There is something inherently dramatic about gambling. This should not be surprising anymore because, by definition, gambling is about risk. Nothing is fun and cinematic about a plot that revolves around someone’s attempts to be prudent and cautious.
On the other hand, watching someone constantly putting his well-being on the line in desperate, irrational hope for that One Big Score is more entertaining.
Gamblers do not get a good stick in life; they do not have a calm home life upstate, counting their winnings. Instead, their lives are about risk.
And what else is a film usually about – other than the main character making either bad decisions or a risk, thus setting into motion the events that will constitute their narrative?
We’ve decided to round up the best five movies about gambling from the 1990s to the 2020s!
Table of Contents
Uncut Gems (2020)
In the Safdie brothers’ Uncut Gems of 2020, betting has never seemed so hopeless! “Everything I do is not going right,” and sobs Howard, the adrenaline-junkie diamond dealer gambling addict, who Adam Sandler plays in this movie.
New York is a nervous, manic character in this movie populated by bookies, sad sacks, and noise, reflecting the state of mind of Sanderl’s Howard and his descent to madness.
The narrative occurs within a few days, hurtling over a yawning abyss and on a narrow track. We follow the mad descent to madness as he races against time and external forces to pay down his colossal gambling debts by placing increasingly risky bets.
The sparkle of the title lies with the glow at the center of the earth, burning in the core of Howard’s character – literally and figuratively.
Since we don’t want to end up like Sandler’s Howard or be like him, we recommend gaming at pro-responsible gambling sites like Bet88.
The Hangover (2009)
Compared to the other movies in this list, The Hangover (2009) is an anomaly because it is a comedy. This modern hit has received positive ratings from audiences and critics, even garnering a win at the Golden Gloves for Best Musical or Comedy.
The movie raked in $469.3 million on a $35 million budget, telling the tale of the friendship of friends Phil, Alan, Stu, and Doug as they travel to Las Vegas for Doug’s bachelor party.
Talented actors play the roles of friends, with Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, and especially Bradley Cooper. This movie cemented Bradley Cooper as a bankable actor.
21 (2008)
21 tells the story of the MIT Blackjack Team in Bringing Down the House, a 2003 book by Ben Mezrich. In the movie, six MIT students train to be experts in card counting.
Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Bosworth, Liza Lapira, Jacob Pitts, Aaron Yoo, and Kieu Chinh helm the movie’s cast.
Casino (1995)
One does not simply make a movie list without an honorary Martin Scorsese mention. In this movie, director Martin Scorsese clarifies that he is not interested in gambling but in people. And boy, do people drive the film.
The movie sees Sam “Ace” Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro, a Jewish American handicapper and gambling expert, overseeing the daily operations of the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone join him.
With a good script and heavyweight cast, Scorsese delivers the firepower needed to make this movie a modern classic.
Casino Royale (2006)
Lastly, it’s not a casino movie list without a special mention of the notorious 007. Dr. No may have a Baccarat scene, and Diamonds Are Forever may have us seeing Sean Connery putting on the charm at the Craps table, but if there is a Bond movie that needs a feature on the list, it has to be Casino Royale.
In this movie, Daniel Craig’s Bond goes head to head with Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, via a poker game.
Wrapping Up
The 1990s to the 2020s remains an excellent time for cinema. Several notable directors like Martin Scorcese and talents like Bradley Cooper have sprung up.
Just like film and gambling, what we can take away from these movies is that to live honestly, we must also make gambles and learn from them.
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