Roulette is one of the most popular and well-known casino games worldwide – and also lends itself perfectly to cinema. The tension, the excitement, the glamour – it’s no wonder that when it comes to casino films, Roulette is the leading lady. You may choose to specifically watch a casino film, or there may be a film where the casino isn’t as prominent but part of a key scene. Here, we count down the best Roulette movies and, if you’re feeling inspired, have a go on the devil’s wheel yourself while watching one of these blockbusters, here: https://casino.paddypower.com/c/roulette.
5. Indecent Proposal (1993)
This film features Hollywood legends such as Demi Moore and Robert Redford and centres around a game of Roulette. Indecent Proposal shows the highs and lows, thrills and spills of the popular casino classic. When a newlywed couple lose all their money on a spin of the devil’s wheel, their savings are gone – but a billionaire offers to recuperate the money they lost. Of course, there is a catch and when the couple accept the proposal, it inevitably leads to a web of drama.
4. Run Lola Run (1998)
Focusing on three different storylines, the plot twists make Run Lola Run as frantic as the title suggests. Lola must deliver 100,000 Deutschmark to her boyfriend and each section of the film is based upon chance – much like casino games. First, she fails to retrieve the money and has to rob a supermarket to acquire the funds. In the second instalment, she has to ask her father for help – he’s a banker. When he doesn’t offer assistance, Lola goes on to rob the bank. When she escapes with the money, she’s in the unfortunate situation of seeing her boyfriend hit by a passing truck. In the final segment, she goes to the casino and plays Roulette. Deciding to place a single number bet on 22, she wins and decides to play on, spinning and landing 22 for a second time – a much happier ending!
3. Croupier (1998)
The film Croupier doesn’t focus specifically on Roulette, but it’s one of the many games played in the casino. The lead role is played by Clive Owen who stars as an amateur writer. Struggling to make ends meet as his book isn’t published, his personal life is deteriorating and so he decides to become a casino croupier. He quickly becomes acquainted with the casino lifestyle, both its positive aspects and negative. Luckily for Owen’s character, this new career gives him plenty to write about and he goes on to publish his book.
2. Casablanca (1942)
A classic film and one that features an iconic Roulette scene – even though it’s not solely based on casino. Played at Rick’s café (the lead protagonist played by Humphrey Bogart), a rigged wheel helps couple Ilsa and Victor win the funds to flee Morocco for a better life in America. Rick and Ilsa have history but that doesn’t stop the nightclub and gambling den owner helping his former flame out. He has a say in ensuring the game goes in their favour on more than occasion, but is soon quick to make them leave his establishment, escaping from corrupt investigators.
1. Diamonds are Forever (1971)
We couldn’t have a casino film list and not include James Bond. 007 is synonymous with casino and throughout the franchise, we’ve seen him play Baccarat, Poker, Craps (also in Diamonds are Forever) and Roulette – often with large amounts of success. In the title sequence, we saw Bond overcome his nemesis by slamming his head against the Roulette wheel, but he goes on to play the game and win too. Sean Connery replicated his real-life casino experience in the movies, landing the number 17 to win big at a casino in Italy.
