There seems to be a real niche for casino movies – and it’s been going on for decades. There is something infinitely cinematic about high-stakes games and classy lounges. Therefore, why shouldn’t Hollywood take full advantage? There are plenty of Vegas-based films over the years that have made top lists.
Are you a big fan of cinematic casino moments? In this list, we’re going to break down our absolute favourite movies where gaming’s the main focus. There’s always a chance a casino will clean up – as this flick demonstrate. If you’re a modern gamer into mobile slots, the latest bitcoin gambling news and live lounge trends – tune into these!
Casino
How can a movie with a name like ‘Casino’ not make our top list? This tense drama generally does well on ‘all-time’ lists. That’s largely thanks to Hollywood heavyweight Robert DeNiro, a casino owner with shady connections. However, the irrepressible Joe Pesci is also on hand to offer some off-kilter drama.
This movie shows us an underbelly of gambling – while it may not be true, it’s a thrilling escape into fantasy.
21
21, starring Kevin Spacey, is based on a real story. It centres around a group of card-counters guided by a college professor. The band just happens to be made up of math students – and they thrillingly pull off win after win! However, card counting is never considered ‘white hat’…, and they soon get into trouble.
This creative movie centres on blackjack – one of the first casino games you’ll likely think of! The fact it is based on a true story makes it all the more watchable.
Ocean’s Eleven
George Clooney’s band of cunning casino heist merchants kicked off a popular reboot back in 2001. It’s even been rebooted again in recent years as Ocean’s Eight!
This particular Vegas movie is perhaps bigger than the lot. That’s mainly thanks to the fact that it helped to usher in a whole new rule for cool. It’s suavely dressed, impeccably plotted, and just a little bit daft here and there. Plus – take a gander at the amazing cast – it’s one of the finest movie reboots of all time.
The House
Okay – so this bonkers comedy is unlikely to cause Casino much trouble in the greatest of all-time stakes. However, this frantic Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell feature is in a league of its own. Based on a couple who set up their own ‘house’ casino, things soon start to spiral out of control. In typical Ferrell comedy fashion, things get equal parts awkward and bizarre.
Unlike 21, this one (unsurprisingly) isn’t based on a true story! However, it deserves a place on our list purely because it seems to have become forgotten. If you love this style of comedy and appreciate casino movies, give it a look.
The Cincinnati Kid
Steve McQueen is inarguably one of the coolest movie stars to have ever graced the big screen. That’s in part thanks to big flicks such as The Cincinnati Kid! This iconic gambling movie sees McQueen try his luck against big hustlers. Will he pull off an incredible win or two?
Of course, you’re going to have to tune in and find out. The Cincinnati Kid is widely regarded as one of the archetypal Vegas movies of the Golden Age. If you’re a fan of the tables and slots and haven’t seen it yet, search for it on your favourite streaming service.
