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The Cincinnati Kid - 1965
This famed movie from the 1960s will transport you back to the era of the Great Depression when poker was considered more than just a game but a way of life. An up-and-coming poker player, portrayed by Steve McQueen, delivers an exceptional performance where he seeks to prove himself by playing a high-stakes game against one of the best poker players in the world, portrayed by Edward G. Robinson.
Both performances are phenomenal and offers great support from an incredible cast of veteran actors in the industry. The opening scene is captivating, and even though the female actresses are too dazzling to be believed and the poker hands are near impossible to appear during the same round, the ending of the film is unpredictable and unusual which cements this movie as an all-time classic.
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The Sting - 1973
The Sting is an evergreen classic bringing Robert Redford and Paul Newman together in an exceptional story about cunning wit and cons, all centred around a menacing betting plot. This multi-award-winning film involves an intricate horse betting operation where the pair concoct a sophisticated scheme to avenge the murder of their friend by an almighty gangster.
The film weaves a brilliant tale of deception and redemption, showcasing the daring gambits and crafty schemes of the con artists which illustrates the intrigue and tantalizing danger that underpin the world of gambling. The memorable performances and masterful storytelling make it a timeless portrayal surrounding the daring spirit of a gambler.
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The Gambler - 1974
This film provides a haunting study in the damaging effects of gambling addiction, stripping away the glamour and bright lights. Alex Freed, portrayed by James Caan, plays an English professor who has a dangerous affinity for betting apart from his love for literature. Facing $44,000 worth of debt along with a rich family who is ashamed of him, he decides to travel to Las Vegas with the hope of winning big.
Like any other gambler movie, gambling is not just a game for him. It's a journey towards self-destruction and an insatiable need. The film will take you through the dark underbelly of compulsive betting in the casino world, showcasing the devastating aftermath when things don't go according to plan . This raw, honest look at gambling has made it a must-watch classic.
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Casino - 1995
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Casino is an American drama renowned as a cinematic masterpiece exploring the brutal yet seductive world of the gambling industry. The story revolves around Sam Rothstein (Robert De Niro), an expert in gambling who is chosen by the mafia to operate the Tangiers Casino situated in Las Vegas. While he initially manages the casino successfully, trouble arises after his wife starts cheating on him.
In this tale of power, deception, greed, and betrayal, Sam spirals out of control with his own gambling addiction after finding out his wife is cheating on him. As tensions rise between the mob and the casino, and the FBI begins investigating their activities, their relationship deteriorates and transforms into a combustible rivalry.
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Croupier - 1998
This movie helped launch the Hollywood career of Clive Ownes where we see him portray a struggling writer who eventually takes up a job at a top UK casino as a croupier to make ends meet. Even though he is detached from his surroundings at first, he becomes drawn into the gambling world and the shady operations of the casino while also getting involved in a love triangle.
As he becomes more and more entrapped in the casino's murky waters, his life begins to come apart at the seams, leading to a conclusion that most will never see coming. Viewers will get to see what it's like from a dealer's perspective along with insight into the human drama, calculations, and manipulations unfolding at the casino table.
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Rounders - 1998
Get ready to be sucked into the underground world of poker where the allure of the win and the rush of the bluff reign supreme. A memorable performance is delivered by Matt Damon as a talented poker player. Although he tries to turn his life around, he makes a return to the game to assist his friend who is attempting to pay off his debts.
The movie illustrates the intricate tactics behind poker while taking you on a rollercoaster ride into the depths of the human psyche. The movie provides a riveting tale about loyalty, friendship, obsession, and risk. In addition, the character was inspired by Joel "Bagels" Rosenberg who was an underground poker player.
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Casino Royale - 2006
No top 10 list of casino movies is complete without featuring at least one James Bond movie. Casino Royale, released in 2006, was the first appearance of Daniel Craig as Bond and is widely considered his best. After earning his license to kill, Bond is tasked with taking down an international terrorism financier in a high-stakes game of poker at Montenegro's Casino Royale.
He falls in love with Vesper Lynd along the way who is a treasury agent sent to offer the money for the poker game. The movie is renowned for its stunning cinematography and intense action sequences, directed by Martin Campbell. The game of baccarat is played in the book, but in the movie, the game that provides the thrill is Texas Hold'em.
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Molly's Game - 2017
As one of the best films about poker, Molly's Game provides a compelling adventure into the concealed world of high-stakes poker, illustrating the pitfalls and rush of hosting one the most exhilarating casino games in the world. Jessica Chastain portrays Molly Bloom who is an Olympic skater reinventing herself as Hollywood's poker princess.
The movie offers valuable insight into the complexities of this clandestine world of wealth and power. Directed by Aaron Sorkin, this movie doesn't just revolve around poker, but also captures the story of one woman's ambition, resilience, and grappling with perilous yet alluring casino culture.
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Uncut Gems - 2020
Despite only being released a couple of years ago, the movie Uncut Gems is already regarded as one of the best films surrounding gambling due to its stressful soundtrack and remarkable pace. Breaking away from his typical comedic roles, Adam Sandler portrays Howard Ratner, a jeweller situated in New York who has a terrible gambling habit.
Thanks to a series of lucky circumstances, Ratner develops a professional relationship with Kevin Garnett who is an NBA star. Utilizing insider information provided by Garnett, Ratner is able to set up a significant wager on the NBA Championship. All of his problems will be solved if this bet comes in. However, several loan sharks can derail it all.
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The Card Counter - 2021
Paul Schrader, who wrote and directed The Card Counter, is also behind other iconic screenplays, such as Taxi Driver. Intriguingly, this movie is just as gruesome and comes equipped with a theme involving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. With Oscar Issac as the lead, the film explores personal redemption set against the background of poker tables.
Issac is an ex-military interrogator who turns gambler with a haunting past that is continuously at war with his present. Counting cards in the casino world becomes part of his new life while he tries to prevent a young man from getting revenge on a mutual enemy. It's an interesting story about penance, regret, and the search for forgiveness.
Conclusion
Whether it's an exhilarating journey alongside card-counting geniuses or a gritty depiction of someone's decent into obsession, every movie on this list provides a unique perspective on the dangerous yet alluring world of gambling. These must-watch films are not just for the gambling enthusiast but for anyone who enjoys powerful storytelling dealing with the risks and the high stakes decisions we take.
