Here's Bestcasino's take on the Top 10 gambling movies of the last 40 years in reverse order. There's some real classics in here and some that might surprise you. So what do you think? Are these the best gambling movies of the last 40 years or of all time, or do you have some different ideas?
10. Lock, stock and two smoking barrels (1998)
Starring: Vinnie Jones as Big Chris, Jason Statham as Bacon and Lenny McLean as Barry the Baptist
Memorable quote: “It’s been emotional”, Big Chris
Why it made it: It’s got Vinnie Jones and Lenny McLean in it, what more do you want? And while it might not strictly be classed as a gambling movie, it centres on a game of poker with very high stakes.
9. The Hangover (2009)
Starring: Mike Tyson as himself and Zach Galifianakis as Alan
Memorable quote: “Would you please put some pants on, I feel weird having to ask you twice”, Phil (Bradley Cooper)
Why it made it: Again, it’s not strictly a gambling movie but it’s set in Vegas (great start), follows a stag party who win big and is very, very funny.
8. Croupier (1998)
Starring: Clive Owen as Jack Manfred
Memorable quote: “Without hope there’s no point to anything”, Marion (Gina McKee)
Why it made it: A realistic portrayal of a casino and a stellar performance by Clive Owen makes this film gripping but deadpan like all great British films.
7. The Cooler (2003)
Starring: Alec Baldwin as Shelley Kaplow
Memorable quote: “Better luck next time”, Bernie (William H Macy)
Why it made it: The plot isn’t mind blowing so this is more about the individual performances from Alec Baldwin and William H Macy who are not stars but truly great actors.
6. Rounders (1998)
Starring: Matt Damon as Mike McDermott, Edward Norton as Lester ‘Worm’ Murphy and John Malkovich as Teddy KGB
Memorable quote: “We can't run from who we are. Our destiny chooses us”, Mike McDermott (Matt Damon)
Why it made it: Edward Norton plays a convincing villain you love to hate and with the pitfalls obvious before they happen, all you can do is sit back and wait for the worst to happen.
5. Casino Royale (2006)
Starring: Daniel Craig as James Bond and Judi Dench as ‘M’
Memorable quote: “The name’s Bond, James Bond”, James Bond (Daniel Craig)
Why it made it: The controversial first blonde Bond but this brings action and great special effects without being too ‘Hollywood’ and Bond’s suave sophistication will have any generation swooning.
4. 21 (2008)
Starring: Kevin Spacey as Mickey Rosa and Laurence Fishburn as Cole Williams
Memorable quote: “Winner, winner, chicken dinner!” Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess)
Why it made it: Based on a true story and great acting does the story of this college genius justice – well worth a watch for all but especially for those with a penchant for gambling movies.
3. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Starring: George Clooney as Danny Ocean, Brad Pitt as Rusty Ryan and Bernie Mac as Frank Catton
Memorable quote: “All right, you proved your point. You broke into my vault. Congratulations, you're a dead man.” Terry (Andy Garcia)
Why it made it: This is the ultimate in Hollywood cool, slick characters and the perfect casino vault robbery that although illegal, you probably secretly wish you were a part of.
2. The Sting (1973)
Starring: Paul Newman as Henry Gondorff and Robert Redford as Johnny Hooker
Memorable quote: “Luther said I could learn some things from you. I already know how to drink.” Johnny (Robert Redford)
Why it made it: The old ones are the best and this 1970s classic is no exception. Winner of seven Academy Awards and starring two legendary actors, this definitely lives up to expectation even now.
1. Casino (1995)
Starring: Robert De Niro as Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein, Sharon Stone at Ginger McKenna and Joe Pesci as Nicky Santoro
Memorable quote: “Listen to me very carefully. There are three ways of doing things around here: the right way, the wrong way, and the way that I do it. You understand?” uttered by Ace (Robert De Niro)
Why it made it: This comes number one in most top 10 gambling movie polls and is up there on the all time great movies lists too so if you haven’t seen it, shame on you – it’s as good today as it was in 1995 and there hasn’t been a gambling movie made since to rival it.
