Gambling is a captivating subject in all spheres of life, and not even Hollywood has managed to avoid it. At the end of the day, it is what the audience wants. After all, many of us, fans of movies and TV shows, love the form of entertainment that casinos bring forth. So, it is no wonder that Hollywood has decided to capture at least a piece of the atmosphere that casinos and gambling provide.
Most films on this list are inspired by either poker, blackjack, or sports betting. These are the gambling activities that have been dominant in the past, and when land based casinos have been the norm. Nowadays, with the rise of casino crash games such as the Aviator game, the inspiration for future films might change. We’re not there yet, so let us take a look at our opinion at what the best gambling movies of the past are.
Uncut Gems
Let’s start with this gem of a film. Adam Sandler plays Howard Ratner, who is a jewellery store owner and an avid fan of sports betting. His issues in the film start when he starts owing money to a loan shark after some of his bets fail to deliver. The film does a good job of depicting a person who strays off on a bad path after failing to recognize the depths that compulsive gambling has led him to. With friends and family turning their backs to the main character, the only thing keeping him afloat is the parlay he’s made on the Boston Celtics. Many critics argue that this is Adam Sandler’s best role to date, showing his range as an actor, and straying away from his standard comedic roles.
Mississippi Grind
For many people, gambling is only a matter of luck, and having a lucky charm when playing is part of the equation. This situation is perfectly depicted in the Mississippi Grind movie that features the likes of Ben Mendelson and Ryan Reynolds. While an easygoing story from the start, the movie takes us to darker parts of the human soul the longer it goes. From a comedic premise, Mississippi Grind touches on more serious subjects of life, and just like with Adam Sandler shows Ryan Reynolds in a much more serious role compared to what we’re used to. As far as independent moves about gambling go, this one is a masterpiece. Considering that both Reynolds and Mendelson both have serious Hollywood careers to show for, seeing them in these flicks is a unique experience in itself. The more you watch Mississippi Grind, the more you move from that gambling melancholy into the world of serious addiction, where every scene gets uncomfortable for the viewer. The final outcome leaves the fans with a dose of hope, showing that not everything is dark, and that there’s always light at the end of the road.
Rounders
An all time classic. This is not the best movie about gambling you will ever watch, yet it might become your favourite. If you’re into poker, Rounders is not a film you want to skip on. Released back in 1998, Rounders has managed to gain a cult following in the last 20 or so years. It has a nice cast of superb actors in Edward Norton, Matt Damon, and John Malkovich. The film has you hooked up to the world of poker, both legal and underground, and never lets you go all the way up until the end. The more time passes on, the more we’re certain that this is the best poker film of all time. The acting is superb, and with the number of quotable one liners this film has there is no arguing that it is one of the ages.
The scenes where the neo-noir world of underground poker is depicted remain engraved in one’s mind even years after watching this film for the first time. If you ask us, it is one of the more rewatchable gambling films on the market. The characters are thought through, and it’s the kind of people you would meet in real life if you’re a poker player. The story itself is based on the redemption arc of the main character who goes from a devastating loss to a lesson learned, in a matter of a few days, when his life takes a u-turn after meeting an old friend.
We could go on and on about the Rounders, or any film on this list, as we see these three as personal favourites. Of course, titles such as the Card Counter with Oscar Isaac, The Croupier with Clive Owen, the 1965 legendary film titled The Cincinnati Kid, The Hustler and its sequel, Colour of Money, The Gambler with Mark Wahlberg, Hard Eight and 21 deserve honourable mentions.