The world of gambling can be one filled with excitement and intrigue. Nothing quite sparks the winning spirit as much as gambling does. Hollywood has not been partial to the worldwide appeal of gambling, theming many of its most successful films around the hustle and bustle of casinos. Featuring popular and acclaimed Hollywood stars, the most memorable casino movies ever released have stood the test of time, to be sure. Whether it’s the thrill of the game, the risk-taking nature of its characters, or the often convoluted plot lines, casino themed movies seem to attract the attention of audiences worldwide. Below, we have a look at some of the most memorable casino themed movies of all time.

1.Casino (1995)

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“Casino” is one of the most critically acclaimed casino themed movies of all time

 

Possibly one of the most notable casino themed movies of all time, “Casino” features an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film follows two Las Vegas based mobsters. As the two main characters grow increasingly obsessed with their own motives, the story evolves into a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat drama that you’ll want to watch time and again. Covering themes of greed, power and manipulation, “Casino” is definitely one of the most recognized movies themed around the gambling world. You’ll want to place this one on the top of your list of must-see movies, if you haven’t already.

  1. Casino Royale (2006)

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“Casino Royale” became a blockbuster hit, bringing the glamorous side of casinos to the big screen

 

This James Bond film, starring Daniel Craig, brought to light the glamorous side of the casino world. With Craig portraying Bond as a gritty, yet cunning, poker player, he quickly steals the show, and winnings, from avid poker fanatic, Le Chiffre. This is a must-see for all Bond fans, and poker enthusiasts. In fact, “Casino Royale,” has made some of the most prestigious casinos in the world, such as the one in Montenegro, known to audiences worldwide. The film has provided casinos with a more modern allure, with people recognizing new casinos online and those in-house. Ultimately, proving to be one of the highest grossing Bond films of all-time, “Casino Royale” is surely one of the most well-known casino themed movies worldwide.

  1. Rounders (1998)

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Tugging at the hearts of poker players worldwide, “Rounders” is a clever movie about wit and skill

 

This film stars a young Matt Damon as a skilled poker player, coming back to the game after a hiatus, in order to help a friend in need of money. “Rounders” takes a close look at the world of poker and how players harness a skill for the game in order to make it at the top of the gambling food chain. When the stakes are high, the intensity for the game increases as well, and “Rounders” is a great cinematic look into that very theme.

  1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

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At times quirky, and often times clever, “Ocean’s Eleven” is a must-see for all Hollywood movie buffs

 

This remake of the 1960 classic, features Hollywood stars, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and, Julia Roberts. A cheeky and fun film filled with humor and wit, “Ocean’s Eleven” takes viewers into the seedier side of casinos, with the characters planning out elaborate casino robberies in Las Vegas. Much of this film’s popularity stems from its fantastic screenwriting and elaborate plot.

  1. Maverick (1994)

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This 90’s classic combines fun aspects of the western genre with the intrigue of poker games

 

Starring Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, “Maverick” is a classic among casino-themed movies and fans of western films. Following a poker player’s journey to gather funds for a major poker tournament, this film is a gem in its ability to combine elements of humor, intrigue, drama and good-old western fun. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, yet gripping film, this one is a surefire must.

 

Casino themed films are a great way to kick back and allow the cinematic world to take us along into a world that is multi-faceted and never boring. Casinos are filled with excitement and lots of intrigue, and only Hollywood would know how to bring this to the big screen best. Make sure to catch some of these classics soon!

 

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