Top 10 Drama Films About Gambling Addiction

Description: Steve McQueen plays a young poker player aiming to beat the legendary "The Man." The film explores the allure of gambling and the personal stakes involved in the pursuit of greatness.

Fact: The film was one of the first to depict poker with such detail and has influenced many poker films that followed.

Description: George Segal and Elliott Gould star as two gamblers whose lives revolve around the next big win. The film captures the camaraderie and the destructive nature of gambling addiction with humor and pathos.

Fact: Robert Altman directed this film, known for his unique approach to storytelling and character interaction.

Description: James Caan stars as a college professor with a gambling problem, whose life spirals out of control. This original version provides a raw look at addiction, contrasting with the 2014 remake.

Fact: The screenplay was written by James Toback, who himself had a gambling problem, lending authenticity to the narrative.

Description: Paul Thomas Anderson's directorial debut follows a seasoned gambler who takes a young man under his wing, teaching him the ins and outs of the gambling world. It's a story of mentorship, but also of the darker side of gambling addiction.

Fact: This was Anderson's first feature film, and it showcases his early talent for complex character studies.

Description: Matt Damon and Edward Norton star in this tale of poker players navigating the high-stakes world of underground gambling. While not solely about addiction, it delves into the compulsive nature of gambling and its impact on personal relationships.

Fact: The film has become a cult classic among poker enthusiasts and has inspired many to take up the game.

Description: Clive Owen plays a struggling writer who becomes a croupier in a London casino. His immersion into the gambling world leads him down a path of moral ambiguity and personal addiction.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence, which is rare, allowing for a more natural progression of character development.

Description: Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a bank manager who embezzles millions to feed his gambling addiction. This film is based on a true story, offering a chilling look at how far one can go to satisfy their gambling urges.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Brian Molony, a Canadian bank employee who embezzled over $10 million to gamble.

Description: William H. Macy plays a "cooler" in a casino, whose bad luck is used to dampen the winning streaks of other gamblers. However, when he falls in love, his luck changes, leading to a cascade of events that explore the depths of gambling addiction.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Alec Baldwin's performance.

Description: Mark Wahlberg stars as a literature professor with a gambling problem that spirals out of control, leading him to borrow money from dangerous people. This film captures the essence of gambling addiction through its portrayal of desperation and the allure of risk.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, which starred James Caan. Wahlberg's character is based on the real-life experiences of screenwriter William Monahan.

Description: Jessica Chastain stars as Molly Bloom, who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game. While not directly about addiction, it shows the seductive power of gambling and its consequences.

Fact: The film is based on the memoir by Molly Bloom, detailing her real-life experiences in the underground poker scene.