Get ready to dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of high-stakes gambling with this curated list of action films. These movies not only showcase the thrill of the game but also weave in intense action sequences, making them a perfect blend for those who love both genres. Whether it's poker, blackjack, or roulette, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the characters as they navigate through danger and deception in pursuit of the ultimate win.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Description: Steve McQueen stars as a young poker player who challenges the legendary Lancey Howard in a high-stakes game. It's a classic tale of ambition and the quest for greatness in the gambling world.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Richard Jessup and features one of the most iconic poker games in cinema.


Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Description: Guy Ritchie's debut film features a group of friends who get involved in a high-stakes card game, leading to a series of comedic and violent misadventures. It's a wild ride through London's underworld.
Fact: The film was made on a relatively low budget but became a cult hit, launching Ritchie's career.


Rounders (1998)
Description: This film dives into the underground world of high-stakes poker, where a law student must return to the game to help his friend pay off a debt. It's a classic tale of redemption, risk, and the allure of the game.
Fact: Matt Damon learned to play poker for the role, and the film has become a cult classic among poker enthusiasts.


Croupier (1998)
Description: Clive Owen plays a struggling writer who takes a job as a croupier in a casino, where he gets entangled in a heist. The film explores themes of identity and the allure of the casino world.
Fact: The film was shot in London's Empire Casino, giving it an authentic feel.


Ocean's Eleven (2001)
Description: While not solely about gambling, this film involves a heist at a casino, where the characters use their skills in deception and gambling to pull off the ultimate score.
Fact: The film was a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie and revitalized the heist genre in the 21st century.


The Cooler (2003)
Description: A casino "cooler" whose bad luck is used to dampen the winning streaks of gamblers finds love, which changes his luck and puts him at odds with the casino's management.
Fact: Alec Baldwin won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film.


Casino Royale (2006)
Description: James Bond takes on Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game to thwart a terrorist plot. This film blends espionage with the intensity of gambling, making it a standout in the Bond franchise.
Fact: Daniel Craig's first outing as James Bond, and the film features one of the longest poker games ever depicted in cinema.


21 (2008)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows MIT students who use their math skills to count cards and win big in Las Vegas. It's a thrilling ride through the world of blackjack and the consequences of greed.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "Bringing Down the House" by Ben Mezrich, which detailed the real-life MIT Blackjack Team.


The Card Counter (2021)
Description: A former military interrogator turned professional gambler seeks redemption by teaching a young man the ways of the game. It's a slow-burn thriller with a focus on poker.
Fact: Directed by Paul Schrader, known for his work on "Taxi Driver," this film delves into themes of guilt and atonement.


The Gambler (2014)
Description: Mark Wahlberg stars as a literature professor with a gambling addiction, whose life spirals out of control as he seeks to win back his losses. It's a gritty look at the dark side of gambling.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, which starred James Caan.
