As anyone who’s ever been to a casino can tell you, gambling can be thrilling, exciting, and sometimes even a little bit tense. But it can also be a lot of fun, especially when you’re watching one of the top casino movies of all time. Here are our picks for the top casino movies of all time:
Year: 2006
Director: Martin Campbell
Cast: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen
Budget: $150 million
Box office: $594.2 million
Casino Royale is a 2006 spy film, the twenty-first in the Eon Productions James Bond series, and the third screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel of the same name. Directed by Martin Campbell and written by Robert Wade and Neal Purvis, it stars Daniel Craig as James Bond who is sent on a mission to bankrupt terrorist financier Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro; Eva Green plays Vesper Lynd, a treasury agent who Bond falls in love with during the course of his mission.
The film was produced by Eon Productions for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Columbia Pictures, making it the first Eon-produced Bond film to be co-produced by the latter studio. Casino Royale was released on 14 November 2006, two months prior to Eon’s fifth Bond movie, Quantum of Solace (2008). Directed by Quentin Tarantino, it starred Daniel Craig as James Bond.
2. The Hangover
Year: 2009
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham
Budget: $35 million
Box office: $467.5 million
The Hangover is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Todd Phillips, co-produced with Daniel Goldberg and written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. It stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham, Jeffrey Tambor and Mike Tyson. The plot follows three groomsmen who lose their soon-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures in Las Vegas.
After he abruptly disappears at the bachelor party in Vegas following his own prenuptial celebration, Doug’s three best friends Alan (Cooper), Phil (Helms) and Stu (Galifianakis) frantically search for him to no avail. Fearing that Doug may have suffered some terrible fate, the trio heads to Las Vegas in hopes of finding him.
3. Ocean’s Eleven
Year: 2001
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt
Budget: $85 million
Box office: $451.7 million
Ocean’s Eleven is a 2001 American comedy heist film directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy García and Julia Roberts. The film was a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film of the same name starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., who are featured as their respective characters in small cameo appearances. The gang plans to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously during a popular boxing event.
Filled with slick dialogue and top-notch performances, Ocean’s Eleven is a fast-paced crime caper that will keep you on the edge of your seat right up until its explosive finale. Whether you’re a fan of the original film or just looking for an entertaining heist movie, Ocean’s Eleven is sure to deliver.
4. Rounders
Year: 1998
Director: John Dahl
Cast: Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol
Budget: $22 million
Box office: $23 million
Rounders is a 1998 American drama film about the underground world of high-stakes poker, directed by John Dahl and starring Matt Damon as Mike McDermott and Edward Norton as Lester ‘Worm’ Murphy. Set in New York City, the film follows two friends who are top poker players. When McDermott loses his college tuition money to a notorious Russian mobster during high school, he abandons his studies and is later forced to work with Worm to pay off his debt.
Despite being panned by critics upon its release, Rounders has since become a cult classic for its engaging storyline and top-notch performances from Damon and Norton. If you’re a fan of gambling movies or just looking for a well-made crime drama, then be sure to check out Rounders.
5. The Gambler
Year: 2014
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Jessica Lange
Budget: $25 million
Box office: $49.3 million
The Gambler is a 2014 American crime drama film directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Mark Wahlberg as literature professor and gambler Jim Bennett. When Bennett’s gambling addiction leads him to owe a large debt to a local gangster, he must take drastic measures to pay it back before it destroys his life. Along the way, Bennett must also deal with his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother (Lange) and his attraction to one of his students (Brie Larson).
With its top-notch cast and engaging story, The Gambler is a must-watch for fans of gambling movies. Though it may not be the most original film on this list, it’s definitely one of the most entertaining.
6. The Hangover
Year: 2009
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis
Budget: $35 million
Box office: $467.5 million
The Hangover is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Todd Phillips and written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. It stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha and Jeffrey Tambor. The plot follows three groomsmen who lose their soon-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures in Las Vegas.
After he abruptly disappears, the three friends must retrace their steps to try and find him before his wedding. Hilarious, irreverent, and packed with top-notch performances, The Hangover is one of the most popular gambling movies of all time. Whether you’re a fan of comedy or just looking for an entertaining movie night, be sure to check it out.
7. The Cooler
Year: 2003
Director: Wayne Kramer
Cast: William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Maria Bello
Budget: $16 million
Box office: $14.1 million
The Cooler is a 2003 American crime drama film directed by Wayne Kramer and starring William H. Macy as Bernie Lootz, a casino cooler who uses his luck to help keep the casino’s gamblers from winning. When Bernie falls for one of the casino’s waitresses, Natalie (Bello), he must decide whether to use his power to help her or continue working for the casino.
With its top-notch cast and unique plot, The Cooler is a must-watch for fans of gambling movies. Though it didn’t make much money at the box office, the film has since gone on to become a cult classic thanks to its great story and performances.
8. 21
Year: 2008
Director: Robert Luketic
Cast: Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey
Budget: $35 million
Box office: $159 million
21 is a 2008 American heist drama film directed by Robert Luketic and starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, and Laurence Fishburne. The film follows a group of MIT students who are recruited by a professor (Spacey) to use their skills in card counting to win big at casinos. Though they start out as amateurs, the group soon becomes experts at raking in the winnings.
Based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, 21 is a must-watch for fans of gambling movies. With its top-notch cast and exciting story, the film is both entertaining and informative. If you’re looking for a thrilling ride, be sure to check it out.
9. Mississippi Grind
Year: 2015
Director: Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn, Sienna Miller, Analeigh Tipton
Budget: N/A
Box office: $660,000 (US only)
Mississippi Grind is a 2015 American drama film written and directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden. The film follows two down-on-their-luck gamblers who set off on an epic road trip through the American South in an effort to win big and turn their luck around. Along the way, they meet a slew of colorful characters that help them grow both as people and as players. Thoughtful, funny, and ultimately moving, Mississippi Grind is a must-see for fans of gambling movies.
10. The Sting
Year: 1973
Director: George Roy Hill
Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw
Budget: $6 million
Box office: $159 million
The Sting is a 1973 American caper film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The film follows two con men (Newman and Redford) who team up to pull off an elaborate scheme against a rival gangster (Shaw). With its top-notch cast and Oscar-winning story, The Sting is a must-watch for fans of gambling movies. A true classic, the film is sure to entertain and engage viewers of all ages.
11. The Gambler
Year: 1974
Director: Karel Reisz
Cast: James Caan, Paul Sorvino, Lauren Hutton
Budget: $3 million
Box office: $41 million
The Gambler is a 1974 American crime drama film directed by Karel Reisz and starring James Caan as Axel Freed, a literature professor with a gambling problem. When Axel’s addiction becomes too much to handle, he sets out to make one last score that will set him up for life. But as he gets deeper and deeper into the game, Axel finds himself in way over his head. With its top-notch cast and gripping plot, The Gambler is a must-watch for fans of gambling movies. If you’re looking for an intense thrill ride, be sure to check it out.
12. The Cooler
Year: 2003
Director: Wayne Kramer
Cast: William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Maria Bello
Budget: $8 million
Box office: $19 million
The Cooler is a 2003 American crime drama film directed by Wayne Kramer and starring William H. Macy as Bernie Lootz, a casino cooler who uses his luck to help keep the casino’s gamblers from winning. When Bernie falls for one of the casino’s waitresses, Natalie (Bello), he must decide whether to use his power to help her or continue working for the casino. Featuring top-notch performances and suspenseful storytelling, The Cooler is an excellent choice for fans of gambling movies. Whether you’re looking for a touching romance or a thrilling crime drama, this film is sure to deliver.
13. Owning Mahowny
Year: 2003
Director: Richard Kwietniowski
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver, John Hurt
Budget: C$8 million (approx. US$6 million)
Box office: $1.7 million (US only)
Owning Mahowny is a 2003 Canadian drama film directed by Richard Kwietniowski and starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as Dan Mahowny, a bank manager with a gambling addiction. When Mahowny’s addiction spirals out of control, he embezzles millions of dollars from his bank in order to feed his habit. With its top-notch cast and tense storytelling, Owning Mahowny is a must-watch for fans of gambling movies. If you’re looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, be sure to check it out.
14. The Color of Money
Year: 1986
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Budget: $9 million
Box office: $52 million
The Color of Money is a 1986 American drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson, an aging pool hustler who takes a young protege (Cruise) under his wing. Tensions soon arise between the two as they begin competing with one another in high-stakes games across the country. Featuring top-notch performances and thought-provoking themes, The Color of Money is an excellent choice for fans of gambling movies. Whether you’re looking for a gripping drama or a heartwarming character study, this film is sure to delight.
15. Casino Royale
Year: 2006
Director: Martin Campbell
Cast: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench
Budget: $54 million
Box office: $599 million (worldwide)
Casino Royale is a 2006 British spy film directed by Martin Campbell and starring Daniel Craig as James Bond. When Bond sets out to take down a dangerous terrorist organization and its mysterious leader, he must compete in an epic high-stakes poker game to win the money he needs to do so. Featuring top-notch action sequences and stellar performances, Casino Royale is not to be missed for fans of gambling movies. Whether you’re looking for an explosive spy thriller or a gripping character study, this film is sure to delight.
Looking for top casino movies? Check out these top picks! From intense thrillers like The Gambler and The Cooler to touching romances like Owning Mahowny and The Color of Money, there’s something here for everyone. So if you’re ready for a thrilling ride, be sure to check out these top casino movies today!
