Best Poker Movies have always captivated the audience with their engaging storylines, realistic poker sequences, and star-studded casts. These movies not only entertain poker enthusiasts but also offer fresh insights into the game. In this article, we will explore some of the best poker movies of all time that you should watch.
Deal (2008)
“Deal” stars Burt Reynolds and Bret Harrison and revolves around ex-poker player Tommy’s attempts to teach Alex the techniques and strategies he needs to succeed in the poker world. The movie features Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak, and Mike Sexton, all of whom appear in various poker situations. Although not a classic, it’s worth checking out if you’re a poker fan.
Lucky You (2007)
Starring Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall, and Phyllis Somerville, “Lucky You” portrays the stories of L.C. Cheever (Robert Duvall) and Huck Cheever (Eric Bana), a two-time WSOP champion who tries to follow in his father’s footsteps in the poker game. Huck hopes to make it in the game and re-establish a relationship with his family. The movie features Sammy Farha, Jen Harman, and Berry Greenstein at the tables.
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)
This legendary story revolves around Stu “The Kid” Ungar, one of the greatest poker players of all time. The movie chronicles his life from his early days playing gin rummy to his heartbreaking demise. Despite criticism for “glorifying” depraved behavior, the movie is an account of a single person’s experiences, and Ungar’s accomplishments in poker are unaffected.
Shade (2003)
“Shade” is a great pick for individuals who enjoy action and tension in their films. The plot revolves around a hustle gone bad, with a group of swindlers setting up a high-stakes poker game to get their hands on their stolen money. But things don’t go as planned, and soon they’re being pursued by mobsters. The movie features some amusing and realistic sequences of poker being played.
All In: The Poker Movie (2009)
This movie is a great trip down memory lane if you want to reminisce. “All In: The Poker Movie” chronicles poker history, from its beginnings to Moneymaker’s historic Main Event victory in 2003 to the terrible events of Black Friday in Las Vegas. The movie features several familiar characters, including Antonio Esfandiari, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Annie Duke, Chris Ferguson, Phil Laak, and Moneymaker.
Maverick (1994)
A lighthearted action-comedy that revolves around poker and gambling, “Maverick” stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. The film follows Maverick’s efforts to secure the money he needs for an upcoming poker event. While it may not be the most poker-centric film on this list, it’s still an entertaining watch for poker and non-poker fans alike.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
This classic poker movie stars Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson and tells the story of a long, tense poker game between a rising young star and an experienced veteran. With a strong supporting cast and realistic shots of New Orleans’ gritty underbelly, this movie is a gripping look into the gambling community.
Rounders (1998)
“Rounders” is a must-watch film for poker fans, starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich, and Gretchen Mol. The film was the first to reference the Texas Hold ’em game variation and follows Mike McDermott’s (Damon) journey to become a professional poker player and his struggles with money management and loyalty.
Molly’s Game (2017)
This recent film tells the true story of “Poker Queen” Molly Bloom and stars Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, and Kevin Costner. The movie depicts Bloom’s rise and fall as she hosted secret high-stakes games for some of Hollywood’s biggest names. While some of the acts and circumstances may seem overblown, the writers got most of the poker stuff right.
Casino Royale (2006)
Although not explicitly a poker movie, “Casino Royale” features Daniel Craig as agent 007, who participates in a $10,000,000 buy-in tournament to stop terrorists from funding their operations. The movie has some exciting poker scenes that make it a must-watch for poker fans, and the film’s director, Martin Campbell, did a great job of keeping the audience entertained for 2.5 hours.
In conclusion, these are some of the best poker movies ever made that you should watch. Whether you’re an experienced player or a casual fan, these films offer fresh insights into the game and are sure to entertain. So, pick your favorite and start watching today!
