House of Games

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House of Games

R

1987

1h 41m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

30 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

After one of her patients threatens suicide, psychiatrist Margaret Ford (Lindsay Crouse) confronts the source of his anxieties, a downtown bookie named Mike (Joe Mantegna). Once she decides that Mike is not a serious threat, however, she herself becomes interested in his world of high-stakes gambling, and makes use of her skills at reading tells, becoming entrenched in his dealings. Things get dangerous, though, when Mike turns out not to be a bookie at all, but a con man.

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Critics Consensus

Galvanized by David Mamet's punchy dialogue and a winding succession of surprises, House of Games is a terse thriller where confidence is currency.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

There is a teasing quality to Mamet's presentations that reminds me of a skilled magician, meticulously laying out his cards while telling us a story.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Vera Wylde

Council of Geeks

Maybe part of the problem is that (Mamet's) roots are in theater... This is something that could actually make for a decent remake... It begs for a stronger stylistic hand in the presentation, and it just doesn't have that.

Oct 18, 2025

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

It seems incredible, but every piece falls logically into place. At the end you understand the beginning, and you also understand that this is an almost perfect cinematic scam. [Full review in Spanish]

Jun 14, 2022

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

House of Games remains a richly conceived character study, a complex cinematic con game, and above all else a grand magic act.

Rated: 4/4

Mar 21, 2022

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...Mamet has infused House of Games with exactly the sort of irresistibly theatrical atmosphere for which he's known...

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 25, 2020

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Regardless of whether the film still delivers its intended zing, it's still hugely satisfying to watch all the moving parts click into place.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 24, 2019

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karen n

Outstanding story great acting one of our families favorite movies

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/25

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Ernie K

Mantegna and Crouse deliver excellent performances, backed by thoroughly believable support actors in this engrossing Mamet written/directed thriller. Grabs you slowly and then you can't help but seat through to its entertaining conclusion.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/30/25

Full Review

David C

If her acting was any more wooden she would be Pinocchio's mother. Whilst the plot was passable, certainly no Sting, the dialogue was so convoluted and "false” as to be cringe worthy.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/24/25

Full Review

Mitch C.

When I had my own video store back in the late 1980s, this was one of my favorite films to recommend. I don’t remember a single customer ever coming back saying they didn’t love it. Mamet is a writing genius.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/24/25

Full Review

Ed .

Play dangerous games, win dangerous prizes. What a fantastic film! Pros: * riveting plot and dialogue * intense yet controlled acting * moody lighting and direction Cons: * a bunch of them (con artists)

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/22/25

Full Review

Alain E

From the golden period of Mamet, before he got transformed to a right wing ideologue. Smoke and mirrors on multiple levels which lead to a violent resolution. The story involves a female psychiatrist who enjoys professional success, but has a very limited personal life. She gets suckered in a circle of con men, initially believing that she is in control, until she realizes that she is being conned. Her reaction does not conform to the professional norms of the American Medical Association. The image appears nicely restored. On Prime.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

Full Review

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David Mamet

Director

Lindsay Crouse

Margaret Ford

Joe Mantegna

Mike

Mike Nussbaum

Joey

Lilia Skala

Dr. Littauer

J.T. Walsh

The businessman

House of Games: Official Clip - Margaret Kills Mike

2:05

House of Games: Official Clip - Poker Game Showdown

1:59

House of Games: Official Clip - It Was Fate I Found You

2:07

House of Games: Official Clip - Con at Western Union

1:56

House of Games: Official Clip - The Missing Briefcase

2:04

House of Games: Official Clip - A Born Thief

2:03

House of Games: Official Clip - Mike Teaches About Tells

1:57

House of Games: Official Clip - Margaret Joins the Sting

2:11

House of Games: Official Clip - Margaret Can't Be Conned

2:12

House of Games: Official Clip - The Accidental Shooting

2:08

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Synopsis

After one of her patients threatens suicide, psychiatrist Margaret Ford (Lindsay Crouse) confronts the source of his anxieties, a downtown bookie named Mike (Joe Mantegna). Once she decides that Mike is not a serious threat, however, she herself becomes interested in his world of high-stakes gambling, and makes use of her skills at reading tells, becoming entrenched in his dealings. Things get dangerous, though, when Mike turns out not to be a bookie at all, but a con man.

Director: David Mamet
Producer: Michael Hausman
Screenwriter: David Mamet, David Mamet, Jonathan Katz
Distributor: Orion Pictures, Image Entertainment Inc., MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Filmhaus
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 11, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $416.5K
Runtime: 1h 41m

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