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The Best And Worst Gambling Movies Of All Time - From Rounders To Ocean's Eleven

The world of gambling has been a popular theme in Hollywood films for decades. From gritty crime dramas to comedic capers, there are countless the best and worst gambling movies of all time that have explored the highs and lows of the gambling world.

Author:Suleman Shah
Reviewer:Han Ju
Mar 09, 2023
46.6K Shares
1M Views
The world of gambling has been a popular theme in Hollywood films for decades. From gritty crime dramas to comedic capers, there are countless the best and worst gambling movies of all timethat have explored the highs and lows of the gambling world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the best and worst gambling movies of all time, examining what makes them memorable or forgettable, and why they continue to captivate audiences around the world.
Whether you're a fan of classic films or more modern fare, there's sure to be something on this list to satisfy your cinematic cravings.

The Top Five Best Gambling Movies Of All Time

  • The Sting (1973)- This classic film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford is widely considered to be one of the greatest gambling movies of all time. Set in the 1930s, the film tells the story of a long con involving a horse race and a corrupt gangster.
  • Rounders (1998)- This cult favorite starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton follows a reformed gambler who returns to the world of underground poker in order to help a friend pay off a debt. With plenty of suspenseful poker scenes and memorable characters, Rounders is a must-watch for any gambling fan.
  • Casino(1995)- This epic crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone. Set in the 1970s and 1980s, the film tells the story of a Las Vegas casino owner and his violent and tumultuous relationships with his friends and family.
  • Ocean's Eleven (2001)- This stylish heist movie stars an all-star cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. Set in Las Vegas, the film follows a group of professional criminals as they attempt to rob three casinos simultaneously.
  • The Cincinnati Kid (1965)- This classic film stars Steve McQueen as a young poker player who is determined to beat the best player in the world. With plenty of tense poker scenes and a memorable ending, The Cincinnati Kid is a must-watch for any fan of gambling movies.

Top 5 Gambling Movies

The Top Five Worst Gambling Movies Of All Time

  • The Gambler (2014)- This poorly received film starring Mark Wahlberg follows a literature professor with a gambling addiction who finds himself in deep trouble with loan sharks.
  • Deal (2008)- This forgettable film starring Burt Reynolds and Bret Harrison tells the story of a former poker pro who mentors a young player.
  • Two for the Money (2005)- This film starring Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey is based on the true story of a former college football star who becomes a handicapper and attracts the attention of a powerful gambler.
  • All In: The Poker Movie (2009)- This documentary about the rise of poker in America fails to offer any real insight or interesting stories about the game or its players.
  • The Big Deal (1985)- This poorly received film starring Matt Dillon tells the story of a young man who becomes a professional gambler in Las Vegas.

Must-watch Gambling Movies According To Critics

If you're looking for some must-watch gambling movies that have been praised by critics, here are a few that you might want to consider:
  • Rounders (1998)- This classic gambling movie is often regarded as one of the best ever made. It stars Matt Damon as a reformed gambler who returns to the world of underground poker to help a friend pay off his debts. The film has been praised for its realism, as well as its strong performances and gripping storyline.
  • The Sting (1973)- Starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, this movie is a classic example of a heist film set in the world of gambling. The duo teams up to pull off a massive con against a ruthless mob boss, and the film is widely regarded as one of the best of all time. It won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
  • Casino (1995)- Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, this movie is a gritty look at the world of Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s. It follows a casino boss and his relationship with a former prostitute who becomes his wife. The film has been praised for its accurate depiction of the casino industry, as well as its strong performances and compelling story.
  • The Cincinnati Kid (1965)- Starring Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson, this movie is a classic tale of a young poker player who wants to be the best in the world. The film has been praised for its suspenseful poker scenes and strong performances, and it remains a favorite among gambling movie fans.
  • 21 (2008)- Based on a true story, this movie follows a group of MIT students who use their math skills to count cards and win big at blackjack. The film has been praised for its exciting storyline and strong performances, as well as its accurate portrayal of card counting and the casino industry.

What Makes A Good Gambling Movie?

A good gambling movie is one that captures the excitement, thrill, and tension of the casino atmosphere. It should have a compelling storyline, interesting characters, and high stakes. Additionally, it should be able to educate the viewer about the world of gambling, while also entertaining them with a riveting plot.
The best gambling movies have a way of creating an immersive experience for the viewer, allowing them to feel as if they are a part of the action. They can make you feel the rush of adrenaline as the protagonist makes a daring bet or the crushing disappointment when they lose it all.
Furthermore, a good gambling movie should not be limited to a single type of gambling game. It should showcase the diversity of the gambling world and highlight the various games played in different parts of the world. This could include anything from poker and blackjack to roulette and craps.
Finally, a good gambling movie should leave the viewer with a sense of satisfaction or closure. Whether it's a happy ending where the protagonist wins big or a tragic ending where they lose everything, the conclusion should be fitting to the story and offer a sense of resolution.

People Also Ask

What Are The Top Five Best Gambling Movies Of All Time?

  • The Sting (1973)
  • Rounders (1998)
  • Casino (1995)
  • Ocean's Eleven (2001)
  • The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

What Makes A Good Gambling Movie?

A good gambling movie should have a compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and plenty of suspenseful moments.
It should also accurately depict the world of gambling, whether it's through the portrayal of high-stakes poker games, glitzy casinos, or seedy underground gambling dens.

What Are The Top Five Worst Gambling Movies Of All Time?

  • The Gambler (2014)
  • Deal (2008)
  • Two for the Money (2005)
  • All In: The Poker Movie (2009)
  • The Big Deal (1985)

Are There Any Gambling Movies That Are Based On True Stories?

Yes, several popular gambling movies are based on true stories, including Casino (1995), 21 (2008), Molly's Game (2017), and Mississippi Grind (2015).
Gambling movies are popular because they offer a thrilling glimpse into the high-stakes world of bettingand gaming.
They also often feature charismatic and compelling characters who are willing to take big risks for big rewards, making for exciting viewing. Additionally, gambling movies can appeal to both casual moviegoers and serious gamblers alike.

Final Words

The world of gambling has been a popular subject in the film industry, resulting in numerous gambling movies being made throughout the years. Some have been hailed as the best while othershave been panned as the worst.
Regardless of the reviews, the thrill of gambling has continued to captivate audiences and will likely continue to inspire filmmakers for many years to come.
Whether you're a fan of the classics or prefer the more modern adaptations, there is no denying that the best and worst gambling movies of all time have a unique way of bringing the excitement and allure of the casino to the big screen.
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Suleman Shah

Suleman Shah

Author
Suleman Shah is a researcher and freelance writer. As a researcher, he has worked with MNS University of Agriculture, Multan (Pakistan) and Texas A & M University (USA). He regularly writes science articles and blogs for science news website immersse.com and open access publishers OA Publishing London and Scientific Times. He loves to keep himself updated on scientific developments and convert these developments into everyday language to update the readers about the developments in the scientific era. His primary research focus is Plant sciences, and he contributed to this field by publishing his research in scientific journals and presenting his work at many Conferences. Shah graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) and started his professional carrier with Jaffer Agro Services and later with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Pakistan. His research interest compelled and attracted him to proceed with his carrier in Plant sciences research. So, he started his Ph.D. in Soil Science at MNS University of Agriculture Multan (Pakistan). Later, he started working as a visiting scholar with Texas A&M University (USA). Shah’s experience with big Open Excess publishers like Springers, Frontiers, MDPI, etc., testified to his belief in Open Access as a barrier-removing mechanism between researchers and the readers of their research. Shah believes that Open Access is revolutionizing the publication process and benefitting research in all fields.
Han Ju

Han Ju

Reviewer
Hello! I'm Han Ju, the heart behind World Wide Journals. My life is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of news, spirituality, and science, enriched by melodies from my guitar. Raised amidst tales of the ancient and the arcane, I developed a keen eye for the stories that truly matter. Through my work, I seek to bridge the seen with the unseen, marrying the rigor of science with the depth of spirituality. Each article at World Wide Journals is a piece of this ongoing quest, blending analysis with personal reflection. Whether exploring quantum frontiers or strumming chords under the stars, my aim is to inspire and provoke thought, inviting you into a world where every discovery is a note in the grand symphony of existence. Welcome aboard this journey of insight and exploration, where curiosity leads and music guides.
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