5 Casino Movies of the 90’s that Everyone Should Watch Once

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5 Casino Movies of the 90’s that Everyone Should Watch Once

Casino movies allow us to see the glamorous world of gambling from many perspectives. Be it through the eyes of a gambler, casino owners and employees, or even law enforcers at times. The 1990s were especially a defining era for these films, which explored the multi-faceted nature of the casino industry.

The casino industry has since evolved into something that might have seemed impossible in the past. The Internet has allowed the industry to shift to the digital realm and provide the best online casino games to people from the comfort of their home. However, the 90’s staple movies in our list have preserved the history and essence of gambling way before it was taken over by the digital era. 

So, in this article, we have compiled a list of the 5 best casino movies from the 90s that you should definitely add to your watchlist. If you have seen these movies, revisiting them will make you appreciate the intricate storylines and nuances of the iconic characters even more.

Gambling activities and mob culture are often associated with each other. Many filmmakers have combined the two themes to create some of the best Hollywood blockbusters. Our first movie on the list is one of them. Of course, not all casino movies have Mafia elements in them, but all mob movies have some sort of gambling involved.

1. Casino (1995)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Robert De Niro, who plays a role of resourceful Mafia associate tasked with overseeing a casino in Las Vegas. The movie also features Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, and Don Rickles. With a cast synonymous with mafia characters, the film explores the complex nature of criminal enterprise.

Set in early 1970s Las Vegas, the story revolves around Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein (De Niro), who is trying to manage the casino business in a dangerous environment. Most of his problems arise when Nicky Santoro, a loose-cannon mob enforcer, played by Joe Pesci is tasked with protecting him.

2. Rounders (1998)

Rounders does a perfect job of highlighting the consequences of a severe gambling addiction. If you are fascinated by the game of poker, then this movie will offer you the experience of a lifetime. Although it opened to mixed reviews, the film quickly became a cult classic in the early 2000s, thanks to the poker boom.

Matt Damon plays Mike McDermott, a gifted poker player who must get back into gambling to pay off a huge debt. The film also features John Malkovich, Edward Norton, and Gretchen Mol. It is the story of two friends whose lives depend on winning a poker game, and John Dahl has done an excellent job directing this flick.

3. Hard Eight (1996)

Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Hard Eight is unlike the artistic films he is known for today. This directorial debut follows the life of an experienced gambler who becomes a mentor to a young homeless man.

Philip Baker Hall plays that role of a senior gambler who knows all the ins and outs of the gambling world. He is so involved with gambling that casinos are like his second home. The star-studded film also features John C. Riley, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Samuel L. Jackson. The story takes a few twists and turns, while the incredible dialogue and acting keep viewers hooked to the screen.

4. Croupier (1998)

Despite the slim chances of winning life-changing amounts of money, gamblers try out their luck and skills at casinos for that one big score. The hero of Croupier aims to find an easy way around that, and it is by robbing a casino. This 1998 British neo-noir flick is a must-see for those seeking to experience the exciting casino world without much tension involved.

Our protagonist, Clive Owen’s Jack Manfred, is a casino employee who learns a lot about the casino world by observing how bettors and his bosses operate. As the movie follows his life, the casino scenes feel real, which just keeps you wanting for more. The movie was directed by Mike Hodges and written by Paul Mayersberg.

5. Bugsy (1991)

It is nearly impossible to get tired of movies where casino themes and mob culture are tied into one. Bugsy is one of those movies, and it just has a lot to offer in this genre. Warren Beatty does an excellent job of playing the titular role, which is based on real-life mobster Bugsy Seigel.

Bugsy has but one vision, and that is to build a casino haven in Las Vegas. He is a playboy with style, and there’s also story of his romance with Virginia Hill, a Hollywood femme fatale. Directed by Barry Levinson, this masterpiece won two Academy Awards, one for the Best Art Direction and the other for Best Costume Design.