Source: Wikipedia
Picking a movie is never easy. Whether you are watching alone, having a date night in, or hosting a movie night, it is always a tough decision.
There are many great films to choose from, that’s no joke. A mystery or a thriller, a romantic comedy or action? An option that is sure to win over a movie night crowd would have a combination of everything.
Any film that features thrills and a big heist is sure to make an impression. To create a movie night full of fun, any film that takes place in a casino or involves gambling will add something new to movie night.
If you can’t get out to the casino but still want all the fun that gambling brings, a movie about it will be the next best thing.
The following list is a compilation of all my favorite casino movies that will make your movie night be a conversation topic for a long time afterwards (here’s a more comprehensive list as well if 6 movies is not enough for you).
1. Ocean’s 11 (2001)
Ocean’s 11 is an exciting film that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.The main character, Daniel Ocean, a convicted thief who is about to be released from prison.
The plot of the movie focuses on Ocean’s desire to get revenge on the man (Benedict) who stole his wife. Benedict happens to own three huge hotel resorts in Las Vegas, and Ocean wants to take from his vault.
He creates a group of eleven individuals who all give him inside help in one of the three casinos. The entire film takes you through every step of the journey, revealing behind the scenes spaces in big-name casinos.
This highly-rated film is an excellent way to experience hidden thrills of Vegas casinos. Even though it is from a few years past, it’s a perfect representation of the high-stakes world of gambling.
2. Breaking Vegas (2004)
This might not be a hit for movie night, but it’s an excellent movie for a night in. It’s almost as fun to enjoy as playing in a casino yourself.
This documentary-style film follows the attempts of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to get rich on blackjack.
The students trek to different casinos across the United States, ending in Las Vegas. They use mathematics to win high-stakes games and while dodging the watchful eyes of casino security.
The documentary format allows viewers to gain inside information about how the students won their millions.
While it’s a bit of a break from the action, Breaking Vegas lets you experience gambling from a new perspective.
3. The Cooler (2003)
The Cooler turns the tables on gambling by showing a slice of life from the point of view of a Las Vegas casino employee.
Bernie Lootz is able to use his negative energy toward life to jinx gamblers into losing. He’s lonely and single, but his boss loves his ability to help people lose.
Unexpectedly, Lootz finds a ray of light in his life that comes in the form of a beautiful waitress. His new outlook hinders his job performance, making his boss unhappy.
Lootz’s boss sets his mind on breaking up the new happy couple to benefit his casino’s revenue.
This award-winning film is the perfect way to impress the date you bring home. A bottle of wine and a romantic action film will make for the ideal evening at home.
4. Casino Royale (2006)
If you’re looking for a good mystery film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Casino Royale is the way to go.
James Bond takes you on an exciting ride from Madagascar to Montenegro. To stop a notorious terrorist organization from making money, Bond must put it all on the table in a thrilling game of poker.
The high profile players take risks, leaving casualties behind and playing tricks on each other.
If you’ve never had the chance to experience a high-stakes game of poker, Bond’s version is one sure to hold your interest.
5. Vegas Vacation (1997)
Mystery and thriller might not be your idea of enjoyment. If that’s the case, the hilarious Vegas Vacation is probably the way to go.
Lighten the mood of any movie night with this casino comedy. It follows the Griswold family on their trip to Vegas and all the unfortunate events that unfold.
The father, Clark, gambles away his money at blackjack. Young son Rusty learns to play dice. Daughter Audrey ends up spending time in nightclubs. While this is going on, their mom is falling head over heels for live performer Wayne Newton.
The film is a comedy, but it truly depicts the lifestyle that Las Vegas boasts. Casino games are hard to ignore with their flashy lights and high dollar signs.
Enjoy life a little with this lighthearted comedy film to feel like you’ve taken a trip to Sin City.
6. The Gambler (2014)
Some say drama is fine as long as someone else is in the middle of it , but you will find yourself drawn into the drama of The Gambler.
When literature professor Jim Bennett gambles himself broke, he finds himself in a life or death situation. Literally.
If he doesn’t pay back his debt in a week, a high-stakes gambling ring threatens to take his life.
From begging family for money to borrowing it from a loan shark, Bennett finds himself in a string of stressful situations. His own life, as well as the lives of those he loves, are on the line if he doesn’t pay off his debts.
This film shows the harsh realities that come along with severe gambling problems. It is a great way to spend an evening of film and to learn a lesson about gambling safely.
All of these films highlight how much excitement and thrill come along with a night in the casino. Unfortunately, not everyone lives near a casino to gamble whenever they feel like it.
To fill that void, online casinos and gambling are now available in most states for players hoping to win from home. At first glance, it might be intimidating to find a casino online and pick a game to play.Searching for a while might be helpful, but it is also tedious.
A website like OnlineCasinoGems is a great way to get a little assistance finding where to play.
You can easily choose the online casinos that offer big bonuses and that have great player reviews.
It’s fun to try your hand at gambling when you know how to do it right. Hop online or visit a casino nearby to test your luck!
