Top 10 casino films of all time

Here at 32Red, when we’re not running the web’s coolest gaming site, we like to kick back with a beer and a good ol’ casino movie. In fact, we’ve watched so many of the flicks, we’re now the authority on Vegas-themed films. Yeah, Rotten Tomatoes, you heard that right. So given all our geeky knowledge and hours spent on Netflix, we’ve decided to bring you the 32Red guide to the ten best casino movies of all time.

1. Showgirls (1995) – Elizabeth Berkley stars as a trash talking stripper in this box office flop that’s actually a decent film. Her character, Nomi, will do anything to make it as a showgirl in Las Vegas. And that really means anything – nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
2. 21 (2008) – It ain’t easy to make a dud blackjack film when Laurence Fishburne and Kevin Spacey are in your cast. Luckily, the Hollywood legends don’t disappoint in this true story about super smart MIT students who use a card-counting scheme to beat the casinos. Who knew you needed a college degree to count to 21?
3. Hangover (2009) – Zach Galifianakis steals the show in this boys gone wild comedy about a stag do that goes hilariously wrong in Vegas. Cue crazy escapades, rohyphnol and a side-splitting cameo from Mike Tyson. Haven’t seen it yet? Stop what you’re doing, dump your girlfriend, and go see this film.
4. Croupier (1998) – Clive Owen plays a bored-with-London-bored-with-life croupier in this spot-on characterization of London’s underground casino world. FilmFour abandoned the film in its early days but oh how they came to regret it later! Croupier soon became a hit across the pond and helped Clive Owen make the big time. Kerching.
5. Rounders (1998) – If there’s one thing you need to remember from this Texas Hold ‘Em classic, it’s that you NEVER SPLASH THE POT. At least not when Matt Damon is around. The Hollywood actor plays a reformed poker player who cleans out “KGB” Teddy after the Russian gets ballsy with his chips. And while we’re talking about chips, anyone fancy a big mac and some chicken wings?
6. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – 3 casinos. 11 men. 150 million dollars. If you’re not already drooling with excitement about this hit remake well…. go watch an episode of Game of Thrones then. But seriously, George Clooney is ridiculously smooth as con man Danny Ocean who’s determined to break Vegas like Kim K broke the internet. Sadly, there isn’t any bootie on show in this film!
7. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) – Wooaaah!! Ever been high in Las Vegas? Author Hunter S. Thompson has and if this semi-biographical film is anything to go by, it looks like one almighty mindbend. The film tells the story of a journo and attorney, let loose in Sin City. Terry Gillingham brings the story to life with his mad visual style and it’s one hell of a ‘trip’. Get it?
8. Casino Royale (2006) – Don’t let those tight blue shorts fool you. 007 definitely means business in this noughties installment of the hit Bond franchise. Daniel Craig packs a punch as the hunky spy with a license to kill but it’s his slick poker moves that leave the audience shaken and slightly stirred.
9. Rain Man (1988) – Forget Dustin Hoffman’s epic performance. Or Tom Cruise as the smooth-talking Charlie Babbit. It’s the razor sharp suits that made this such a legendary film! Rain Man is not just a corker of a film it also inspired hundreds of casino films after it. At least one of our movies has a happy ending.
10. Casino (1995) – Scorsese and De Niro take the top spot on our list thanks to this slick mobster film that does exactly what it says on the tin. De Niro plays Sam “Ace” Rosthein who’s brought in to run one the mob’s casinos but trouble soon finds him in the form of a young hooker called Ginger. There are some bloomin’ good scenes but Joe Pesci’s monologue with 22 “f***s” in 2 minutes 22 seconds, steals the show hands down. Definitely not one to watch with your mum.

So that’s our roundup of the 10 greatest casino movies of all time. And if you want to experience the excitement of a casino for yourself, head over to 32Red’s online slots, roulette and blackjack games.