The story about a temperament gambler, who is trying to get rich in order to win a lady’s heart or a casino robbery, driven by an intriguing love affair is as old as the world, but as good as gold. Hollywood seems to be fascinated by the casino lustre for years, placing the glitter of the gambling facilities under the limelight of a myriad of its highest-ranked movies.
Watching a gambling and a casino-themed movie is the shortest way to get an adrenaline rush. Even the people, who have never entered through the doors of a casino can experience its thrilling atmosphere, which makes your heart racing, while sitting comfortably on the couch, armed with a bowl of popcorns and a nice drink. Below is a list of the top 10 casino-themed movies, that are definitely worth the time.
Casino Royale
Casino Royale is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino-themed movies of all times. The fans of James Bond will be even more interested to see their favorite actor, who is performing the role of a secret Agent 007 trying to prevent a terrorist attack. His mission is to defeat a banker of a terrorist organization in a game of poker at Casino Royale, Montenegro. Stakes and tension are getting higher, chips are flying in the air in an attempt to defeat the bad “guy”. To top up the entire action story, the plot includes a love story. The question is if Agent 007 will win this high-stake poker battle and the heart of his beloved… the answers are hidden at the Casino Royale in Montenegro.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
The movie tells the story about the adventurous trip of two friends, who are heading from Los Angeles to Las Vegas Bazooko Circus Casino to cover a sporting event for a magazine. This might sound like a normal movie so far, but the real nightmare for the two friends starts when they decide to experiment with different drugs, becoming the reason why everything takes the wrong way for the two co-travellers. How the story of the two friends will end in the “Sin City” is the most important question at last.
The Hangover
Released in 2009, the movie became a total hit, breaking its rating at the box office. The story starts with three friends, who are travelling to the emblematic Las Vegas to celebrate their friend’s bachelor party – gambling, girls and alcohol, sounds like a normal plan for a bachelor party. But the things go completely wrong, when the bridegroom disappears all of a sudden, while there are only a couple of hours left before the wedding. Will they find the missing bridegroom and appear on time for the wedding?
Ocean’s Eleven
Ocean’s Eleven is one of the most emblematic movies of all times. Released as far back as 2001, the movie is still the most favorite to many around the world. That is not a surprise having in mind that it features all the intriguing topics, which one can think of – perfect plan for executing the biggest in the history casino heist. The target is not only one, but three casinos, which are all owned by one and the same person. This already sounds like there is a personal reason, which is the exact truth – a beautiful lady, ex-wife of the mastermind of the plan, now married to the rich casino owner.
21
The movie tells the story of a young boy, whose dream is to study medicine. Unfortunately, he cannot afford the fees and the taxes. In order to make his dream come true, the boy seems to be ready to do everything, even counting cards in Las Vegas. Having a talent for numbers, he joins a group of selected people, who are travelling secretly on a regular basis to “Sin City”. The boy manages to win enough money, but would it be enough when he finds out that gambling can bring him even more? Power comes with the money, but money is not the root of all evil, but greed is.
Casino
The centre of the action is again Las Vegas. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie is inspired by a real story of a man, who operated 4 casinos linked with the underworld. The movie itself represents the corrupt and immoral side of the casinos in the midst of their charm and lustre. Casino tells the story of two former friends, who are currently related to the Mafia and are now the biggest enemies. Trying to ruin each other’s lives, the movie illustrates how far people can go when money, love and power are involved.
The Gambler
The movie illustrates the “secret” life of a literature professor, who has also a gambling problem. At a certain moment, it appears that he owes lots of money to the owner of the illicit gaming establishment, where he blows off all his savings in playing blackjack. But will he manage to find the money to pay back his debt and stay alive? The movie portrays the dangers of gambling and the aftermaths of it.
Rain Man
The movie presents the story of a businessman, who is disinherited by his father. He meets his brother, who suffers from autism and he decides to benefit from his brother’s gift and try to strike it big at the blackjack tables in Las Vegas. The movie’s main idea is to represent the unscrupulous nature of people, when it comes to money, crossing the borders even of family ties.
Croupier
Croupier portrays the story of a young writer, who runs out of money. Hence, he finds another job as a croupier in a casino. The plot focuses on the cold grip of gambling and how unscrupulous the casino lifestyle may turn out to be. Involved in shady dealings with one of the gamblers, the croupier starts to lose control over the situation. The movie represents the casino lifestyle from another perspective in order to make you think out of the box.
Rounders
Often referred to as the favorite movie of poker fans, Rounders illustrates the story of a law student, who loses a solid amount in a game of poker. Hence, he promises to quit gambling and devote entirely to the study. But he breaks his word after a friend of his is released from prison, oweints lots of money. In order to help his friend from the childhood, the law student returns to the poker tables. The movie provides a realistic view of the casino practices, combined with the finishing touch of the story about real friendship.
