The Top Rated Casino Films

There is something so enticing about a movie that features gambling and casinos. The anticipation of the main characters getting the win… or a terrible loss and wondering what you might do in their situation.

The tension slowly builds through the film as the plot unfolds, and you finally get to see the ‘big game.’ The camera slows down, the music tempo kicks up a notch, and you carefully watch to see if you can see the tells at the table (for those poker players in the audience).

There are so many great movies featuring casinos; it can be difficult to narrow them down to a short like. And, just like Megaways casinos featuring games for every type of player, there are different types of casino movies for everyone too.

So if you like lighthearted drama or the rise and fall of players, then here are a couple of casino movies that everyone should watch.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Not every gambling film has to be a) factually correct or b) feature mobsters and violence. The Ocean’s Eleven remakes are a fine example of how classy and sleek Vegas can be. Short one liners between the characters, fast friendships, and smart plays make this movie easy and interesting to watch.

If you prefer your casino movies with a little edge, this isn’t the one for you. But if you like lighthearted comedy with an interesting scam and ultimately a rekindled romance and good friends, then this is a must-see. This movie has an 83% approval on Rotten Tomatoes and is worth watching.

Casino (1995)

Often called the best casino film of all time, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci pair up to make a winning combination. After the huge success of Goodfellas, audiences were hooked on this type of movie – and Casino made a huge impact.

While Casino didn’t reach the dizzy popularity of Goodfellas, it is an incredible film. It does have a gangster theme, the casting leans into it, and the style is great too. Unlike some casino movies, this one is set entirely in Las Vegas.  Another thing you won’t often see in this casino movie is the anticipation at a poker table, and in some parts, it can be pretty intense in other ways – it’s not one for the faint of heart.

What is delivered is a great movie that follows corruption, lies, power, and money. It is a reminder that powerful mobs once ran Las Vegas and everything it used to be.  A 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is impressive enough to have you checking your streaming services for this one.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

It is a tale of an old pro who faces a rising star who wants to make their own name. We have the cool-headed, slightly detached Eric Stoner, who needs to face off with Lancey Howard. Lancey Howard has everything you need to be a veteran player – share instinct, unshakable nerves, and confidence in being a pro.

We watch as these two players circle each other looking for the tells, the opening, and the advantage over the other. You will be hooked in minutes as the opening of this film is more than a little interesting. The highly glamorous women and watching these two great players try to get the best of each other makes for a great casino-based movie.

It is worth not reading any spoilers as not everything in this movie will go how you might think. Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson secured a huge 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Molly’s Game (2017)

Molly’s Game stands out because it is based on true events, and each player we see at the table (and their playstyle) is based on some very famous celebrities. Molly Bloom’s book showed the world just how much cash changes hands behind the doors in some private poker games. It is also one of the rare casino and gambling-based movies that feature a female main character.

What makes watching this movie even more interesting is that you will be tempted to pause and search which player on-screen was which celebrity! You might be in for a few surprises since one of the ‘meanest and most cunning’ players is a Superhero from time to time.

We watch as Molly makes her way from arranging small-time games to hosting some of the most extravagant games of poker you are ever likely to see. Since this is a memoir and the games were serious, the information you get about the players and the game is all factual. Molly’s Game has a rating of 7.4/10 on IMDb.

Rounders (1998)

If you are interested in cult classics but games that are accurate with their poker scenes, then Rounders is the movie for you. Featuring both Matt Damon and Edward Norton, you watch as one friend unravels and the other picks up the pieces.  Rounders stands out from some films because it was around before mobile casinos and online casinos had really taken off and so was popular on its own merit.

Skilled players develop a plan to make money together until one of them makes some costly mistakes. A great cast, and you won’t get the razzle-dazzle of some of the other casino-based movies with this one. It is a true 90s feel movie and has a 7.3/10 on IMDb.

Once you have watched these movies, you’ll be looking for more. And it might even inspire you to pick up a pack of cards and learn to play yourself! One thing is for sure, no matter how many times casino movies are released – there is nothing like the anticipation that builds ahead of the big games and big money plays.