Hard Eight (1997): cast, story & where to watch

1997 · Film · ★ 6.9

Hard Eight poster

Released in 1997, Hard Eight is a thriller, drama and crime film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, running about 102 minutes. “When good luck is a long shot, you have to hedge your bets.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A stranger mentors a young Reno gambler who weds a hooker and befriends a vulgar casino regular.

Who’s in it. Hard Eight stars Philip Baker Hall as Sydney, John C. Reilly as John, Gwyneth Paltrow as Clementine and Samuel L. Jackson as Jimmy, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.9/10, Hard Eight has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $222.6K at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Hard Eight page.

If you liked it. Fans of Hard Eight tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Hard Eight (1997)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Hard Eight change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Hard Eight worth watching?
Hard Eight holds an audience score of 6.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Hard Eight?
Hard Eight stars Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson and F. William Parker.
When was Hard Eight released?
Hard Eight was released in 1997, with a runtime of about 102 minutes.