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# 21 English Movies on Gambling

## Introduction

p Gambling has long been a fascinating theme in cinema, often reflecting the thrills, risks, and drama that come with chance and fortune. From high-stakes poker games to the allure of the casino, numerous films explore the depths of human emotion and character exposed by the gambling world. In this article, we will discuss 21 English-language movies centered around the theme of gambling, showcasing a variety of styles and stories that capture the essence of this captivating subject.

## 1. Rounders (1998)

p "Rounders" is a cult classic that revolves around the underground poker scene in New York City. Starring Matt Damon as a talented poker player, the film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas associated with gambling. The story highlights the complexities of the gambling world and the drive that pulls individuals back to the felt.

## 2. Casino (1995)

p Directed by Martin Scorsese, "Casino" is a sprawling epic that chronicles the rise and fall of Las Vegas casino operations. Featuring Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, the film showcases the fierce competition, corruption, and excess prevalent in the gambling industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Its gritty portrayal of the casino world offers strong commentary on the American dream's darker side.

## 3. The Gambler (1974)

p "The Gambler," starring James Caan, offers a raw look at the life of a college professor who spirals into a world of compulsive gambling. The film candidly explores addiction's devastating effects and raises questions about personal responsibility and morality in the blurry lines of gambling.

## 4. 21 (2008)

p Based on a true story, "21" follows a group of MIT students who train to count cards in blackjack, ultimately winning millions in Las Vegas. The film portrays the thrill and risks associated with gambling, intertwining elements of intellectual prowess and moral dilemmas. Starring Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey, "21" highlights the allure of beating the system.

## 5. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

p "Ocean's Eleven," a heist film led by an ensemble cast featuring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, revolves around a meticulously planned casino robbery. While not solely a gambling movie, its backdrop of Las Vegas and high-stakes gambling plays a significant role in the storyline. The film captures the glamour and excitement of the casino environment while weaving a clever narrative.

## 6. The Cooler (2003)

p "The Cooler" tells the story of a man named Bernie Lootz, played by William H. Macy, who has the unfortunate ability to bring bad luck to the gamblers around him. Working as a 'cooler' in a Las Vegas casino, Bernie’s life changes when he falls in love with a cocktail waitress. This film explores themes of love, luck, and redemption in a lucky-unlucky world of gambling.

## 7. Mississippi Grind (2015)

p "Mississippi Grind" is a drama featuring Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds as two gamblers traveling down the Mississippi River. The film paints a picture of friendship forged through gambling, with motifs of hope, loss, and the quest for a fresh start. Its character-driven narrative immerses audiences in the emotional rollercoaster of gambling.

## 8. The Hangover (2009)

p A comedic take on Las Vegas, "The Hangover" involves a group of friends who lose track of the night before a wedding. Amidst their wild adventures in the city, gambling features prominently, showcasing both its dangers and entertainment value. This film highlights how unpredictability can lead to unexpected outcomes, both good and bad.

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

p This biographical film follows the life of Stu Ungar, a legendary poker player known for his extraordinary talent and tumultuous life. It delves into his successes and struggles, offering an intimate look at the world of high-stakes poker. The film explores the highs and lows of gaming, illustrating the toll it can take on an individual’s life.

## 10. Croupier (1998)

p "Croupier," starring Clive Owen, presents a unique perspective on the gambling world through the eyes of a casino dealer. The film explores themes of obsession, ambition, and the blurred lines between the dealer and the players. Its noir style and engaging storytelling provide an intriguing take on the gambling lifestyle.

## 11. Runner Runner (2013)

p "Runner Runner" stars Justin Timberlake as a college student drawn into the world of online gambling. The film addresses the dark side of online betting and the dangers of becoming overly involved in the gambling industry. Its fast-paced narrative captures the thrilling yet risky aspects of modern gambling.

## 12. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

p This classic poker film, starring Steve McQueen, pits an up-and-coming poker player against a seasoned champion. "The Cincinnati Kid" dives deep into the psychological aspects of gambling, showcasing the intense strategies and emotional stakes involved in high-stakes poker games.

## 13. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

p This British film combines crime and gambling, following a group of friends who find themselves in a dire situation after a card game goes wrong. "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" showcases the intertwining of gambling with life-and-death stakes, emphasizing the dangerous consequences that can arise from a single bet.

## 14. 007: Casino Royale (2006)

p In this James Bond film, the titular character, played by Daniel Craig, engages in a high-stakes poker game at a casino to thwart a terrorist organization. The film successfully combines action, intrigue, and gambling, showcasing how poker serves as a battleground for intelligence and deception.

## 15. The Trust (2016)

p Starring Nicolas Cage and Elijah Wood, "The Trust" follows two police officers who discover a hidden vault containing a fortune in cash. Their quest leads them into the underground gambling scene, where the risks escalate. The film captures how gambling can be a gateway to both opportunity and peril.

## 16. The Last Casino (2004)

p This Canadian film tells the story of a college professor who recruits students to help him win big in the casino. It explores themes of greed, determination, and the consequences of pushing boundaries in the search for fortune. The film illustrates the excitement and peril that come with taking risks in gambling.

## 17. Shade (2003)

p "Shade" is a psychological thriller about a group of con artists who aim to cheat at poker with the help of an enigmatic player. The film showcases deception and strategy in the realm of gambling, highlighting the intricate maneuvers required in high-stakes poker. Its engaging plot twists keep the audience guessing until the very end.

## 18. The Card Counter (2021)

p Directed by Paul Schrader, "The Card Counter" tells the story of a former soldier turned professional gambler who seeks redemption. The film dives deep into the psyche of its protagonist, exploring themes of trauma and guilt amidst a backdrop of poker and gambling. It resonates with the complexities of gambling addiction.

## 19. 50/50 (2011)

p While not exclusively a gambling movie, "50/50" explores the themes of risk and chance as a young man learns he has cancer. The film features gambling as a metaphor for life and death decisions, reflecting the unpredictability of existence itself and how it parallels betting in life.

## 20. The Hustler (1961)

p Starring Paul Newman, "The Hustler" focuses on the world of pool hustling, where gambling is a relentless pursuit for recognition and fortune. The film dives into themes of ambition, competition, and the personal toll of consistently testing one's luck against others, making it a classic in gambling cinema.

## 21. Molly's Game (2017)

p Based on the true story of Molly Bloom, "Molly's Game" tells the gripping tale of a young woman who ran high-stakes poker games for celebrities and the elite. The film highlights the glamour and dark realities of the gambling world, offering an insightful look into the complicated dynamics involved in managing such a scene.

## Conclusion

p The world of gambling has produced a wide array of cinematic experiences, reflecting both the allure and the dangers associated with betting. From intense dramas to comedic outings, these 21 English-language films encapsulate the essence of gambling culture, exploring themes of luck, ambition, and morality. Whether representing the highs of victory or the lows of addiction, gambling films continue to captivate audiences and provoke thought about the human condition.