What are the top 5 ultimate casino movies? Today I will answer this question. It’s a fact that films about gambling and casinos have been a staple of Hollywood movie makers since the dawn of the moving picture. Protagonists chasing big wins and suffering heart-sinking losses, glamorous women dripping with diamonds draping themselves across roulette tables, and Champagne all round for the high rollers who are willing to gamble anything and everything to win.
Let’s face it – casinos and all their trapping have ‘Hollywood’ stamped all over them. But with so many films about gambling to choose from, where do you start? Well that’s easy. Sit back and let us take you through our list of the ultimate casino movies.
Here are the Top 5 Ultimate Casino Movies
5. Rain Man (1988)
When self-centred car dealer Charlie (Tom Cruise) discovers his father has left his $3m fortune to his estranged autistic brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), Charlie decides to take Raymond on a road trip to try and extort what he believes to be his rightful inheritance.
With his incredible memory skills, Charlie uses his savant brother to win at blackjack by counting cards. More a story of bonds and acceptance than gambling, it still makes this list for the memorable casino scenes in the film.
4. Rounders (1998)
Matt Damon plays Michael McDermott, a reformed poker player, in this classic casino thriller. Concentrating on law school and his relationship with his girlfriend is going well until an old gambling buddy (Edward Norton) gets released from prison and lures him back into the fray to try and pay off a $15,000 debt. Get ready for an intense roller coaster ride as the two friends try to pay off the huge debt by winning big on the poker tables.
3. Casino Royale (2006)
It doesn’t get any classier than a James Bond movie, does it? With Daniel Craig as Bond, and the designer suits, luxury sports cars and beautiful women all playing their part, this film drips with the glamour and old-school sophistication that we expect from both Bond movies and high-end casinos.
Sent to stop a French banker from winning an important poker game, the film sees 007 shooting guns and jumping out of explosions on the backdrop of some of the most stunning scenery Montenegro has to offer.
2. Casino (1995)
With Martin Scorsese in the director’s chair and a cast made up of Hollywood’s A-list elite, this movie was always going to be epic. Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) and childhood friend Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) lead paradoxical lives in Las Vegas throughout the 70s and 80s.
Rothstein is a smooth-talking casino exec, while Santoro has gone down the route of Mafia-led violence to make his way in the world. The film sees them go head to head in a battle of wit, greed, and deceit to see which one comes out on top in Sin City. This movie does a great job of showing Vegas’ glitzy facade, as well as the criminal underbelly that lurks beneath the shiny veneer.
1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
This just had to take the number 1 spot on our list, with its perfect mix of classic old-school sophistication and modern-day edge. An all-star cast led by George Clooney and Brad Pitt, Ocean’s Eleven tells the caper of a group of elite gamblers and con-men who plan on robbing the vault at one of the world’s most secure casinos.
Clooney and Pitt’s chemistry brings the whole film together, with a clever twist-ridden plot, and faultless supporting cast to boot. An all-round great film that spawned 2 sequels. Although almost 20 years old, Ocean’s Eleven manages to still feel cool, classic and ultra-modern all at the same time.
Final thoughts
Gambling can be great fun, but it can also be a dangerous pastime. Hollywood films tend to only show us the fun parts, but knowing when to step away from the tables is paramount to enjoying your experience and not letting yourself get in too deep. With most land-based casinos closed at the moment, a lot of people are turning to online versions to enjoy traditional casino games. Luckily, with sites like www.gamble.xyz offering up-to-date reviews and guides to online casinos, you can be sure you’re enjoying your hobby on safe, trustworthy sites.
Watch this space for updates in the Movies category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
Like what you just read? Join The Wolf Pack! Subscribe To Our Newsletter.
Explore our website, check out our Featured Articles or scroll down to see the articles that are related to this article below. We've been around since 2008, so there's plenty of content.
If you're in South Africa and looking for something to do, check out The SA Gig Guide (on our sister site SA Music Zone).
If getting more knowledge is part of your DNA - Check out the latest posts on Interesting Facts.
