This curated list of films delves into the captivating world where love and gambling intertwine, offering viewers a unique blend of romance, drama, and the high stakes of casino life. These films not only entertain but also explore themes of risk, passion, and the human condition, making them a must-watch for those intrigued by the allure of gambling and the complexities of relationships.

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Description: A young poker player challenges the best in the game, with his love life becoming as risky as his poker games.
Fact: The film features Steve McQueen in one of his most iconic roles.


The Gambler (1974)
Description: A literature professor with a gambling addiction risks everything, including his relationship with a student.
Fact: James Caan's performance in this film is often cited as one of his best.


Hard Eight (1996)
Description: A seasoned gambler takes a young man under his wing, leading to a complex web of relationships and gambling debts.
Fact: This was Paul Thomas Anderson's directorial debut.


Rounders (1998)
Description: A young law student and his friend navigate the world of underground poker, where romance and gambling collide.
Fact: The film features real-life poker players like Johnny Chan, who appears as himself.


Croupier (1998)
Description: A struggling writer becomes a croupier at a casino, where he gets entangled in a heist and a complicated relationship.
Fact: Clive Owen's performance was critically acclaimed, earning him a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor.


The Cooler (2003)
Description: A man with the ability to "cool" winning streaks at a casino falls in love, which changes his luck and the casino's fortunes.
Fact: William H. Macy was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in this film.


Casino Royale (2006)
Description: James Bond takes on a high-stakes poker game to bankrupt a terrorist financier, all while falling for a fellow agent, Vesper Lynd.
Fact: This film marked Daniel Craig's debut as James Bond and was the first to be officially adapted from Ian Fleming's novel.


21 (2008)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows MIT students who use card counting to win at blackjack, with romance and tension among the group.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "Bringing Down the House" by Ben Mezrich.


The Gambler (2014)
Description: This modern remake of the 1974 film follows a literature professor with a gambling addiction, whose life spirals out of control, affecting his relationships.
Fact: Mark Wahlberg stars in this film, which was directed by Rupert Wyatt, known for "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."


Molly's Game (2017)
Description: The true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game, with romance and drama at its core.
Fact: Aaron Sorkin, known for "The West Wing," wrote and directed this film.
