10 Movies & Shows Like Even Money (2007)

Description: A classic gambling drama about a young poker player trying to prove himself against a seasoned pro, this film captures the tension and psychology of high-stakes poker. The timeless themes of skill, luck, and ego are central.

Fact: The film's climactic poker game was meticulously choreographed to reflect actual poker strategy, with advice from professional players.

Description: This epic crime drama delves into the inner workings of a Las Vegas casino, showcasing the greed, corruption, and violence behind the glitz. The detailed depiction of casino operations and the high-stakes world aligns closely.

Fact: The film's script was heavily influenced by real-life events and figures from the Las Vegas underworld, particularly the story of Frank Rosenthal.

Description: A character-driven drama set in the world of small-time gamblers and casino hustlers, this film explores themes of mentorship, redemption, and the darker side of luck. The intimate portrayal of gamblers' lives is a strong connection.

Fact: This was Paul Thomas Anderson's feature film debut, and he also wrote the screenplay, which began as a short film called 'Coffee and Cigarettes.'

Description: Centered on the underground world of high-stakes poker, this film captures the tension, strategy, and psychological warfare of professional gambling. The focus on skill, bluffing, and risk-taking is a strong parallel.

Fact: The movie is credited with helping to spark the poker boom of the early 2000s, as it popularized Texas Hold'em among casual players.

Description: This neo-noir film follows a writer who takes a job as a casino croupier and becomes entangled in the seedy underworld of gambling. The cool, detached style and insider's view of casino life are notable similarities.

Fact: The film was a sleeper hit that helped launch Clive Owen's international career, despite its initially limited release.

Description: A gripping portrayal of gambling addiction, this film follows a bank manager who embezzles money to fuel his high-stakes gambling habit. The psychological depth and consequences of compulsive gambling are key elements.

Fact: The movie is based on the true story of Brian Molony, a Canadian bank employee who stole millions to gamble in Atlantic City casinos.

Description: Set in a fading Las Vegas casino, this film explores the darker side of gambling through the story of a man whose bad luck is exploited to cool down winning streaks. The gritty atmosphere and themes of luck and manipulation are prominent.

Fact: The film's unique premise was inspired by the old Vegas superstition about 'coolers'—people believed to bring bad luck to gamblers on a winning streak.

Description: This film revolves around the high-stakes world of casino gambling, focusing on a group of MIT students who use card counting to win big in Las Vegas. The tension, risk, and psychological aspects of gambling are central themes.

Fact: The movie is based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, though it takes significant creative liberties. The card counting techniques shown were simplified for cinematic purposes.

Description: This film explores the self-destructive spiral of a literature professor with a severe gambling addiction. The intense focus on the psychological toll and high-risk behavior is a central theme.

Fact: The movie is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, but with a significantly updated setting and more focus on the protagonist's internal struggles.

Description: A road trip film centered around two gamblers chasing a big score, this movie captures the camaraderie, desperation, and thrill of gambling. The character-driven narrative and exploration of luck and fate are key elements.

Fact: The film was shot on location in several Southern states, giving it an authentic regional flavor that adds to its unique atmosphere.