Hollywood loves to lean on imagery. This is even true in terms of settings, as a plot’s backdrop can play an active part in the story and a critical part of the movie’s theme. For example, a laboratory is common for sci-fi, action, and horror flicks, while a college campus is more likely the subject of a coming-of-age drama or comedy. The casino, on the other hand, will signal a number of other things to viewers.
The casino is one of Hollywood’s favorite backdrops because it offers an exciting and tension-filled setting. This makes the casino floor in a place like the Bellagio or the Wynn a great location for dramas, action films, and even comedies. The stakes are high in places like Vegas—the floors are extravagant and the crowds are buzzing. But only a select few will walk away winners.
In reality, most casino buffs today stick to online formats. For example, a platform like Wildz Casino allows players to skip the trip to a brick-and-mortar establishment to shop around for their favorite games online. Along with accessibility, online casinos also tend to offer better loyalty programs and more variations of popular games.
Still, despite the overall appeal of virtual casinos, Hollywood still prefers to capture this world as it’s portrayed in cities like Las Vegas or Macau. But which of its most famous casino-centric projects will be remembered as the best?
1. Croupier (1998)
Looking for something exciting to keep your attention and related to the casino world? Welcome to Clive Owen at his finest. Rather than delve into the world of casinos through the lens of a player, this project explores the life of a roulette dealer, also known as a croupier.
Owen’s character takes the job as he looks for inspiration as a writer—and his time at the table soon turns out to provide plenty of food for thought. Soon, he ends up tangled in a difficult situation with one of his regular players who makes a highly intriguing proposal.
This movie is definitely what you are looking for – something that will leave you in awe of the great cast and the story itself.
2. Casino (1995)
Great casts are simply a must in movies that deal with themes like a casino, so this movie brings you top actors from the Hollywood world whose roles you will enjoy. This Martin Scorsese project brought on talents like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone.
The trio are some of the biggest names in Las Vegas—but De Niro and Pesci, who play a casino executive and a criminal enforcer, will stop at nothing to win Stone’s attention.
The film uses the casino setting to highlight two of Vegas’s starkly different faces: that of glitz and glamor along with its more unforgiving nature. Is this what you need to watch on a Saturday night? Then prepare the popcorn, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the wonderful film work.
3. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Clearly, the 1990s were the golden era of casino films, and the proof of that is a large number of interesting film titles with attractive stories that, both in that period and in the years to come, were highly rated.
But Terry Gilliam’s project, loosely based on the life and career of Hunter S. Thompson, takes its casino themes in a new direction.
The film’s psychedelic tone is extended to casino life in Vegas, which offers a topsy-turvy and oddly realistic take on casino culture. Viewed through the lens of main character Raoul Duke, Las Vegas casinos have never been so over-the-top or vibrant.
4. Ocean’s 11 (2001)
If we have to point out a movie with great symbolism, audience acceptance and great ratings, then it’s Ocean’s 11. The story of Danny Ocean has become instilled in American cinema.
This heist flick quickly became a hit for critics and fans because it took every moving piece of Las Vegas life, from casino secrets to sharp-thinking players to extravagant lifestyles, and wove them into a highly believable and intriguing storyline.
With a team of eleven highly skilled colleagues and a love interest in Julia Roberts, Ocean is able to do what few have done before in Vegas—walk away with millions.
This story takes us back to the golden days of great casino movies, and even after many years this movie is the number one choice for many fans of casinos and interesting movie titles, and maybe it will be your choice too – who knows?
5. Rounders (1998)
Edward Norton and Matt Damon star in this underground poker cult hit. Rather than tackle some of the flashiest casinos in Vegas, the pair stick to private, high-stakes poker games in New York City—which soon spells trouble.
Despite the fact that there aren’t traditional casinos in this film, it’s still a great project for fans of the casino.
That’s because it dissects the game of Texas Hold’em poker, including highly technical and realistic poker games that fans will appreciate. Sounds great doesn’t it? That’s why this title is part of our list of movies that are worth revisiting for fans of casinos and great acting.
Casinos are an interesting thing in real life, but they are also interesting as a theme for treatment in Hollywood movies by some of the best directors from that part of the world.
Today we brought you 5 great movies that have excellent coverage of gambling events from the casino world. Perhaps one of them will be your choice for the next movie night or will be able to capture the casino world from a different aspect.
