The 10 Best Casino Movies of All Time

There is something about the casino world that excites cinematic art fans. Tough characters, high-stakes games, mafia-involved complications, and romantic or humorous side stories thrill us, and we can’t get enough. I’ve picked some of the best casino movies, comparing star casts, plot twists, awards won, and more. Find a suitable match for your movie night in the following overview.

Article Contents:

• Top 10 Movies About Casinos
• Conclusion
• References

Top 10 Casino Movies List

1. Casino
2. Maverick
3. The Sting
4. The Cincinnati Kid
5. Croupier
6. Ocean’s Eleven
7. Rain Man
8. Casino Royale
9. 21
10. The Gambler

Casino (1995)

When thinking of the best movies about casinos, Casino easily comes to mind. The Scorsese crime drama shines with an all-star cast led by Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. The story follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein, played by De Niro, who is asked by the Chicago Outfit mafia family to oversee the Tangiers Casino.

Sam is an expert handicapper who manages to double the casino’s profits, a big portion of which is delivered to the Midwest Mafia bosses. A mob boss sends Sam’s childhood friend, Nicky Santoro, to protect him. However, Santoro’s criminal nature and involvement in burglaries draw too much attention to the casino. In the meantime, Sam falls in love with a beautiful hustler, Ginger McKenna, and things get complicated.

Maverick (1994)

“Maverick” is one of the best movies about casinos and brings to life the charming card player Bret Maverick, portrayed by Mel Gibson. Intending on joining a high-stakes poker game, he navigates a series of challenges to collect enough money for the entry fee. His journey bursts with humor, unexpected twists, and unique characters, including the resourceful Annabelle Bransford, played by Jodie Foster. Another memorable appearance is the severe lawman, Marshal Zane Cooper, depicted by James Garner.

The film unfolds a series of witty deceptions and alliances, leading to an unpredictable and cleverly devised finale. Maverick’s blend of charisma and intellect captivates viewers. The characters engage dynamically, infusing humor and excitement into the Old West backdrop. This combination ensures Maverick’s place among the best casino gambling movies, cherished for both its comedic and suspense elements.

The Sting (1973)

Rated 8.3/10 on IMDb^[2], The Sting is an award-winning movie about casinos. Indeed, it got 6 Oscars thanks to its brilliant direction, writing, art sets, costumes, and music. The story follows two professional grifters, Johnny Hooker and Henry Gondorff, who seek revenge for a murdered friend. The leads are Paul Newman and Robert Redford, a star duo that doesn’t disappoint.

The target is a ruthless mafia boss, whom they try to trick by creating a fake betting parlor. The plot twists through the two con artists trying to outsmart their opponent. A high-tension poker game and an unforgettable finale, suspense, and humor make this one appear on the top casino movies list.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Speaking of the best casino movies, I couldn’t miss including The Cincinnati Kid. Eric “The Kid” Stoner from New Orleans is a promising poker player who wants to try his skills against a game master and gain recognition. The movie portrays The Kid’s struggle through the competitive world of high-stakes poker, riddled with impure intentions and duplicity.

Through his journey through professional dilemmas, The Kid learns harsh truths about life and the cost of ambition. The movie is based on Richard Jessup’s novel of the same name, with Steve McQueen playing the young poker player. In the role of his adversary is Edward J. Robinson playing Lancey ‘The Man’ Howard. Even though the movie didn’t win many awards, it remains a suspenseful cinematic masterpiece.

Croupier (1998)

Jack Manfred (played by Clive Owen) is a talented emerging writer who struggles to make a living. Jack starts a job as a croupier to make ends meet, which turns his life upside down. Immersed in the dynamics of the casino, his relationship with his girlfriend falls apart. It’s all due to his interest in Jani, a regular gambler, for whom he breaks the casino rules and starts seeing outside of work.

Jani, on her side, isn’t skilled, and luck isn’t on her side either. Plus, she has debts, and creditors are hot on her heels. Jani asks her lover for a favor – to organize a cheat game and divide the winnings with her. But would a skilled croupier like him manage to predict the outcomes? I recommend you check it out, as the plot makes this one of the best movies about casinos that I’ve ever seen.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Danny Oceans wants to score the biggest heist in history, targeting The Mirage at the MGM Grand. The casino is the property of Terry Benedict, the new partner of Danny’s ex-wife, Tess Ocean. The plan is detailed, and Ocean combines an eleven-member team to divide the 150 million dollars stolen.

With George Clooney and Brad Pitt leading the cast, there’s no second opinion that Ocean’s Eleven deserves a spot in the top 10 movies about casinos. Add Matt Damon and Julia Roberts, accompanied by Andy Garcia as the billionaire casino owner, and you’ve got the perfect con artist plot with a generous pinch of humor.

Rain Man (1988)

In “Rain Man,” Charlie Babbitt learns his estranged father’s fortune goes to an unknown beneficiary. Visiting Cincinnati, he finds his inheritance is inexistent, while a mental institution holds the real wealth for his autistic savant brother, Raymond, whom he never knew of. Frustrated and greedy, Charlie kidnaps Raymond to claim half the inheritance.

The road trip to Los Angeles evolves from a greedy scheme to a profound journey. Initially viewing Raymond as a ticket to wealth, Charlie’s frustration turns to understanding and genuine affection. Their shared experiences unravel family secrets and reshape their relationship, leading Charlie to value Raymond’s unique perspective on life far beyond any monetary inheritance.

Casino Royale (2006)

Who hasn’t heard of Special Agent 007? If you’re a fan of the James Bond series, you wouldn’t want to miss Casino Royale, where Daniel Craig sifts through any doubts about his spy skills. Working for the British Secret Intelligence Service, 007 takes off on his first mission at Casino Royale, Montenegro. There, he has to beat Le Chiffre, a banker to the world’s terrorists, at a poker game.

Casino Royale has all it takes to deserve to be recognized as the best casino movie – star actors, intricate plot, and great direction. The cast is completed by Judi Dench as “M,” the boss of MI6, and Eva Green, who has to attend the poker game and distract Le Chiffre from winning.

21 (2008)

If you know a little bit about blackjack, you would have heard about the MIT blackjack team^[1] who used card counting and other strategies to beat casinos in the US and worldwide. The team that inspired the storyline was formed by students and ex-students and successfully operated from 1979 until the beginning of the 21st century.

Ben Campbell is the protagonist – he’s a young and highly intelligent student at MIT Boston who strives to win a scholarship and transfer to Harvard School of Medicine. The student can’t afford to pay for his future education, but in time, he meets a particular math professor, Micky Rosa. Professor Rosa introduces Ben to a secret club of five students whom he trains on how to count cards in blackjack.

One day, Ben joins his friends on a Las Vegas trip, where they pull off a successful streak by using hand signals and code talk. Ben only wants to make money for his tuition, but he loses his way, corrupted by his own arrogance and greed. Like all best casino movie titles, 21 also casts award-winning actors like Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, and Kate Bosworth.

The Gambler (1974)

The best casino movie would star the best actors, and The Gambler is no exception. Here, John Caan plays the role of a literature professor, Axel Freed, whose vice is gambling. Unable to stop wagering money, he borrows some from his mother, his girlfriend, and finally from a loan shark.

The situation gets worse as Axel keeps gambling. His mother disowns him, his girlfriend leaves, and the mob boss to whom he owns money threatens to kill him. Finally, Axel tries to compensate for all that was lost and bets on one last game.

Best Casino Movies List – Final Words

I can go on with the list of the best casino movies ever. More suggestions include the sequels of Ocean’s Eleven – Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. Mississippi Grind, California Split, Two for the Money, and Rain Men also come to mind. There’s a lot to choose from, but if you have any doubts, stick to my top 10 list – I guarantee these titles are worth your while with their star actors and Oscar-winning storylines.

References

1. Wikipedia, MIT Blackjack Team, Retrieved January 15, 2024
2. IMDb, The Sting, Retrieved January 15, 2024