Blackjack Movies

Throughout the film history, there will always be movies with relation to casinos, gambling, and immediate riches for the protagonists… do not be fooled by the stories – after all, it is a movie, it is Hollywood, and it is only 2 ½ hours long more or less, so obviously things seem so much simpler and tempting to achieve.

For instance, let’s start with probably one of the most popular gambling and blackjack movies of our time:

21 (2008)

21 blackjack movie Even though this movie is based on a true story, it does include Hollywood’s hand in it, which we can with all confidence say they make it look easier than it is, as well as even have blackjack basic errors here and there. So if you are to watch it, do it solely as entertainment, and as a motivational tool while understanding it takes a lot more work and discipline to get where the protagonists got,

The movie basically tells the story of an MIT group of students lead by a professor who was no longer accepted in the Vegas casinos. The professor would then teach these mathematical genius students about card counting and working in teams, and would travel every weekend to Vegas to beat the casinos at Blackjack.

They were caught by greed, and later by the casino’s management, enduring some punishments (even though card counting is not illegal, casinos do not condone it).

Quite an entertaining movie, but not an informational one if that is what you are looking for.

The Hangover (2009)

hangover blackjack The movie is a must see for anyone looking for a great comedy or one that captures Las Vegas. The Hangover had a development budget of $35 million which is relatively small for movies today. It grossed over $633 million taking into account box office and movie rentals!

The hangover has a great scene where they card count taking ques from rainman which is another blackjack movie featured on our list. Zach Galifianakis plays the card counter and has a great quote on blackjack card counting: “Gambling? Who said anything about gambling? It’s not gambling when you know you’re gonna win. Counting cards is a foolproof system.”

60 Minutes to Winning Blackjack (2005)

Now if you are looking for an information and instructional movie/video instead of an entertaining Hollywood film, then this is the movie for you. Here you will be lead through the basics of blackjack, playing with confidence and skills, as well as covering some tutorials on card counting, and including some practice exercises too. If you hate reading, this would probably be a good way to start and get some good understanding on blackjack.

Essential Blackjack: A Guide for Players and Dealers (2006)

A good instructional movie on the rules and strategies of the blackjack game, which should leave you ready for the tables either as a player or as a dealer.

Rain Man (1988)

rainman card counting Another Hollywood movie for your entertainment purposes, while sticking with the blackjack theme and game.

Starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman – The movie tells the story of the two brothers, in which Dustin is autistic, with a great memory ability – especially with numbers. Tom takes Dustin to the casinos to play some blackjack and finds great success at counting cards – until they get busted.

Blackjack, Slots, and Craps Winning Strategies (2005)

In the blackjack segment, the movie shows players when to hit, stand and fold, which without the need of card counting will help you with your bankroll management and cash-flow for both offline and online blackjack. It obviously also covers Slots and Craps, such as which machines to play at, how to increase their winning odds, as well as aggressive betting for craps, and when to take a chance at it.

There are a few other blackjack movies both for informational and entertainment purposes, but these are some great titles to start with at the moment.