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This article originally ran in 2020 and is being republished ahead of the release of Paul SchradersThe Card Counter.
Movies about gambling have an inherent drama because, by definition, theyre about risk.
They usually dont end up with a calm home life upstate, counting their winnings.
We veered more toward movies about the gambling.
Luckily, a whole lot of them happen to be great movies all on their own.
The dealer says nope, 7, and … just takes his money.
Clark storms away, grumbling to himself.
The idea that such a game would exist basically sums up Las Vegas, and gambling in general.
Its maybe the most honest possible card game.
This movie was a disaster at the box office, and Hansons hot streak was over.
But only for a moment.
But lets just say they dont show this one at Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
Its a gas to watch her so giddy.
But Macy was born to play this sort of hangdog failure who hasnt stopped betting on himself.
20.Oceans Eleven(2001)
Often, movie characters who gamble are presented as sobering cautionary tales.
Soderberghs ensemble is impeccably dressed and never fussed, sporting the swagger that real gamblers wish they had.
Its horrifying to watch him drown in slow motion.
18.Casino(1995)
In Vegas, everybodys gotta watch everybody else.
The movie feels both dated and timeless, capturing a specific moment that has the power of folklore.
The sequel is a movie about an aging pool shark at a crossroads.
He had to stop gambling, Scorsese said inConversations With Scorsese.
He had become a different kind of hustler in a way, selling liquor.
But he couldnt resist the joy of the game.
12.The Sting(1973)
Who says gambling cant be really fun?
These are some winners who are easy to root for.
(Or at least of being one in the late 90s.
Even Bill Camp!)
cant help but populate this with people who make a mostly artificial world feel real and lived-in.
Still: SeeThe Cincinnati Kid, people.
(Thatll be coming up on this list shortly.)
So go back and rewatchCroupier, where all that promise was laid out fairly magnificently.
If the plot complications arent always satisfying, the films vivid recreation of dingy casino life is utterly intoxicating.
Its a shame that Owen has rarely found a film since thats so magnetic.
The movie feels current and taut and relevant.
5.Tricheurs(1984)
The best gambling movie youve never heard of.
Not that the trip isnt a wicked, dark blast regardless.
Addiction is sort of like that.
Axel isnt betting on basketball: Hes playing Russian roulette.
