Top 3 Gambling Movies of All Time

Gambling has always been an exciting theme for Hollywood moviemakers, which has led to the creation of some of the greatest movies of all time. Some of these gambling-related movies have quickly become cult classics, generating a unique thrill for movie watchers. Here are three of the top gambling movies of all time.

Casino Royale

There are two versions of Ian Fleming’s story, but the most accomplished one was directed by Martin Campbell, with Daniel Craig playing the role of James Bond. The super-agent has always been a skilled cards player thanks to creator Ian Fleming. Most of us are used to James Bond always coming out on top whenever he gambles. However, Casino Royale offered a twist that most people did not expect. The story follows James Bond as he takes on another villainous character: a poker-playing terrorist banker who goes by the name Le Chiffre. The most memorable scene in the movie – and possibly one of the greatest movie scenes in recent film history – occurs when Bond takes on Le Chiffre in an all-or-nothing game at the felt in Monte Carlo. The cost of production of the movie was around $150 million while the worldwide Box Office take was $599 million. The film was released on November 14, 2006.

Casino

Without a doubt, Casino is one of the top gambling movies to air on the big screen. Based on a nonfiction book by Nicholas Pileggi, it is an epic tale of casino gambling controlled by the mafia in Las Vegas. Casino features big-name actors like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, who perform their roles beautifully. The story is about two friends who have very different goals. De Niro is employed to manage a casino on the Las Vegas Strip while Pesci plays the role of a psychotic mob enforcer whose erratic behaviour threatens to destroy what De Niro has built. The movie involves a mix of gambling, mobsters, love, violence, revenge, and seduction, all of which make for fantastic viewing. The film, released in 2005, grossed $116 million worldwide on a $40-50 million budget.

Rounders

Despite its moderate success at the box office – netting just $29 million and costing $12 million to produce – Rounders went on to become a cult classic years after its release in 1998. The movie centers on Mike McDermott (played by Matt Damon), a law student who excels at playing poker. He aims to compete in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas but ends up treading the wrong path to accomplish his goal. He ends up losing money and has to quit poker at the behest of his family. However, Damon finds himself at the poker tables again to help pay off the debt of his childhood friend (played by Edward Norton). The movie keeps viewers intrigued with its perfect mix of highs and lows throughout its two-hour screen time.

For some of the best gambling movie scenes and famous quotes, check out the infographic from CasinoSites below.