16 Must-See Poker Films for Every Avid Player

Fans of underground and celebrity poker should look out for this film, which is based on a book of the same title.

2 – MOLLY’S GAME

Overview: Following Molly Bloom as she abandons her law studies to venture into L.A., the film narrates her journey of curating some of the most extravagant and exclusive poker games in Hollywood, attracting a clientele of celebrities, elite athletes, affluent businesspeople, and even mobsters.

🎬 While big money rolls in, it simultaneously draws the attention of the FBI. The movie was praised by critics and received multiple award nominations, solidifying its status as a top-tier poker film. high-stakes poker games Notable quotes: Molly states: “I found myself in a room filled with movie stars, directors, and power players, each going all-in relentlessly.”

Another timeless poker film features the unforgettable performances of Steve McQueen and Ann-Margaret, predating the WSOP with its portrayal of the game.

🎥 Setting: Hollywood; New York
📆 Release date: 2017
💸 Box office: $59.3 million
👄 Overview: Eric "The Kid" Stoner (McQueen) hones his skills at the poker tables while moving up in stakes. Within The Cincinnati Kid, the game of Five-Card Stud is spotlighted as Stoner participates in several high-stakes rounds.

3 – THE CINCINNATI KID

Ann-Margret plays a seductive character, leading to an intense showdown against the seasoned Lancey "The Man" Howard. While the film was well-received, some players might question the authenticity of certain poker hands depicted.

🎬 ️Set in: 1930s, during the Great Depression in New Orleans. poker table Notable quotes: Lancey tells the Kid: “You have talent, but as long as I’m in this game, you’ll always be in second place. You need to accept that reality.”

This film delves into the life of one of poker’s more tragic figures— a talented player with deep-seated struggles.

⚜ Before superstar players emerged, this film featuring The Sopranos star Michael Imperioli vividly illustrates the life of a player. Stu Ungar, one of only two individuals to capture the WSOP Main Event three times (alongside Johnny Moss), was known for his sharp gambling tactics.
📆 Release date: 1965
💸 Box office: $7 million
👄 He won the title in 1980 and 1981 and then again after a 16-year hiatus in 1997. Nevertheless, he faced significant hardships due to drugs and financial woes. Tragically, he passed away less than a year later in a budget hotel in Las Vegas, with a heart condition linked to his drug history cited as the cause.

4 – HIGH ROLLER: THE STU UNGAR STORY

The narrative spans from his youth in New York, the son of a bookmaker, to his monumental victories in Las Vegas and the tragic events leading to his downfall.

🎬 Synopsis: Stu Ungar was a poker superstar Notable quotes: Stu challenges a rival, saying: “I have a read on you... so I know what you’re holding.”

Fans of the classic television series from the 1950s and 60s may have felt a sense of nostalgia seeing Bret Maverick back on the big screen.

Overview: Mel Gibson portrays Maverick in this light-hearted film alongside Jodie Foster and James Garner (who reprised his role from the original series). Maverick aspires to participate in a high-stakes poker tournament, encountering numerous hurdles both at and away from the table to secure his entry fee. The film was well-received and provided a humorous perspective on the life of an Old West gambler.

🎰 Setting: Las Vegas
📆 Release date: 2003
💸 Box office: NA
👄 Setting: The fictional settlement of Crystal River in the Old West of America.

5 – MAVERICK

Notable quotes: When faced with a disgruntled opponent after losing a significant pot, Maverick quips: “I’m a gambler, not a gunman.”

🎬 While this film may not have achieved the same level of acclaim as Rounders and Molly’s Game, it offers an authentic glimpse into the explosive expansion of poker during the 2000s. poker tournament but needs some cash to do so.

Director Doug Tirola successfully encapsulates the spirit of modern poker, including ample coverage of the game’s dramatic rise following the landmark 2003 WSOP Main Event victory.

🤠 The documentary features interviews with some of the biggest figures in the poker world, alongside insights from industry veterans like WPT creator Steve Lipscomb, as well as a few players who have fallen from grace after Black Friday—such as Chris Ferguson and Howard Lederer. It serves as a remarkable examination of recent poker history.
📆 Release date: 1994
💸 Box office: $158 million
👄 Notable quote: Scott Nguyen asserts: “Poker today outshines the Super Bowl.”

6 – ALL IN: THE POKER MOVIE

This contemporary film about poker weaves in a road trip narrative.

🎬 Synopsis: The game of poker got the poker documentary treatment with All In Overview: Two down-and-out gamblers embark on a journey, hoping to change their luck. Their travels lead to further gambling escapades and confrontations with loan sharks, hustlers, and various other unsavory characters in their quest for a lucrative jackpot. poker history Despite underwhelming box office performance, this indie film featuring Ryan Reynolds garnered favorable reviews. Chris Moneymaker Notable quotes: Curtiss (Ryan Reynolds), upon joining a new poker game, quips, “Aces are good, right?” Phil Hellmuth , Daniel Negreanu , Antonio Esfandiari , and numerous others.

With six WSOP bracelets to his name and recognized as poker's ambassador, it’s fitting that Daniel Negreanu has a documentary dedicated to his life.

💲 Setting: U.S. during the poker boom
📆 Release date: 2009
💸 Box office: NA
👄 Overview: This documentary unveils Negreanu’s journey, charting his experiences from playing wild games with friends in Toronto to establishing himself on the Vegas tournament circuit.

7 – MISSISSIPPI GRIND

It also traces his family’s move to Canada and provides a unique perspective on the life of a modern poker player—highlighting both the thrill of winning prestigious tournaments and the agony of early career setbacks. This film offers an important insight into a towering figure in the poker landscape.

🎬 Notable quotes: Negreanu expresses: “I always believed I would find success, regardless of my path.”

A buddy film rich with poker and gambling elements, California Split was one of the earliest to depict a lifestyle rooted in gambling.

🏴‍☠️ ️Setting: American South
📆 Release date: 2015
Box office: $7 million 👄
YouTube video player Overview: Bill and Charlie (played by George Segal and Elliot Gould) fortuitously meet over a poker table after a wrongful accusation connects them. Their friendship blooms as they dive into a series of gambling and drinking escapades, experiencing major wins and losses, betting dealings, and even playing against poker icon Amarillo Slim. Gould later admitted that Charlie reflected his own love for gambling.

4 – HIGH ROLLER: THE STU UNGAR STORY

Notable quotes: As a cash game unfolds nearby, Charlie tells a bartender: “My partner here’s a player, whereas I suppose I’m merely a drinker.”

🎬 Starring Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan, and Willem Dafoe, this film revolves around a professional poker player known as the Card Counter , serving as a new addition to the poker film lineup that received respectable reviews upon its release. Synopsis: Stu Ungar was a 🎬 Overview: With Martin Scorsese on board as an executive producer and Paul Schrader (of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull fame) directing and writing, the narrative follows William Tell, who makes his way through various casinos, playing poker in obscure venues. A former special operations soldier, Tell's past life is marred by imprisonment for crimes committed during his service in Iraq, affecting his present as he seeks redemption.

In the film, poker becomes a routine activity for Tell, merely a way to fill the void and self-punish. The movie presents a largely authentic portrayal of the poker landscape at the mid-major level, and it even secured permission to showcase the WSOP Circuit brand. Using poker as a lens, the film addresses intricate themes, earning acclaim from critics.

poker superstar 🎰
Setting: Las Vegas 📆
Release date: 2003 💸
Box office: NA 🎰 Setting: Smaller casinos scattered across the nation.

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👄 Notable quotes: “Poker thrives on patience – and then, something occurs.”

YouTube video player The realm of poker boasts several remarkable documentaries. This film delves into the tournament circuit from a female perspective. 5 – MAVERICK Poker Queen highlights the experiences of women in the poker world, aiming to motivate more females to join the tables. The film includes teaching moments about gameplay and provides insights into the subtleties of the game.

🎬 poker tournament
but needs some cash to do so. 🤠
📆 Release date: 1994
💸 Writer and director Sandra Mohr interviews some of the best female players. Notable male players like Daniel Negreanu, Joey Ingram, and Ryan Depaulo also share their perspectives. Furthermore, Mohr goes undercover disguised as a man, revealing the different attitudes and experiences encountered by men compared to women at the poker table. Poker Queens presents an engaging and insightful exploration of women in the world of poker.

Box office: $158 million

🎰 Setting: Various casinos and venues related to the World Series of Poker.

888poker explores iconic films centered around poker, ranging from the timeless drama Rounders to the hard-hitting semi-documentary about Stu 'The Kid' Unger. Which film resonates with you the most?

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6 – ALL IN: THE POKER MOVIE
This piece was reviewed for accuracy by Frederico Pereira.

Synopsis: The game of poker got the

The world of poker has always been rich with captivating stories. From its origins in the Old West to clandestine gambling scenes and the inevitable boom in popularity, there are countless tales that lend themselves to cinematic storytelling.

poker documentary These narratives often provide a fantastic backdrop for filmmaking. treatment with .

Take a closer look at 16 poker films that every aficionado should see:

• All In
• poker history
• Chris Moneymaker
• Phil Hellmuth
• Daniel Negreanu
• Antonio Esfandiari

5 Poker Novels That Would Translate Well to Film

This movie is an enduring classic in the poker genre, maintaining its status as one of the best.
, and numerous others.
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It was one of the pioneering films to delve into the contemporary poker scene, particularly focusing on the World Series of Poker.

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Plot Summary: This movie examines the underground gambling world where the young Mike McDermott (portrayed by Matt Damon) stakes his fortunes to assist his friend Worm (Ed Norton) in settling substantial debts with loan sharks.

Viewers are treated to a glimpse of the underground poker environment and insights into the WSOP, just prior to the explosive growth of online poker. John Malkovich's performance as Teddy KGB is unforgettable, and the film even features two-time WSOP champion Johnny Chan.