Why aren’t there more bingo blockbusters? There are dozens of films about poker; there are several films about casinos and the world of gambling. Somehow, bingo seems to have slipped through the movie makers net. Is it possible that bingo bonuses are not as worthy as big poker wins for a film?

Bingo is the second most popular pastime in the UK and the United States of America, after watching television. It attracts larger audiences than the biggest box office movies and top sporting events. There are bingo halls everywhere but – despite this – only a handful of bingo movies have ever been made.

Here are five of bingo’s finest silver screen moments.

Bingo! The Documentary (1999)

John Jeffcoat’s film takes a wry look at the real world of bingo. The film looks at bingo culture in all its many varieties, from giant bingo halls to bingo cruise ships and newer, more youthful bingo sub-cultures such as gay bingo and bars which encourage the customers to play bingo for drinks at the bar. The film is mainly set in the US but there are snippets from UK bingo halls and some in Ireland. If you want a sympathetic film that looks at the big wide world of bingo, you could do worse than this 59 minute documentary.

Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)

‘Any number can play…. but it’s better with just two’ This beach party musical starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello is widely considered to be the best starring the pair. The film is hilarious and features Buster Keaton in one of his last roles. Although the actual game of bingo doesn’t appear to feature, there is a song about it!! Don’t miss this timeless classic.

She Toon: City of Bingo (2003)

Craig Collinson’s short documentary film centres around the bingo-playing women of Dundee and their contribution to the working life of the city over the past century. The film won the Edinburgh Film Festival award upon its year of release for Best Short Documentary Film.

Good Bingo (2007)

Meta Newhouse’s documentary centres around a weekly Sunday afternoon bingo club based in a village hall in Denton, Texas. The film takes an affectionate – and highly entertaining – look at the culture that has grown up around the game, from the players and the employees to the hot dogs and the supersized barnets!

Worth a look – particularly if you’re interested in attending a live bingo game or you’re simply looking to pick up a few tips for playing internet bingo, as the complexities of the game are nicely précised by a series of animations throughout the film.

Bingo! (1991)

“Batteries Not Included” director Matthew Robbins’ family movie about an escaped dog called Bingo and his friendship with a young boy has little to do with the game of bingo as we know it. However, it may be of interest to infants, or indeed anyone who is keen to see a dog wear sunglasses, read books and perform CPR!