The 26 Best Movies About Gambling and Poker, Ranked

The best movies on Apple TV+ range from documentaries about celebrated performers to musical comedies and incredibly deep original dramas. In dire straits, Gerry pairs up with the charismatic Curtis on a road trip across the American South to win back what they have lost in their poker gambling in Mississippi Grind. One of James Caan’s best movies, The Gambler focuses on a literature professor with a gambling vice who must avoid loan sharks when they begin to circle. The script for the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie is nearly done, according to creator Steven Knight, and fans couldn’t be more excited to see the Shelby boys back on screen. The series focuses on the Shelby family who built their empire through gambling.

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The movie then goes on to trace how he continues to stack up gambling debt until he has his lucky break and even wins $400 more than was in the bag. Of course, there is also the fact that Garrett has no idea how much he actually lost, so he gets lucky winning a huge pot. Bay of Angels comes from the visually sumptuous director Jacques Demy who was lauded for his artistic visuals and unique approaches to drama. A compulsive gambler falls in love with a bank clerk while on vacation in Nice in this romantic drama. Bleek’s right-hand man, Giant, played by Lee himself, is in deep with his bookie for gambling debts, putting his best friend in jeopardy.

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If you are looking for a gripping gambling movie that is based on a true story, then Casino is a must-watch. Clive Owen has been such a familiar, somewhat disappointing, presence in films for the last two decades that it’s now hard to remember what a lightning bolt his arrival was. So go back and rewatch Croupier, where all that promise was laid out fairly magnificently. He’s Jack, an aspiring novelist desperate for money — soon, he’s a croupier getting to know the world of casino gambling.

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• It’s a great gambling story with the popular actor who was co-starred by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Vince Vaughn.
• But he does have some gems, like this 1999 cult classic about a croupier who spins roulette tables by night, writes novels by day.
• Molly’s Game was the directorial debut for writer Aaron Sorkin, based on the alleged true story of a former Olympic skier who ran an international underground poker tournament for celebrities, high profile businessmen, and the Russian mob.
• We kick off our list with one of the most popular modern movies about sports betting, Uncut Gems.
• As part of the slick 30 for 30 ESPN documentary series this episode focuses on pro-bettor and one-time TV commentator James Snyder who was better known as Jimmy The Greek.
• Yes, Mississippi Grind is one of the more realistic poker movies out there.
• Now, Garrett has no idea that he will be safekeeping a bag of money, but upon discovery, his gambling addiction kicks in.

However, he does so by taking on the role of a teacher as he leads a young pool player to greatness. That player is Vincent Lauria (played by Tom Cruise), who goes on to learn the in’s and out’s of proper pool playing and scamming. But when Eddie and Vincent’s partnership falls apart, they eventually end up on opposite ends and confront each other in the game they both love so much. Matt Damon stars in this movie all about placing big bets and fighting to escape crippling debt.

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This isn’t one of Scorsese’s best movies — and as we said earlier, The Hustler is the better overall film — but it’s solid and despairing. Like with Scorsese’s mobsters, these are people who are magnetic but not ones you’d want to spend time with in real life. Matt Damon is terrific as the main character, a brilliant poker player who tries to bail out his friend Worm, played by Ed Norton. John Malkovich plays the iconic Teddy KGB, and John Turturro is Knish, the wise old grinder. The movie is filled with realistic characters and covers the highs and lows and massive swings of no-limit hold ’em as well as other games.

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Known around the local poker scene as “The Cincinnati Kid,” Eric decides to challenge someone even better than him – a fellow poker master by the name of Lancey “The Man” Howard. After getting set up with Howard for a winner takes all poker games, Eric discovers that the odds are being fixed in his favor. This revelation pushes Eric to defy such a dishonorable victory and show everyone that he can win the match through his skills alone.

• This revelation pushes Eric to defy such a dishonorable victory and show everyone that he can win the match through his skills alone.
• It’s not uncommon for these films to focus on a single genre and be made on a…
• Such scenarios, though exceptional for creating cinematic suspense, could mislead audiences about the real odds and strategies involved in poker.
• We have seen that story a million times in a million better sports movies — this even has a Big Game at the end — but both Bana and Duvall find some truth in their characters regardless.
• Spider (Michael Imperioli) finds his voice while working as a gangster gofer but nobody crosses Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and his shine box.
• Jealousy takes over but Jabami has a presence of character that helps her overcome the pettiness of schoolmates and continually excel at gambling.
• A distraction that quickly transforms all the characters’ situations.
• “The Cooler” provides a unique vantage point into the casino environment, diverging from tales of gamblers and their personal demons to spotlight those who facilitate the persistent cycle of hope and loss within the gambling ecosystem.
• Sit back, enjoy and rue how the internet ruined cheating for everyone.

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• This movie takes a deep dive into the psyche of this cold character for a moody, complex story.
• The dramatic climax of the poker game hinges on a highly improbable hand of Straigth Flush, which, while thrilling for viewers, significantly stretches the bounds of typical game probabilities.
• In the meantime, he convinces his wife, Julia, to place a parlay bet hoping that he will make enough money to repay everyone, and he does as the bet wins.
• Keep in mind that while most of these films are widely available, others can only be found in specific countries.
• Also, check out Mississippi Grind with Ryan Reynolds, an underrated indie movie.

But he does have some gems, like this 1999 cult classic about a croupier who spins roulette tables by night, writes novels by day. With seven wins at the Academy Awards out of ten total nominations, The Sting (1973) is perhaps the most acclaimed film of the entire list. It also holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and has been selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry. And one could argue that the bulk of its admiration from fans and critics alike stemmed from the chemistry of its cast. As one of the more well-known entries of the James Bond film franchise, Casino Royale (2006) stands out much as the most action-packed project ever made about gambling.

MOLLY’S GAME (

Isaac portrays an ex-military interrogator turned gambler whose haunting past is continually at odds with his present. The world of casinos and the act of counting cards become a part of his new life while trying to prevent a young man from seeking revenge on a mutual enemy. The film takes viewers through the dark underbelly of the casino world, depicting the devastating aftermath of the gamble.

You do not have to be a gambler or a frequent casino guest to enjoy these movies.

Directed by Robert Altman, “California Split” follows the friendship between two gamblers played by George Segal and Elliott Gould. The film is an insightful exploration of the gambling lifestyle and the different forms it can take. In “Uncut Gems,” Adam Sandler takes on a non-comedic role to embody a character consumed by the thrill of gambling. Sandler portrays a frenzied jewelry store owner whose gambling addiction puts him in a financially difficult situation. “Molly’s Game,” one of the best movies about poker (in our humble opinion), is a compelling journey into the clandestine world of high-stakes poker, showcasing the rush and pitfalls of hosting the world’s most exhilarating casino game.

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• In doing this, it promotes gambling safety, and that’s something that should be celebrated.
• The movie follows the story of a young player, Jermaine Slagter, who ends up addicted to gambling and raking in steady gambling debts.
• George Clooney stars as Dapper Danny Ocean, a thief who’s up to no good just hours after being released from his parole.
• Leonardo DiCaprio plays poker in “Titanic” (1997), although the poker scene is brief and not central to the movie.
• The immersive plots and stunning visuals of these casino movies cause viewers to become fully invested in the characters and their gripping stories.
• It’s easily one of the top casino movies you could watch, packed with action and thrills.

The gambling in “Casino” is on a macro-level; rather than taking place in the casino or on the card table, it happens behind closed doors, where the stakes are sky high. Molly’s Game is based on the real life of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-grade skier who suffered a serious and career-ending injury while preparing for the Winter Olympics in 2002. She then went on to host underground poker games that included several esteemed individuals on behalf of real estate developer Dean Keith. The shady world of professional tipsters is pretty well laid bare here, but it also conveys the tension, adrenaline rush and mentally bruising nature of sports betting with real heart. There is, of course, the obligatory love story sub-plot and it loses its way a bit towards the end but it’s well worth two hours of your time. Whether exploring the high-stakes world of professional poker, the adrenaline-fueled rush of card counting, or the dark underbelly of addiction and betrayal, these films offer a captivating blend of excitement, suspense, and drama.

Through her charismatic personality, she attracts higher caliber players and eventually starts running her own games, which gained her a lot of money. The Ocean’s Trilogy is one of the most iconic casino heist movie series and includes Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, and Ocean’s Thirteen. All movies star George Clooney as Danny Ocean, an aspiring criminal who wants to complete the largest heist in history. The movie is a great watch both alone and with company, but gambling scenes are few and far between, with most of them bunched up during the latter parts of the film. Other gambling-related movies that didn’t make our list include those that we’ve already covered in previous pieces, including poker’s greatest movie, Rounders (1998), and one of the best movies ever, period, Casino (1995). Handicapping is a serious business in Vegas and the high-stakes nature of the world may surprise some but the themes will be achingly familiar to anyone who’s placed a sports bet before.

He now has to care for his two brothers, one who suffers from compulsive gambling and is in massive debt and another with Down syndrome. Bugsy is a great watch for anyone wanting to learn more about how the Strip was created or if you enjoy gangster movies with lots of drama. The movie was made on a very small budget, and the great premise, along with excellent performances by Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, and Kevin Costner, makes it a great gambling movie to enjoy. Although not a particularly accurate representation of the actual MIT Blackjack Team story, 21 is still a great watch for anyone who enjoys the game of blackjack.

In the meantime, Tepper is also part of a bizarre poker game in which the players agree to each purchase a lottery ticket and throw it in the pocket. The main character of Axel’s weakness for gambling ranges from betting on basketball to hot shot casino games, showing that the protagonist is entrenched too deep in his addiction to think logically. Caan manages to make his character, who steals from his own mother to pay his gambling debts, one that the audience can still root for. Philip Baker Hall plays surly gambling pro Sydney; Gweneth Paltrow plays waitress/prostitute Clementine; John C. Reilly plays gullible loser John Finnegan; Samuel L Jackson plays slick-talking, no-nonsense casino security personnel Jimmy.

The title character, the Cincinnati Kid (Steve McQueen), is a young poker player who wants to be the best in the world. He comes from a poor background and has had to hustle to make a living. The film is based on a true story of the MIT blackjack team, a group of college students who win millions of dollars from Las Vegas casinos by using their math skills and a card counting system. Adam Sandler is known for starring in some…well, questionable comedies. But his role in Uncut Gems reminded everyone that he’s a force to be reckoned with when he’s given incredible material to work with. Adam takes on the role of a lovable NYC jeweler who loves playing it big when it comes to betting.

• This rollercoaster ride of a film showcases the downward spiral of gambling addiction and the desperate lengths one will go to chase euphoria.
• This includes assaulting Ratner at his daughter’s school and kidnapping him.
• Paul Newman and Tom Cruise star in this film that’s all about the game of pool.
• In Australia, losing all your money gambling leads to drinking binges and fighting kangaroos, or at least it does in the eccentric psychological thriller Wake In Fright.
• The film embarks on a road trip that metaphorically encapsulates the gambler’s journey, balancing between the pursuit of a dream and the inevitable losses that punctuate it.
• They set out to sharpen their skills, with Vincent eventually out-hustling the original hustler.
• While these films delve into lavish worlds with gambling and casinos, nothing beats the real thing.

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The movie named after that important position follows an aspiring writer who takes on that role in order to support his ambitions. During his time spent as a croupier, he tries his hardest not to get sucked up in the dark world of gambling and fall for a more “attractive” temptation. He eventually succumbs to his dark desires and ends up in a situation far worse than he could have ever imagined. It’s always a rare case when the remake of a film ends up surpassing the original.

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A distraction that quickly transforms all the characters’ situations. Tension, a classic storyline, and strong acting are only slightly affected by the near impossible poker hands that pop up during the film. This list has been dominated by masculine films led by male stars, which unfortunately reflects the genre as a whole. A set of lucky circumstances sees Ratner develop a professional relationship with NBA star Kevin Garnett. With some insider information, Ratner sets up a bet on the NBA Championship Finals.

“The Gambler” (Karel Reisz,

Critics loved the movie because it doesn’t celebrate or glorify the lifestyle of a high-stakes gambler, even if it occasionally gives you a sense of fantasy for the money and culture surrounding that scene. Mississippi Grind plays out like a gambling road trip tale that takes viewers on a wild ride through the South. When Gerry ends up meeting a gentleman by the name of Curtis (played by Ryan Reynolds), Gerry deems him his new lucky charm.

“Rain Man” was a massive hit, earning over $354 million worldwide at the box office. A selfish, debt-laden Los Angeles car salesman, played by Tom Cruise, learns that his wealthy father left millions to someone else in a trust fund. He suspects his newly discovered older brother, who has autism and lives in a mental institution. Cruise’s character breaks his brother out and uses his savant-level math skills to win big in Las Vegas. Chastain and director Aaron Sorkin were nominated for several big awards for “Molly’s Game,” including an Oscar, a BAFTA and two Golden Globes. Other big stars in this movie include Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera and Jeremy Strong.

The nuances of human connection, ethical dilemmas, and the subtle yet pervasive impacts of addiction are masterfully woven into a story that is emotionally gripping and morally reflective. As the young John is indoctrinated into the world of professional gambling under the elder John’s tutelage, “Hard Eight” unravels not merely as a tale of luck, risk, and addiction, https://true-fortune.us/ but as a reflection on mentorship and paternalism. The elder John, guiding his protégé through the labyrinthine paths of gambling, oscillates between a figure of salvation and a harbinger of doom. His intentions, although seemingly benevolent, become increasingly blurry as the narrative unfolds, providing a rich, ambiguous moral ground for the viewer to traverse.

A study on how to beat the system, “21” might just inspire you to try. Driver portrays Valerie, Molony’s girlfriend, who is unaware of his gambling problem and financial crimes. Chaykin plays Danny Mahowny, the casino manager who facilitates Molony’s access to ever-increasing amounts of money. It premiered at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival and received a limited release in the United States on May 28, 2004. A good gambling movie will have plenty of exciting action sequences depicting the high-stakes world of gambling in all its glory. Whether it’s a gritty depiction of a gambler’s descent into obsession or an exhilarating ride with card-counting geniuses, each film on this list offers a unique perspective on the alluring yet dangerous world of gambling.

So much so that Gerry takes Curtis on the road with him as he taps into his good luck during their gambling tour around the South. Gerry hopes that with Curtis by his side, he’ll be able to hit it big at a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans. Mississippi Grind is the perfect road trip film that just so happens to be tied to big money bets and a nail-biting poker game. A fresh take on the 1974 film of the same name, The Gambler stars Mark Wahlberg in a striking story of fighting gambling addiction and breaking free from debt.