Blackjack isn’t just a game—it’s a cinematic thrill ride. Well, sometimes more spills than thrills but you’ll find that out as you get down the list! From smoky Vegas tables to shadowy underground rings, filmmakers have long been drawn to the tension, mathematics, and moral ambiguity of one of the casinos oldest card games. Below are ten of the best blackjack-centered films of all time, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes score, and each one captures a different facet of the high-stakes world of gambling.
We have been pretty strict with what constitutes a ‘blackjack’ movie – so it’s got to be a central part of the plot rather than something incidental like in ‘The Hangover’ or ‘Rain Man’. Those strict conditions means we don’t have a whole lot to work with, which is why by the end of our list you are gonna see some stinkers!
Let’s stay positive though, and begin with the Aces of the Blackjack Movie Pack:
1. Croupier (1998) – 95%
Clive Owen delivers a career-defining performance in this slow-burn noir about a struggling writer who finds inspiration (and danger) in a casino job. As Jack Manfred becomes increasingly drawn into the seductive yet corrosive world of high-stakes gambling, the film turns into a haunting meditation on chance, detachment, and control. What sets Croupier apart is its razor-sharp script, hypnotic atmosphere, and detached protagonist whose inner monologue keeps you hooked. The blackjack scenes are just one part of a larger portrait of a man who watches life from the dealer’s side of the table—until he’s forced to place his own bet.
Critics Said: “A gripping little gem of a film noir, beautifully acted and coldly enthralling.” — (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times)
2. The Card Counter (2021) – 88%
From Paul Schrader—master of morally conflicted characters—comes this deeply unsettling and slow-burning revenge tale. Oscar Isaac plays William Tell, a former military interrogator turned professional blackjack and poker player, who uses the structure of card counting to maintain emotional distance from his dark past. The film’s use of blackjack is metaphorical as much as mechanical—representing discipline, control, and the quiet act of waiting for the right moment. The visual style is sterile and calculated, mirroring William’s psyche. This isn’t your typical gambling thriller—it’s psychological warfare, played out one hand at a time.
Critics Said: “A stark and searing portrait of trauma, redemption, and the cost of control.” — (David Ehrlich, IndieWire)
3. The Gambler (1974) – 82%
James Caan stars as Axel Freed, a college professor with a dangerous gambling addiction. What begins as a man testing his limits quickly devolves into a spiral of self-destruction, with blackjack serving as both a coping mechanism and a weapon of self-harm. Rather than glorifying the gambler lifestyle, the film delivers a harrowing portrait of compulsion and collapse. With a script by James Toback and a strong psychological core, The Gambler still resonates as one of the most emotionally raw depictions of betting addiction ever filmed.
Critics Said: “A harrowing and intelligent drama that digs into the psychology of losing.” — (Vincent Canby, The New York Times)
4. The Cooler (2003) – 77%
Set in the twilight years of vintage Las Vegas, The Cooler tells the story of Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy), a sad sack whose very presence is enough to jinx any gambler’s winning streak. But when he falls in love with a cocktail waitress, his luck starts to change—both for him and those around him. Blackjack scenes are used throughout the film to demonstrate Bernie’s unique curse and his emotional transformation. Full of melancholic charm, the film also stars Alec Baldwin in an Oscar-nominated role as the ruthless casino boss. It’s a love story, a character study, and a deeply original twist on casino folklore.
Critics Said: “A sweet, strange, and stylish look at love and luck in Las Vegas.” — (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)
5. The Last Casino (2004) – 63%
Often overlooked, this Canadian gem tells the story of a university math professor who trains a group of prodigies to count cards and take down casinos across the country. Based loosely on the true story that also inspired 21, this film focuses more on strategy, preparation, and the personal stakes of each character. With its low-budget charm and tighter character arcs, The Last Casino may lack the polish of Hollywood productions, but it compensates with an intense focus on blackjack mechanics, team dynamics, and moral ambiguity.
Critics Said: “A smart, satisfying underdog story for anyone who’s ever tried to beat the system.” — (Brendan Kelly, Montreal Gazette)
6. The Gambler (2014) – 43%
This modern remake of the 1974 classic stars Mark Wahlberg as Jim Bennett, a literature professor with a serious gambling problem and a death wish. The updated version is glossier and more frenetic, with blackjack serving as one of the many games where Jim tests his luck—and tempts fate. The film tries to inject philosophical musings into its structure but often falls flat under its own weight. While it lacks the emotional depth of the original, the blackjack scenes are slick and stylish, and John Goodman delivers a standout performance as a no-nonsense loan shark.
Critics Said: “Despite moments of brilliance, the remake never quite stacks the deck in its favor.” — (Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times)
7. Heat (1986) – 38%
No, not that one! In this ‘Heat’, Burt Reynolds stars as Nick Escalante, a Las Vegas enforcer with a penchant for blackjack and a dream of escaping to Venice. Unlike other entries on this list, Heat combines blackjack with action-movie grit and noir tropes. There’s an underlying sadness to Nick’s compulsive play—he’s good at gambling, but he’s better at losing. While the film struggles with uneven pacing and a muddled plot, it captures the dusty, off-strip vibe of a Vegas long gone. Blackjack here isn’t glamorous—it’s a mirror of Nick’s fractured soul.
Critics Said: “A clunky but intriguing mix of brooding noir and casino-side melodrama.” — (Variety Staff Review, Variety)
8. 21 (2008) – 36%
Based on the true story of the MIT blackjack team, 21 should’ve been a surefire hit. With a cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, and Laurence Fishburne, and a plot that follows students learning to count cards and take down Vegas casinos, it ticks every box for a slick gambling thriller. But critics took issue with its oversimplified storytelling and Hollywood sheen. The blackjack sequences are exciting and fast-paced, but lack the depth and realism of the source material. Still, it remains a popular gateway movie for many blackjack enthusiasts.
Critics Said: “Glossy and fast but ultimately superficial—like Vegas itself.” — (James Berardinelli, ReelViews)
9. Jinxed (1982) – 29%
This offbeat comedy stars Bette Midler as a woman married to a professional gambler who keeps using the same blackjack dealer for luck—until that luck runs out. The film awkwardly shifts between dark comedy, romance, and drama, never fully deciding what it wants to be. The blackjack angle is central to the plot but ultimately lost in a muddled script. Despite a few entertaining moments, Jinxed lives up to its name—plagued by behind-the-scenes issues and flat storytelling.
Critics Said: “A mess of tones and half-baked ideas that never quite pays out.” — (Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune)
10. Stacy’s Knights (1983) – 20%
This early Kevin Costner film follows a young woman (played by Andra Millian) who’s trained by a blackjack master to take down casinos after a brutal betrayal. While the premise is classic underdog fare, the execution is hampered by weak performances and clunky direction. The blackjack scenes try to be thrilling but often feel disjointed. It’s interesting as a relic of early ’80s gambling films—and as a curiosity for Costner fans—but doesn’t hold up against more polished entries.
Critics Said: “An uneven attempt at a revenge fantasy that flops more than it hits.” — (TV Guide Staff Review, TV Guide)
Blackjack to Bust
From brooding dramas to high-octane thrillers, these blackjack films showcase just how versatile the game can be on screen. It also highlights the fact that even the best in the business can’t guarantee success if the cards aren’t going your way, as Bette Midler and Kevin Costner could no doubt testify!
There are some great movies on our list too though, so if you feel like settling down to watch some blackjack on the big screen then we hope we have given you food for thought.
