Top 5 Must-Watch Betting Movies to Add to Your List

Unexpected twists, gripping gameplay of the risk-takers and thrill-seekers, action and adventure—name better themes for a classic betting movie. Gambling and different aspects of it have long inspired the film industry, giving us a wealth of fun and action-packed materials to watch on a chill Saturday evening. 

Filmmakers always strived to show punters’ lives from the inside, tell their story, and turn it into a movie that deserves to be watched. The number of decent films on the theme goes way beyond our list, but this cheat sheet with top ones will surely come in handy to kick off. 

If you need a quick-start guide, crave some inspiration before placing the next bet on the online betting platform, or just want new ideas for a movie night, here are some of the best gambling movies to add to your list.  

1. The Color of Money (1986)

Jazz up your movie night and be ready to get starstruck by the terrific performance of Paul Newman and Tom Cruise. They both starred in the Color of Money back in 1986. It’s yet another classic stunner that shows how much the industry has evolved. It was a whole another universe in the 80s, and the betting world was not just a click away. 

The movie tells the story of a pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson who finds the young yet talented pool player Vincent and teaches him how to be a hustler. The professional performance of the star duo perfectly portrays the craving of the punters to keep their identity and pride in the pursuit of money. His performance in the movie even brought Newman an Academy Award. The film is among the classics and definitely deserves a chance if you want to go back to where it all started.

2. Eight Men Out (1988)

Sports aficionados have probably heard of the most gambling films that were based on real-life major sporting events. Among them is Eight Men Out, which is themed around the scandal that broke the whole nation’s heart. It was one of the most infamous controversies of American sports history back in 1919 during the World Series. The plotline develops around the eight players of the Chicago White Sox baseball team that earned themselves lifetime bans from MLB for their involvement in the fix. Although the team was being favored, they lost eight games. 

Among the reasons we love the movie is that it goes deeper instead of condemning the players, who pretty much threw the games. It strives to show the world the real reason behind the scandal, which was Charles Comiskey—the owner of the team for mistreating the players. The film depicts the lack of regulations, insurance, and mutual integrity inside the industry thriving from the outside back in 1919. It also shows how two industries are intertwined and affect each other. You can clearly see from the movie how the world of sports betting has evolved ever since. 

Although it already can be listed as one of the best gambling movies, there’s yet Another reason to add the movie to your to-watch list. It is the outstanding performance of stars such as John Cusack and Charlie Sheen. 

3. Two for the Money (2005)

If you’re in the mood for a masterful blend of drama, thriller, crime fiction, and sports betting, we’ve got just the movie for you. Two for the Money might not be hitting the movie charts when it comes to the plot, but it does have a decent place among the gambling movies. 

The movie is based on a true story. After suffering a severe career-ending injury, Brandon Land—the former college football star, tries his sharp skills and luck as a sports tipster. His brilliant skills and accuracy open the doors to the real business world of sports betting. Making leaving on handicapping football games, Brandon manages to catch the attention of one of the biggest names in the industry—Walter Abrams. Combining his skills with the power of the biggest sports consulting company in the US, Brandon manages to bring whopping amounts of money to Walter. But skyrocketing fame and income that depended on Brandon’s hunch made them both hit rock bottom at some point. 

The main takeaway from the movie is the feeling, struggles, and transformations of the characters during their journey. 

However bad the reviews of some movie critiques are, Two for the Money has all the potential to catch your eye with Matthew McConaughey and Al Pacino. Although we agree that we’d expect more from the plotline, it’s still a decent option for sports betting enthusiasts. 

4. Casino Royale 2006

To quench your craving for adventure, be sure to check out Casino Royale. This incredible James Bond flick is a perfect blend of drama, romance, and thrills. Besides, name a better poker movie idea than Daniel Craig going all-in-or-nothing in the poker game wearing his fancy James Bond suit. The story follows James Bond in his mission of taking on Le Chiffre—the private banker who’s behind the finances of the world’s terrorist organizations. Le Chiffre sets up a poker game at Casino Royale in Montenegro, and winning the game is his last chance in the world of terrorism. Bond is sent to prevent Le Chiffre from winning at the same time keeping his partner safe. If you enjoy a movie full of romance, intrigue, and excitement, the James Bond movie Casino Royale is the perfect pick for you.

5. Mississippi Grind (2015) 

Another pick for a gabbling movie night is Mississippi Grind. It’s hands down one of the best movies about gambling since it shows all the gamut of ups and downs of a punter. It’s all about how a small-time hustler can turn his fortunes around. It follows the story of a gambler who needs a big win to give him one last shot at success. 

While dealing with financial hardships and trying to find a way out, Gerry finds an enthusiastic young poker player Curtis. Considering his new friend a lucky charm, Gerry set off on an adventurous road trip to test his fortune and friendship. 

The cast did a decent job, so even if the storyline isn’t exactly what you expected, the movie is still an excellent pick for entertainment. 

Start your betting journey off right with enough inspiration. There are a great number of movies you can go for, but these will help you see how the industry has evolved in recent years. 

If you’ve watched the movies and want to try your skills in the betting world, you have it all at hand. Just check out our pick for the best online betting platform and place your bet within minutes.