Here is our list of the very best gambling movies ever

If you’ve ever taken a cursory screenwriting class, then you know that the essence of a movie is a conflict. Whether internal or external, there should be some sort of clear goal that the protagonist has to face. That’s why gambling, in many ways, makes for a good plot conflict. There’s risk involved with gambling. While you can win big, you’re just as likely to lose big as well. 

Still with many of the casinos shut, though you gamble online, most folks are probably getting their thrills by watching movies about gambling. If that’s your thing, then we have some choice movies about gambling that you are more than likely to find online. At the very least, these are worth renting on Amazon or seeing where they’re available to stream.

Uncut Gems (2019)

Maybe Adam Sandler should be sticking to more dramatic parts. Sandler, known more for his recent line of mediocre at best comedies, took everyone by surprise in the thriller Uncut Gems. Like, for real, people thought Sandler was going to get an Oscar for his role as gambling addict and jeweler, Howard Ratner. It’s easily the best movie Sandler has made in a while, possibly ever, with the raw realness of it.

Gambling addiction has never been quite as brutally explored than in Uncut Gems. It’s a recent film that should really be witnessed to be believed. Lucky for you, Uncut Gems is available on VOD so be sure to check it out. Just prepare yourself for the sheer brutality of it. 

Ocean’s Eleven (2001) 

Ocean’s Eleven is in that rare class of movies that exceeds the original film by a long shot. And, yes, for those who don’t know the George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon starrer is a remake of 1960, which starred the Rat Pack. Steven Soderbergh turned the less-than-stellar film into a jazzy and fun caper that spawned a franchise. 

While gambling is not at center stage in the film, some of the best moments are set around the casino tables of Las Vegas. Real gamblers wished they had this swagger. Plus, well, the “house always wins scene”? Classic. You can stream Ocean’s Eleven on Hulu or rent/buy to stream.

Mississippi Grind (2015)

Love Captain Marvel? Well, check out the film that got Marvel’s attention on the directing team, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Mississippi Grind follows two poker players on a trip to a New Orleans poker tournament with a potentially huge payoff. If you want to see Ryan Reynolds pre-Deadpool, then this film is him doing some of his best work. Plus the chemistry with co-star Ben Mendelsohn? Terrific.

Don’t go thinking that this film is a laugh a minute though. Addiction, depression, and regret haunt the ride of Mississippi Grind. At the same time, however, you can’t help but be pulled in. You can watch Mississippi Grind with a Netflix account or rent/buy online. 

The Gambler (1974) 

No list about great gambling movies isn’t complete with discussing 1974, The Gambler. James Toback, who wrote the script and based it on his own gambling addictions, has been accused of sexual harassment and assault over a 40-year span by over 350 women. So, you know, it’s a problematic film, but all Toback wrote was the script. 

Either way, The Gambler is one of James Caan’s best roles. Period. His Axel just digs himself in deeper and deeper. You never know if he’s going to pull himself out of the hole that he has dug himself in. Caan, however, just utterly sells it as Axel chases for his next rush. You can rent/buy The Gambler online, just make sure it’s not the 2014 movie of the same name starring Mark Wahlberg. 

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

The Cincinnati Kid is probably an underrated classic from its era. Honestly, it was between this film and The Hustler. Man, you just can’t beat Steve McQueen’s performance as the titular “Kid”. The film follows the Kid, a cocky Depression-era poker player who is probably not as good as he thinks he is, challenging “the best” poker player, Lancey “The Man” Howard (Edward G. Robinson), to a hand. 

If you ever thought that a hand of poker couldn’t be tense, then you haven’t seen The Cincinnatti Kid. It’s definitely worth a watch for those who love McQueen at the least. It’s available for rental or purchase online. Next time you’re looking to gamble online make sure you check out https://dunia303.pro/buku-mimpi-2d/