The Best European Casino Movies Of The Last 20 Years: A Comprehensive List

The last two decades have seen some of the most iconic casino movies come out of Europe.

From the classic heist movie, Run Lola Run, to the British crime comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, these films have become classics in their own right.

But what other European casino movies should you be watching? Here’s a comprehensive list of the best European casino movies of the last 20 years that will keep you entertained until the very end!

Run Lola Run (1998)

A thrilling German action movie which follows the story of a young woman, played by Franka Potente, as she races against time to save her lover’s life. Directed and written by Tom Tykwer, the film has become an instant classic since its release. With its unique and fast-paced style, the movie earned over $90 million at the box office while it earned an impressive 8.2/10 rating on IMDB. It also received numerous awards and nominations from international organizations, including two BAFTAs.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

A British black comedy crime film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. It stars an ensemble cast including Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, Vinnie Jones and Sting. The movie follows four London working-class friends who decide to pool their money together to play a high-stakes poker game against a powerful local mobster. Despite the odds being stacked against them, they manage to win the game but soon find themselves in trouble with the mobster. The movie was produced by Matthew Vaughn and grossed over $30 million at the box office worldwide. It has an IMDB rating of 8.1/10 and is widely considered to be one of Ritchie’s best works.

Casino Royale (2006)

Casino Royale (2006) is the twenty-first installment in the James Bond series and the third adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel. The movie stars Daniel Craig as James Bond and follows his mission to defeat a private banker funding terrorists in a high-stakes game of poker at Casino Royale, Montenegro. The movie was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning over $600 million at the box office and an 8.0/10 rating on IMDb. It also won numerous awards, including two BAFTA Awards for Best Sound and Special Visual Effects. Casino Royale is considered one of the best films in the Bond franchise and is widely praised for its action sequences, performances, and storyline.

Regalo di Natale (1986)

A classic Italian comedy-drama film directed by Pupi Avati. It tells the story of a group of former friends who reunite on Christmas night with the intent of ripping off a rich industrialist in a game of poker. The movie was presented in competition at the 43rd International Film Festival in Venice and was highly acclaimed by critics, earning an IMDB rating of 7.6/10 and box office earnings of $2.5 million. Regalo di Natale is considered to be one of the best Italian films from the 1980s and has been praised for its witty dialogue and strong performances from its cast.

The Other Side of Hope (2017)

A Finnish comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Aki Kaurismäki. It follows two people searching for a place to call home: a poker-playing restaurateur and former traveling salesman, and a Syrian refugee. The film was well-received upon its release, earning over $3 million at the box office and an 7.2/10 rating on IMDB. It also received critical acclaim from critics such as Roger Ebert who praised its melancholic comedy and clear-eyed response to the global refugee crisis.

Croupier (1998)

A British neo-noir crime drama film directed by Mike Hodges and starring Clive Owen. It follows the story of an aspiring writer who becomes a croupier at a casino in London, only to find himself in the middle of a criminal plot involving his own gambling activities. Despite its modest budget, the movie has been widely praised for its tense atmosphere and captivating storyline. The film was a moderate financial success and grossed over $15 million worldwide, while earning a 7/10 rating on IMDB. Critics have applauded it for its combining two genres, film noir and gambling films, into one unique story.

La Città Gioca d’Azzardo (1975)

An Italian crime drama film directed by Damiano Damiani and starring Gian Maria Volonté and Marina Berti. The plot follows a police detective as he investigates an illegal gambling ring at a city casino. With its strong moral message, the movie was a critical success and won several awards, despite only making a modest box office return of $1.7 million. It holds an 6.5/10 rating on IMDb and is often referred to as one of the greatest Italian crime dramas ever made.

Factotum (2005)

A French-Norwegian dark comedy-drama film co-written and directed by Bent Hamer, adapted from the 1975 novel of the same name by Charles Bukowski. The movie stars Matt Dillon as Hank Chinaski, the fictional alter-ego of Bukowski, who wanders around Los Angeles trying to live off odd jobs. Factotum earned $1.7 million at the box office and has an IMDB rating of 6.6/10. It was praised for its unique style and performances by critics and audiences alike.

Revolver (2005)

A British-French gangster film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The movie stars Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore, Andre Benjamin, and more. It follows the story of Jake Green, a con artist who finds himself in debt to a mob boss after stealing money from him. With help from an enigmatic gambler called “the Professor”, Jake endeavors to make enough money to pay back his debtor. The movie has an IMDB rating of 6.3/10 and earned $15 million at the box office. Critics praised the movie for its stylish visuals and intelligent script, though some felt it was overly complicated or derivative of Ritchie’s previous work.

Funny Man (1994)

A British comedy horror film written and directed by Simon Sprackling. The movie stars Benny Young, Christopher Lee, Tim James, and more. It follows the story of Max Taylor, a record producer who wins an English stately house in a game of poker. However, he soon discovers it to be haunted by a demonic jester intent on murdering his family. The movie earned $1.2 million at the box office and has an IMDB rating of 4.4/10. It has been praised for its sick and twisted take on the concept of “Punch” (as in Punch and Judy) Freddy Kruger, Leprechaun, and perhaps was also an influence on the “Saw” franchise.

 

It is clear that the European gambling movie industry has come a long way in the last 20 years. From Run Lola Run to Revolver, these movies have provided us with some of the most entertaining and thrilling stories ever told. With their unique storylines, captivating characters, and intense action sequences, these films have become classics in their own right. Whether you’re a fan of poker or blackjack, there is something for everyone in this list of the best European casino movies of the last 20 years.

For those new to European gambling, these movies can be a great source of inspiration and motivation to try their luck on European online casinos. For more information on the best online casinos in Europe, check out Casinofy.com – a thoroughly reviewed guide to help you find your perfect casino