Casino and bank heist movies are often a recipe for fast-paced entertainment, pulling us into the gambles and risks their characters take in the hopes of a huge payout. If you’re looking for an awesome option to watch next, be it a casino, bank heist, or combination thereof, these ten are some of your best bets. Cue one of these up before or after you settle in to play one of the top 10 UK slots for February, and you have a guaranteed night of entertainment and enjoyment ahead of you.
1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Casino and heist meet in Ocean’s Eleven when Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, plots three casino heists during a boxing event. The robbery is motivated by Ocean losing his wife Tess, played by Julia Roberts, to the owner of the three casinos, Terry Benedict, played by Andy Garcia. To pull off the detailed and elaborate plan, Ocean gathers a team of skilled criminals, each bringing expertise and plenty of personality to the table.
2. Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
Danny Ocean returned to his criminal activities for more than one movie, daring to attempt impossible-sounding heists and robberies each time. In Ocean’s Thirteen, Ocean and his crew, this time made up of thirteen specialists, have their sights set on righting the wrongs of casino tycoon Willy Bank, who double-crossed one of their own. It’s a sequel that’s just as entertaining and action-packed as the original.
3. Now You See Me (2013)
In Now You See Me, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco play illusionists known as The Four Horseman. Their act involves an illusion of breaking into and robbing a bank vault in Paris, delivering the money to the audience. It turns out to be far more than an illusion as the vault is emptied of its funds, sending two agents, including one played by Mark Ruffalo, on the hunt to prove The Four Horseman guilty. The film takes you on a journey where you’re just as flabbergasted as the FBI and Interpol agents trying to thwart the group while rooting for The Four Horseman to get away with their Robin Hood-like acts.
4. Inside Man (2006)
Bank heist, mystery, and drama unfold in the movie Inside Man and keep you glued to the screen as the events are relayed in flashbacks. The heist is filled with tense negotiations between the gang of bank robbers, the police, and a private negotiator brought in by the bank’s chairman. It’s a star-studded cast, including Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, Clive Owen, Willem Dafoe, and more. The acting and direction won over many people, and the mystery made many feel this was a heist movie that would stand the test of time.
5. Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly’s Game is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic skier turned underground poker ringleader after an injury ended her sports career. The film follows Bloom, played by Jessica Chastain, as she enters into the underground gambling world funded by movie stars, athletes, and other exceptionally wealthy individuals, starts up her own underground games, and navigates being arrested by the FBI with the help of lawyer Charlie Jaffey, played by Idris Elba. The movie was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter who helped bring The Social Network and Moneyball to the big screen.
6. Rounders (1998)
The plot of Rounders sees Mike McDermott, played by Matt Damon, pulled away from his reformed, straight-laced lifestyle by his friend Worm, played by Edward Norton, who was recently released from prison. McDermott finds himself in high-stakes poker games to help Worm escape a tricky situation. This film is a must-watch for poker fans, Matt Damon and Edward Norton fans, or anyone who enjoys crime drama. It was well-received when it was first released and remains a classic for many to this day.
7. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Speaking of classics, another fantastic heist movie to consider watching next is the 1967 hit Bonnie and Clyde, based on the true story of the Depression-era criminal couple. The film follows Bonnie Parker, played by Faye Dunaway, who falls in love with criminal Clyde Barrow, played by Warren Beatty. The two embark on a crime spree that includes robbing several banks and other institutions. Along the way, they team up with Clyde’s brother, sister-in-law, and C.W. Moss, gain a reputation across the country, and have law enforcement at their heels.
8. Casino Royale (2006)
The first James Bond film in which Daniel Craig plays Bond sees the character end up at the Casino Royale in Montenegro in a high-stakes poker tournament. Being a Bond movie, it’s filled with plenty of action, adventure, and suspense as Bond carries out his mission. The movie was well-received upon release as many viewers were impressed with Craig as the new 007 and the film’s creative direction, even compared to past franchise titles. Many consider Casino Royale one of the best Bond films.
9. The Cooler (2003)
The Cooler follows Bernie Lootz, a former gambling addict played by William H. Macy, who is settling his debts owed to the casino boss Shelly Kaplow, played by Alec Baldwin. Lootz works as a “cooler,” someone who slows down the winning streaks of high-rolling players to minimise house losses, but unexpectedly finds love, which changes his luck and entire situation. The movie won over many viewers with its storytelling and is often recommended for anyone looking for a casino-themed film.
10. 21 (2008)
Another movie inspired by real events is 21, which follows the story of six MIT students trained at counting cards in blackjack who went to the Vegas strip and walked away with millions. Considered by many an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours, the movie is even more enjoyable when watched with others.
