10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Lay the Favorite (2012)

Description: This classic shares with 'Lay the Favorite' a love for gambling and con games, though set in a different era. Both films feature elaborate schemes, unexpected twists, and charming rogues as protagonists.

Fact: Won 7 Oscars including Best Picture. The ragtime music became hugely popular. Paul Newman and Robert Redford's second collaboration after 'Butch Cassidy'.

Description: Like 'Lay the Favorite', 'Casino' explores the glitz and grit of gambling, though on a much larger scale. Both films depict the behind-the-scenes operations of gambling establishments and the colorful characters who run them.

Fact: Based on the real-life story of the Tangiers Casino. Sharon Stone was nominated for an Oscar for her role. Scorsese used over 100 real Vegas locals as extras.

Description: Both 'Rounders' and 'Lay the Favorite' dive into the high-stakes poker and gambling scenes, featuring protagonists who are deeply immersed in this risky lifestyle. The films share a gritty, realistic portrayal of the gambling underworld.

Fact: Matt Damon and Edward Norton learned poker from professionals. The film inspired many to take up poker seriously. John Malkovich's Russian accent became iconic.

Description: While more about heists than gambling, 'Ocean's Eleven' shares with 'Lay the Favorite' a slick, stylish portrayal of Las Vegas and characters who thrive on beating the system. Both films have an ensemble cast and a playful tone.

Fact: The cast played pranks on each other during filming. Julia Roberts was paid $20 million - the highest salary ever for an actress at the time. The Bellagio fountain scene took 3 nights to film.

Description: Like 'Lay the Favorite', '21' revolves around gambling and the thrill of beating the system. Both films feature protagonists who use their skills to gain an edge in casinos, blending drama with the excitement of risk-taking.

Fact: Based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team. Kevin Spacey, who plays the professor, also produced the film. The real team won millions counting cards in Las Vegas.

Description: This film shares with 'Lay the Favorite' themes of excess, risk-taking, and the moral ambiguities of making easy money. Both feature charismatic leads who live life on the edge in their respective worlds of finance and gambling.

Fact: The real Jordan Belfort has a cameo in the film. The famous 'Lemmon 714' scene was improvised. It's Martin Scorsese's highest-grossing film.

Description: Similar to 'Lay the Favorite' in its exploration of the gambling and financial worlds, 'The Big Short' delves into high-stakes betting against the housing market. Both films showcase unconventional characters navigating risky ventures with humor and tension.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Director Adam McKay used celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts. Christian Bale's character is based on real-life investor Michael Burry.

Description: While about magic rather than gambling, this film shares with 'Lay the Favorite' themes of illusion, risk-taking, and outsmarting the system. Both feature ensemble casts and high-energy pacing.

Fact: The cast trained with real magicians. The card-throwing scene took 100 takes. Jesse Eisenberg performed some real magic tricks in the film.

Description: Like 'Lay the Favorite', 'Focus' blends romance with the world of professional gambling and con artistry. Both films feature charismatic leads navigating relationships while immersed in high-stakes schemes.

Fact: Will Smith learned real con techniques for his role. The football game scene used 55,000 real extras. Margot Robbie did her own pickpocketing stunts.

Description: This film shares with 'Lay the Favorite' a focus on the underground world of gambling and the charismatic figures who operate within it. Both stories are based on true events and explore themes of risk, addiction, and the allure of fast money.

Fact: Jessica Chastain trained with poker players for her role. The real Molly Bloom consulted on the film. Aaron Sorkin made his directorial debut with this movie.