The game of poker has experienced a real renaissance in recent years with the game now firmly established as a mainstream pastime. We now see poker played in movies, mentioned in music, and appear in video games. We even see live streaming of professional poker tournaments from across the globe.
The rise of online poker ahs also fueled the game’s growth with the development and spread of platforms that allow access to virtual tables and help deepen the strategies used in the different game and tournament modes like Sit & Go. This boom that has turned the spotlight back on this great classic, bringing more and more curious people to the game not only to participate but also to consume other content inspired by this world, not least the TV series.
For poker enthusiasts, Netflix and other streaming services offers a variety of shows and films that capture the essence of the game: strategy, risk and psychological tension. While poker itself may not always take central stage, the mental dynamics and high-stakes decision-making that characterize the game are evident in many titles available on the platform. Here’s a round-up of the best content for poker fans.
Molly’s Game
Though technically a film, Molly’s Game is a must-watch for any poker aficionado. This biographical drama tells the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier who became the organizer of one of the most exclusive and secretive underground poker circles in the world. From Hollywood elites to Wall Street power players, the stakes are always sky-high, and Bloom’s journey provides a rare glimpse into the thrilling world of high-stakes poker. It offers not only the excitement of the game but also the legal and personal consequences that come with Molly taking such massive risks.
Ozark
Ozark doesn’t focus on poker specifically, but it frequently features gambling and underground casinos as part of the Byrde family’s broader money-laundering operation. The intense psychological games played by the characters mirror the tactics used in poker: bluffing, strategising and sometimes going all in. Watching the Byrdes navigate dangerous waters with the cartel and FBI feels similar to a tense game of poker, where every move could either lead to fortune or disaster. Poker lovers will appreciate the cunning and risk management at play throughout the series.
House of Cards
In House of Cards, the game is politics, but the parallels to poker are unmistakable. Frank Underwood, the central character, is a master manipulator, constantly reading his opponents, bluffing, and knowing when to play his hand. The high-stakes, calculated nature of his moves is reminiscent of a poker player waiting for the right moment to strike. Though actual poker games are rare in the series, fans of the game will enjoy the chess-like strategies and psychological moves employed by Underwood in his ruthless rise to power.
Breaking Bad
Another title not strictly about poker, Breaking Bad, nonetheless shares the intense, high-risk atmosphere familiar to poker enthusiasts. Walter White’s transformation from mild-mannered teacher to an underworld kingpin involves constant bluffing, risk-taking and strategic decision-making, much like a game of high-stakes poker. The show’s tension-filled moments and life-or-death stakes mirror the intensity of a poker game, making it an engaging watch for fans of calculated risks and mental duels.
The Stranger
For those who love the mental challenge of poker, The Stranger offers instead a suspenseful ride filled with twists and turns. The show revolves around a mysterious stranger who reveals life-altering secrets to unsuspecting individuals, sparking chaos and deception. As characters scramble to piece together the truth, viewers are kept on their toes, trying to figure out what’s real and what’s a bluff. This mirrors the strategic gameplay of poker, where deception is often a key tactic, and every move must be calculated to achieve victory.
Rounders
Rounders is one of the definitive poker films, and while it may not be available on all platforms, it’s essential viewing for anyone passionate about the game. Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, this movie dives deep into the world of underground poker, portraying both the highs and the crushing lows of a life driven by the game. The film features iconic poker scenes and delves into the psychology of poker players, highlighting the toll the game can take on both a financial and personal level. For any serious poker fan, Rounders is a must-watch classic.
21
While 21 focuses primarily on blackjack, the movie’s themes of risk, strategy, and calculating odds will appeal to poker enthusiasts. Based on a true story, the film follows a group of MIT students who use their math skills to count cards in Las Vegas, winning millions before being caught. Like poker, the game of blackjack in 21 requires sharp strategic thinking, risk management, and knowing when to push forward or fold. The tension and excitement in the film’s high-stakes gambling scenes make it a good fit for poker fans who appreciate calculated risk-taking.
As we can see, streaming platforms offer a wide array of content that appeals to poker and card fans, from films and series that directly focus on the game to those that echo its core themes of risk, strategy, and psychological intensity, all titles which capture the essence of poker, making them perfect for those who appreciate the thrill of the game. With each show offering a unique take on strategy, risk and human nature, poker lovers have plenty to enjoy online.
