What are some great Poker movies to watch?
Knowing how popular poker is and what a huge public it appeals to, many Hollywood directors have created films about poker, other betting-related games and casinos.
Here are some of the most loved Poker related movies.
10. Bet Raise Fold (2013)
The movie follows the origin and development of the online poker industry in the 2000s and it portrays the way it influences the new generation of professional poker players. In the centre of events are three characters: Danielle, Tony, and Martin.
Director: Ryan Firpo
Writer: Ryan Firpo
Stars: Danielle Andersen, Tony Dunst, Martin Bradstreet
Release date: June 30, 2013 (United States)
IMDb RATING: 7.3 / 10
9. Mississippi Grind (2015)
The movie tells the story of the financially strapped Gerry, who decides to team up with a younger and more charismatic poker player named Curtis. But Curtis, who acts as Gerry’s guardian angel, is actually the same miserable guy as Gerry. Eventually, the duo decides to go on a road trip through the Southern states in an attempt to win back what Gerry had lost. Otherwise, they will starve.
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Writer: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Stars: Ben Mendelsohn, Ryan Reynolds, Yvonne Landry
Release date : Oct 23, 2015
IMDb RATING: 6.4 / 10
8. California Split (1974)
When Bill and Charlie meet they are both in a Southern California betting club. While Bill has a full-time job as a journalist and only gambles occasionally, Charlie has something of a gambling career and is determined to become a true professional. As the two start to spend more time together, Bill begins to run with Charlie’s company, and he even runs up huge debts, too.
Director: Robert Altman
Writer: Joseph Walsh
Stars: George Segal, Elliott Gould, Ann Prentiss
Release date: January 1975 (United Kingdom)
IMDb RATING: 7.2./10
7. Maverick (1994)
The movie tells the story of Bret Maverick, a professional poker player who would rather con people than confront them. Like other professional poker players, Maverick wants to win a winner-takes-all poker championship, but it turns out that he cannot buy a seat, so he turns to collect some of the debts people owe him to raise the money he needs.
Director: Richard Donner
Writer: Roy Huggins, William Goldman
Stars: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner
Release date: July 1994 (United Kingdom)
IMDb RATING: 7.0./10
6. Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly’s Game portrays the life of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier, who had been running the world’s most private high-stakes poker game for 10 years before she getting arrested. Among her clientele were top-class royalties, sports stars, entrepreneurs, and even the Russian mob itself. After the arrest, the only person who remains on Molly’s side is her criminal defence lawyer who knows that there is something about Molly which the newspapers do not cover.
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Writer: Aaron Sorkin, Molly Bloom
Stars: Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner
Release date: January, 1, 2018 (United Kingdom)
IMDb RATING: 7.4./10
5. Shade (2003)
Set in the world of poker cheaters and martini bars in Vegas, Shade tells the story of Tiffany, Charlie, and Venom – con-artists who have grown tired of performing the same old crimes. The group finds a way to cheat Dean “The Dean” Stevens – a popular cardsharp. But if they want to compete against The Dean, they have to get enough money to buy a seat first.
Director: Damian Nieman
Writer: Damian Nieman
Stars: Joe Nicolo, Carl Mazzocone Sr, George Tovar
Release date: May, 9, 2004 (United States)
IMDb RATING: 6.3./ 10
4. Casino Royale (2006)
Not the typical poker movie, but worth the watch nevertheless. Agent 007 sets off on his first mission after being granted a licence to kill. In the movie, the agent has to defeat criminals in a high-stakes poker game in a Montenegro casino.
Director: Martin Campbell
Writer: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis
Stars: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench
Release date: Nov, 16, 2006 (United Kingdom )
IMDb RATING: 8.0./ 10
3. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
The movie tells the story of a fresh poker player coming from New Orleans to fight the best poker player in America, known simply as “the Man”. After dominating the tables for years, the Man finally has someone as good as himself to fight him.
Director: Norman Jewison , Sam Peckinpah
Writer: Richard Jessup, Ring Lardner Jr, Terry Southern
Stars: Steve McQueen, Ann-Margret, Edward G. Robinson
Release date: Nov, 22, 1965 (United Kingdom )
IMDb RATING: 7.2./ 10
2. High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)
Stu Ungar was the youngest-ever winner at the World Series of Poker Main Event. After a prosperous poker career where he won more than $30 million, Stu died with nothing to his name. High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a must-see movie for all poker fans as it not only shows how successful a gambler could be but also how quickly gamblers can hit rock bottom.
Director: A.W. Vidmer
Writer: A.W. Vidmer
Stars: Al Bernstein, Andrew N.S. Glazer, Michael Imperioli
Release date May 1, 2003 (United States)
IMDb RATING: 6.0 / 10
1. Rounders (1998)
Arguably the best poker movie ever made, Rounders tells the story of a reformed gambler who is lured back into high-stakes poker when a friend asks him for help to repay a debt. The movie shows viewers what life was like in late 1990s New York high-stakes poker circles. Rounders received mixed reviews, but nevertheless, it is considered one of the best poker-related movies ever made.
Director: John Dahl
Writer: David Levien, Brian Koppelman
Stars: Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol
Release date: November 20, 1998 (United Kingdom)
IMDb RATING: 7.3 / 10
