Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games out there and, as such, an ever-lasting source of inspiration for moviemakers. Just think about it. Almost every film set in a casino introduces blackjack as the key element in one way or another. After all, blackjack is one of the very few games in which players with skill can easily beat the house thanks to counting cards, thus making it a perfect opportunity to make the main protagonist look more intelligent, successful or savvy. In this article, we will focus on the biggest blackjack wins that happened on the big screen, and truth be told, they are really impressive.
“Blackjack has a cult status in the film industry as a game that can spice up any genre.”
Rain Man
Rain Man, the 1988 drama with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, is notable for stellar performances, as well as one of the most hypnotic depictions of blackjack on the silver screen.
This movie is a classic for a reason, yet the spectacular blackjack scene surpasses it by miles in terms of fame. The two brothers visit a casino where Raymond, a person with autism and Savant Syndrome, demonstrates their ability to keep track of the blackjack table. Thanks to counting cards, the duo pockets an easy $86,000.
Some might argue how Rain Man inflicted much prejudice against people with autism, but when it comes to blackjack, it did no wrong. In fact, unlike many other gambling-themed movies, it showed the reality of how card counting is treated by casino managers - if there is no proof, all they can do is pay you out and ask you to leave and never come back.
Licence to Kill
Bond and casinos go together like peas and carrots. One of the most recognisable casino scenes in the series takes place in License to Kill (1989), and it is all about demonstrating how good Mr Bond is at counting cards.
While 007 may not be the biggest winner of all time that ever appeared on film, it is definitely one of the most fascinating ones. Bond’s game of blackjack has been analysed by many, even though there is nothing incredibly exciting about it. We would dare to say how the spy’s charm and wits make the scene so thrilling rather than blackjack itself. Still, he did win!
The Hangover
We are talking about the original here and not the abomination that the two sequels were. In the 2009 movie, we follow a group of friends looking forward to spending a weekend in Vegas. But it is no ordinary weekend, no sir. One of them throws a bachelor party.
After a severe hangover (hence the title), Mike Tyson, a tiger, mafia, an unplanned wedding, and a baby, the crew has to get some money to travel back home. This is where the obnoxious weirdo and bride’s brother steps in. After reading “The World's Greatest Blackjack Book” by Cooper and Humble, Alan (Zach Galifianakis) creates an elaborate plan and wins a sensational $82,400 playing blackjack. Not too shabby for a bunch of guys who stole a police car and a stripper.
Vegas Vacation
You have probably watched it before, but blackjack is a great reason to revisit one of the craziest family-friendly movies. Meet the Griswolds, a family with a dorky dad, ungrateful children and a stressed mom, who all take a trip to the City of Sins. Pretty relatable, isn’t it?
Well, the Griswolds aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, but somehow, they manage to land impressive wins throughout the film. Frank, the head of the family, even spends his children’s college funds to win approximately $20,000 in blackjack. We're not sure if that investment was worth it, but Vegas Vacation is well worth your time. A special bonus is the crazy game of keno, a game you don’t see every day, especially not in blockbuster movies.
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We’ll be honest with you. The main star in the 2008 flick is Kevin Spacey. If that is off-putting for you, we get it, but we still suggest you turn a blind eye to that and watch it for the breathtaking Vegas skyline and immersive storyline. After all, it is based on a real story about a team of students at MIT who have won no less than $250,000 during their expeditions at Vegas casinos. Nope, we didn’t add one zero too many.
Yes, the story sounds like a complete hoax, yet it is very much true. Certain aspects of it were adjusted to make the script even more compelling, but even so, it is a perfect watch on a lazy Friday night, and not to mention completely jaw-dropping.
“Blackjack makes the main character look savvy, intelligent and highly calculated.”