10 Best Movies About Counting Cards That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Counting Cards

The Card Counter, starring Oscar Isaac, is a must-see for aficionados of vengeance and gambling flicks, and there are plenty of more to choose from.

Following the recent release of an ex-military guy who decides to live his new life by counting cards and playing poker around the country, The Card Counter is an inventive crime drama. Eventually, he’ll try his best to prevent someone bent on vengeance from carrying out their plan, in the hopes that doing so will atone for his own sins. Although the film was praised by reviewers and the audience, Isaac’s performance as the ex-military guy, now a card counter, is undeniable.

Playing cards is an integral part of the Card Counter’s revenge story. From his time at Guantanamo Bay, one of the most controversial detention facilities, he draws much of his inspiration for gambling as a result. Similar themes, such as card games and revenge, have been explored in other films.

1. Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – Available On HBO Max

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Immediately after his release from prison in Ocean’s Eleven, Danny Ocean is already planning his next crime. Rusty, a close buddy, helps him assemble a crew of people who share his vision for their next casino heist.

Like The Card Counter, this film explores the aesthetics of casinos and card games. For all its focus on robbery, Ocean’s Eleveni shows the character’s motivations for money and retribution. In general, Ocean’s Elevenis a great film since it is one of the best crime-comedy flicks.

2. Camp X-Ray (2017) – Available On AMC+ & Curia

On September 11, Amy Cole was deployed to work at Guantanamo Bay as an Army Private First Class. The other inmates are furious when she befriends one of the inmates, and things quickly get out of hand in the detention center as a result. Kristen Stewart and Payman Maadi appeared in the film, which was widely acclaimed.

Guantanamo Bay’s unethical activities and the effect they had on the mental health of the military personnel featured in both this film and The Card Counter. The Card Counter only hinted at these events in flashbacks, while Camp X-Ray convincingly depicts them while also emphasizing an uncommon friendship that helps viewers empathize with captives like Ali. InCamp X-Ray, visitors will learn about the Guantanamo Bay dispute thanks to a remarkable performance by Stewart and Maadi. The film also ranks among Stewart’s best to date.

3. Rounders (1998) – Available On HBO Max

Rounders (1998)

As depicted in the film Rounders, former professional poker player Mike McDermott decides to call it quits after suffering a crushing defeat in his most recent game. He returns to poker after his close friend’s release from prison to help pay off his debts. Matt Damon and Edward Norton star in the picture, which has an impressive ensemble cast.

A similar incentive exists in both Rounders and William Tell as they both play poker in order to pay off their debts. A new generation of Rounders, according to many critics, is being created by The Card Counter. If you’re a fan of poker and want to see a great cast in action, then you should definitely check out Rounders!

4. 21 (2008) – Available On Prime Video & Hulu

21 follows the progress of an MIT student who has a natural aptitude for math and numbers. He goes to Las Vegas with a professor and other students to count cards in the hopes of earning enough money to pay for his college education. When he attracts the notice of a casino enforcer, though, trouble quickly ensues.

A similar card counting technique is employed in The Card Counter. The story is based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, which was told in the book Bringing Down the House, which was published in 1999. The card-playing dexterity on display in 21 will captivate fans of The Card Counter’s gambling elements.

5. Molly’s Game (2017) – Available To Rent On Apple TV, Amazon, & Google Play

Molly's Game (2017)

This movie follows a former Olympian who turned to operating high-roller poker games for a long time. However, despite the fact that she no longer runs these games, the FBI is still interested in speaking with her, so she retains the services of a criminal defense attorney to help her prove her innocence.

Aaron Sorkin’s gripping biographical drama portrays Molly Bloom’s narrative with an excellent Jessica Chastain performance, and it is fascinating and dynamic. The Card Counter’s high-stakes poker setting is reminiscent ofMolly’s Game, and the film has the grit to depict a strong lady who is able to confront her history and go on. Molly Bloom is one of Sorkin’s best-written characters, so when people seeMolly’s Game, they’ll be captivated by her gripping story.

6. The Cincinnati Kid (1965) – Available To Rent On Amazon & Google Play

Follows a young poker player who appears to be the luckiest person on the planet. As he climbs up the ladder in poker, he hopes to face a poker master and prove his worth as one of the best poker players.

Character arcs for both The Card Counter and The Cincinnati Kid are similar; both protagonists are skilled card players, but they have quite different motivations. In addition, both films feature a love interest and a focus on card games. Steve McQueen is the star of the show at the Cincinnati Kidshowcases, and audiences will fall in love with his performance. One of the greatest poker movies ever created is also featured in the filmography.

7. Casino (1995) – Available On AMC+

Casino (1995)

When a mobster marries a hustler in the 1970s, he enjoys an even better life as the owner of a casino. Suddenly, his life is in jeopardy as the relationship with his best friend deteriorates and his life is put in risk.

Casino, the next mafia thriller from director Martin Scorsese, features a stellar ensemble cast. Casino, unlike The Card Counter, retains the typical casino and card game graphics, albeit with a more exciting and suspenseful tone. In the end, Casino is one of the best mafia and casino flicks you should see.

8. Revolver (2005) – Available To Rent On Apple TV, Amazon, & Google Play

After being imprisoned for something he did not commit in Guy Ritchie’s criminal thriller, Jake Green is on a mission of revenge against those who incarcerated him. Despite the fact that he is winning so effortlessly in the casino, his life is in danger, therefore he seeks protection in order to bring down the empire. The cast of Revolver includes Jason Statham and Ray Liotta, amongst others.

Both Jake Green from Revolver and William Tell from The Card Counter have comparable character arcs in which they are both freed from prison and start a new life playing cards. In addition, both films feature a vengeance-seeking mission to avenge those who have mistreated them. As with The Card Counter, Revolver has a similar character arc and story development but a different tone and extra action sequences that will keep the audience engaged.

9. The Mauritanian (2021) – Available On Fubo TV, Showtime, & Spectrum

The Mauritanian (2021)

The Mauritanian is based on the real-life experiences of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee. By taking on Slahi’s case and learning about his torture in the prison center, an attorney and her associate discover his innocence despite never having been prosecuted.

Both stories raise awareness about Guantanamo’s atrocities, albeit from different angles. Jodie Foster and Tahar Rahim were nominated for a Golden Globe for their performance in the film. In order to get a sense of the horrors of Guantanamo Bay and the conspiracy theories that surround it, you must see The Mauritanian.

10. Casino Royale (2006) – Available To Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, & Google Play

In 2006’s Casino Royale, James Bond is one of the new faces as a 007 agent, having received his license to kill. During his first mission, Bond is confronted by Le Chiffre, a terrorist financier. In order to derail Le Chiffre’s scheme, Bond must play a high-stakes poker game against him.

Daniel Craig’s 007 debut in the film was a huge success. The new Bond movie adopts a more serious and intense tone than the previous one. James Bond, like William Tell, shows off his poker playing skills in order to rescue the world by defeating Le Chiffre. Casino Royale, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in terms of intensity and adrenaline, delivering a new and thrilling perspective on poker.