The Best Casino Movies of All Time
February 21, 2023The best casino movies capture the allure and mystery of gambling while showing its sometimes harsher side. Gambling plays a pivotal role in shaping many aspects of our societal and cultural identity.
Filmmakers have long found success in the gambling industry, leading to an ever-increasing selection of casino films available to purchase. Here we take a look at some of the finest examples ever produced – enjoy!
Ocean’s Eleven
Ocean’s Eleven is one of the greatest casino movies ever, boasting an excellent cast. It also has a very relaxed, easy-going vibe to it that Steven Soderbergh did an excellent job directing.
George Clooney stars as Danny Ocean, an ex-con who plans the ultimate crime of the century. He recruits ten other con men to assist him in robbing three Las Vegas casinos for over 160 million dollars.
This movie is the first in a series that all follow the same basic plotline. Danny has recently been released from prison and plans to rob three casinos linked together in Las Vegas.
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Elliot Gould, Casey Affleck and Matt Damon star in this all-star cast directed by Steven Soderbergh that has all the hallmarks of a classic heist film.
The Cooler
Directed by Wayne Kramer, The Cooler is a whimsical Vegas gambling drama. William H. Macy stars as the titular ‘cooler,’ an unhappy soul employed by Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin) to spread his gloomy aura over gamblers and turn the tables against them.
The film’s premise is sentimental, but it has strong performances from its leading actors and an amazing score by Mark Isham. Although there are several tonal shifts throughout the plotline, its heart remains firmly planted in its central characters.
The Cooler is an engaging character study that’s a delight to watch. William H. Macy and Maria Bello give outstanding performances, captivating viewers from the start with their performances of their characters. Unfortunately, The Cooler only has an NC-17 rating; however, despite its shortcomings it remains entertaining enough for general viewing pleasure.
The Hangover
The Hangover is a box office hit that made stars of its cast and helped define the comedy blockbuster genre in 2009. In 2009, Doug (Justin Bartha) and three friends take things too far during Doug’s bachelor party in Las Vegas.
Despite its shortcomings, The Hangover has managed to become a beloved movie among audiences. It marked the beginning of Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis’ careers and cemented its place as an iconic part of R-rated comedy genre.
One of the most iconic scenes from The Hangover is when Stu (Ed Helms) serenades viewers with a song he composed himself. It’s an irreverent parody of Billy Joel’s ‘My Life,’ featured during Part II.
The Hangover Part III features several songs to set the atmosphere for different scenes. Revolution Mother’s ‘Ride the Sky II’, for instance, appears during one of The Hangover Part III’s car rides and perfectly complements its desert-themed scenes.
Casino
Casino Royale, one of the greatest Bond films ever made, remains a timeless classic thanks to its outstanding special effects, iconic Yellow Submarine sequences, and timeless Burt Bacharach soundtrack.
Casino Royale, an adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel, is a remarkable movie that faithfully follows the plot without distorting it. It also includes one of Bond’s more impressive chase sequences as well as an unforgettable showdown between James Bond and Le Chiffre in high stakes poker game at Casino Royale.
Casino Royale may have its shortcomings, but it’s a must-see for Bond fans and classic cinema enthusiasts alike. And if you can’t wait until October 21st to experience it yourself, Blu-ray and DVD copies will be available starting October 21st! So don’t wait any longer – grab your copy today and check out the video below to witness all of its impressive feats!
