High Stakes and Big Wins: The Best Gambling Movies Ever Made

1. Rounders 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 161120, ID: 0128442
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Rounders is a gripping dive into the underground poker world, where Matt Damon and Edward Norton deliver stellar performances. The film’s authentic portrayal of poker, combined with its intense narrative, makes it a standout in the gambling genre. The tension in each poker hand keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the character dynamics add depth to the story. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the strategic and psychological aspects of gambling.
2. Casino 1995，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 569959, ID: 0112641
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Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, is an epic tale of greed, power, and betrayal set in the glitzy world of Las Vegas. Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci deliver unforgettable performances, bringing to life the complex relationships and brutal realities of the casino business. The film’s meticulous attention to detail and Scorsese’s masterful direction make it a timeless classic in the gambling genre.
3. Rain Man 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 550801, ID: 0095953
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Rain Man is a heartwarming story about two brothers, one of whom is an autistic savant. Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman give outstanding performances, with Hoffman’s portrayal of Raymond earning him an Oscar. The film beautifully explores themes of family, acceptance, and the unexpected ways in which people can connect. It’s a touching and memorable film that transcends the gambling genre.
4. 21 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 268130, ID: 0478087
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21 is a thrilling film based on the true story of MIT students who used their math skills to win big in Las Vegas. Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey lead a talented cast in this high-stakes drama. The film captures the excitement and risks of card counting, though it sometimes falls into predictable plotlines. Despite this, 21 remains an entertaining and engaging watch for fans of gambling stories.
5. The Cincinnati Kid 1965，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 18411, ID: 0059037
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The Cincinnati Kid is a gripping tale of high-stakes poker, featuring Steve McQueen as the ambitious Eric Stoner. The film’s intense atmosphere and stellar performances make it a standout in the gambling genre. The climactic poker game between Stoner and the seasoned Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson) is a masterclass in tension and strategy. While the film lacks humor, its portrayal of the gambling world is both realistic and captivating.
6. California Split 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 8532, ID: 0071269
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California Split, directed by Robert Altman, is a fascinating exploration of the lives of two gamblers, played by George Segal and Elliott Gould. The film’s portrayal of the gambling subculture is both authentic and engaging, with a perfect blend of humor and drama. The chemistry between the leads and the film’s unique sound design make it a memorable experience. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the highs and lows of gambling.
7. The Gambler 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 6642, ID: 0071532
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The Gambler, starring James Caan, delves deep into the psyche of a compulsive gambler. The film’s raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction is both powerful and unsettling. Caan’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, capturing the desperation and self-destructive tendencies of his character. The film’s exploration of the darker side of gambling makes it a compelling watch, though it may be too intense for some viewers.
8. Casino Royale 2006，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 699415, ID: 0381061
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Casino Royale reinvents the James Bond franchise with Daniel Craig’s debut as 007. The film’s high-stakes poker game is a thrilling centerpiece, showcasing Bond’s cunning and resilience. The chemistry between Craig and Eva Green adds depth to the story, while the action sequences are both exhilarating and stylish. Casino Royale is a perfect blend of espionage and gambling, making it one of the best Bond films ever made.
9. The Sting 1973，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 281936, ID: 0070735
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The Sting is a delightful caper film set in the world of con artists and gamblers. Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s charismatic performances drive the film, while the intricate plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s humor and style make it a timeless classic, and its portrayal of the gambling world is both entertaining and insightful. The Sting is a must-watch for fans of clever heist films.
10. Ocean’s Eleven 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 625263, ID: 0240772
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Ocean’s Eleven is a dazzling heist film that combines wit, charm, and a star-studded cast to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts lead a team of charismatic thieves in a meticulously planned casino robbery. The film’s sleek direction, sharp dialogue, and stylish execution make it a standout in the genre, offering both thrills and laughs. It’s a perfect blend of suspense and entertainment, making it one of the best gambling movies ever made.
11. The Hustler 1961，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 87315, ID: 0054997
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The Hustler is a gripping drama that delves into the world of pool hustling with intensity and depth. Paul Newman’s portrayal of ‘Fast’ Eddie Felson is iconic, capturing the character’s struggle between ambition and self-destruction. The film’s exploration of themes like integrity, defeat, and redemption, combined with its stellar cast and direction, make it a timeless classic in the gambling genre.
12. The Color of Money 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 94143, ID: 0090863
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The Color of Money is a stylish and engaging sequel to The Hustler, featuring Paul Newman reprising his role as ‘Fast’ Eddie Felson. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film explores the mentor-protégé relationship between Eddie and a young pool player, played by Tom Cruise. The film’s dynamic performances, sharp dialogue, and Scorsese’s direction make it a compelling addition to the gambling genre.
13. Croupier 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 23719, ID: 0159382
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Croupier is a sleek and atmospheric film that offers a unique perspective on the gambling world through the eyes of a casino dealer. Clive Owen’s portrayal of Jack Manfred, an aspiring writer turned croupier, is both cool and compelling. The film’s noir-inspired style, combined with its exploration of themes like fate and morality, make it a standout in the gambling genre.
14. The Hangover 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 855075, ID: 1119646
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Todd Phillips’ ‘The Hangover’ is a hilarious and wild ride through the chaos of a Las Vegas bachelor party gone wrong. The film’s clever script and comedic performances by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis make it a standout comedy. The gambling scenes add to the film’s charm, making it a fun and entertaining watch.
15. Maverick 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 120037, ID: 0110478
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Richard Donner’s ‘Maverick’ is a delightful Western comedy that follows the charming gambler Bret Maverick, played by Mel Gibson, as he navigates various comic mishaps to enter a high-stakes poker game. The film’s humor, action, and engaging performances by Jodie Foster and James Garner make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.