Want a Quick Poker Activity? Here’s a List of Top Poker Movies You can Definitely Marathon!

Poker, online and on the poker table, is an intuitive game with lessons that apply to life, business, and hustling. It also makes for entertaining cinema, with many films exploring the game’s complexities and its players. The following list includes movies that have fascinated the film industry for years.ย 

If you’re a poker fan looking to watch some great film, there are plenty of options featuring amazing actors like Matt Damon, Mel Gibson, and Robert de Niro. This article has a few of some top poker movie picks that would surely quench your thirst when you’re unable to hit the poker tables yet. Who knows, maybe some movies in this list deserve a rewatch too.

Photo by Pixabay

Maverick

Maverick is a great poker movie to start off this list. It’s a star-studded movie with a cast including Mel Gibson, James Garner, and Jodie Foster. The plot follows the story of the protagonist, Bret Maverick (played by Mel Gibson), who faces a tricky situation when he needs an extra $3000 to enter a gambling tournament.

Maverick leverages his skills and teams up with Annabelle Bransford (played by Jodie Foster) to win the cash prize and raise funds. The duo faces multiple difficult situations, but instead of resorting to violence, Maverick uses his poker skills to emerge victorious. The movie features riveting gambling scenes, constant humor, and breathtaking cinematography. This movie is undoubtedly a crowd favorite!

Molly’s Game

The movie “Molly’s Game” was eagerly awaited by many poker enthusiasts. The film is based on the real-life story of Molly Bloom, also known as the “Poker Queen.” Molly gained notoriety for arranging exclusive high-stakes poker games for notable Hollywood celebrities, business leaders, and seasoned poker players. 

The movie “Molly’s Game” features actors such as Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Jeremy Strong, Michael Cera, and Jessica Chastain, portraying the life of Molly Bloom, starting from her youth when she aspired to be an Olympian and leading up to her ultimate downfall in running illicit poker matches.

Casino

Robert De Niro portrays Ace, a gangster overseeing a casino frequented by mobs who insist on doing things their way in the movie “Casino.” The film depicts Ace’s attempts to operate the casino correctly and justly. Still, he is eventually undermined by characters like his impulsive pal, played by Joe Pesci, and a determined woman, played by Sharon Stone.

While poker sites offer straightforward gambling, Las Vegas can be confusing. However, Martin Scorsese’s film, “Casino,” provides an inside look at how the city transformed from seedy to sanitized. Like “GoodFellas,” the movie sheds light on the workings of the criminal underworld in America. But be warned: like any other enterprise, people can get hurt.

Photo by Pixabay

Kenny Rogers: The Gambler

“The Gambler” is a classic tale of chips, cards, and the alluring promise of riches. This flick follows Jim Bennett, a literature professor who can’t shake his gambling habit. As he spirals deeper into debt, the stakes (pun intended) keep getting higher. 

The film boasts an all-star cast, including Mark Wahlberg and John Goodman, who deliver some killer performances. But let’s be real, the show’s real star is the tense poker scenes. 

Will Jim finally hit it big? Or will he crash and burn in a blaze of bad luck? You’ll have to watch to find out. All in all, “The Gambler” is a gripping portrayal of addiction and the dangerous allure of the casino.

Rounders

Although edgy films are currently more popular, poker movies peaked in the 90s. However, Rounders proves that poker movies can still be as captivating as films like Midsommar and Black Adam. 

Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, this movie follows two friends who delve into the high-stakes poker world to pay off a debt, resulting in an intense and thrilling storyline. Rounders is a genuinely underappreciated gem of the decade, going beyond just a casual poker game with friends.

Lucky You

In the movie “Lucky You,” Robert Duvall and Eric Bana portray a father and son, respectively. Bana’s character, Huck Cheever, is a promising poker player who feels overshadowed by his father’s past success in the World Series of Poker. 

Huck has a strained relationship with his father, L.C., who left his mother many years ago. However, the WSOP game presents an opportunity for Huck to advance in the poker world and reconnect with his estranged father.

Photo by Pixabay

The movie uses poker to reconnect and resolve the father and son du’s issues. Although some may consider the plot uninteresting, there are scenes featuring exciting poker action to add some variety. 

Rather than focusing on restoring family relationships or developing a romantic connection between Huck and Billie (played by Drew Barrymore), the film emphasizes the game of poker itself. Additionally, notable poker players such as Sammy Farha, Jen Harman, and Berry Greenstein appear in the movie, making it a worthwhile watch at least once.

The Cincinnati Kid

The Cincinnati Kid is a movie about gambling in New Orleans in the 1930s. The story follows a young man’s attempt to demonstrate his skill as the world’s greatest casino player. He engages in a poker match against Lancey Howard, who is widely regarded as the best Five Card Stud player. The film provides a vivid depiction of the enjoyment one can experience in a poker room.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for movies to watch and love or want to start playing poker, this article has provided you with some of the best titles. Poker is not just gambling; it’s a form of entertainment and interaction where you can learn many things while playing the game. Take some time when you’re free to watch these movies and discover the excitement and intrigue of the world of poker, which has made it a popular subject in films. 

With these movies, you can experience the pulse-pounding thrills and grittiness of world-class poker tournaments from your home. Whether you’re a beginner poker player or a pro, each one is worth watching. Just be cautious and never exceed your limits – this game requires carefulness and strategy to win big. Reap the rewards of the world’s most exciting card game by watching one of these films with friends or family and discovering what makes poker such an enticing pastime.