Harsh Vardhan
Embark on a cinematic rendezvous with Lady Luck as we present the ultimate guide to the best gambling, casino, and Vegas movies and shows on Netflix. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride through the neon-lit streets of Sin City and the high-stakes tables of casinos, all from the comfort of your screen. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just curious about the glittering world of chance, our Netflix picks promise a compelling mix of suspense, glamour, and strategic wits. From riveting poker tournaments to daring heists set against the dazzling backdrop of Vegas, this compilation is your passport to the heart-pounding thrills and unpredictable twists that define the allure of gambling. It’s time to shuffle the deck and press play on an entertainment jackpot waiting to unfold.
7. S Storm (2016)
David Lam’s Chinese crime action thriller ‘S Storm’ centers on the football betting trade. It follows two officers from different units joining hands to bring down the illegal trade in Hong Kong. However, tracking down suspects is not easy as they are being killed one after another by an assassin. Clearly, someone doesn’t want to get caught. The two officers thus find themselves in a dangerous race against time to find the mastermind that even puts the lives of their loved ones at risk. Even though it tests our patience at times, ‘S Storm’ has its perks, including action, and is an authentic addition to this list. You can watch it here.
6. Bullsh*t: The Game Show (2022)
‘Bullsh*t: The Game Show,’ conceived by Jonty Nash and Christopher Potts, unfolds an unconventional gaming spectacle. Players navigate a precarious money ladder, accumulating earnings through astute correctness or audacious misinformation. The show’s essence lies in the art of convincingly selling inaccurate responses, challenging contestants to blend deception with charisma. As competitors ascend the ladder, the stakes intensify, creating an exhilarating mix of wit and bluff. Nash and Potts craft a unique experience where strategic deception is just as rewarding as genuine knowledge, redefining the conventional game show landscape with a playful twist on intellect and persuasion. You can stream it here.
5. Obliterated (2023)
Created by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald, ‘Obliterated‘ is a thrilling action dramedy streaming series featuring Nick Zano and Shelley Hennig. The storyline follows an elite joint-special operations team comprised of members from various U.S. military and intelligence branches. Tasked with thwarting a terrorist network set on detonating a faux nuclear bomb in Las Vegas, the team’s victory celebration takes an unexpected turn. As they revel in a night of excess, they discover the bomb they neutralized was a decoy, propelling them into a dangerous mission to uncover the real threat amidst the haze of intoxication, creating a gripping blend of high-stakes action and unexpected humor. You can stream the series here.
4. Army of the Dead (2021)
Zack Snyder’s ‘Army of the Dead‘ isn’t just a zombie apocalypse thriller; it’s a high-stakes gamble set against the glittering backdrop of Las Vegas. The film intricately weaves themes of Vegas and gambling into its undead narrative. As a team of mercenaries ventures into the zombie-infested city to pull off a daring heist, every move becomes a bet, a roll of the dice in a city built on risk. The glitzy casinos, deserted streets, and zombie showgirls create a surreal atmosphere where the characters play for their lives, mirroring the high-risk, high-reward spirit of Sin City. You can watch the movie here.
3. Kakegurui (2017–2019)
Directed by Yuichiro Hayashi, this anime series is based on the manga ‘Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler’ created by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Tōru Naomura. It is set in the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy, wherein students belonging to wealthy and influential families are ranked based not on their grades or athletic skills but on their gambling skills. The better the skills, the higher the student gets in the hierarchy, while those who get into debt become servants. The thrill of gambling is addressed almost like a turn-on in the series, at the center of which we have Yumeko Jabami, a mysterious new student who is all about bets and risks more than their peers think or expect. You can watch Jabami employ her skills right here.
2. Molly’s Game (2017)
Directed by Aaron Sorkin, this biographical drama is based on professional-skier-turned-illegal-gambling-operator Molly Bloom’s 2014 eponymous memoir. The film shows how, after failing to qualify for the Olympics, Bloom waited tables and subsequently got involved in running poker games at ‘The Viper Room’ (name changed to ‘The Cobra Lounge’ in the film) in West Hollywood, California. She eventually started her own illegal gambling operation. Her involvement with the Russian mafia, her arrest by the FBI, and how high-profile lawyer Charlie Jaffey helped her stay away from prison, which was a possibility considering she denied sharing the details of her players, are what we see in this compelling drama. Starring Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom and Idris Elba as Charlie Jaffey, ‘Molly’s Game’ can be watched right here.
1. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
Wes Anderson brings Roald Dahl’s enchanting tale to life in the fantasy short film, ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.’ Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the titular role, supported by a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, and Richard Ayoade. The plot unfolds as a wealthy man discovers a clairvoyant guru with the extraordinary ability to see without using his eyes, employing a unique form of Yoga. Intrigued, he embarks on a quest to master this skill, intending to exploit it for cheating at gambling. Anderson’s whimsical direction and Dahl’s magical narrative promise a captivating cinematic experience. You can watch it here.
Read More: Best Game Shows on Netflix
