Movies have the power to give us an inside look into the machinations of the world. Thanks to incredible storytelling and writing, a viewer can see just every facet of a world they may never have any part of. Likewise, it may even inspire people to get into this world. This is what many movies about gambling have done. When you are playing a slot machine like the Wild Life slot, you have no idea about its inspirations. When you are playing a poker game, your opponent may be someone who has a deep history in the game. These are the kind of stories you can expect to see in movies about gambling.
Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly’s Game is a movie created by renowned screenplay writer Aaron Sorkin. He is most famous for his work with A Few Good Men, The West Wing, and Moneyball. This was his first directing debut, creating an action-packed story of an executive poker club owner Molly Bloom. This film tells the story of a woman rising in a male-dominated environment by creating a poker club like no other—a place where the rich and wealthy can cut loose in exciting poker matches.
Rounders (1998)
Rounders was a movie that was simply ahead of its time. Featuring an inspired actor in that time, Matt Damon, and more younger-looking Edward Norton, the film was released in 1998. It is a story of a law student who takes up poker to pay for his student tuition fees. This was filmed in a time before the rise of online poker, where underground poker clubs were a thing back then. The film takes you to sleazy bars and clubs where you fear for the life of this young man as he navigates a dangerous world.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
This film is all about the drama and intensity of high-stakes gambling—a marathon of poker games between a young star in the making and an aggressive pro. Steve McQueen is a young hotshot trying to make his way in the world with a cocky attitude. Lancey Howard is a veteran of the industry with nerves of steel and a tough exterior. His instincts prove to be a fair match for the growing young man. Both of the characters deliver a stellar performance as they create this hardened rivalry. This creates an exciting battle of wits as you grow to appreciate both the character’s journeys.
21 (2008)
21 delivers to you a story that is based primarily on the facts. It is the tale of six MIT students who train themselves to become experts in card-counting. This was back in the day when people could still get away with this sort of thing in real casinos. They subsequently play at the best establishments in Las Vegas and end up taking home millions. Using a special strategy for the game Blackjack, a game in which the film is named, Kevin Spacey teaches these promising young minds the true cost of a scheme.
Rain Man (1988)
While this is technically not a gambling movie, it does feature a lot of gambling in it. It is a “road movie” that follows the journey of two characters who become iconic in their portrayals. This was the first movie of its kind to show what a person with Autism was and raised awareness of the affliction. If it wasn’t for a movie like this, there would be no movies like Forrest Gump. A positive portrayal of characters with mental illness can be an eye-opening film to watch.
The Hustler (1961)
Back in the good old days, with a classic black and white movie, the Hustler was selected to be preserved in the National Film Registry for its incredible historical and cultural importance. A small-time pool hustler travels across the country with his partner to earn good money from gambling. However, he develops a self-destructive nature that gets him face-to-face with a legendary player that challenges his core concepts. The movie is a dark and cynical look at someone who is compelled by a darker nature. With a serious tone from start to finish, you will be gripped by this drama of pool play and nerves.
Casino (1995)
Starring the timeless talents of Robert De Nero and Joe Pesci, Casino is a movie that brings you close to two characters with a sordid history. This is not just a gambling movie but a gangster epic that draws you in with incredible drama and action. It is an incredible narrative that involves heart-pounding scenes—a tale of greed, love, loss, deception, power, and bloody murder. The gruesome details of an act of vengeance can leave you breathless. This is the kind of storytelling that romanticizes gambling as something dangerous. While you will not experience anything like it, it is a story that is best left watched rather than lived.