TOP 26 Movies About Gambling

Gambling is a popular pastime around the world, and it has long been a favorite subject of filmmakers. Whether it’s the thrill of the game or the desperation that comes with losing, gambling offers a wealth of cinematic material. From classic films to modern masterpieces, here are the top 26 movies about gambling that you should watch.

1. The Sting (1973) Set in 1930s Chicago, this classic film follows two con artists who set out to swindle a powerful mob boss in a high-stakes poker game. Featuring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, The Sting is a stylish and thrilling caper that won seven Academy Awards.
2. Rounders (1998) Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, Rounders tells the story of a talented poker player who gets caught up in the world of underground gambling. With sharp dialogue and memorable performances, this movie has become a cult classic among poker players.
3. Casino (1995) Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, Casino is a gritty and violent drama set in Las Vegas. The film explores the seedy underbelly of the casino industry, as well as the personal lives of its main characters.
4. The Cincinnati Kid (1965) This classic poker film stars Steve McQueen as a young card player who aims to take down the reigning champion, known as “the Man.” With a great cast that includes Edward G. Robinson and Ann-Margret, The Cincinnati Kid is a must-see for any fan of gambling movies.
5. Mississippi Grind (2015) This indie drama stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn as a pair of gamblers who embark on a road trip down the Mississippi River, hoping to win big in New Orleans. With strong performances and a great sense of atmosphere, Mississippi Grind is a hidden gem.
6. The Hustler (1961) Starring Paul Newman as a talented pool player who gets in over his head, The Hustler is a classic drama about the high-stakes world of billiards. Featuring a memorable supporting cast and great direction by Robert Rossen, this film remains a landmark of the genre.
7. Molly’s Game (2017) Based on a true story, Molly’s Game stars Jessica Chastain as a former Olympic skier who starts running high-stakes poker games for celebrities and wealthy businessmen. With a snappy script and excellent performances, this film is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
8. Hard Eight (1996) Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Philip Baker Hall and John C. Reilly, Hard Eight is a stylish and understated drama about a veteran gambler who takes a young man under his wing. With great cinematography and a terrific soundtrack, this film is a hidden gem.
9. The Cooler (2003) Starring William H. Macy as a “cooler” – a casino employee who brings bad luck to winning players – this film explores the dark side of the gambling industry. With a great supporting cast that includes Alec Baldwin and Maria Bello, The Cooler is a tense and moody thriller.
10. The Color of Money (1986) Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, The Color of Money is a sequel to The Hustler that finds Newman’s character returning to the world of pool hustling. With great performances and a fantastic soundtrack, this film is a classic.
11. 21 (2008) Based on a true story, 21 stars Jim Sturgess as a young math genius who joins a team of blackjack players who use their skills to win big at casinos around the world. With great pacing and a terrific cast that includes Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth, this film is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
12. California Split (1974) Directed by Robert Altman and starring Elliot Gould and George Segal, California Split is a quirky and offbeat comedy about two gamblers who team up to try and win big. With a loose and improvisational style, this film captures the spirit of the 1970s like few others.
13. Croupier (1998) Starring Clive Owen as a struggling writer who takes a job as a casino dealer, Croupier is a stylish and tense thriller that explores the world of casino gambling from a unique perspective. With great direction and a memorable lead performance, this film is a hidden gem.
14. Owning Mahowny (2003) Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as a compulsive gambler who embezzles millions of dollars from his employer to fund his addiction, Owning Mahowny is a sobering and realistic drama about the dangers of gambling. With a great supporting cast that includes Minnie Driver and John Hurt, this film is a must-see.
15. The Gambler (2014) Starring Mark Wahlberg as a college professor with a gambling addiction, The Gambler is a gritty and intense drama that explores the psychology of compulsive gambling. With a strong supporting cast and excellent direction by Rupert Wyatt, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre.
16. Mississippi Burning (1988) Although not strictly a gambling film, Mississippi Burning is a powerful and thought-provoking drama about the civil rights movement in the 1960s. With great performances by Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe, this film explores the high stakes of social justice and political change.
17. The Big Short (2015) Starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling, The Big Short is a biting and incisive satire about the 2008 financial crisis. Although not strictly about gambling, this film explores many of the same themes and features a great cast and smart writing.
18. Casino Royale (2006) Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, Casino Royale is a thrilling and action-packed adventure that takes place in the world of high-stakes poker. With a great supporting cast that includes Eva Green and Mads Mikkelsen, this film is a modern classic.
19. The Cooler King (1963) Based on the true story of a World War II prisoner of war who becomes a legendary escape artist, The Cooler King is a classic drama that explores the high stakes of war and survival. With a great lead performance by Steve McQueen, this film is a must-see.
20. Maverick (1994) Starring Mel Gibson as a charismatic gambler who enters a high-stakes poker tournament, Maverick is a fun and entertaining romp that celebrates the thrill of the game. With great direction by Richard Donner and a terrific supporting cast that includes Jodie Foster and James Garner, this film is a classic.
21. The Cincinnati Kid Returns (1980) Although not as well-known as the original film, The Cincinnati Kid Returns is a great sequel that explores the legacy of the first movie’s hero. Starring George C. Scott and Karl Malden, this film is a great continuation of the classic story.
22. The Lady Gambles (1949) Starring Barbara Stanwyck as a woman who becomes addicted to gambling, The Lady Gambles is a classic drama that explores the psychology of addiction. With great direction by Michael Gordon and a memorable lead performance, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre.
23. The Good Thief (2002) Starring Nick Nolte as a retired thief who tries to pull off one last heist, The Good Thief is a stylish and engaging crime caper that features a great cast and memorable direction by Neil Jordan. With a great sense of atmosphere and a smart script, this film is a hidden gem.
24. Hard Eight (1996) Starring Philip Baker Hall and John C. Reilly, Hard Eight is a stylish and understated drama about a veteran gambler who takes a young man under his wing. With great cinematography and a terrific soundtrack, this film is a hidden gem.
25. The Killing (1956) Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Sterling Hayden, The Killing is a classic film noir that explores the planning and execution of a daring racetrack heist. With a great supporting cast and smart writing, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre.
26. White Men Can’t Jump (1992) Starring Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes as two street basketball hustlers who team up to take down their opponents, White Men Can’t Jump is a fun and entertaining romp that explores the high stakes of competition and gambling. With great direction by Ron Shelton and a terrific supporting cast, this film is a classic.

In conclusion, gambling has always been a fascinating and popular subject for filmmakers, and the above movies showcase some of the best movies about gambling. From classic films to modern masterpieces, these movies capture the thrill, desperation, and risks of gambling. If you are a fan of the genre, make sure to check out these movies and experience the high-stakes world of gambling on the big screen.