There have been some iconic movies made over the past 75 years. From classics such as The Godfather, Gone with the Wind and Star Wars, there has been something for everyone, with films spanning all genres.
One theme that has popped up in movies throughout the decades is gambling. It’s a theme that resonates even today, and with the recent explosion in the use of online casinos, it’s a topic that is almost every green.
There have been a great selection of classic movies featuring gambling or set in and around a casino. In this article we will take a look at some of the most famous and popular.
Casino
Released in 1995 the movie Casino was an instant hit, and captivated audiences all around the world. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese and featuring box office heavyweights Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci, the movie depicted the glamour and glitter of Las Vegas, as well the sometimes very dangerous and brutal side of the gambling world during the 1970s and 1980s, long before the internet and the gambling revolution. The story is an intertwining one involving the mafia and the glitz of Vegas and makes for compulsive viewing.
The Sting
The Sting is a classic movie based on two grifters pulling off the sting of a lifetime. It was released in 1973 and starred Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw. Directed by George Roy Hill the movie was a huge success all over the world, and won 7 Oscars including the award for the Best Picture. The movie is a delight to watch, with a humorous and enjoyable storyline with some excellent performances from the three leading actors. It has a great soundtrack and won an Oscar for the best Original Song Score.
Ocean’s Eleven
The first of a series of three movies following the adventures of Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, and his 10 accomplices as they attempt to rob three casinos in Las Vegas at the same time. The movie is packed with other stars including Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and several other high-profile performers. The movie was loosely based on an adaption of another movie with the same name that was released in 1960. Ocean’s Eleven was a huge success at the box office, and was subsequently followed by 2 sequels – Ocean’s 12 and Ocean’s 13 – two very good movies, but none of which hit the same heights as the first one.
Honeymoon in Vegas
This movie was released in 1992 and stared Nicolas Cage, James Caan and Sarah Jessica Parker (before she become a worldwide star from the TV show Sex and the City). Honeymoon in Vegas is a romantic comedy that follows the story of Jack Singer, who has promised his mother on her deathbed that he’d never marry, but who then decides to rush off to Vegas to marry his girlfriend Betsy. James Caan is perfectly cast as the love-stricken gangster who falls in love with Betsy. The movie is a pretty funny one with some classic scenes, including the flying Elvis impersonators.
Casino Royale
The debut Bond movie by Daniel Craig was a huge success at the box office, and removed any doubt about his ability to play the most famous spy in the world. Casino Royale was released in 2006 and see’s secret agent James Bond on his first mission as 007. Set at the Casino Royale in Montenegro, Bond is sent to defeat Le Chiffre, a private banker who is funding terrorists around the world. The movie introduced the world to a different type of Bond that had been previously portrayed by Connery or Moore, and despite the many differences, it was a performance that was enjoyed by almost everyone who watched it.
The Hangover
One of the most popular movies during 2009, The Hangover told the story of three friends who wake up in Las Vegas following a bachelor party but who have no recollection of what had happened the night before. All they know is that the bachelor is missing, and they have to find him by searching all around the city. This comedy is one that left a lot of people in hysterics and was the winner of the Golden Globe in 2010 for the Best Motion Picture. Bradley Cooper, one of the main stars of the movie, saw his career really take off following the release.
Vegas Vacation
The fourth in the line of the famous Griswold family movies starring comedic genius Chevy Chase and actress Beverly D’Angelo. Released in 1997, the movie follows the family vacation of the Griswold’s as they head to Las Vegas. If you’ve ever seen any of the previous Vacation movies, then you’ll know that things never go easy for Clark Griswold and this trip is no different. With his wife being seduced by a Vegas singer, his kids desperate to hit the casinos and gamble, and the return of the infamous cousin Eddy, nothing is going to be straightforward and give Clark the relaxing and enjoyable vacation he desperately craves.
Croupier
Starring actor Clive Owen, and directed by Mike Hodges, the Croupier movies tells us the story of a writer who finds himself being hired as a croupier at a casino. Jack Manfred, played by Owen) then comes to the realization that his life as a croupier would make an excellent novel. His work and the whole environment of gambling soon starts to take over his life, with his relationship with girlfriend Marion, played by Gina McKee, starting to deteriorate. The movie is a very realistic and captivating one, which entertained moviegoers around the world.
Some final thoughts
There are many other movies based in Las Vegas or set around casinos and gambling that could also have been included on this list such as Rounders starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, or Bugsy starring Warren Beatty. If you enjoy casinos, then you’ll find a huge choice of related movies that you can enjoy.
It doesn’t matter where in the world you live, the movies featuring Las Vegas and casinos are always popular with audiences. Some drama, some based on true-life events and some pure comedy. Whatever your preference, you will easily be able to find a great movie to indulge in, after which you might find yourself popping over to your favorite casino, mine is lvbet.com, to enjoy a few hands of poker or maybe a couple spins of the roulette wheel.
