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Who doesn’t love heading to the casino now and then? It’s filled with fun games, often has live
entertainment, and offers a chance to socialize—what’s not to love? Casinos just have a certain
allure about them that makes them the perfect movie setting.
While many casino-themed movies exist, Casinos.com ranks the ones below among the best. You’ll
find a variety of action, drama, and even a couple of comedies on the list. There’s a little something
for everyone.
The Ocean’s Eleven Series of Films
We’ll start the list with not one but a series of films—the Ocean’s series. The original Ocean’s 11 was
released in 1960 and starred Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie
Dickinson, among others. It was a heist film that took viewers through the planning and robbery of a
big Las Vegas casino.
Fast forward to December 2001, when the movie was remade as Ocean’s Eleven. The remake
starred a handful of A-list celebrities, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia
Roberts, Andy Garcia, Casey Affleck, Elliott Gould, and Bernie Mac. The modernized take on the story
and characters was arguably more entertaining and became such a hit that it spurred multiple
sequels.
Ocean’s Twelve was released in 2004, Ocean’s Thirteen was released in 2007, and then an all-female
film called Ocean’s 8, starring Sandra Bullock, was released in 2018. There are rumors that a prequel
and an Ocean’s Fourteen may be in the works, but nothing has been confirmed.
Casino
Here’s one with a strict R-rating that isn’t for the faint of heart. Casino is a crime thriller that was
released in 1995. Spanning almost three hours in length, the film is a serious time investment but
worth every minute. If you want the raw, violent, drug-filled, mafia-led look at casinos, this is the
movie for you.
The movie stars such notable actors as Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, James Woods, Frank Vincent,
Sharon Stone, and John Manca. It follows the lives of two best friends, one a mafia enforcer and the
other a casino executive, who have some pretty serious issues to deal with. It takes place in the
1970s and 1980s, so the wardrobe is also a blast.
Rather than have us spoil this masterpiece by giving away plot details, it’s best to watch it for
yourself.
21
If you’ve ever wondered if anyone is smart enough to figure out card patterns and cheat the casino,
you’re going to want to watch 21. Released in 2008, this film is based on real events, making it all the
more interesting.
It follows six students from MIT who learn to become card counting experts in blackjack (this is
where the movie gets its name from). Not only do they succeed in their card counting goal, but they
end up walking away with millions worth of winnings from casinos in Las Vegas.
The goal is for them to get enough money to pay for their schooling, but of course unexpected things
happen, and the movie takes some major twists and turns. 21 stars Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth,
Josh Gad, Laurence Fishburne, and Kevin Spacey.
Vegas Vacation
The National Lampoon’s Vacation series has morphed over the years. While the main stars, Chevy
Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, stayed the same, the kids were often swapped out to ensure they still
looked like teens. The original movie, National Lampoon’s Vacation, was released in 1983 and went
on to spawn sequels, remakes, and even off-shoots.
Vegas Vacation was released in 1997 and once again starred Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angleo,
though their kids (Rusty and Audrey) were played by Ethan Embry and Marisol Nichols. The movie
follows the Griswold family on their trip to Las Vegas. Just as you’d expect from this family,
everything starts to go wrong, and craziness ensues. While not the best of the National Lampoon’s
Vacation series, it’s still a fun watch.
Hangover 1, 2, and 3
Here’s another example of a movie series that uses the backdrop of casinos and Las Vegas. The
Hangover (2009), The Hangover Part II (2011), and The Hangover Part III have all been huge hits
thanks to their hilarious scripts and incredible cast (Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Bradley Cooper).
Each movie gets more outlandish and hilarious as the guys find themselves in one crazy situation
after the next.
The first movie takes place in Las Vegas and has heavy casino vibes, the second they are in Thailand,
and the third one deals with angry gangsters and a prisoner on the run. If you’re only in it for
casinos, then the first one is a must-watch. Chances are you’ll be hooked after that and want to
watch all three.
Bugsy
If you like the mafia theme of Casino, then Bugsy is another must-watch. This movie was released in
1991 and starred Warren Beatty as Bugsy Siegel, who was a real-life mobster who wasn’t just part of
the Las Vegas scene, but who built the city to what it has become known for today. The movie also
stars Annette Bening, Harvey Keitel, Elliott Gould, and Ben Kingsley.
Bugsy was from New York, where he made a name as a gangster with a real bad temper. On a trip to
the desert in Las Vegas, he came up with the idea of turning it into a city for gambling filled with
casinos. He becomes consumed with his plans, gangster ways, and racketeering as he builds the
famous Flamingo Hotel.
As you watch this movie, keep reminding yourself that much of what you see is based on facts.
Get Into the Casino Mood With Any of These Films
All of these movies should be considered must-watches for those seeking casino-themed options.
They are all different from each other, so we suggest you work your way through the whole list.
Great article Jim 🙂 I love it that you included Casino on here 🙂 Despite it’s epic running time, the story is told in such a fast way, but understandable way that it holds your attention every single minute 🙂 Huge Scorsese fan here, but then again, you already knew that 🙂