The Top 10 Casino Movies of All Time
Over the years, there have been many successful movies that have been based on a casino or gambling theme. These films have earned amazing revenue and have landed themselves on the list of must watch movies for anyone that gets enjoyment from the thrills of gambling.
Ocean’s Eleven
This movie was a remake of the original from 1960. While it is all about a heist within a casino, it has a direct link to the gambling scene. The movie focuses on Danny Ocean, the recruiter of 10 accomplices that will help pull off the largest Vegas robbery in a single night. With an amazing cast of actors, Ocean’s Eleven is one of the top grossing films and is a must watch for any movie fanatic. The film grossed over $183 million and was one of the top box office draws when it was released.
Casino
Casino is one of the most popular casino themed movies to hit the big screen and it was released in 1995. This Martin Scorsese movie is loaded with greed, lust, betrayal and violence, making it a thrilling watch. De Niro stars as Sam, a mobster and the head of a popular casino. Though the film has a long running time and can be difficult to follow, the cast of characters will pull viewers in and will provide an exciting experience for anyone who likes a casino themed watch. The movie grossed $42.4 million during the first year of its release.
Casino Royale
Casino Royale definitely takes the cake as one of the best movies to come out in 2006. It was the fourth highest grossing film, earning $599 million worldwide. This exciting Bond movie takes viewers on an exciting ride as a high stakes poker game is being played and Bond is trying to stop a terrorist organization from raising any money from the game. The poker scenes in the movie are stylish and realistic and there are also some great action scenes that add to the thrill of watching Casino Royale. Get ready to enjoy a poker experience that is better than vegas. Kick back and enjoy watching Bond go to work in this action packed gambling themed film.
The Hangover
Directed by Todd Phillips, The Hangover was a hit from 2009 and was an instant hit at the box office. The film has some great stars like Ed Helms and Heather Graham and is all about a vacation to Vegas for a bachelor party. Unfortunately, the party members wake up in Vegas with no memory of the night before, creating a humorous film with much action. Scenes show casino excitement as characters learn how to count cards at the blackjack table to earn money to pay the ransom for one of their missing friends. The main theme may not be gambling, but there are some exciting parts of the film that takes place in some of the hottest Vegas casinos. Grossing $1.42 billion, this film was one of the top titles to be released in 2009.
21
21 is one of the thrilling films from 2008 and the drama takes viewers on an exciting trip to Vegas as a teacher from MIT teaches his students how to count cards at the blackjack tables. The movie has characters appearing in several Vegas casinos and it was based on real life events. This flick is a must watch for any fans of blackjack or those that have any interest in how card counting works. The movie enjoyed revenues of $157 million worldwide.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Get ready to experience underground gambling rings in London as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels takes viewers on an exciting adventure. Eddy and three of his friends are running after they lose a high stakes poker game against a crime boss. With high speed action, great music and quick humor, this is a must watch. This movie is considered a cult classic and with some great twists and turns. It keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie grossed $3.7 million in the US when it was released in 1999. The original release was in the UK in 1998.
Fear and Loathing in Vegas
Fear and Loathing in Vegas is a comedy that was released in 1998 and the movie features Johnny Depp as he speeds across the desert in Nevada to reach Las Vegas. Upon reaching Vegas, the characters are heavily involved in drugs and gambling. The humor comes into play as they start to hallucinate about the various casinos they visit. The movie was a strong runner for being named the best casino movie of the 90s and it grossed $10.6 million.
Revolver
Revolver is a crime flick that is based on the prison life of Jake Green. He has been threatened and terrorized after shooting a card player at a Vegas casino. During his 7 years in prison, Jake develops formulas that can be used when playing any Vegas casino game and will produce results that can guarantee wins at the table. The storyline is gripping and the acting is top notch. This 2011 drama is one that is a great watch for gambling fanatics and the movie enjoyed success as it grossed $6.8 million.
Gilda
Gilda is a classic black and white film from 1946 starring Rita Hayworth. The film is loaded with lust, greed, sex and gambling and follows the life of an American gambler who learns of an illegal high class casino in Argentina. Caught cheating at the Craps table, Johnny Farrell, the male lead in the film, is taken to the owner of the casino, who surprisingly gives him a job. Farrell soon meets Gilda, the wife of the owner, and the movie takes some interesting twists and turns. It was a box office hit and was one of Hayworth’s most acclaimed films. Grossing $10 million, this is a great classic gambling flick that is loaded with style and action.
Miller’s Crossing
Miller’s Crossing is a great gambling themed film that was released in 1990. The movie takes place during the prohibition era. It is focused on a professional gambler who makes frequent visits to casinos and clubs owned by a gangster. The movie received great reviews and in 2005. TIME named the movie one of the top 100 films ever to be made. The film grossed over $5 million and with an intriguing plot, it continues to be a top choice for those that enjoy gangster and gambling themed flicks.
