10 Movies & Shows Like The Gambler (2014)

Description: A classic poker film that pits a young, ambitious player against a seasoned veteran. The tension and psychological warfare at the poker table are central, highlighting the blend of skill, luck, and nerve required in high-stakes gambling.

Fact: The movie's climactic poker game was meticulously choreographed to ensure authenticity, with input from professional poker players.

Description: While primarily a con artist film, it involves high-stakes gambling and elaborate schemes to outwit opponents. The blend of suspense, strategy, and the allure of easy money resonates with gambling themes.

Fact: The film's iconic ragtime piano score, composed by Marvin Hamlisch, won an Academy Award and became synonymous with the movie's nostalgic, Depression-era setting.

Description: A buddy film set in the world of gambling, it captures the thrill and despair of betting, as two friends navigate wins and losses together. The film's realistic portrayal of gambling culture and its impact on personal relationships is notable.

Fact: The movie features real-life gamblers in supporting roles, adding to its authentic feel. It was one of the first films to use an eight-track sound system, enhancing the casino atmosphere.

Description: Set in the glitzy world of Las Vegas casinos, this film examines the dark underbelly of gambling, including corruption, greed, and the destructive impact of addiction. The lavish yet dangerous lifestyle of the characters is a key focus.

Fact: The movie's depiction of Las Vegas in the 1970s and 1980s is based on real events and people, including Frank Rosenthal, who ran the Stardust, Fremont, and Hacienda casinos for the Chicago Outfit.

Description: This film delves into the world of professional gambling and the mentorship between an experienced gambler and a down-on-his-luck protege. The themes of loyalty, trust, and the harsh realities of the gambling life are explored.

Fact: The movie was originally titled 'Sydney' and was Paul Thomas Anderson's feature film debut, showcasing his signature style of character-driven storytelling.

Description: A gripping tale of underground poker, this movie delves into the allure and dangers of high-stakes gambling. The protagonist's struggle with addiction and the seductive nature of the game mirrors the emotional and psychological battles faced by many gamblers.

Fact: The film is credited with helping to spark the poker boom in the early 2000s. Many professional poker players cite it as their inspiration for taking up the game.

Description: Based on a true story, this film portrays the devastating effects of gambling addiction, as a bank manager embezzles millions to feed his habit. The psychological depth and realism in depicting addiction are striking.

Fact: The real-life figure the movie is based on, Brian Molony, embezzled over $10 million from his bank to fund his gambling addiction, primarily at Atlantic City casinos.

Description: This film explores the concept of luck and its role in gambling, with a protagonist whose mere presence can cool down a hot streak at the tables. The themes of fate, redemption, and the casino's manipulative environment are prominent.

Fact: The term 'cooler' refers to a person employed by casinos to stop players who are on a winning streak, a practice that was once common in Las Vegas.

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

Fact: The movie is based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students and ex-students who beat casinos at blackjack. The film's blackjack scenes were shot at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Description: A road trip movie centered around gambling, it captures the highs and lows of betting, the camaraderie between gamblers, and the relentless pursuit of the next big win. The emotional and financial stakes are always high.

Fact: The film's improvisational style gives it a raw, authentic feel, with many scenes feeling unscripted and natural.