While everyone is self-isolating and staying at home, you might be struggling with what to do or watch on Netflix. After all, in many countries, all brick and mortar casinos, restaurants, schools, and stores are closed, so you might have run out of new things to watch on TV. To help you get through this challenging time, we have compiled the best gambling movies to watch during your quarantine. And if there aren’t enough movies here for you, check out this list by Robbie Davies, which is packed with some of the most epic casino-themed and gambling movies out there.
Casino Royale (2006)
The most recent James Bond movie, No Time To Die, was recently postponed due to the coronavirus, so you might be wondering how you can get your 007 fix. Casino Royale, featuring Daniel Craig as the mysterious secret agent for the first time, shows him on yet another top-secret, high-stakes mission. In this thriller, James Bond is fighting in a high stakes poker game in Montenegro. He has to fight for his life and win big in the card game against the terrorist banker, Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Will James Bond be able to succeed against the banker, save the world, and still get the girl?
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is a suave, charismatic man who seems to have all the answers. Less than a day out of prison after serving time for thievery, Ocean already has a plan for his next heist. He immediately contacts his partner-in-crime, Rusty (Brad Pitt), to shake down three of the biggest Las Vegas casinos owned by gambling mogul Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Ocean and Rusty recruit a rag-tag team of 9 fellow criminals to assist in the mission. This all-star cast delivers a thrilling story of betting it all against the house in an attempt to swindle the casinos out of a whopping $150 million.
Rain Man (1988)
Self-centered Charles Sanford “Charlie” Babbitt has never cared about anything other than himself. When Charlie was still a young teenager, he took his father’s Buick convertible, and when the car was reported stolen, Charlie spent two days in jail. Because of this, his relationship with his father has always been difficult, and they become estranged. During this time, Charlie’s father dies. Charlies, of course, is expecting to inherit everything, but quickly discovers that he will only get the car and a bed of roses, while the rest of the $3 million fortune will be going to someone else, who turns out to be Charlie’s previously unknown brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). Raymond, an autist man who lives at the Walbrook Institute, is kidnapped by Charlie, who then takes him on a trip down the West Coast. As they visit casinos in Las Vegas, Charlie sees a way that he can exploit the talents of his brother. The journey ends up changing the two of them in ways they could never have anticipated.
Vegas Vacation (1997)
While I personally am not the biggest fan of the Christmas Vacation movies because of the overtop acting and ridiculous nature of the plotlines, this installment might be the perfect movie to distract you from the problems of the coronavirus. In Vegas Vacation, the Griswold are up to their usual mischief as they head to Vegas. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is back as the bumbling head of the family. Of course, he immediately starts losing money at the blackjack tables. Meanwhile, his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), falls for a lounge performer, Wayne Newton, played by himself. Can the family keep it together and get out of Las Vegas without losing their sanity or the entire contents of their wallet?
Lucky You (2007)
Remember when the World Series of Poker was super popular? This movie is made in the height of that craze. Directed by Curtis Hanson, the film follows the talented poker player, Huck Cheever (Eric Bana), who must juggle a passionate love affair with trying to win the world championship game in Las Vegas. However, if he wants to have a chance of winning the grand prize, he must do battle against his estranged father (Robert Duvall), who is one of the biggest poker legends. Will Cheever be successful in this ultimate showdown?
21 (2008)
Based on the true, if slightly embellished story told by Ben Mezrich, 21 is about his life as a member of the MIT Blackjack Team. In the movie, Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) joined the team as a way to make a little bit of extra cash to pay for his mounting tuition bills. Professor Mickey Rosa (Kevin Spacey) leads the team and shows them how to use their exceptional math skills to count cards in Las Vegas casinos. The team is a little too successful, and they start to rack in more money than they would ever need. Campbell is blinded by the money and the attention of an attractive teammate (Kate Bosworth). As Campbell keeps racking up the money, he attracts the notice of casino enforcer, Cole Williams (Laurence Fishbourne). Will Campbell be able to get out with his life without losing it all?
Let It Ride (1989)
This comedy is about a gambling addict (Richard Dreyfuss) who never seems to hit it big, until one day, he wins every bet he makes at the horse races. Motivated by his win, he can’t stop, and he keeps pushing harder and harder to win even more. This movie is the perfect 80’s movie to keep you distracted through your self-isolation. It is a comedic movie with great timing that has a strong supporting cast like Jennifer Tilly, Teri Garr, and David Johansen.
Casino (1995)
Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci have teamed up together to create some truly legendary films, and Casino is no exception. In this particular movie, it takes place in the 1970s when Vegas seemed to have no rules. It follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a Jewish-American expert gambler who will be overseeing the day-to-day operations of a casino and hotel in Las Vegas. Nicholas “Nicky” Santoro (Joe Pesci), a friend of Ace, and Ginna McKenna (Sharon Stone), Ace’s wife and a hustler, tag along and help with the difficult job that Ace has to complete. With the mafia interfering at the casino and the breakdown of his relationships, Ace has his work cut out for him.
If you are still struggling with something to watch, check out these top picks of the month to keep you amused while you are staying safe at home.