Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world and is played casually, professionally, in person, and online across the globe. Millions of fans love to play the game, but there are just as many who love to watch it.
Poker movies are few and far between, but many great ones are available. Here are some of the best films about high-stakes poker.
Molly’s Game
Widely regarded as one of the best films about poker, Molly’s Game is based on the true story of a former Olympian who went from a waitress at a California club to a New York poker kingpin, hosting games attended by the rich and famous. With a stellar cast and a very intriguing story, Molly’s Game isn’t 100% about poker but rather the story of someone running the New York poker scene for several years.
Rounders
Another legendary poker movie is Rounders. The story follows two friends, played by Matt Damon and Edward Norton, who make their way around high-stakes poker games, trying to win to pay off a substantial debt. Rounders is so popular due to its almost raw nature; as it doesn’t include all the bright lights of Vegas as it tells a more gritty story. The movie also made Matt Damon fall in love with the game.
Smart Money
If we go back to 1931, Smart Money is one of the first poker movies released. Starring Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney, the film is packed with cheating, winning, redemption, romance, and friendship. While it isn’t a movie that will blow you away, Smart Money has that old-world feel and charm that only classic movies have, and the poker aspects are more than sufficient for lovers of the game to get into.
The Cincinnati Kid
Another poker movie classic is The Cincinnati Kid. Starring Steve McQueen as the titular “Kid,” the movie sees him trying to find his way in the poker world, building a reputation for himself, and trying to beat the big-name players. What is interesting about the film is that while some parts are relatively predictable, the film’s climax is not at all, leaving you in a slight state of shock but still satisfied with the ending.
Luck You
Lucky You is a double-edged sword, as it features a relatively great cast and poker scenes; it is also a film critics generally panned. However, you are in for a treat if you can get through the sometimes tedious stages. Lucky You tells the story of a young poker player, Erc Bana, trying to make a name for himself in Vegas and escape the shadow of his far more successful father. Once again, don’t expect fireworks, but if you like poker, Lucky You deserves a chance.
The Grand
Another film that isn’t 100% poker focussed but still well worth a watch is The Grand. Starring Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Ray Ramano, and Werner Herzog, The Grand is a spectacularly bizarre movie based on a massive poker tournament called The Grand. Once again, while it isn’t a film that received much praise, it is one you will remember because it is strange and wacky. Considering its cast, casual fans and poker lovers will enjoy every second of this film.
California Split
Now, to a film that didn’t even make it to the cinema but definitely should have California Split. Starring Geoge Segal, Elliot Gould, and Jeff Goldblum, California Split is about two friends hooked on gambling and winning. While the film doesn’t have the most profound story, it is made up for by some excellent acting and humor and shows this friendship in all its glory, no matter the outcome.
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story
High Roller is a biopic about the legendary, successful gambler and poker player Stu Ungar. Michael Imperioli plays Ungar, with the story being told in the form of flashbacks on the last night of Ungar’s life. The movie is an authentic look into the life of a player who was once one of, if not the most respected and feared players in the game, and how success can be taken away from you instantly.
All In: The Poker Movie
Finally, All In is a documentary-style film that tells the long history of poker. From its routes to how it became popular, this is the movie you must watch if you are interested in the game. The film also features a host of celebrities and pro players, such as Matt Damon, Annie Duke, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Hellmuth, Chris Ferguson, Phil Laak, and many others.
