Nerve-wracking suspense, difficult decisions and an unpredictable outcome: actually, gambling offers exactly what makes a good movie. We’ve taken a look at both the classics and the latest casino and poker movies that deal with gambling and picked out the best ones for you. Below you will find a list of the 20 best casino movies of all time. We present our five favorites directly to you in detail.
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1. Rounders
Rounders
Release: 1998
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Director: John Dahl
Stars: Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol, John Malkovich
Theme: Poker
Ask any 30-something poker player today who or what inspired them to play poker, and the answer is almost always the same: Rounders! John Dahl’s film is about a young law student in New York City, Mike (Matt Damon), who is a very talented poker player but quits his poker career after losing his bankroll and due to his studies and relationship. It’s only through a friend, a real-life cardsharp who is in huge money trouble, that Mike is forced to re-enter the dangerous world of illegal casinos and poker rounds dataroma, putting his life on the line.
Rounders has been the template for numerous poker movies, but to date no other flick has come close to matching John Dahl’s film. There is not only a lot of action and suspense, but also a deep insight into the live poker action. Even seasoned players can learn something about the mental aspects of live poker and the read of the opponents.
2. Casino
Casino
Release: 1995
Genre: Mafia/Drama
Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Theme: Casinos & Las Vegas
Few cities are home to as many movies as Las Vegas, the glittering hub of the gambling world. But while many films focus on the debauched parties in Sin City, Casino, a gangster film by cult director Martin Scorsese, deals with what made the Nevada city great: Gambling.
Here you get to know the mafia-controlled Las Vegas of the 70s and 80s, and the history of the casino hotels is told here through a rousing story in which Hollywood Celebrity height celebrities such as Robert DeNiro and Sharon Stone do the honors. An exciting film experience for all who like gangster movies and want to learn more about the history of Las Vegas.
3. 21
21
Release: 2008
Genre: Thriller/Drama
Director: Robert Luketic
Stars: Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bonsworth
Theme: Blackjack
21 is a casino movie that couldn’t be better. Hardly any other Hollywood blockbuster showcases the exciting atmosphere and thrill of gambling at real casino tables like this one. The Blackjack movie is based on true events and tells the story of your MIT professor and six of his highly gifted students who use their mathematical skills to win millions by counting cards at blackjack.
21 is an exciting thriller by Robert Luketic, with plenty of suspense and some surprising twists. Especially for all blackjack fans and players who wonder how card counting actually works, this film is an absolute must-see.
