Movies Inspired By the Game of Blackjack
One of the most iconic casino games ever is blackjack - a game of skill, strategy, and chance, which makes it the perfect inspiration for the cinema. So, unsurprisingly, over the years, there have been lots of different movies about blackjack, using it to build up the tension, create conflict, develop characters - and even as an integral part of the plot.
So, here we're going to take a look at some of the most iconic films that have blackjack playing the leading role, and how this classic card game has influenced the Hollywood hills.
21
What else could start off our blackjack movies list? Some might argue that one of the most popular blackjack movies ever is 21 - and it's definitely a must-watch if you're a fan of the game. The film is based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team and is all about a group of mathematically gifted students who have been trained to count cards and use their brains and their skills to beat the house. Inspired by the book Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich, if you're looking for a film that perfectly captures the game of blackjack, this is it.
As the name suggests, the very heart and soul of the film is the game itself, it certainly isn't just a backdrop. Indeed, there are lots of scenes showing the characters using their card-counting strategies at the blackjack table. This is probably one of the best blackjack movies out there for diving into the mathematics behind the game, and it's a great watch whether you're a blackjack player or not.
Rain Man
If you're after a classic movie about the classic game, then Rain Man is a great option. This incredible film is all about the very difficult and intricate relationship between two brothers, Charlie (Tom Cruise) and his brother Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman). In essence, the overall theme of the movie is about the relationship between the two - and how it grows and evolves as they get to know each other. However, who can forget that memorable scene involving the game of blackjack that has become so iconic?
In this famous scene, Charlie, who having found out that his brother has a photographic memory, takes Raymond to a casino to put it to use in a game of blackjack. The movie isn't focused entirely around blackjack, but it's definitely one of the most memorable blackjack scenes in movie history.
The Hangover
Then, we have The Hangover - a hugely popular comedy that was a massive hit, thanks to its cringeworthy moments and wild Las Vegas plot, including a memorable blackjack scene. The film is all about a group of guys on a stag do who wake up in their Las Vegas hotel room with the groom-to-be missing and no memory of what happened the night before.
In one of the biggest scenes, the character Alan (Zach Galifianakis) tries his hand at a blackjack table, and although he at first seems out of his depth, he miraculously wins by trying out a strategy. This is very much a blackjack scene with a smidge of tension - but more comedy thrown in.
Swingers
Taking us into the heart of the 1990s indie film scene, Swingers is a movie with first-class dialogue and characters we can all relate to - as they work their way through life and love in LA. Although this is mainly about the lives of permanently struggling actors, it does have a charming blackjack scene that's worth mentioning.
In this scene, the main characters, Mike (Jon Favreau) and Trent (Vince Vaughn), head over to Las Vegas to try to help Mike get over a painful breakup. They hit the blackjack table in a scene that’s funny and relatable.
Rounders
Although Rounders is a film that's mainly about poker, it still deserves a spot on this list because it does include scenes that involve blackjack. The movie stars Matt Damon, who plays Mike McDermott, a law student who has a talent for poker and finds himself getting drawn back into the underground world of casino.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Jack Nicholson has been in many incredible movies, but this is arguably one of the most iconic. This critically acclaimed film tells the story of Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a man who pretends to be insane so that he can serve out his prison sentence in a mental institution rather than go to prison.
But what about blackjack? Well, within the film, there's a scene where McMurphy organises a game of blackjack with some of the other patients to bring some normality into their lives.
Casino
Finally, finishing off our list of movies about blackjack, we have Casino, the world-famous film directed by the Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese. This is an epic crime drama that takes us right into the inner workings of a 1970s Las Vegas casino - and stars Robert De Niro as Sam' Ace Rothstein, a casino operator who's linked to the mob, and Joe Pesci who plays Nicky Santoro, his enforcer.
The film features lots of scenes set at the blackjack tables that are all incredibly important for portraying the casinos and their games.