Gambling movies are a genre of films that revolve around gambling, featuring characters who engage in various forms of betting, wagering, and games of chance. These movies often explore the thrill, risks, and consequences associated with gambling activities. The protagonists are typically involved in high-stakes scenarios where their fortunes and futures are at stake.
Gambling movies have enjoyed widespread popularity among audiences due to their ability to create suspense, portray high-stakes scenarios, and delve into the psychology of risk-taking. These films provide a thrilling and captivating experience, immersing viewers in gambling and its associated emotions. The genre appeals to a broad audience, including gambling enthusiasts and those fascinated by the intense and unpredictable nature of games of chance.
As a leading streaming platform, Netflix offers a diverse collection of movies, including a selection of gambling-themed films. With its extensive library and convenient accessibility, Netflix allows viewers to explore and enjoy a wide range of gambling movies from different eras and styles. The availability of gambling movies on Netflix allows audiences to discover and immerse themselves in this captivating genre conveniently.
7 Best gambling movies on Netflix
James Bond: Casino Royale
“James Bond: Casino Royale” is the twenty-first installment in the James Bond film series, released in 2006. Directed by Martin Campbell, the movie serves as a reboot of the franchise, introducing Daniel Craig as the new face of the iconic MI6 agent, James Bond. Based on Ian Fleming’s first novel of the same name, “Casino Royale” takes viewers back to the early years of Bond’s career, exploring his transformation into the legendary 007.
The film begins with Bond’s first mission as a Double-0 agent, earning his license to kill. He aims to prevent a terrorist financier named Le Chiffre (played by Mads Mikkelsen) from winning a high-stakes poker tournament held at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. The British government hopes to bankrupt Le Chiffre, forcing him to seek asylum in exchange for information on other criminals.
Bond is joined by Vesper Lynd (played by Eva Green), a treasury agent assigned to oversee the stakes and ensure Bond’s financial resources. Their initial encounters are filled with tension and mistrust, but they eventually develop a complex and passionate relationship. Bond’s journey takes him across exotic locations, from the Bahamas to Venice, as he faces off against Le Chiffre and his associates in a thrilling game of high-stakes poker.
Mississippi Grind
“Mississippi Grind” is a 2015 film, directed and written by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The movie follows the journey of two gamblers who chased the elusive dream of a big win. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn in the lead roles, “Mississippi Grind” delves into themes of addiction, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of fortune.
The story revolves around Gerry, played by Mendelsohn, a down-on-his-luck gambler from Iowa who is deeply in debt and struggling to find his way out. Gerry’s luck seems to change when he encounters Curtis, portrayed by Reynolds, a charismatic and carefree gambler with a seemingly unbeatable winning streak. Recognizing Gerry’s desperation, Curtis proposes a partnership and suggests a road trip to various gambling destinations, culminating in a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans.
The duo encounter a colorful array of characters, each with their motivations and quirks. Along the way, they visit casinos, poker rooms, and underground gambling establishments, taking risks and placing bets in the hopes of turning their fortunes around. Gerry becomes increasingly entranced by the thrill of gambling, while Curtis maintains a detached and strategic approach, always seeming to stay one step ahead.
Rounders
“Rounders” is a 1998 drama film directed by John Dahl and written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman. The movie revolves around the underground world of high-stakes poker and explores the themes of loyalty, redemption, and pursuing one’s passion. Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton in the lead roles, “Rounders” gained a cult following for its authentic portrayal of the poker subculture and its memorable characters.
The story follows Mike McDermott, played by Damon, a law student and talented poker player who dreams of winning big and making a living playing cards. However, after losing his entire bankroll in a high-stakes game against Teddy “KGB” (portrayed by John Malkovich), a Russian mobster and poker legend, Mike swears off gambling and focuses on his studies and relationship with his girlfriend, Jo (played by Gretchen Mol).
Mike’s resolve is tested when his childhood friend, Lester “Worm” Murphy, portrayed by Norton, is released from prison and returns to their neighborhood. The worm is deeply indebted to dangerous individuals due to his past gambling and cheating activities. Feeling a sense of loyalty and responsibility toward his friend, Mike gets drawn back into underground poker to help Worm pay off his debts.
Lay The Favourite
“Lay the Favorite” is a 2012 comedy gambling film, directed by Stephen Frears. It is followed on the memoir of the same name by Beth Raymer. The movie explores the world of sports gambling, focusing on the protagonist’s experiences as she navigates the highs and lows of the betting industry. Starring Rebecca Hall, Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Joshua Jackson, “Lay the Favorite” offers a blend of humor, romance, and insight into the unpredictable nature of gambling.
The story follows Beth Raymer (played by Rebecca Hall), a young and optimistic woman who moves to Las Vegas for a fresh start. She finds employment as a cocktail waitress but soon becomes captivated by the world of sports betting. Beth’s intelligence and natural affinity for numbers led her to the doorstep of Dink Heimowitz (portrayed by Bruce Willis), a professional sports gambler looking for someone to assist him in his operations.
Under Dink’s tutelage, Beth learns the intricacies of sports betting and begins to thrive in the industry. She becomes essential to Dink’s operation, offering valuable insights and intuition that lead to successful wagers. Beth immerses herself in the gambling world, forming a close bond with Dink, creating a complex dynamic between mentorship, friendship, and romantic tension.
Casino
“Casino” is a 1995 crime film. Martin Scorsese directed it and written by Nicholas Pileggi. The film takes viewers into the dark and glamorous world of Las Vegas casinos, exploring themes of power, greed, and the destructive allure of the gambling industry. Casting Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone in the lead roles, “Casino” is known for its gritty portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the casino business.
It follows the rise and fall of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a Jewish-American gambling expert who the Chicago Outfit chooses to run the fictional Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Ace’s attention to detail, shrewd business sense, and strict control over the casino’s operations turn the Tangiers into a highly profitable establishment.
As Ace thrives as the casino manager, he forms a close bond with his friend Nicky Santoro (portrayed by Joe Pesci), a violent and volatile mob enforcer sent to Las Vegas to protect Ace’s interests. However, as the casino’s success increases, so does the attention from the authorities, leading to increased scrutiny and pressure on Ace and his associates.
The Gambler
“The Gambler” is a 2014 crime drama film directed by Rupert Wyatt and written by William Monahan. It follows the story of a literature professor who becomes entangled in a dangerous world of high-stakes gambling. Starring Mark Wahlberg in the lead role, “The Gambler” explores themes of addiction, self-destruction, and the relentless pursuit of thrill.
The film centers around Jim Bennett (played by Mark Wahlberg), a brilliant but self-destructive English professor with a deep gambling addiction. Despite his intellect and privileged background, Jim is drowning in debt due to his compulsive betting habits. He borrows money from dangerous loan sharks and finds himself at the mercy of their ruthless enforcer, Neville (portrayed by Michael Kenneth Williams).
As Jim’s debts escalate, he becomes increasingly desperate and seeks solace in the company of two of his students. One is a talented basketball player named Lamar (played by Anthony Kelley), and the other is a promising writer named Amy (portrayed by Brie Larson). Jim forms complex relationships with both students, who are drawn to his charisma and intellect but are also wary of his destructive tendencies.
Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13
The “Ocean’s” trilogy consists of three heist comedy films: “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004), and “Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007). These movies, directed by Steven Soderbergh, revolve around a group of professional thieves and their elaborate plans to execute high-stakes heists. The trilogy boasts an ensemble cast of A-list actors, making it a stylish and entertaining series that combines wit, charm, and intricate plot twists.
“Ocean’s Eleven” introduces the audience to Danny Ocean (played by George Clooney), a charismatic and highly skilled thief who assembles a team of specialists to pull off an audacious casino heist in Las Vegas. The team includes Rusty Ryan (portrayed by Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (played by Matt Damon), and various other colorful characters, each with unique skills and personalities. Their target is three of the most prominent casinos on the Las Vegas Strip owned by Terry Benedict (portrayed by Andy Garcia), who happens to be dating Danny’s ex-wife Tess (played by Julia Roberts). The film combines clever planning, impeccable execution, and unexpected twists to create an entertaining, suspenseful heist caper.
“Ocean’s Twelve” continues the story with a new challenge for the team. Terry Benedict, the victim of their previous heist, hunts down Danny and his crew, demanding repayment with interest. To settle their debt, the team must pull off a series of daring heists across Europe, targeting priceless artifacts. This time, they face a formidable rival thief named François Toulour, or “The Night Fox” (played by Vincent Cassel), who adds complexity and competition to their plans. “Ocean’s Twelve” features a globetrotting adventure filled with witty banter, unexpected plot twists, and an intricate double-crossing web.
In “Ocean’s Thirteen,” the team reunites to seek revenge against Willy Bank (portrayed by Al Pacino), a ruthless casino owner who double-crossed their friend and mentor, Reuben Tishkoff (played by Elliott Gould). The crew plans an elaborate scheme to sabotage Bank’s new casino in Las Vegas, aiming to bankrupt him and ruin his reputation. With meticulous precision and strategic collaboration, they execute their plan, facing various challenges and obstacles. “Ocean’s Thirteen” maintains the series’ signature style, combining humor, camaraderie, and clever heist sequences.
Conclusion
Gambling movies have enjoyed significant popularity among audiences due to their ability to provide thrilling entertainment, explore the psychology of risk-taking, and depict the allure and dangers of gambling. These movies tap into the human fascination with chance, strategy, and the pursuit of fortune, offering engaging narratives and thought-provoking themes.
Netflix’s wide selection of gambling movies allows viewers to explore classic and modern titles, spanning various genres and styles. This diversity allows audiences to discover and enjoy a range of compelling narratives, each offering a unique perspective on the world of gambling.
For viewers interested in gambling movies on Netflix, it is recommended to explore both classic and modern titles, taking into account personal preferences for genres such as action, thriller, comedy, or drama. Exploring critically acclaimed films can provide a rewarding viewing experience with thought-provoking storytelling, exceptional performances, and thematic depth.
