When it comes to casino-themed movies made over the years, there are many options to choose from. Some had casinos as their focal point, while others included casinos as a sub-plot. With the advent of online casino games, people have forgotten the old-world charm of good old casino movies. That being said, here’s a list of popular casino-themed movies.
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)
High Roller is one of the best casino-themed movies. It’s based on Stu Ungar’s story. He was a poker and gin player and was considered one of the best in the world. The movie follows his rise and fall from fame and his battle with addiction. The film is directed by A.W. Vidmer. It stars Michael Imperioli as Ungar, who puts in an excellent performance.
Croupier (1998)
Croupier is one of the best casino-themed movies of all time. It tells the story of Jack Manfred, a struggling writer who finds himself at a casino in London’s West End. He meets an older gentleman who hires him as a croupier. Jack discovers that this job is more than just dealing cards; it’s about how he deals with his life past and future. Mike Hodges directed the film. The cast includes Clive Owen as Jack Manfred, and it grossed over $7 million (around £5.6 million) at the box office.
The Gambler (1974)
The Gambler is one of the best casino movies. It’s a movie about a young man named Axel who has an unhealthy obsession with gambling. He has a lot of debt because he likes to gamble but doesn’t have much money to pay back what he owes. So he decides to take money from his mother and win his way out of trouble. Although he does make a small fortune, his luck runs out once again. The movie is directed by Karel Reisz and features James Caan as Axel Freed.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Ocean’s Eleven is considered one of the best casino-themed movies. The movie is about a group of criminals who plan to rob three casinos in Las Vegas. To execute the plan correctly, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) must assemble a team of experts in their respective fields. The group puts together their plan and executes it successfully. They successfully stole $180 million from three different casinos (Bellagio, Mirage and MGM Grand).
Conclusion
Casino movies take us inside the world of high rollers, shady mobsters, and ordinary people looking for their one big shot at winning big. Whether the story is based on a true one or it’s all made up, there’s something strangely enticing about these films that are usually heavy on action and excitement.