Drama is an essential part of any gambling endeavor, as randomness is the main culprit behind many of the thrills associated with chasing chance-based riches. Hence, the seventh art more than has its fair share of legitimate casino scenes in movies that raise audiences’ adrenaline levels, providing many of the same stimulations individuals enjoy on land-based gaming floors. Below, we will rattle off what many cinephiles believe are the ten best films featuring gambling while also answering:
- Who is the biggest gambler of all time in films?
- What is the most money ever lost gambling?
- Who is the number one gambler in the world?
- Who is the most successful gambler in cinema?
- What is the best gambling movie on Netflix?
- What is the best true story gambling movie?
1. Casino
Martin Scorsese’s Casino is likely the first movie that pops to most people’s minds when they think of gambling on film. Popular belief is that all the events shown in this crime flick did happen. While some did, many only got inspired by historical occurrences. For example, the Japanese high-roller K.K. Ichikawa got based on Tokyo real estate investor Akio Kashiwagi, renowned as one of the most prolific US casino gamblers. He got murdered in 1992, leaving more than $9 million in debts at Nevada/New Jersey gaming establishments. There is no evidence that Casino’s Ichikawa plane story occurred.
2. Rounders
Directed by the underrated John Dahl, Rounders is a glimpse into the underground world of high-stakes poker. It follows gifted card maven Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), who dreams big about winning the WSOP. Many think that this film dramatically aided in creating the 2000s poker boom, as evident by the fact that players like Hevand Khan and Brian Rast credit it for getting them into the game.
3. The Hustler
No movie duel is more tension-heavy than the one between Fast Eddie Felson and Minnesota Fats, iconic characters played by Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason. It may not be the preferred gambling game for most, as its one that requires tremendous skill. Still, The Hustler is a film everyone can enjoy, showing it in all its glory via a marathon game between pool sharks Fats and Felson.
4. The Gambler
Based on the experiences of its writer, James Toback, Karel Reisz’s 1974 The Gambler, starring James Cann, shows a glimpse into the mindset of a person suffering from a gambling disorder who cannot stop betting, hooked on the exhilaration that this pastime delivers.
5. Uncut Gems
The Safdie brothers’ sixth feature, Uncut Gems, is another tale of a problem gambler who cannot stop wagering on sporting events, despite a long streak of bad luck. Several critics have noted that this film likely features Adam Sandler’s career-best performance, with the National Board of Review listing it as one of the top ten movies of 2019. It is available on Netflix.
6. California Split
Robert Altman’s comedy about the adventures of Bill Denny and Charlie Waters, played by George Segal and Elliott Gould, is a film that has aged like fine wine. Vulture.com called it the greatest gambling movie ever made, and it supplies dozens of memorable moments, from Bill and Charlie’s gambling escapades in card rooms, seedy bars, and various sports venues.
7. Croupier
If someone wants a detailed view of the inner workings of a low-end casino, there is no better choice than Mike Hodges’ 1998 cult neo-noir Croupier, starring Clive Owen. It is one of the best blackjack movies, even though it does not explicitly focus on the game.
8. The Cincinnati Kid
The Cincinnati Kid was likely the top poker film before Rounders got released. Its protagonist, Eric “The Kid” Stoner, played by the legendary Steve McQueen, is undoubtedly one of the best and most famous gamblers in movies. The film’s plot revolves around The Kid trying to prove his card savvy against a long-time master, Lancey “The Man” Howard.
9. Molly’s Game
Here is a film based on a true story that depicts events that happened accurately. It tells the tale of Molly Bloom, an ex-skier that ran a high-stakes poker game in California for mafia members and prominent movie stars, her arrest by the FBI, and her subsequent trial.
10. Let It Ride
There aren’t many on-screen tales about horse racing. So, we can safely say that Let It Ride, starring Richard Dreyfuss as a nosy cab driver who stumbles upon a hot tip on a horse race, is the best. It is a comedy classic based on the 1979 novel Good Vibes.
Final Thought
We listed what many think are the top ten gambling movies, but here are some other quality picks to consider. These are 21, Mississippi Grind, Owning Mahowny, and The Runner.
