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Casino-themed films combine action, suspense, and dramatic action. There’s fast-paced action, suspense, and a battle of wits in the best plots. Movie producers use multiple casino games for these storylines.  As a movie fan, you might never visit a casino to enjoy such games, but you can try these games out, like table games or online slots.

Some of the most thrilling movies ever made are based on casino action. These movies are always about risk and dare-devilry from the characters. This is what makes them so exciting to watch. Whenever a casino scene comes up in the storyline, you can expect some drama from the actors.

If you’re looking for some casino-based movies, check out the following top picks.

The Sting (1973)

The Sting released in 1973 is one of the greatest classics based on the casino gaming action. The film had some of the best actors in Hollywood, including Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Earl Jones, and Robert Shaw. The risk factor comes in the form of professional con men trying to swindle a mob boss. The poker action makes this an apt casino-themed movie with tension, risk, and accompanying drama.

Rain Man (1988)

Among the casino-themed movies, Rain Man receives a lot of praise probably because it also introduces Tom Cruise to the world. Cruise plays Charlie Babbit, a spoilt heir who realizes his father left him nothing.

After meeting his estranged older brother, Raymond played by Dustin Hoffman, Babbitt has a brilliant idea. His brother is an autistic savant, and he figures they can collaborate and strike it big in Las Vegas by counting cards at the Blackjack table. The plan initially works but the casinos detect the card counters and force them out.

Casino Royale (2006)

James Bond has always loved casino action and it was no surprise that a casino-based Bond movie came out in 2006. Daniel Craig, the British James Bond, gave a performance that proved he was the right pick for this historical role.

The movie best represents the sleek world of casinos with accompanying high stakes, risk, and money. There’s a lot of action, dirty mind tricks and all the thrill you expect from 007. 

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Based on a real story, this 1998 film directed by Terry Gilliam, has gained a cult following. Journalist Hunter Thompson played by Johnny Depp and his lawyer are on a trip from LA to Las Vegas.

This movie shows another side of Sin City as a dark, deranged, and risky location. There’s no glitz and glamour as you expect from most casino movies.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Steven Soderbergh gives his fans one of the sleekest movies based on casinos. Danny Ocean wants to get revenge against  Terry Benedict, who owns the Mirage, the Bellagio, and MGM Grand. These are the greatest casinos in Las Vegas.

The action brings an outstanding cast of Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts. The action-packed movie revolves around a 150-million-dollar heist and it’s hard not to love the intrigues and brain games.

Casino (1995)

Martin Scorsese never seems to make any mistakes and whatever he touches turns to pure gold. In this 1995 casino movie, the storyline follows the real life of a handicapper, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, played by Robert De Niro.

There’s a lot of casino action as Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci and De Niro play the system. This is classic Scorsese with a lot of suspense, thrill and, of course, violence. There are dirty tricks, corruption, the FBI, and all these components make for a great casino-based movie.

The Hangover (2009)

If you haven’t watched The Hangover released in 2009, you must have landed from Mars. It is Todd Phillips at his best with the combination of Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis promising fun and thrill.

It is a simple story that gets complicated as it moves along but it involves some action in Las Vegas. This is where everything goes south. The friends on a bachelor party weekend start retracing their steps and find the groom who has gone AWOL. There’s a lot of fun, risk and of course Mike Tyson and his tiger.

The Gambler (2014)

Director Rupert Wyatt offers movie fans and blackjack lovers one of the best casino-based movies of all time. Picture this, an English literature teacher (played by Mark Wahlberg) has a gambling problem. He ends up owing some bad guys $240,000, and from that point, the only way out is all in. It is an interesting film, especially if you understand blackjack with some great lessons.

Final Thoughts

Casino action never gets boring, whether you love gambling or not. The tension, anxiety, risk, and thrill make casino-themed movies a delight. These movies are just a few that showcase the beauty of casino action from the glitz to the excitement and much more.