Top Ten Poker Movies

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Top Ten Poker Movies

As a game of strategy, psychology, and some luck, poker is a game that transcends the casino floor. Often used for dramatic effect, especially in relation to some sort of gang or mob-related scene, when filmed correctly and with the right cast, poker movies, and scenes can be captivating for any audience. 

Filled with high stakes, unpredictability, passion, and intensity, poker movies are not just about the game, but the game within the game. From vintage classics to comedy-themed to modern thrillers, poker and big-screen films, poker, and movies have had a long and successful relationship that blends the art of the game into the art of storytelling. 

Rounders (1998)

If there is one poker movie that you must watch, it is Matt Damon's cult classic. With an impressive cast of characters that fans latch onto, Rounders follows Mike McDermott as he attempts to navigate his personal life with law school and his girlfriend while also helping a friend (Edward Norton) pay off his debt. Showcasing the various forms of poker and the gritty dark world it can lead to, Rounders taps into friendship, loyalty, and redemption. 

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Set in the era of The Great Depression, Steve McQueen plays the part of Eric “The Kid” Stone, a young poker prodigy looking to take down the reigning champ Lancey “The Man” Howard (played by Edward G. Robinson). While some of the dialogue may seem a little cheesy now, the characters, plot, and authentic portrayal of the game, especially the numerous tension-filled showdowns stand the test of time. 

Molly’s Game (2017)

Based on the true story of Molly Bloom, the former United States Olympic skier turned operator of the world’s most high-stakes underground poker empire. Directed by Aaron Sorkin and featuring Jessica Chastain as Bloom, the film explores the life of a woman who is the focus of an FBI investigation for running private card games that feature high-profile celebrities, athletes, business titans, and members of the mob. 

Maverick (1994)

Unlike other movies on this list, Maverick is a Western comedy based on the popular 1950s-60s television show about a card-playing con artist. Starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner (who was the lead character in the television series), the film follows the adventures of Bret Maverick, a gambler who is looking to prove his worth as he partakes in a five-card draw poker tournament. Combining light-hearted comedy with action and the drama of poker, Maverick checks many of the boxes when it comes to feel-good movies. 

Casino Royale (2006) 

One might argue that Casino Royale, an action-packed spy thriller isn’t a true poker movie, however, due to the captivating poker scenes it makes the cut. Showcasing one of the most suspenseful and intense high-steak games of Texas Hold’em in Hollywood history, Daniel Craig’s James Bond’s strategic prowess under pressure is put to the test when he is seated head to head against Le Chiffre, a terrorist financier (played by Mads Mikkelsen). 

Lucky You (2007)

The internal battle between love and the lure of winning the World Series of Poker is on display in Curtis Hason’s drama featuring Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, and Robert Duvall. Filmed in Las Vegas, Huck Cheever (Bana) a talented young poker player in his own right, is forever battling the shadow of his father, a multi-time World Series of Poker Champion. While the movie bombed at the box office, it did manage to showcase the strategy and emotional highs and lows that poker players face at the table. 

Mississippi Grind (2015)

Starring Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn, this comedy-drama follows two troubled gamblers who hit the road along the Mississippi River, chasing the American dream, looking for redemption and a big score. Filled with token loan sharks, hustlers, and mobsters, Gerry (Mendelsohn) and Curtis (Reynolds) try their hand at everything including poker, slots, roulette, craps, and blackjack. 

California Split (1974)

Bill Denny (George Segal) and Charlie Waters (Elliott Gould) are friends united by their love of gambling. Together they embark on a series of adventures that include gambling and alcohol. With big wins and equally big losses, the comedy-drama follows the adventures of Denny and Waters who encounter real-life poker world champion Amarillo Slim in a high steaks game. California Split explores friendship, luck, and risk-taking as the two gamblers search for the next big win. 

Shade (2003)

In the gritty underworld of Los Angeles, a trio of hustlers played by Gabriel Bryne, Thandie Newton Stuart Townsend convince poker legend Larry Jennings (Jamie Foxx) to join their crew as they attempt to con legendary card player Dean Stevens (Sylvester Stallone) in a high stakes poker game. Take notice of the quick sleight-of-hand tricks that occur throughout the movie. 

The Sting (1973)

Although it isn’t solely focused on poker as much as the above movies, Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s 1973 film about two professional grifters has one of the great con scenes in Hollywood history when Shaw (Newman) takes on a mob boss in a high-stakes poker game. Taking $15,000 in winnings, Shaw continuously finds ways to antagonize his opponents. The award-winning film, which spawned a less successful sequel, would be touted by the US National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.  

As many of these movies took place long before the world of online casino games became popular, some of the strategies and gameplay can be slightly different. Online sources are an ideal resource to help new and experienced players understand the different game selections, bonuses, and security features that online games offer as opposed to the shady backdoor, underground, dirty saloon poker games that you may have seen in these popular movies. Players can check the safety of online casinos in reviews such as the Magic Red Casino Review.