The 50 Best Casino Movies of All Time

Directed by Zak Penn, the movie is a mockumentary-style satire that revolves around a fictional high-stakes poker tournament called “The Grand.” The movie follows the misadventures of various eccentric and colorful characters as they compete in the tournament. Through a series of comedic and often outlandish situations, “The Grand” offers a humorous take on the world of professional poker.

This movie is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. The plot explores the main protagonist’s self-destructive behavior, his complex relationships with his students and family, and his desperate attempts to find a way out of his predicament. “The Gambler” is full of gambling scenes and delves into themes of addiction, obsession, and the consequences of one’s choices, providing an intense portrayal of the protagonist’s downward spiral.

This is a biographical drama that depicts the life and career rise and fall of Stu Ungar, one of the most renowned and talented professional poker players in history. However, the movie also delves into the darker aspects of Ungar’s life and explores the toll that his gambling addiction takes on his relationships, his health, and his professional success.

The story of “Finder’s Fee” revolves around a group of neighbors who gather for their regular poker game. When one of them finds a lost wallet with a winning lottery ticket inside, it sets off a chain of events that leads to unexpected twists and revelations. The movie is known for its clever storytelling, intricate plot structure, and a series of suspenseful and thought-provoking moments. It explores themes of trust, deception, and the consequences of one’s actions.

“The Card Counter” delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of choices. It explores the psychological toll of past trauma and the search for purpose and justice. The movie combines elements of a character study, a gripping thriller, and a contemplation on the nature of obsession. Known for its atmospheric and introspective storytelling, “The Card Counter” offers a slow-burning and thought-provoking narrative that examines the destructive power of vengeance.

The story of “Tricheurs” revolves around a talented but rebellious student from a working-class background who becomes involved with a group of students who engage in cheating and fraud to achieve academic success. As he immerses himself in this world of deceit, Victor begins to question the moral implications of his actions and the consequences they may have on his relationships and future. The movie addresses the themes of ethics and ambition, and despite its age, is known for high-quality performance.

Set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, “Killing Them Softly” follows a professional enforcer as he investigates the robbery of a high-stakes poker game. The movie is all about greed, capitalism, and disillusionment with the American Dream. “Killing Them Softly” combines intense performances, stylish cinematography, and sharp dialogue to deliver a compelling and atmospheric crime drama.

“Revolver” incorporates elements of crime, psychological drama, and neo-noir, focusing on themes such as ego, self-discovery, and the power of the mind. Known mostly for its intricate storytelling, nonlinear narrative structure, and stylized visuals, “Revolver” received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following. The film obviously offers an unconventional approach to the crime genre.

Shade tells a story of a group of professional card cheats who are planning to pull off a major con in Los Angeles by outsmarting a gangster. On their path of high-stakes poker playing, they experience various twists and unexpected obstacles. Shade received some mixed reviews and feedback from critics and the public, but it is a good movie with style and intricate card tricks.

“Poker Queens” is a documentary released in 2020 that explores the world of professional female poker players. It sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and successes of women in the male-dominated realm of professional poker. Through interviews with prominent players, the documentary showcases their journeys, strategies, and the determination required to excel in the game. “Poker Queens” offers an insightful look into the lives of these remarkable women who have significantly impacted the world of poker.

The story of “5 Card Stud” begins with a poker game where one of the players is caught cheating. The other players take justice into their own hands and decide to hang the cheater. Years later, in a remote town, the players mysteriously start getting murdered one by one. The movie combines elements of the classic Western genre with a murder mystery plotline. While not considered a standout in either genre, it provides an entertaining and suspenseful viewing experience, especially for fans of classic Western movies.

The story follows a down-on-his-luck gambler with a mounting pile of debts and a charismatic and free-spirited gambler who develop a weird friendship for traveling along the Mississippi River, hoping to win enough money in local casinos to change their lives. The movie explores the themes of friendship, gambling and gambling addiction, and generally the complexity of human relationships. “Mississippi Grind” is praised for its authentic portrayal of the gambling subculture.

This is the second movie of the three movies about Danny Ocean’s friends. The movie which seems to be rated as the worst of the three and combines elements of a heist thriller with clever twists and a stylish presentation. It features elaborate schemes, unexpected alliances, and the charismatic camaraderie between the characters. The movie is still a very enjoyable comedy with decent suspense and a layered storyline.

The very first original movie shot back in 1960, Ocean’s Eleven became a foundation for the three famous movies about Ocean’s friends. This older movie showcases the meticulous planning and execution of the elaborate heist, highlighting the group’s camaraderie and the twists and turns they encounter along the way. Today, it is considered a classic movie in the genre.

This movie is a remake of the 1955 French film “Bob le Flambeur”. Set in the glamorous backdrop of the French Riviera, “The Good Thief” follows the story of a retired master thief and gambling addict. It offers a stylish and atmospheric depiction of the criminal underworld, with a blend of crime, drama, and dark humor. The movie is known for the protagonist’s outstanding performance and is a nice representative of the heist genre.

“All In: The Poker Movie” is a documentary that explores the cultural impact and rise in popularity of poker during the early 2000s, particularly focusing on the Texas Hold’em variant. It tells about the historical roots of poker, its evolution, and the influence of televised poker tournaments, such as the World Series of Poker. Professional players, industry experts, and celebrities give insightful comments about the industry. “All In: The Poker Movie” provides a comprehensive look at the poker phenomenon.

This noir drama revolves around a woman who becomes addicted to gambling. Her addiction not only jeopardizes her marriage but also puts her in dangerous situations. “The Lady Gambles” explores the destructive nature of addiction and the consequences it has on relationships and personal well-being. As a “film noir”, this movie skillfully portrays the protagonist’s descent into the world of gambling, with elements of suspense.

This is a classic American film noir crime drama about a cynical gambler who becomes involved with a corrupt casino owner and then meets a woman and falls in love with her. As the plot unfolds, the protagonist has to solve his problems trying to protect himself and those he cares about.”Dark City” is known for its dark and moody atmosphere with its shadowy visuals and morally ambiguous characters.

The movie is based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who became skilled card counters and successfully won millions of dollars in Las Vegas casinos. “21” explores themes of greed, ambition, and the challenge of living on the edge. It combines elements of a heist film with a coming-of-age story and offers an entertaining and suspenseful cinematic experience.

“Let It Ride” is a lighthearted comedy that explores themes of luck, risk-taking, and the charms of gambling. It presents a humorous and satirical portrayal of the gambling culture, with colorful characters and comical situations. While “Let It Ride” received both positive and negative reviews upon its release, it was praised for its comedic approach to the world of gambling and the highs and lows of real-money betting.

“Bugsy” is a biographical crime drama that tells the story of a real-life mobster’s rise to power, his involvement in organized crime, and his obsession with building the Hotel and Casino in the desert. The movie offers a mix of crime, romance, and historical drama, capturing the atmosphere of the era, and in fact, it got multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

The story of “Intacto” revolves around the concept of luck as a tangible and transferable asset. In this world, there are individuals known as “luck thieves” who possess the ability to steal the luck of others. The movie broadly explores themes of fate, chance, and the limits of control over one’s own destiny via original storytelling. “Intacto” is known for its stylish and atmospheric presentation, blending fantasy, drama, and thriller together.

Loosely based on a true story, the movie tells of a married pair who exploited a fascinating flaw in a national lottery and reinvested the money they drifted off the system into their small Michigan town. This is basically a comedy about how one man brought his small community together for a common goal. This fun, gentle comedy focuses mainly on themes like integrity, giving back, and the importance of family.

“The Cooler” is a romantic drama that tells about an unlucky man who works as a “cooler” in a Las Vegas casino. His fortunes take an unexpected turn when he meets and falls in love with a cocktail waitress and his luck begins to change. The movie captures the atmosphere of the Las Vegas casino scene and provides a unique perspective on the role of luck and human relationships. It was praised for its blend of romance and drama, and it garnered several award nominations.

The third in the franchise, “Ocean’s Thirteen” is a heist comedy showing the adventures of the already known group of smart criminals. “Ocean’s Thirteen” maintains the stylish and witty tone of the previous movies and offers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, filled with the trademark charm of the whole series. It is very entertaining due to the chemistry among the cast so fans loved it despite the mixed critical reviews.

“Maverick” is a Western comedy set in the Old West. The movie follows the adventures of a charming and roguish gambler and gunslinger. It combines elements of comedy, action, and adventure, with the poker game serving as a central plot point. The movie was loved by the public due to its humorous take on the Western genre and unexpected twists.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie serves as a sequel to the 1961 film “The Hustler.” The movie talks about mentorship, redemption, and the drive for success in the competitive world of pool hustling. “The Color of Money” received an Academy Award for Best Actor. It is known for its dynamic performances, sharp dialogue, and stylish direction by Martin Scorsese. While “The Color of Money” can be appreciated on its own, it is enriched by its connection to its predecessor, “The Hustler.”

This drama tells a story of a mild-mannered assistant manager at a bank. Despite his responsible position, he secretly develops a severe gambling addiction. He steals funds from the bank to fuel his habit and begins a downward spiral of risk-taking. “Owning Mahowny” offers a gripping portrayal of the destructive power of high-stakes gambling.

“Croupier” is a neo-noir drama about a struggling writer who takes a job as a croupier (dealer) at a London casino to make ends meet. The movie describes the seductive hidden side of the casino industry, the charm of chance and fate, and the adrenaline of risk-taking. “Croupier” was praised for its style and atmosphere and gives an unusual perspective on the gambling genre movies.

This picks up right after the events of “Stand On It!” (2020) with the lovable characters being offered $2.5 million for a single game of Texas Hold’em, which takes them to multiple locations by various means of travel to play the card turns- with absurd hilarity ensuing. The movie is delightful both for the fans of the first movie and for the new audiences due to its engaging events and charming characters.

“Hard Eight” is a neo-noir crime drama about an experienced and enigmatic gambler who takes a young man under his wing. “Hard Eight” is all about fate, redemption, and the complex dynamics between its characters. Besides the actual twists of relationships, the movie also shows the atmosphere of the gambling world. One of the best things about the movie is its sharp dialogue.

“The Gambler” is an original drama movie that became the foundation for the newer movie later. “The Gambler” tells a story of a literature professor with a severe gambling addiction, trapped in a dangerous cycle of compulsive gambling, debt, and self-destruction. In addition to the bright and outstanding gambling scenes, the movie also skillfully shows the psychological aspects of addiction and the emotional turmoil that comes with it.

“Eight Men Out” is a sports drama based on the true story of the 1919 Black Sox scandal caused by the eight players who wanted to make big money from sports bettors. The plot unfolds the themes of loyalty, corruption, and love for gaming. It shows an impressive moral dilemma between personal choices and the impact on careers and reputations. “Eight Men Out” was appreciated for historical accuracy and portrayal of the players of the time period.

This comedy-drama follows a group of struggling actors trying to navigate the dating scene in Los Angeles, seeking romantic and social success. “Swingers” captures the spirit of the 1990s and explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggles of young adulthood. Due to its relatable depiction of the era and characters, this movie was called a defining one of its time.

Set in New Orleans during the Great Depression, this classic American drama tells the story of a talented young poker player who aspires to be the best in the game. He gets the opportunity to prove his skills when he challenges the reigning poker champion to a high-stakes poker game. “The Cincinnati Kid” became famous for its impressive poker scenes and powerful demonstration of the psychology behind the game. Even today, despite the movie’s age, it is considered one of the key gambling movies of the time.

The story follows the unlikely friendship between two gamblers who meet at a poker game and form a bond over their shared love for gambling. “California Split” explores the highs and lows of their gambling adventures as they travel from one casino to another in California. The movie is full of excitement and the lure of gambling but it also shows characters’ personal lives and how their choices impact their lifestyles. “California Split” is best known for its improvisational style of acting and accurate authentic portrayal of the gambling subculture of the 70s.

This psychological thriller explores themes of manipulation, trust, and power dynamics within the con game. The viewers can enjoy the cat-and-mouse play between the characters who try to outsmart each other and deal with their own vulnerabilities. “House of Games” became known for its complicated and twisted plot and sharp dialogue.

The story is set in the fading glamor of Atlantic City as it follows the intersecting lives of two characters: an aging gangster and former casino employee, and a young woman with dreams of becoming a blackjack dealer. “Atlantic City” explores themes of nostalgia, dreams, and the clash between past and present, hope and disappointment. The movie was best known for its stylish cinematography.

The drama story revolves around a talented poker player and law student pulled into the underground poker world. The movie smartly explores the themes of friendship and the blurred lines between game and law and offers an authentic picture of the poker subculture. “Rounders” has had a significant impact on popularizing poker and inspiring a new generation of players, and it remains one of the key movies for fans of the genre who enjoy its thrilling poker sequences.

This Western comedy revolves around a high-stakes poker game in the Old West town of Laredo. The movie is very lighthearted and entertaining and features clever plot twists and witty dialogues. One of the most satisfying aspects of it is the power of wit demonstrated by the protagonist. Despite formally moderate success, “A Big Hand for the Little Lady” is considered a charming Western comedy with decent humor and suspense.

“Molly’s Game” is a biographical crime drama based on the memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom. The film tells the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who becomes involved in hosting high-stakes poker games for wealthy and influential players. The main themes of this movie are power, greed, and the conflict between legality and morality. “Molly’s Game” was positively assessed for its dynamic directing style and strong performance.

“Uncut Gems” is a crime thriller film released in 2019. The film follows the story of a charismatic but compulsive New York City jeweler with a gambling addiction and immerses viewers in the frantic and chaotic world of gambling. This crime thriller skillfully captures the intensity, anxiety, and desperation of a man on the edge hoping for a big win. The movie is rather original and unpredictable.

Based on an older movie with the same name, this new variation of “Ocean’s Eleven” became the first in the popular trilogy of heist comedy movies with a charming group of thieves. The movie combines smart comedy, decent suspense, and very enjoyable styles of directing and performance. Upon its release, “Ocean’s Eleven” was a commercial success and received positive reviews and love from the viewers.

The comedy story follows a group of friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party to celebrate their friend’s upcoming wedding and experience a series of outrageous and comedic misadventures. The movie became a surprise hit upon release due to its humor and unexpected plot twists. “The Hangover” does an excellent job of capturing the wild spirit of a night in Vegas.

“Rain Man” is a drama movie that explores themes of family, love, and acceptance. Through the journey of the two brothers, the film sheds light on the challenges and strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum and the challenges for their families. Gambling in the movie is one of the tools for human connection between the two brothers. “Rain Man” continues to be praised as a high-quality movie.

“The Hustler” drama delves into themes of ambition and addiction and depicts the world of pool halls with the tense atmosphere of the game. This movie was appreciated for its powerful storytelling in the first place. It earned multiple Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars – for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.

“Casino Royale” is an action James Bond spy movie inspired by the old version released many years earlier. The story follows Bond as he gets assigned to a bankrupt terrorist financier in a high-stakes poker game. The film features intense action sequences, high-stakes gambling, and a compelling storyline in the context of stylish gambling glamor. “Casino Royale” remains a popular entry in the James Bond film series due to its fresh take on the character.

This British crime comedy was the directorial debut of Guy Ritchie, who also wrote the screenplay. A group of four friends finds themselves in a desperate situation after one of them loses a high-stakes card game against a powerful crime lord. “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” is known for its fast-paced narrative and colorful characters.

This crime drama is set in Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s, and it revolves around the operations of the fictional Tangiers Casino. The movie invites the viewer into a complicated world of casino businesses and gamblers, exploring themes of power and corruption, all against the background of the Las Vegas glamor. “Casino” received positive reviews for its ability to capture the essence of Las Vegas as a capital of gambling.

Happening in the stylish 1930s setting during the Great Depression, the plot is about two con artists seeking revenge for the murder of their mutual friend. The movie artistically combines the elements of comedy, drama, and crime genres. One of the best things about “The Sting” is the viewers guessing until the final plot twist. The movie received commercial success and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.