The best films set in the world of high-stakes entertainment

8^th April 2025

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

8 April 2025

There are some movies that every aspiring player should watch once before they start their gaming journey. Below is a list of ten such movies, which are all-time favourites of the best game players and that every newbie should watch.

Casino

• Released On: November 22, 1995
• Star Actors: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci
• Current IMDb Rating: 8.2

The 1995 movie by Martin Scorsese takes viewers to Las Vegas, portrayed as a hub of power and spectacle. In one scene, Ace Rothstein (De Niro) explains the inner workings of the entertainment complex he runs. The film is rated 8.2 on IMDb, making it one of the most highly reviewed movies set in this world.

Ocean’s Eleven

• Released On: December 7, 2001
• Star Actors: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts
• Current IMDb Rating: 7.7

This heist film captures the charm of Las Vegas with its elegant and stylish portrayal of high-end entertainment venues, with games like slots. The standout scene is the heist itself, where the team carries out an elaborate plan to infiltrate three major establishments simultaneously.

21

• Released On: March 28, 2008
• Star Actors: Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth
• Current IMDb Rating: 6.8

This movie is based on a true story and is notable for its focus on card counting and strategic play. It explores techniques that, while not illegal, require precision and discipline. The scene where the MIT students win big at the table is a thrilling depiction of skill and risk in a high-stakes environment.

The Hangover

• Released On: June 5, 2009
• Star Actors: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms
• Current IMDb Rating: 7.7

This comedy hilariously portrays the chaos of a Vegas bachelor party gone wrong. The scene where Alan uses card counting to win is both funny and a nod to gaming.

Rounders

• Released On: September 11, 1998
• Star Actors: Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich
• Current IMDb Rating: 7.3

There are two types of operations in this world, one legal and the other illegal. This film focuses on an underground poker house. The depiction of high-stakes tension in various scenes makes it a compelling watch.

Croupier

• Released On: June 25, 1998
• Star Actors: Clive Owen, Gina McKee, Alex Kingston
• Current IMDb Rating: 7.0

This British film focuses on the life of a dealer rather than the games themselves. It offers insight into the mindset of someone working on the other side of the table, highlighting the dealer’s interactions with various patrons in a high-pressure environment.

The Cooler

• Released On: November 26, 2003
• Star Actors: William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Alec Baldwin
• Current IMDb Rating: 6.9

The term “cooler” refers to someone believed to bring bad luck in high-stakes settings. This movie centres on such a character, exploring the impact of reputation and superstition in pressure-filled environments. But be careful who gets labelled a cooler – they might not take it lightly.

Bugsy

• Released On: December 13, 1991
• Star Actors: Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Harvey Keitel
• Current IMDb Rating: 6.8

This biographical film tells the story of Bugsy Siegel and the creation of Las Vegas. The scenes showing the construction of the Flamingo Hotel capture the vision and ambition behind the city’s iconic entertainment landscape.

Mississippi Grind

• Released On: September 25, 2015
• Star Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn, Sienna Miller
• Current IMDb Rating: 6.4

Addiction is a serious issue that has affected many lives. This is why numerous organisations exist to support prevention and recovery. A 2015 film addresses this topic, depicting how compulsive behaviour linked to high-risk environments can lead to harmful consequences.

The Card Counter

• Released On: September 10, 2021
• Star Actors: Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan
• Current IMDb Rating: 6.2

Psychological pressure in high-stakes settings can take a serious toll. This is the focus of the movie, which is a compelling watch for those interested in the mental side of strategic play. One specific scene where William Tell (Isaac) counts cards with calm precision is particularly fascinating to see.

The editorial unit