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The best TV shows and movies about casinos on Netflix

January 3, 2025

Casinos are full of excitement… not only to play at, but to build stories around, as they’re all about high stakes, glamour, risk, and a fair bit of drama. Unsurprisingly, over the years, there have been lots of different movies and TV shows about them – many of which you can now stream and watch as and when you want.

Netflix has plenty of casino action, from thrilling heists to more serious dramas and even a few lighthearted comedies thrown in. Here are some that are well worth a watch.

Casino (1995)

First has to be one of Martin Scorsese’s biggest movies, Casino – which is a cinematic masterpiece all about the dark and gritty world of Las Vegas gambling in the 1970s. The film features a serious roster of A-listers like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone and is all about the rise and fall of a mob-controlled casino empire.

The film shines thanks to Scorsese’s brilliant storytelling with award-worthy performances –  particularly from Sharon Stone, who actually won a Golden Globe for her role.

Molly’s Game (2017)

This one is a more modern film, and it’s based on the true story of Molly Bloom who used to be an Olympic skier but turned underground poker mogul. The film famously stars Jessica Chastain who plays Molly, as she runs high-stakes poker games involving celebrities, athletes, and businessmen, before she comes to the attention of the FBI.

If you’re someone who’s more used to playing it safe online – on downloadable casino apps for Android & iOS, then this film is quite the eye-opener. It will give you a scarily fascinating look into the glamorous but dangerous world of underground poker – and is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a bit of casino and poker drama.

The Hangover (2009) (Available in some regions)

How could we not include this iconic lad’s movie… which has become a comedy classic – partly because of its unforgettable casino scene? The film is all about three friends who are trying to retrace their steps in Las Vegas after their wild bachelor party in Sin City goes a bit pear-shaped

It’s funny, more than a bit outrageous – and has the iconic Vegas backdrop makes it really stand out.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Its Many Sequels

Of course, there is the Ocean’s franchise, starting off with Ocean’s Eleven, which is all about a group of professional thieves who plot and scheme to steal from Las Vegas casinos. It has a massive A-list cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts and it’s as stylish, witty, and entertaining as its cast.

It has a clever heist plot, star performances, and is all about the glamour of Vegas casinos.

21 (2008)

Another movie inspired by a true story, this one is about a group of MIT students who have all been trained in card counting so that they can beat the odds and the dealer in blackjack. The group, led by their professor, played by Kevin Spacey, goes on a high-stakes, big-money adventure, working their way through Las Vegas casinos.

It combines suspense, strategy, and drama and gives us an interesting insight into the art of card counting.

Uncut Gems (2019)

This next one is a gritty crime thriller that stars Adam Sandler who steps away from his usual comedic persona and plays Howard Ratner, a jeweler and compulsive gambler in New York City. This is all about his high-stakes lifestyle – betting and getting into dangerous debts.

This Safdie Brothers film is tense and captivating… and we get to see Sandler as we’ve never seen him before as he brings to life all the intensity and unpredictability of gambling.

Army of the Dead (2021)

Lastly, we have something that little bit different. Zack Snyder takes us into a zombie film that’s set in a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas. A group of mercenaries plan to steal from a casino while having to navigate a whole load of zombies.

This film has a cool and unusual blend of casino heist and zombie apocalypse – which means it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before. It looks good, is packed with action and is all about casinos – but not as we know them!

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