Sports Betting Movies | Top 25 Sports Betting Films
Millions of individuals all over the world have enjoyed sports betting for decades because of how exciting and fun it is. Sports betting is the practise of staking monetary gains on the outcome of a predicated sporting event. It’s no surprise that movies about sports gambling have become more mainstream as the sports betting industry has boomed in recent years. These movies show us the high-stakes world of sports betting, with all its excitement and potential danger. Here we’ll take a look at the fascinating subgenre of sports-betting movies, discussing some of the all-time greats in the genre and discussing what makes them so captivating.
Table of Content
- Top 25 Sports Betting Films
- The Hustler (1961)
- Rocky (1976)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- Eight Men Out (1988)
- Tin Cup (1996)
- Rounders (1998)
- Any Given Sunday (1999)
- The Color of Money (1986)
- White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
- Major League (1989)
- Moneyball (2011)
- The Longest Yard (1974)
- The Sting (1973)
- Casino (1995)
- The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
- Let It Ride (1989)
- Lay the Favorite (2012)
- The Big Short (2015)
- Molly’s Game (2017)
- Uncut Gems (2019)
- 21 (2008)
- Mississippi Grind (2015)
- Two for the Money (2005)
- Diggstown (1992)
- Wildcats (1986)
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Top 25 Sports Betting Films
So, whether you’re a seasoned sports bettor or just a fan, you’ll find something on this list to your liking. Movies like “The Hustler” and “Molly’s Game” reflect the thrill and drama of the sports betting industry, and the genre has a long history stretching back to the silent era. Then, grab some popcorn and get ready to laugh and cry along with a plot you may be familiar with or one you’ve never heard of before.
Here are the top 25 sports betting films:
- The Hustler (1961)
- Rocky (1976)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- Eight Men Out (1988)
- Tin Cup (1996)
- Rounders (1998)
- Any Given Sunday (1999)
- The Color of Money (1986)
- White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
- Major League (1989)
- Moneyball (2011)
- The Longest Yard (1974)
- The Sting (1973)
- Casino (1995)
- The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
- Let It Ride (1989)
- Lay the Favorite (2012)
- The Big Short (2015)
- Molly’s Game (2017)
- Uncut Gems (2019)
- 21 (2008)
- Mississippi Grind (2015)
- Two for the Money (2005)
- Diggstown (1992)
- Wildcats (1986)
Films with a Gambling or Sports Theme
Film Title | Year | Director | Main Cast |
The Hustler | 1961 | Robert Rossen | Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie |
Rocky | 1976 | John G. Avildsen | Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young |
Raging Bull | 1980 | Martin Scorsese | Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci |
Eight Men Out | 1988 | John Sayles | John Cusack, Clifton James, Michael Lerner |
Tin Cup | 1996 | Ron Shelton | Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson |
Rounders | 1998 | John Dahl | Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Turturro |
Any Given Sunday | 1999 | Oliver Stone | Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid |
The Color of Money | 1986 | Martin Scorsese | Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio |
White Men Can’t Jump | 1992 | Ron Shelton | Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez |
Major League | 1989 | David S. Ward | Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen |
Moneyball | 2011 | Bennett Miller | Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman |
The Longest Yard | 1974 | Robert Aldrich | Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter |
The Sting | 1973 | George Roy Hill | Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw |
Casino | 1995 | Martin Scorsese | Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci |
The Cincinnati Kid | 1965 | Norman Jewison | Steve McQueen, Edward G. Robinson, Ann-Margret |
Let It Ride | 1989 | Joe Pytka | Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, David Johansen |
Lay the Favorite | 2012 | Stephen Frears | Rebecca Hall, Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones |
The Big Short | 2015 | Adam McKay | Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling |
Molly’s Game | 2017 | Aaron Sorkin | Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner |
Uncut Gems | 2019 | Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie | Adam Sandler, Julia Fox, Idina Menzel |
21 | 2008 | Robert Luketic | Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth |
Mississippi Grind | 2015 | Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck | Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn, Sienna Miller |
Two for the Money | 2005 | D.J. Caruso | Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey, Rene Russo |
Diggstown | 1992 | Michael Ritchie | James Woods, Louis Gossett Jr., Bruce Dern |
Wildcats | 1986 | Michael Ritchie | Goldie Hawn, Swoosie Kurtz, Robyn Lively |
The Hustler (1961)
The famous film “The Hustler” explores the world of pool hustlers. Newman portrays “Fast” Eddie Felson, a pool player with aspirations of becoming the best in the world. However, his pride and avarice lead him down a perilous path that ultimately leads to his demise. “The Hustler” is a must-see for everyone interested in the world of sports betting due to its breathtaking cinematography and intriguing plot.
Rocky (1976)
“Rocky” is a legendary sports betting film about an underdog boxer who gets a crack at the heavyweight championship. The film stars Sylvester Stallone and examines the tenacity and perseverance required to become a champion, as well as the difficulties associated with recognition and success. “Rocky” has become a treasured classic that continues to inspire audiences due to its uplifting message and distinctive characters.
Raging Bull (1980)
“Raging Bull” is a powerful sports betting film that explores the life of boxer Jake LaMotta. The film delves into the brutal world of professional boxing, as well as the personal demons that haunt LaMotta throughout his career. With stunning performances and breathtaking cinematography, “Raging Bull” is a masterclass in filmmaking and a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of sports betting.
Eight Men Out (1988)
“Eight Men Out” is a compelling drama that tells the story of the 1919 Black Sox scandal, in which several players on the Chicago White Sox team were accused of intentionally losing the World Series. With its focus on the scandal and the players involved, the film provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of sports betting and the lengths some people will go to in order to win.
Tin Cup (1996)
“Tin Cup” is a lighthearted sports betting film that explores the world of professional golf. Costner plays the role of Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy, a talented but undisciplined golfer who falls in love with his psychologist. With its mix of humor, romance, and sports action, “Tin Cup” is a fun and entertaining film that will delight audiences of all ages.
Rounders (1998)
The suspenseful drama “Rounders” investigates the world of underground poker. The film stars Matt Damon and Edward Norton as two buddies who become entangled in the hazardous world of high-stakes poker. “Rounders” is a must-see for everyone interested in the world of sports betting due to its captivating plot and unforgettable characters.
Any Given Sunday (1999)
“Any Given Sunday” is a high-octane sports betting film that explores the world of professional football. Starring Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, and Jamie Foxx, the film follows the story of a struggling football team and their efforts to turn things around. With its thrilling action and memorable characters, “Any Given Sunday” is a must-watch for any sports fan.
The Color of Money (1986)
The film “The Color of Money” investigates the world of pool hustlers through the lens of sports betting. The film stars Paul Newman and Tom Cruise and tells the story of an ageing pool player who mentors a novice player. “The Color of Money” is a must-see for everyone interested in the business of sports betting due to its breathtaking photography and enthralling plot.
White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
“White Men Can’t Jump” is a sports betting film that explores the world of street basketball. Harrelson plays the role of Billy Hoyle, a white basketball hustler who teams up with Snipes’ character, Sidney Deane, to take on other streetball players. With its witty humor and engaging characters, “White Men Can’t Jump” is a fun and entertaining film that also delves into the issues of race and social class. The film’s iconic scenes of basketball trickery and fast-paced dialogue have made it a cult classic, beloved by sports fans and movie buffs alike.
Major League (1989)
“Major League” is a sports comedy film that tells the story of a misfit baseball team that sets out to win the league championship. With its colorful characters and hilarious antics, the film has become a cult classic, beloved by sports fans and movie buffs alike. With its witty humor and engaging characters, “Major League” is a fun and entertaining film that will leave you cheering for the underdogs.
Moneyball (2011)
“Moneyball” is a film about the Oakland Athletics baseball team and their general manager Billy Beane. The film examines the field of sports analytics and how Billy Beane revolutionised the construction of baseball teams. “Moneyball” is a must-see for everyone who is interested in the world of sports betting due to its captivating plot and unforgettable performances.
The Longest Yard (1974)
“The Longest Yard” is a sports comedy film that tells the story of a disgraced former football player who is sent to prison and is tasked with coaching the inmates’ football team. With its mix of humor and sports action, the film has become a classic, beloved by sports fans and movie buffs alike. With its iconic scenes of football and unforgettable characters, “The Longest Yard” is a must-watch for any sports fan.
The Sting (1973)
“The Sting” is a crime thriller that explores the world of horse racing and sports betting. The film follows the story of two con men who set out to scam a ruthless mob boss in a high-stakes game of horse racing. With its engaging storyline and memorable characters, “The Sting” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of sports betting and crime thrillers.
Casino (1995)
“Casino” is a crime drama film that explores the world of Las Vegas casinos and sports betting. Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, the film follows the story of a casino owner and his struggles to maintain control over his empire. With its stunning visuals and gripping storyline, “Casino” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of sports betting and crime dramas.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
“The Cincinnati Kid” is a classic sports betting film that explores the world of high-stakes poker. The film follows the story of a young poker player who sets out to take on the best in the game, including the legendary “The Man.” With its tense poker scenes and memorable characters, “The Cincinnati Kid” is a must-watch for any poker fan.
Let It Ride (1989)
“Let It Ride” is a sports comedy film that explores the world of horse racing. Dreyfuss plays the role of a gambler who bets on a longshot horse and ends up on a winning streak. With its mix of humor and sports action, “Let It Ride” is a fun and entertaining film that will delight audiences of all ages.
Lay the Favorite (2012)
The film “Lay the Favorite” exposes the world of professional sports betting. The film depicts a young woman who becomes a bookie’s assistant and strives to make her mark in the industry. “Lay the Favorite” is essential viewing for anyone interested in the world of sports betting due to its compelling plot and memorable characters.
The Big Short (2015)
“The Big Short” is a drama film that explores the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. The film follows the story of a group of investors who saw the crisis coming and bet against the housing market. With its engaging storyline and standout performances, “The Big Short” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of finance and betting.
Molly’s Game (2017)
“Molly’s Game” is a biographical crime drama that tells the story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who ran an underground poker game for Hollywood celebrities and the rich and famous. With its gripping storyline and outstanding performances, “Molly’s Game” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of high-stakes poker and sports betting.
Uncut Gems (2019)
“Uncut Gems” is a crime thriller that explores the world of sports betting and jewelry sales. The film follows the story of a jeweler and gambling addict who is in debt and sets out to make a big score. With its intense storyline and standout performances, “Uncut Gems” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of sports betting and crime thrillers.
21 (2008)
“21” is a drama film that tells the story of a group of MIT students who use their math skills to count cards and win big at blackjack in Las Vegas. With its engaging storyline and memorable performances, “21” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of card counting and sports betting.
Mississippi Grind (2015)
“Mississippi Grind” is a drama film that explores the world of high-stakes poker and sports betting. The film follows the story of two gamblers who set out on a road trip to New Orleans, hoping to win big. With its engaging storyline and standout performances, “Mississippi Grind” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of sports betting and card games.
Two for the Money (2005)
“Two for the Money” is a drama film that tells the story of a former college football star who becomes a sports handicapper and is recruited by a successful handicapper to work for him. With its engaging storyline and standout performances, “Two for the Money” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of sports handicapping and betting.
Diggstown (1992)
“Diggstown” is a sports comedy film that tells the story of a con man who teams up with a retired boxer to pull off a boxing scam in a small town. With its mix of humor and sports action, “Diggstown” is a fun and entertaining film that will delight audiences of all ages.
Wildcats (1986)
“Wildcats” is a sports comedy film that explores the world of high school football. Hawn plays the role of a determined coach who sets out to turn a struggling high school football team into a winner. With its mix of humor and sports action, “Wildcats” is a fun and entertaining film that will leave you cheering for the underdogs.
Conclusion
Sports betting has been a popular theme in the film industry for decades, with many movies exploring the highs and lows of the gambling world. From classics like “The Hustler” and “The Sting” to modern hits like “Moneyball” and “Uncut Gems,” there is no shortage of great sports betting movies to choose from. Whether you are a fan of drama, comedy, or action, there is a sports betting movie out there for everyone. These films not only offer great entertainment, but also provide insight into the world of sports betting and gambling, giving viewers a chance to learn more about this fascinating and often controversial industry.