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# 21 Gambling Movies

## Introduction

p: Gambling has long been a popular theme in cinema, captivating audiences with tales of chance, strategy, and the pursuit of wealth. From high-stakes poker games to the exhilarating atmosphere of Las Vegas, gambling movies offer a glimpse into the thrilling, and often risky, lifestyle that accompanies the game. In this article, we will explore 21 notable gambling movies that showcase the highs and lows of betting culture, each with its own unique take on the allure of gambling.

## 1. Rounders (1998)

p: "Rounders," directed by John Dahl, revolves around the world of underground poker games in New York City. Matt Damon stars as Mike McDermott, a reformed gambler who is drawn back into the game to help a friend pay off a debt to a dangerous mobster. The film effectively captures the intensity and psychological warfare of high-stakes poker while exploring themes of loyalty and temptation.

## 2. Casino (1995)

p: Martin Scorsese's "Casino" offers a gritty look at the inner workings of the Las Vegas casino industry during the 1970s and '80s. Starring Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, the film meticulously details the rise and fall of a casino manager, highlighting the corruption, greed, and violence involved in running a successful gambling establishment.

## 3. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

p: A stylish heist film, "Ocean's Eleven," directed by Steven Soderbergh, features a group of skilled criminals plotting to rob a Las Vegas casino. With a star-studded cast led by George Clooney and Brad Pitt, the film blends humor and suspense with a glamorous backdrop, making it a modern classic in the gambling genre.

## 4. The Gambler (1974)

p: Directed by Karel Reisz, "The Gambler" stars James Caan as Axel Freed, a literature professor with a dangerous gambling addiction. The film takes a gritty approach to show how gambling can spiral out of control, impacting personal relationships and leading to life-threatening consequences.

## 5. The Hangover (2009)

p: Combining comedy with the chaos of Las Vegas, "The Hangover," directed by Todd Phillips, follows a group of friends who lose their pal during a wild bachelor party. As they retrace their steps, the film cleverly integrates elements of gambling, highlighting the unpredictable and often absurd nature of life in Sin City.

## 6. 21 (2008)

p: Inspired by the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, "21," directed by Robert Luketic, stars Jim Sturgess as a brilliant student who, along with his friends, learns the art of card counting to win big in Las Vegas. The film delves into the conflict between ambition and morality, showcasing the thrills and strains that come with gambling.

## 7. Mississippi Grind (2015)

p: "Mississippi Grind," directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, follows a down-and-out poker player who teams up with a charismatic drifter in an attempt to win back his luck on a road trip through the South. The film subtly explores the complexities of friendship, addiction, and the fleeting nature of luck.

## 8. Molly's Game (2017)

p: Based on the true story of Molly Bloom, "Molly's Game," directed by Aaron Sorkin, chronicles her journey from Olympic athlete to the underground poker world. Jessica Chastain's performance as Bloom shines as she navigates the male-dominated gambling scene, bringing to light the challenges and triumphs faced by a woman in the business.

## 9. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

p: "The Cincinnati Kid," directed by Norman Jewison, features Steve McQueen as a young poker player seeking to prove himself against the reigning champion. This classic film is notable for its exploration of confidence, skill, and the quest for respect in the gambling world.

## 10. Hard Eight (1996)

p: Paul Thomas Anderson's debut film, "Hard Eight," follows a seasoned gambler who mentors a young man in the art of gambling. The film deftly blends themes of mentorship, loss, and redemption, creating an engaging narrative surrounding the gambling lifestyle.

## 11. Bet On It (2020)

p: "Bet On It" is a lesser-known independent film that tells the story of an aspiring gambler who tries to make it big through underground poker games. Despite its low budget, the film manages to capture the essence of what drives people to gamble and the personal stakes involved.

## 12. Lucky You (2007)

p: Starring Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore, "Lucky You" explores the world of high-stakes poker tournaments. The film captures the tension and excitement of competitive gambling while delving into the protagonist's complex relationships and the lure of fame and fortune.

## 13. Runner Runner (2013)

p: This thriller, directed by Brad Furman, stars Justin Timberlake as a young online poker player who is drawn into the dangerous world of illegal gambling after being cheated. The film explores the dark underbelly of online gambling and the consequences of greed and ambition.

## 14. The Cooler (2003)

p: "The Cooler," directed by Wayne Kramer, tells the story of a man whose unlucky streak at the casino is exploited by a mobster who employs him to dampen the luck of winning players. The film highlights the role of luck and juju in gambling, combining romance with dramatic storytelling.

## 15. The Rounders II (TBA)

p: A sequel to the 1998 cult classic "Rounders" is currently in development, with hopes to expand on the original's narrative. While details are sparse, fans eagerly anticipate a return to the underground poker scene and its compelling characters.

## 16. A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966)

p: A unique blend of comedy and drama, "A Big Hand for the Little Lady" centers around a poker game gone awry, with the stakes rising sky-high. The film cleverly plays with deception and strategy, making for an entertaining watch.

## 17. The Good Thief (2002)

p: Starring Nick Nolte, "The Good Thief" follows a seasoned thief who gets drawn into a heist at a Monte Carlo casino. The film balances the thrill of gambling with a character study of addiction and moral complexity.

## 18. High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)

p: A biographical film about one of the greatest poker players of all time, "High Roller" delves into the life of Stu Ungar and his tumultuous journey through gambling stardom, addiction, and personal struggles, making it a poignant reflection on the risk and reward of the game.

## 19. The Card Counter (2021)

p: Directed by Paul Schrader, "The Card Counter" stars Oscar Isaac as a former military interrogator who uses his card counting skills to earn a living in casinos. The film's deeper themes of guilt and redemption resonate beyond the gambling world, offering a reflective narrative.

## 20. Runner Runner (2013)

p: Set in the high-stakes world of online gambling, "Runner Runner" follows a Princeton student who gets entangled with a shady gambling entrepreneur. It explores themes of ambition, danger, and the blurry line between chance and fate.

## 21. The Hustler (1961)

p: A classic portrayal of pool hustling, "The Hustler," directed by Robert Rossen, chronicles the rise and fall of a talented pool player played by Paul Newman. The film examines themes of ambition and the human condition against the backdrop of competitive gambling.

## Conclusion

p: These 21 gambling movies highlight the multifaceted nature of gambling, exploring the psychological, social, and moral complexities that accompany the pursuit of fortune. Whether it’s the thrill of the game, the risks involved, or the profound personal stories behind the stakes, these films have left an indelible mark on cinema and continue to captivate audiences around the world.