If you have a budding interest in the world of high-stakes casinos, you aren’t alone! Interest in casinos, both in-person and online, has been steadily growing in Canada over the past few years. If you’d like to see what all the fuss is about, gambling movies might be a great introductory step. We’ve compiled some of the most popular casino games films of all time to whet your appetite for fictional high-stakes bets.
What makes a casino movie great?
Before we dive into the best gambling movies of all time, let’s take a quick look at the elements of a great casino movie. Firstly, the stakes need to be high! Whether that translates to a lot of money, risky deals, special events or relationships put on the line, the best gambling movies involve more than casino games alone. A little bit of humour can make or break films too, with movies like the infamous “Ocean’s” trilogy peppering action with quips and dark humour to lighten the mood a bit. This isn’t required, of course, but we think it’s an excellent addition to gambling movies that really takes them to the next level. Finally, the best casino movies feature dynamic and compelling characters portrayed by talented actors.
With that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the seven best gambling movies of all time!
Casino (1995)
Released in 1995, “Casino” is a heart-pounding title featuring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. It follows Ace (De Niro) as he tries to make it big in the gambling world while working as a mafia enforcer in Las Vegas. From his marriage to the eventual unraveling of his relationship as well as his standing within the Las Vegas casino industry, the film is a seedy and sordid tale that draws viewers in from the first minute to the last.
If you’re looking for a casino movie filled with mafia intrigue, Casino might be a great choice.
Intacto (2001)
A Spanish thriller with a lot of heart and impeccable cinematography, “Intacto” is a 2001 release that found a dedicated global audience. The film follows Samuel Berg (Max von Sydow), a concentration camp survivor, and Federico (Eusebio Poncela), a man capable of stealing luck with the mere touch of his hand, as they compete in a series of escalating games of chance designed to eliminate the unlucky and amas a vast fortune.
Intacto is an interesting title that pits casino experts against magic. If you’re looking for a film that is a little bit more fanciful, but no less hard-hitting, than other casino titles, you might enjoy this movie quite a bit.
Croupier (1998)
A British neo-noir thriller and crime drama, “Croupier” stars Clive Owen as Jack Manfred, an aspiring writer struggling to make a name for himself. He ultimately takes a job at a local casino as a croupier to make ends meet while focusing on his writing. Quickly drawn into the casino scene, Jack faces a number of increasingly significant losses ranging from his morals to his partner before finally publishing an anonymous bestseller about his experiences.
Croupier is a film with many unexpected twists and turns, including multiple love interests and increasingly high stakes. It’s a great movie for someone looking for a non-stop ride from start to finish.
Ocean’s 11 (2001)
What article about the best casino movies ever made would be complete without some of the most notable “Ocean’s” films? The first title on our list is “Oceans 11”, a remake of the 1960s film of the same name. The movie follows friends Danny (George Clooney) and Rusty (Brad Pitt) as they attempt to pull off a $160m heist. The film was an immediate box-office hit as the fifth highest grossing film released in 2001.
Ocean’s 11 is surprisingly funny and lighthearted, making it a good option for viewers who want to have a good time while immersing themselves in the drama of high-stakes gambling.
Ocean’s 13 (2007)
Ocean’s 13 is the second sequel to Ocean’s 11 and features both Clooney and Pitt reprising their roles from the first film. This time, the goal is to ruin the opening night of a hotel built by a rival businessman while simultaneously rigging his popular casino games to constantly pay out millions, hopefully costing him control of the casino and the hotel at the same time. Featuring an increasingly complex storyline and polished performances, Ocean’s 13 is a worthy successor to its namesake.
If you loved Ocean’s 11 for its humour and high stakes, you are likely to find Ocean’s 13 just as enjoyable.
Ocean’s 12 (2004)
Released in 2004 as the first sequel to Ocean’s 11, “Ocean’s 12” features a similarly lighthearted take on big stakes casino drama. Clooney and Pitt return alongside Matt Damon, Andy Garcia and Catherine Zeta-Jones in a truly star-studded cast. The film follows the crew as they deal with the fallout of the heist from the first film in the trilogy. Predictably, things immediately take a turn toward the criminal as they seek to steal even more money to pay back their debt.
Ocean’s 12 takes the Ocean’s 11 formula and refines it, resulting in a well-deserved success for the cast and yet another must-see film for casino buffs.
Ocean’s 11 (1960)
The last film on our list is the first film in the Ocean’s franchise. Released in 1960, the original “Ocean’s 11” film features the well-known Rat Pack, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. The movie follows the Rat Pack as they commit a series of casino robberies in illustrious Las Vegas. While lacking some of the humour of its more recent namesake, it is full of heart-pounding action and breathless ups and downs.
While not the most popular of the Ocean’s films, Ocean’s 11 (1960) remains a gem for viewers interested in classic American cinema.
Which title on our list is the best gambling movie ever made in your opinion? Pop some popcorn and settle in for a movie night and let us know what you think!
