire
Ocean’s Eleven
The first movie from the trilogy is a remake of the original 1960s film, which set the stage for two sequels of no lesser quality. The tales are entertaining, witty, and of high quality.
If you’re not familiar, the movie features the main character employing accomplices to heist the biggest casinos in a single night. It is action-packed and comedic, while still keeping you engaged with the story. It owes most of its success to the cast of downright amazing actors.
So, if you’re looking for the movie to disillusion you, sit down and grab a bag of popcorn. You will learn that the house always wins – unless you do something about it.
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts
The Gambler
First released in 1974, ‘The Gambler’ serves as a stark reminder to any aspiring gambler out there. It focuses on the dangers of the world of stakes. It also reminds us that anyone may find themselves in too deep and in over their heads.
The story revolves around an English professor struggling with a gambling addiction threating to eat up his everyday life. The movie takes an in-depth look into the life and mind of a gambling addict.
The original movie is of such high quality that the lead actor was nominated for an Academy Award for his role. However, if you prefer modern films, there’s a 2014 remake that does justice to the original.
Directed by: Karel Reisz
Starring: James Caan, Mark Wahlberg in the remake
Casino Royale
This review wouldn’t be completewithout at least one of the fantastic movies with our favorite secret agent. This thrilling remake of the original 1967 film shows the world of casinos in the real James Bond Style.
This movie depicts the first mission James Bond took up as 007. He goes out to beat private bankers and terrorists alike in high-stakes poker games that make you sweat. Of course, things aren’t what they seem, and the license to kill becomes Bond’s best weapon.
‘Casino Royale’ may or may not be your favorite Bond movie, but we can’t deny its importance and the influence it had on those that followed.
Directed by: Martin Campbell
Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench
The Hangover
Sometimes, we don’t feel like watching dark, disenchanting Casino movies. We want something hilarious, relaxing, and engaging. ‘The Hangover’ is a perfect example of this type of film.
Following the essential ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ philosophy, it tells a story of three friends celebrating a bachelor party casino style. The next morning, as they struggle to understand what happened, we get to see a frantic search for the groom and bits of the previous night’s events.
This movie takes a more light-hearted approach to Vegas than most but still manages to portray it in an out-of-control style. Watching it, you will both want to visit Vegas the same night and avoid it for the rest of your life.
Directed by: Todd Philips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Zach Galifianakis
Rain Man
This 1988 movie goes through many topics, and not everyone sees it as a casino movie. However, it’s a fascinating tale of a greedy, petulant character using his autistic, yet savant, older brother to count cards at Blackjack tables. The performances are legendary, too.
The film explores the gray area between things legal and illegal. Besides, it touches upon family connections and what it means to be mentally capable.
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman
Croupier
‘Croupier’ takes a perspective we don’t often see in casino movies – there are no high-rollers of Vegas and no glamour. Instead, we see the cold reality of the gambling world, with all its bribing, dark motivations, and the detrimental influence it has on one’s personal life.
The movie follows the story of a struggling writer who becomes a croupier to make ends meet. Working in a London casino, he soon gets dragged into the shady lifestyle it entails. The story spirals out of control as well as his private life.
Check this one out if you are tired of the blinding lights of Las Vegas and feel ready for a darker atmosphere.
Directed by: Mike Hodges
Starring: Clive Owen, Nick Reding, Nicholas Ball
The Bottom Line
These movies and many others take the traditional casino trope and spin it to meet their stories. As the number of such films grows, so does the creativity of the directors and actors alike – who knows what we’ll get to see in the future.
Either way, if you’re new to the entire genre, start with our list. To veterans of the genre, apologies in advance if we missed any of your favorites – feel free to share them with us.
