Netflix is widely adored all over the world, with people from New Zealand to New Mexico regularly settling down for a night in front of the television with their favourite streaming platform and the vast array of movies it comes with. BritBox appeals too, alongside the likes of Amazon Prime and a few others, but Netflix will always be number one for many people. It’s the original, if you like.
Netflix has had countless hit releases available on the service over the years, with the particular focus on this piece being around casino movies. Casino movies are truly unique, providing the unique competitive edge in certain movies, the lights, the music, the glamour, and on occasions the big wins. Not everyone can afford to go to a casino either, with video poker games a great alternative in today’s modern world a great alternative in today’s modern world, which is why casino movies also provide us with an insight into what casino life entails. Countless iconic movies have had some iconic scenes featured in casinos also, which is why the gambling venues and films have been a well-matched pairing over the years.
With Netflix showcasing a lot of the casino based movies we’re referring to, here’s a look back at some of the best of them.
James Bond: Casino Royale
When you think of movies that have been based in or had at least a few truly memorable scenes featured in a casino, then the James Bond franchise of films generally springs to mind, with James Bond: Casino Royale being a particularly popular choice. Full of daring stunts and evil villains, there’s also a moment where Bond demonstrates his poker face in a tense, high stakes game. Bond certainly knows his way around a poker table, that’s for sure.
Bugsy
Based on the book “We Only Kill Each Other”, Bugsy is the story of Bugsy Siegel who is a gangster in a relationship with an actress named Virginia Hill. This fact-based crime drama was hugely popular for a variety of reasons, but a key one being that Bugsy was a man with plans. One plan of his was to open a hotel and casino in Nevada, Las Vegas only for him to end up being murdered on the opening night. Ah.
Rounders
When thinking of casino movies, Rounders is hard to forget. A film purely based on the underground poker scene and everything it entails, Rounders and its high-stakes, tense poker scenes are enthralling, especially as there’s so much at stake for two friends who are desperate to win in order to pay off a hefty debt.
Taking out the mobster was a particular highlight, alongside making the cut at the World Series of Poker, but there’s certainly struggles along the way too.
Ocean’s 11, 12, 13
All three of these movies were based on casino heists as a group of criminals joined forces to rob a large selection of casinos. Directed by Lewis Milestone, this classic release heavily features casino life as the criminals look to get one over on the house. Do they succeed, though? No spoilers here.
Casino
It’s in the name but, believe it not, Casino was based around a casino manager who was getting to grips with the runnings of a Las Vegas casino and everything it comes with. Full of high-rollers and high stakes, Casino gives its audience a unique look at how a casino functions and the games on display as people take to the casino floor and attempt to win big.
Other casino movies worth watching on Netflix are The Gambler, Croupier, 21, Lay The Favourite and Mississippi Grind.