The Five Best Casino Movies of all Time
Immerse yourself in the multi-faceted layers of gambling life in Las Vegas in this 1995 movie that became a blockbuster back in 1995. Starring Sharon Stone, Robert de Niro and Joe Pesci, Casino features plenty of deception, ambition, greed and murder, and is regarded by many as a true classic of the genre.2. Ocean’s Eleven
Also set in Las Vegas, Ocean’s Eleven -the version starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts- is a classic heist movie. The plot centres around Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his scheme to rob three casinos simultaneously with the help of eleven accomplices. Witty, innovative and fun, this film depicts Los Angeles as a place where anything is up for grabs if you’re daring enough.3. The Cincinnati Kid
Starring Steve McQueen, The Cincinnati Kid tells the story of an ambitious young poker player. The film, which first hit the screens in 1965, has a stunning cast and depicts the gambling world as elegant, sexy, claustrophobic and thrillingly tense.
4. The Sting
The Sting depicts a young Chicago-based conman who is seeking revenge for the murder of his partner. The Sting is fast-paced, witty and slick from start to finish, and features an excellent soundtrack and cast; it stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford for starters. You’ll leave the film wondering what it would have been like to be part of Henry’s mob. This film is gripping and is worth at least one look.
5. The Good Thief
An excellent and stylish heist film, The Good Thief (2002) is set in Monte Carlo and explores the world of Bob Montagnet who manages to be a nice guy, a compulsive gambler and a recovering heroin addict. The film deals with his attempts to go cold turkey in order to prepare for a super heist. With a great cast, slick soundtrack, memorable characters and snappy dialogues, The Good Thief is a film that is fast-paced and entertaining from start to finish.
This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, there are plenty of more excellent gambling and casino films out there to whet your appetite for life in the gambling fast lane.
