There are so many greats amongst our list of gambling movies on Netflix. If you like the rush you get when you play at online casinos, you’re sure to enjoy these titles on your home movie nights.
Every effort has been made to accurately list those gambling films currently live on Netflix in Australia and is correct at the time of writing. We’ve ordered our list by highest IMDB rating to the lowest.
And as these trips to the casino – whether online or land-based – have taught us, sometimes the risk is worth the reward, and other times it’s not the case. While visiting the likes of Sin City or St. Tropez to gamble and experience this isn’t always possible, gambling movies you can watch via the online streaming giant, Netflix, can certainly offer you some similar thrills.
So whether you’re bankroll is slightly limited at the moment, or you simply like the stories to inspire your own pursuits, you can very much get your gambling fix while watching some of the best gambling movies on Netflix from our list.
List of the Top Gambling Movies on Netflix
As a forewarning, there may be some spoilers in the short reviews of our favourite gambling movies Netflix plays. Just read our list and choose the gambling movie you want to watch next. However, if you can’t decide, we recommend starting to watch them all from number one to the end of the list.
1 – Casino (1995)
One of the classic gambling movies on Netflix is Casino (1995). Even today, the Martin Scorsese masterpiece is admired by millions. Despite it not being the highest grossing movie in our chart (at $116,112,375 worldwide), it’s one of those films most people have seen – or have seen clips from.
Leading the 8.2 out of 10 star IMDB rated crime drama, you have Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. Prepare to experience Las Vegas as you’ve never seen it before.
The Casino’s story follows Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro who swap mob life for being casino managers. How they deal with the day-to-day situations of their job is both unique and entertaining. Everything goes well until Ace falls for the beautiful Ginger, a female hustler. At the same time, Nicky gets embroiled with violence and drugs.
In a tale of greed, deception, money, power and murder, find out if they are lucky enough to fix their lives, or whether Vegas leads to the end of the road.
2 – James Bond: Casino Royale (2006)
No best casino movies list would be complete without the respected Casino Royale (2006) starring Daniel Craig in his first outing as James Bond. The British secret agent, who is famed for his charm, style and fighting abilities, thrives in high-risk, high-stakes situations.
Casino Royale (2006) is not only a 007 fan favourite but one of those iconic Netflix gambling movies you just have to see. Not to be confused with David Niven’s Casino Royale (1967) that is considered a spy spoof, with our seventh James Bond in Daniel Craig, you follow him after earning his 00 status and licence to kill, on his first mission as 007.
Bond is tasked with taking down a private banker who funds terrorists in a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale, Montenegro. Directed by Martin Campbell, this 8 out of 10 IMDB rated movie also stars Eva Green (as Vesper Lynd) and Judi Dench (as M), and amassed $616,501,619 at box offices worldwide.
On assignment at the luxury resort, the poker game holds not only a glimpse into the gambling world, lives also depend on it. Win the poker game, catch Le Chiffre, and save the world is 007’s mission.
3 – Ocean’s 11 (2001) & Ocean’s 13 (2007)
Ocean’s Eleven (2001) is the first in a series of three movies that follow the pursuits of Danny Ocean’s team of thieves. This 7.7 out of 10 star IMDB rated crime thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh is not just one of the best casino movies on Netflix, but is also found in every gambling or casino movie listing there is.
In their first heist, the eleven theives plan to rob three casinos at the same time. In the build-up to the heist you get to see how the gaming floor works, the casino vaults, and even some tips on poker bluffing from Danny Ocean himself (played by George Clooney).
Starring Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia as well as a host of other great actors, Ocean’s 11 does not disappoint, recording gross worldwide box office sales of $450,717,150.
In the third instalment of the franchise, Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) delivers yet again a movie about casinos and winning, as well as revenge. Danny and his gang are back on the fabulous Las Vegas strip as their friend Ruben almost died when his business partner stole everything from him.
While Ruben recovers, Ocean’s gang plan how to bankrupt the bad guy. The plan involves bringing down the reputation of the 5-star hotel he owns, making every player in the casino a winner, and even faking an earthquake. Despite Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) rating only 6.9 stars out of 10 on IMDB, it’s one of the best movies set in the casino world, and rounds off the trilogy nicely.
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4 – Molly’s Game (2017)
The next on our list of gambling and casino movies on Netflix is Molly’s Game (2017). The film follows the true story of Molly Bloom, played by the sensational Jessica Chastain.
Near the pinnacle of skiing, reaching Olympic-level, she was unfulfilled. She decides to turn her hand to the profitable running of the most exclusive high-stakes poker games in the world. In doing so, Molly’s greater wealth and even higher status attracts unwanted FBI attention.
The only gambling movie on our Netflix list with a female lead, director Aaron Sorkin depicts the unfamiliar world of the highest rollers powerfully in his cast selection, which also includes Idris Elba and Kevin Costner.
With only her criminal defence lawyer on her side, Molly is a character most viewers will side with. The 7.4 out of 10 star IMDB rated biographical drama grossed $59,284,015 worldwide too – no small change either.
5 – Rounders (1998)
Matt Damon, Edward Norton and John Malkovich feature in John Dahl’s Rounders (1998) – one of the most awe-inspiring gambling movies on Netflix. The 7.3 out of 10 star IMDB rated, $22,912,409-grossing crime drama is one of those gambling movies with a rollercoaster of a story.
The story sees Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), a Law major at university who has a natural gift for playing poker, lose a huge amount of money in an illegal gambling room to an unsavoury Teddy KGB (John Malkovich).
This debt is Mike’s first major problem. Then his best friend leaves prison and also ends up in debt as a result of a poker game. Now having to find a way to pay off two debts, graduate and keep his girlfriend, Mike’s life becomes a little more complicated.
The naturally gifted gambler’s only support comes in the form of his university professor who advises him to pursue his dreams and money. Mike hones his gifts to win enough money against Teddy KGB to take him to join the big leagues in Las Vegas.
6 – Croupier (1998)
One of the lesser known gambling movies Netflix shows is the Croupier (1998). The biographical crime drama follows a young writer desperate to create a bestseller. In the meantime, his father helps him secure a job as a croupier in a small casino.
Jack (Clive Owen) dives head-first into this familiar world of gambling, and not before long he becomes one of the best croupiers at the casino.
Throughout the movie, Jack gives us a glimpse into his personal life, in which he breaks several moral and casino codes. We learn about his relationship with his wife, a female colleague and even a player at the casino. All the while, he works hard on his novel and seeks to find a publisher.
Billed as a crime drama on IMDB and rated 7.1 out of 10 stars, this Mike Hodges-directed gambling movie gives us tips from the casino game in Jack’s behind-the-scenes look into the life of a croupier. There may even be a twist or two along the way.
7 – Maverick (1994)
Since its release, Maverick (1994) has been one of the most watched comedy western movies. The $183,031,272-grossing classic is a worthy entry on our list of Netflix gambling movies to watch with IMDB rating it 7 out of 10 stars.
In the movie, Maverick (Mel Gibson) is a professional gambler who is aiming to collect the buy-in for a high stakes poker game with a $1,000,000 prize. On his journey, he meets the gorgeous Anabelle (Jodie Foster) as well as Marshal Cooper (James Garner) who are also on their way to the same tournament.
With various comic mishaps and challenges en route, Maverick fights for his life more than once. As we all know large amounts of money can attract the wrong kind of people.
He does enter the poker tournament to play for the $1,000,000 prize. Invested in the fate of the main characters, you’ll laugh with them and immerse yourself in the thrill that high stakes games such as this one provide. The movie ends with an unexpected twist and a pile of money for… (watch and find out).
8 – 21 (2008)
Any list of gambling films on Netflix wouldn’t be complete without the blackjack movie, 21 (2018). MIT is known as a place with the brightest minds are drawn. Though the brightest minds still have to pay their tuition fees somehow. Ben (Jim Sturgess) is a mathematical prodigy whose talent gets noticed by his teacher Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey).
Micky allows Ben to learn how to count cards during a blackjack game. After honing his card counting skills, he and his MIT blackjack team hit the casinos of Las Vegas. Using a secret code, the group are able to keep one step ahead of the casino security and the other players.
The money starts pouring in – like it did at box office for this $159,808,370-grossing movie – as the games run smoothly. Will Ben know when to quit whilst he’s ahead, or will greed corrupt him?
This Robert Luketic-directed crime thriller, which also stars Kate Bosworth, earns a respectable 6.8 stars out of 10 on IMDB.
9 – Mississippi Grind (2015)
Another comedic drama makes it onto our list of casino movies on Netflix in Mississippi Grind (2015). This gambling movie shows the friendship between serial winner Curtis (Ryan Reynolds) and gambling addict Gerry (Ben Mendelson) who constantly loses.
You follow them on a trip to various casinos and racing tracks in the goal of winning enough to pay off Gerry’s debts. Mississippi Grind features the most exciting gambling games as the pair venture the American deep south. You’ll see dog racing, poker, roulette, throw dice and more.
Will they be able to win enough so Gerry can find a route out from his gambling addiction and fix his life? In the end, will he bet on a better future for himself or stick the same old game?
With the 6.4 out of 10 star IMDB rated movie, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, only grossing $422,746 at worldwide box offices, Mississippi Grind is surely one of the most obscure and lesser seen gambling movies on Netflix.
10 – Win It All (2017)
One of the most memorable lines in Win It All (2017) is: “My name is Edward Garrett, and I am an idiot”. Another comedy on our list of gambling movies on Netflix to watch, the film depicts the funny side to a failed gambler’s life.
Eddie Garrett (Jake Johnson) agrees to look after a bag full of money for somone stuck in prison. The temptation to use the money and make more gets the better of him, and Eddie enters the gambling world and losing more than would go unnoticed.
The story of the movie makes you think about what you might do if given a bag full of money to mind for some criminals. With losing big and the owner of the bag out of prison soon, Eddie knows he has to recoup all the money – and fast!
Will Eddie catch a life-saving lucky break? The 6.2 out of 10 star IMDB rated Netflix Original explores the dark side and risk to gambling, and is gripping from start to finish.
11 – The Gambler (2014)
Mark Wahlberg (as Jim Bennett) in The Gambler (2014) portrays another incredible life story on the big screen that makes it onto our list of gambling movies Netflix has.
The Robert Wyatt-directed movie follows Jim, a literature professor and gambling addict, whose life spirals out of control. His addiction reaches a point where he borrows money not only from his mother Roberta (Jessica Lange), but from a loan shark too, to cover his losses.
Neck-deep in trouble, it looks as though Jim will never escape his debts. He realises that he must leave his life of gambling behind. Find out if his efforts pay off.
John Goodman also features in this 6.1 out of 10 star IMDB rated movie, which grossed a generous $39,280,992 at box offices worldwide.
12 – Curly Sue (1991)
Curly Sue (1991) isn’t one of your usual Netflix gambling movies, and is rather leftfield. The family comedy drama made it onto our movie list thanks to the poker skills of little Sue (Alisan Porter).
A homeless man called Bill (Jim Belushi) and his young companion Sue travel from town to town and find unique and clever ways to survive the cruel world.
Bill and Sue use a tricky method to make money, where Bill jumps in front of a car and gets hit. The result being that the driver often feels guilty and treats them both to dinner and even gives them money.
Their life is transformed when they work the same trick on successful young lawyer, Grey (Kelly Lynch). She takes them to her house until Bill recovers, and Sue wins in poker game with Grey’s maid. But is there a happily ever after?
Netflix Gambling Movies FAQs
To conclude our best gambling movies on Netflix list, we’ll answer some common questions including why Netflix shows gambling, and how you should choose your next casino or gambling film to watch on movie night.
Can I learn how to gamble or improve my gambling by watching these movies on Netflix?
Some of these Netflix gambling movies are like a tutorial on casino and table games. In 21 (2018), you can learn how to play and count cards in blackjack. You will gain some useful tips on blackjack again as well as roulette from Croupier (1998). And the other gambling movies from our list you can also learn some nuggets from.
Why are there gambling movies on Netflix?
Gambling movies provide an element of entertainment as it’s something that affects many people. Different gambling films depict different points of view and personal stories. Choose which life story that interests you most from our list of top gambling movies.
What gambling movies can I find on Netflix?
Besides the list of gambling and casino movies above that cover largely the crime, drama, thriller, and even comedy genres, you can find more on Netflix. Search by name, by genre or choose some of the fan favourites. Discover more casino movies and accurate ratings from IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes.
Which are the most popular gambling movies on Netflix?
Casino (1995) is considered a masterpiece and a classic in the gambling genre. It’s famous for its lead roles, unique story of the characters and action.
How do I choose a gambling film on Netflix?
There are a few ways you can choose from the casino movies Netflix offers. You can first choose a film from this list, or pick the highest grossing casino movie in James Bond: Casino Royale (2006) amassing $616,501,619 gross worldwide. You could even choose by genre, votes, cast, or name on Netflix.
