One of the best ways to relax after a busy week is to sit back, choose a good movie on Netflix and forget about all your worries for at least two hours. Movies are a great way to unwind and enter a whole other world. Plus, you can share the experience with friends as you enjoy your favorite comedy or horror movie. The reason why most of us are drawn to the art of cinema is because it allows us to get a sense of excitement and thrill, which is something we don’t find very often in our mundane lives.
That’s why movies about the casino world have always been popular with different audiences, namely with passionate gamblers as they’re all about risk and luck. Throughout the years, many movies have tackled the topic but not in the same manner. Some producers have emphasized the psychological aspect of the game, whereas others have chosen to dedicate screen time to those who try to trick the system and rake in big amounts of money.
So, if you find yourself not knowing which movie to queue next, take a look at our list below and you’ll be sure to find a thrilling movie about gambling that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rounders(1998)
This 1998 American drama is all about the world of underground poker that’s run by a Russian mobster, played by John Malkovich. The main character is a talented law student(Matt Damon) and instead of dreaming of becoming a top lawyer in the industry, his dreams are a bit different. The young and charismatic Matt Damon plays a character whose main aspiration is to win the World Series of Poker. However, things take a bad turn for the character as he ends up losing a lot of money in one of the rounds. That’s when he decides it’s time to take a step back and end his poker career.
He does manage to stay away from gambling for a while, but when a friend in need of money knocks on his door, he reluctantly goes back to his old habits. WIll he be able to get out of the game on time? Or, will he end up suffering the consequences?
The Card Counter
If you follow the trending news in the filmmaking industry, then you’ve probably heard about last year’s Card Counter movie which had its premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival.
When William Tell(Oscar Isaac) ends up in military prison, he makes good use of his time by teaching himself how to count cards. Naturally, he puts this newly founded talent to practice in casinos. Maybe we’re not sure how to manipulate a slot machine, but we can say with certainty that Wiliam Tell makes card counting look as easy as reading.
To avoid getting noticed by the casino staff, he develops a set of strict rules. For instance, he keeps a low profile in the casino by always placing a small bet. Also, he never stays in the casino hotel. As soon as he’s done with the game, he takes his suitcase and leaves.
But, he is soon approached by Cirk, a young man who seeks Tell’s help to get revenge on a retired military major. Tell chooses to lend the man a hand, but that decision has a bigger impact on his life than he could imagine. To see whether Tell manages to escape the ghosts of the past, you’ll just have to watch the movie on your own.
Molly’s Game
Who said that gambling is a men-only hobby? Usually, we see male gamblers as the main characters in casino movies. But Molly’s Game is obviously an exception to that rule.Any fans of movies based on true events will appreciate this gem because it was indeed inspired by a true story.
The main actress is the drop dead gorgeous redhead Jessica Chastain who plays Molly Bloom, an Olympic class skier who has the nasty habit of hosting illegal poker parties in her free time.
As it often happens, her actions soon become a red flag to the FBI and they start watching her closely. Will Molly outsmart the FBI agents? Or, maybe they’ll see right through her plans and gain an upper advantage? There’s only one way to find out.
The bottom line
If you follow our list of recommendations, you should be covered for the next two weeks at least when it comes to your Saturday movie nights. All the above movies tell an exciting story with a hint of danger and risk. Trust us, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen.
