I was poking around Netflix recently to see if there was anything new to watch. As it turns out “Lay The Favorite” has returned. It’s not the best movie but it’s based in Las Vegas and revolves around the gambling world. These are two things I enjoy greatly. It’s now on my list in case I’m looking for something to watch one night.
This finding made me curious to see what other Las Vegas-based or gambling movies were available on Netflix. Nothing gets me more excited for Las Vegas and casinos than seeing that kind of scenery on TV. Yes, I live in Las Vegas but still feel like a tourist when I see these kinds of movies.
Unfortunately, the selection of Las Vegas and gambling movies on Netflix is fairly limited right now. Movies are added and subtracted regularly so there may be more or fewer movies available when you read this. Here is some eye candy if you’re missing the casino life of Las Vegas.
“21”
This is one of my favorite casino and gambling movies from the past 10 years. It’s the movie adaptation of the book “Bringing Down The House.” This is based on a real-life story about six MIT students who became experts in card counting and took Vegas casinos for millions in winnings.
The book is better than the movie but the slick Las Vegas eye candy in this movie makes me crave for Las Vegas. In one night the movie takes place hops from the Hard Rock to Planet Hollywood to Red Rock Casino. That may have actually been one scene. The continuity of this movie will make you crazy if you love Las Vegas.
“Lay The Favorite”
This is another mediocre movie based in Las Vegas that was based on a book. The movie revolves around a woman who came to Las Vegas to be a cocktail waitress but falls in love with a sports bettor.
You won’t be overwhelmed by the Las Vegas eye candy but you’ll see Caesars Palace, Bally’s, Rio, and maybe Circus Circus in the movie. The lingo used in this movie makes it fun to have on in the background if you’re a sports bettor.
“Rounders”
This is hands down one of the best gambling movies in the past 20 years. Not only is the movie great but it’s so quotable. The poker action isn’t in Las Vegas but is reminiscent of seedy backroom games you might have heard of. The grit of the poker action makes this story of a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks so good.
Some Las Vegas and gambling movies are good only because of the subjects. This movie is just good and always makes me want to get into poker. Unfortunately, casino poker bores me.
“Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens”
This is not a movie about gambling or Las Vegas. However, enough of the movie includes the Stratosphere for me to consider this a Vegas movie. I’m reminded of this movie every time I see the Sharknado slot machine when I walk through a casino.
The Sharknado movies are an acquired taste and the campiness of the movie franchise reached its peak in Las Vegas. This is the kind of movie I can watch specifically on a Sunday afternoon when football stinks and “Ocean’s 11,” “Ocean’s 13,” “Casino Royale,” or “Vegas Vacation” aren’t on a random cable channel. One of those movies is usually on TV and fills my need for Las Vegas eye candy.
