Much of contemporary culture has been driven by the cinema, from fashion to sports to music. The prevalence of popular gambling movies makes one wonder, “Which came first?”

The Cincinnati Kid

The Cincinnati Kid, released in 1965, stars Steve McQueen, Edward G. Robinson, and Ann Margret. McQueen takes the role of The Kid, a young street-wise stud poker player and card shark, set amidst the seedy landscape of Depression-era New Orleans. In order to become “The Man,” the title of ultimate respect, The Kid must match grit and wits with Edward G. Robinson, the reigning man of stud poker.

Ocean’s Eleven

The original version of Ocean’s Eleven opened in 1960 with its popular Rat Pack celebrities of the day: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr, along with Peter Lawford and Angie Dickinson. Danny Ocean reacquaints WWII buddies in a single choreographed heist of five casinos.

The remake of Ocean’s Eleven, in 2001, gathers an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Elliot Gould, Carl Reiner, Andy Garcia and Julia Roberts. George Clooney, as Danny Ocean, in partnership with long time pal Rusty Ryan, played by Pitt, assemble the appropriate heist characters and choreograph a 3-casino heist. All three casinos are owned by Ocean’s nemesis, Terry Benedict, played by Andy Garcia. Along the way, Ocean also tries to win back his ex-girlfriend, played by Julia Roberts.

Rounders

Rounders was a 1998 film starring Matt Damon and Ed Norton. Mike McDermott, played by Damon, makes a wise decision to ditch his gambling passion in exchange for his law studies and his girlfriend. However, when his long time sleaze ball buddy, Worm, played by Norton, gets out of jail and suddenly is threatened to make good on overdue gambling debts to the tune of thousands of dollars, McDermott must make a choice that will affect his relationships and his future.

The Sting

The Sting, a 1973 Best Picture, is the story of two con-men, Johnny Hooker and Henry Gondorf, played by Robert Redford and Paul Newman, respectively. Both expert gamblers, they join forces to outwit a mobster who double crossed them. The Sting won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.