There’s a certain thrill that goes with casino movies you won’t get anywhere else. Gambling films capture the exciting feeling of taking risks when putting down bets at the tables. When you pair that anticipation with some big gun action, you end up with a piece of art that’s sure to earn big bucks and glamour.
Five of the Highest-Grossing Casino Movies
Hollywood knows what the people want, and it’s constantly churning up blockbusters that keep hearts thumping. Casino movies rake in the moolah with their interesting characters and storylines. It should come as no surprise that they enjoy great success at the box office.
Casino Royale (2006)
A movie with James Bond is glitzy and action-packed. When you throw in some casino scenes, his adventures become even riskier than before. This British spy really has a list of qualities worth killing for, doesn’t he?
Casino Royale had a budget of $150 million and took in a massive $616.5 million. It was the fourth highest-grossing film of 2006. Until Skyfall came out, it was the highest-grossing movie in the James Bond series.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
When a movie has a beautiful storyline and is filled with stars such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt, it’s set to be a success. Ocean’s Eleven is about the heist of the century, targeting The Bellagio, the MGM Grand, and the Mirage casinos.
This 117-minute film came in with a budget of $85 million and earned a worldwide gross of $450.7 million. Critics all the way from Rotten Tomatoes to Entertainment Weekly loved it. The only person who might give this movie a thumbs down is Terry Benedict himself.
21 (2008)
Nerds from MIT aren’t the first people you think of when you picture shady characters cheating a casino. However, that’s what they attempt to do, and you’ll stand surprised when you see how good they are at it.
Based on a true story, 21 was a box office success, costing $35 million to make and earning a nice $159.8 million. However, this film had its share of controversy. The producers received criticism from many sides for whitewashing its cast and ignoring the fact that the actual MIT students were all Asian-Americans.
Casino (1995)
Martin Scorsese’s tale of greed, power, and deception is a masterpiece. It shines a light on the mafia’s real-life involvement in the casino business back in its heyday. You’ll have a hard time taking your eyes off this piece, as it stars Robert de Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci.
Coming in at a budget of about $40 million, Casino made $116.1 million globally. Critics reacted positively to the movie, praising Ms. Stone’s exceptional performance, which won her many well-deserved accolades.
The Hangover (2009)
When you’re making a list of the highest-earning casino movies, it’s difficult to forgo a film that takes place during a bachelor weekend in Las Vegas. While The Hangover’s central premise isn’t about gambling per se, who can forget that hilarious card counting scene at the blackjack table?
This 2009 film, which was the first installment in a successful series, cost $35 million to produce and raked in an impressive $469.3 million at the box office. Reviews on The Hangover have been primarily positive, with it earning an approval rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Bring Out the Popcorn!
If you’re planning a casino-themed cinematic adventure, you won’t be disappointed with this lineup. Brace yourself. Each of these films will give you an itch to visit a casino to see if you can come close to the biggest Vegas wins of all time.
