It is fortunate that these stories did not remain confined to Las Vegas, as this city has produced some of the most exceptional and undervalued movies ever made. Although gambling mainly involves card games like poker, it can also include sports betting, lotteries, and similar activities.
Although most of these movies take place in Las Vegas, this is not a requirement for inclusion on the list. Some are set in casinos abroad, while others are set in non-gambling environments. Some are even set in underground locations or completely different settings. If you want to experience heated gambling action just like these movies, checking out the best Ontario online casinos might prove beneficial.
In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the top 10 casino movies that defined the genre.
1. Casino (1995)
The movie Casino (1995) is an extensive tale about gambling, comparable to an epic western directed by renowned filmmakers such as Sergio Leone or Howard Hawks. Robert De Niro portrays the chief of the titular establishment, akin to a gunslinger.
Martin Scorsese and Robert de Niro has given us many unforgettable movies and casino is one of them. It has everything: a good script, an ensemble cast like Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, James Woods, Kevin Pollard, Frank Vincent and many more. This film cinematography is very brilliant. I mean everything on the movie is epic. In Goodfellas- another movie of Scorsese Joe Pesci's character kills Frank Vincent's Character and in this movie Frank's character kills Joe's character. I loved that payback!
2. The Hustler (1961)
Like The Sting, The Hustler (1961) is a movie on the list that transcends the gambling genre in terms of critical acclaim. Directed by Robert Rossen and featuring Paul Newman as "Fast Eddie" Felson, this film inspired Martin Scorsese and his team to create The Color of Money. Although The Color of Money was also well-received, The Hustler has become a classic in its own right.
As Fast Eddie seeks to challenge his pool hustling skills against the professional player "Minnesota Flats," the performances by Newman and George C. Scott elevate the movie to a level of greatness. It has earned such acclaim for a reason.
3. Hard Eight (1996)
A restrained narrative about how people sort of tumble into each other’s lives, changing its direction irreversibly: a favorite theme of Anderson’s. Set against the baroque world of high stakes gambling cities (Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City), the small cast of core characters take a chance on each other instead. Their unclear motivations feel true to life, underlining the realistic risk of making human connections in a dog-eat-dog world. Well shot, moody in an understated way, and aesthetically immersive—Hard Eight announces Anderson’s style, quietly asserting his unique talent at the dawn of his career.
The plot of the movie follows Hall's character, Sydney, as he mentors John, played by Reilly, on the ins and outs of professional gambling in Las Vegas. Along the way, John falls in love with Clementine, a waitress portrayed by Paltrow. The storyline develops into a kind of crime thriller as the trio finds themselves in a difficult situation that could result in severe legal consequences for all of them.
4. Croupier (1998)
One noteworthy aspect of this production is how it uses interior monologues to emulate the neo-noir or detective style of film that screenwriter Paul Mayersburg and director Mike Hodges drew inspiration from. However, Croupier (1998) also offers valuable insights into the inner workings of casinos, with technical jargon at every turn within the British gambling establishment where the film is set.
The result of its stylish presentation and intelligent script is a performance by English actor Clive Owen that defines his career and delves deeply into the intricate nature of the human condition. The captivating storyline becomes a sort of character study, and Jack Manfred's role should, therefore, be considered the most compelling protagonist ever featured in a gambling movie. And that's just a glimpse of what makes Croupier such an excellent film.
5. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Many avid movie fans consider this film, directed by Norman Jewison, to be the greatest gambling movie ever made. However, compared to other movies on this list, its pacing may not have aged as well. Nevertheless, Jewison still did a commendable job with The Cincinnati Kid (1965), landing it in the number five spot. Steve McQueen plays the main character, Eric "The Kid" Stoner, an aspiring poker player in New Orleans during the Great Depression. The story follows his journey as he challenges veteran card player Lancey "The Man" Howard, portrayed by Edward G. Robinson. The script is filled with humor until the last card is dealt, and each performer does an excellent job of portraying their respective poker player roles. It's no surprise that this movie is still highly regarded.
6. The Gambler (1974)
James Caan delivers a standout performance in The Gambler (1974) as Axel Freed, a character who depicts gambling addiction in a way that is unmatched by any other film. Whether he is betting on a poker game in Las Vegas, a football championship with his friends, or a random basketball game he stumbled upon in the park, gambling is his one true obsession. Despite being a writer and an English teacher, his passion for gambling consumes him in this crime drama, and Caan's portrayal of Axel was highly acclaimed. He even received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance, and many would agree that it is one of his finest roles and a classic gambling movie.
7. The Sting (1973)
Paul Newman & Robert Redford reunite for this Academy Award winning film directed by George Roy Hill about two con men who team up to avenge the death of a mutual friend by "stinging" a mob boss(played by Robert Shaw). Film details their intricate plan to do so, which involves an excellent cast including Charles Durning, Ray Walston, & Eileen Brennan, among others. The story climaxes in an elaborate swindle that may well fool the audience. Fine use of vintage 1930's jazz music appropriate for the period.
A delicious wheeze from start to finish. Certainly a film that leaves you thinking that you'd like to have been in Henry's gang and played a part in separating Lonnegan from his dough. The editing is pin sharp and beautifully cast with a superb musical track to keep you company. The framing, the photography, the pace all dovetail exquisitely and if you feel left outside of the game plan in your first viewing, never fear, the second time of watching, you'll enjoy it just as much but it will mean more.
8. House of Games (1987)
In this David Mamet-directed heist movie, Lindsay Crouse's character Dr. Margaret Ford meets Joe Mantegna's character Mike Mancuso, a thief. One of her patients seeks the assistance of Dr. Ford, a psychiatrist with expertise in obsessive-compulsive disorder, for assistance with his obligation to Mancuso. They meet at a pool hall called House of Games, where Dr. Ford catches Mancuso trying to scam her. Despite this, they develop a close relationship and experience the pitfalls of gambling. It's a captivating story that still holds up today.
9. The Color of Money (1986)
Paul Newman plays "Fast Eddie" Felson, a part he first played in Robert Rossen's The Hustler from 1961, in this sports drama directed by Martin Scorsese. The Color of Money (1986) wasn't as well received by critics despite having more commercial success than its predecessor. The success of the film was greatly influenced by its cast, which included Newman, Tom Cruise, John Turturro, and Forest Whitaker. The premise of the movie was intriguing, with Newman's character now retired but taking a young gambler (Tom Cruise's character, Vincent Lauria) under his wing. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable movie that fully realized its main characters.
10. California Split (1974)
Robert Altman's gambling epic, California Split (1974), follows the story of two main characters, Bill Denny and Charlie Waters, played by George Segal and Elliot Gould. The two form an unlikely bond after a fellow gambler attacks them for winning his money. As they begin gambling together, their friendship deepens, and the movie delves into the dangers of gambling addiction. Although it may not have aged as gracefully as some of the older gambling movies, California Split remains a classic of the genre, thanks to its strong narrative and palpable atmosphere.