The moment Hollywood discovered the immense potential of gambling for movies, it started tapping into this resource. The result was a string of films portraying this activity, although the manner in which it was depicted has changed over the years. Initially, filmmakers had a negative approach and depicted gambling as something bad and associated it with criminal elements. Things have changed in recent years and a more balanced approach exists, with gambling-themed films appealing to broader audiences. Here are five movies that stand out from the crowd according to gambling experts FruityKing.co.nz — if you love this genre and want to start watching read more below.
Casino
Casino is widely regarded as the best gambling movie with gangsters. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it has a stellar cast, with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci among the ones responsible for turning this film into a masterpiece. It depicts the casinos of Las Vegas, the overbearing influence of the Mafia, and the brutal nature of the business. This is a film about greed and deception that paints a grim image of Sin City back in the day when crime syndicates ruled the town.
Rain Man
When it comes to the best movies about gambling, it would be impossible to skip Rain Man. That’s because the film won four Oscars, as it had Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in the spotlight. The two actors delivered a memorable performance as they tell the story of two brothers who beat the odds in Las Vegas. It was also the first movie to truly raise awareness about the challenges of autism while delivering a very compelling narrative.
21
There are not many Hollywood productions dedicated to a single game and blackjack was never the central element of a film. 21 changed all that, by telling the story of MIT students who travel to Las Vegas with their mathematics professor. The goal is to beat the proverbial house edge and make a profit by using card counting. Kevin Spacey was stellar in the role and together with the rest of the cast, he delivered a film that was appreciated by blackjack fans, as well as regular moviegoers.
The Hustler
The Hustler is one of the older movies, produced more than half a century ago but it is still a treat to the eye. Unlike other gambling-themed movies, it doesn’t focus on Las Vegas casinos or games of chance. Instead, it tells the story of a pool expert who makes a living by playing his favorite game for big bucks. Paul Newman was amazing in this role and even though the movie was black-and-white, it is easy to recommend it five decades later.
The Sting
Gambling enthusiasts who appreciated Paul Newman’s performance in The Hustler will surely love the Sting. The famous actor is once again in the spotlight, alongside Robert Redford and this time the name of the game is poker. The movie keeps those watching at the edge of their seats while telling a story full of unexpected twists. It also depicts poker in a new way, which was ahead of its time, as the movie was produced in 1973.
