If you’re a fan of betting on sports and watching movies, why not check out the best sports betting movies of all time? Below, we go over the greatest movies about sports betting, starting all the way back in the 1960s.
The Hustler (1961)
The Hustler is arguably the most iconic sports betting movie in history. Released back in 1961 towards the end of Hollywood’s Golden Age, the black-and-white classic is based on Walter Tevis’ 1959 novel of the same title.
The story follows Eddie Felson, a small-time pool shark whose goal is to outsmart the legendary Minnesota Fats. Thanks to the movie’s gripping storyline and emotional ending, The Hustler was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.
Bookies (2003)
Bookies tells the story of four college students who start their own bookmaking business after losing a bet. They live the dream until things get out of hand, with the youngsters stepping on the toes of the local Italian mafia.
The 2003 comedy drama stars Johnny Galecki, Nick Stahl, Lukas Haas and Rachael Leigh Cook. Having premiered at the Sundance Film Festival – the United States’ biggest independent film festival – Bookies will always be regarded as one of the greatest sports betting movies of all time.
Two for the Money (2005)
Starring iconic actors such as Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey, Two for the Money is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports betting movies ever. The 2005 drama revolves around two handicappers making large sums of money before everything heads south.
Brandon Lang (McConaughey) is a former college football star whose career was cut short by injury, while Walter Abrams (Pacino) is a New York gambling tycoon. Abrams takes Lang under his wing after the ex-football player makes a name for himself in the handicapping industry, but things don’t work out as planned.
Let It Ride (1989)
If you’re a fan of horse racing, Let It Ride is the sports betting movie for you. Let It Ride stars Richard Dreyfuss as Jay Trotter, a taxi driver who wins big on the horses after receiving a tip. He spends a day at the race track and ends up enjoying the best day of his life, picking winner after winner.
Granted, Let It Ride is a relatively cheesy comedy, but it’s perfect for those looking for a light-hearted film to enjoy. While many movies about sports betting are based on gamblers that lose a fortune, Let It Ride shines a positive light on the thrill and excitement of betting on horse racing.
The Gambler (1974)
Last but not least, The Gambler wraps up our list of the best sports betting moves of all time. The 1974 crime drama is about a college professor who falls into a self-destructive gambling addition, convincing a student to underperform in college athletics in order to make a profit.
Decades later, the movie was remade and released in 2014, with Mark Wahlberg playing the main character. However, few would argue that the original 1974 film is not a far better movie than the 2014 remake.