Poker’s Drama Meets the Big Screen: The Top 10 Poker Movies You Can’t Miss

The thrill of poker, with its intense strategy and unpredictable twists, has captivated players for generations. Imagine the adrenaline rush as professional poker players bet their futures on a single hand. That same excitement has inspired some of Hollywood’s best films. Let’s explore the top 10 poker movies of all time, all of which have resonated deeply within the poker world and beyond. Whether you’re a casual fan or a poker enthusiast, these movies are a must-watch.

10 Best Poker Movies of All Time

We’ve ranked the top poker films, from lesser-known gems to major blockbusters, all based on audience appeal. These films are legendary among poker fans and have, at some point, dominated poker discussions. Check them out and see if you agree with the rankings!

No. 10 – Deal (2008)

Lead Actor: Burt Reynolds
Director: Gil Cates Jr.
Box Office: $85,076
IMDB Rating: 5.3/10

“Deal” brings the story of Tommy (Reynolds), an ex-poker pro who mentors a young player, Alex (Bret Harrison), in exchange for a cut of his winnings. While it didn’t gain widespread attention, the film features cameos from poker stars like Antonio Esfandiari and Mike Sexton. If you’re a poker enthusiast, it’s worth a watch.

No. 9 – Lucky You (2007)

Lead Actors: Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall
Director: Curtis Hanson
Box Office: $8.4 million
IMDB Rating: 5.9/10

A father-son poker rivalry plays out between two-time WSOP champion L.C. (Duvall) and his estranged son Huck (Bana), who tries to win back his family and success in Las Vegas. This film brings poker to the forefront, with familiar faces like Sammy Farha and Jen Harman making appearances.

No. 8 – High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)

Lead Actor: Michael Imperioli
Director: A.W. Vidmer
IMDB Rating: 6/10

This biopic chronicles the rise and fall of poker legend Stu Ungar, known for dominating Texas Hold’em. The film delves into his personal struggles, making it more than just a poker movie—it’s an exploration of addiction and talent.

No. 7 – Shade (2003)

Lead Actor: Joe Nicolo, George Tovar
Director: Damian Nieman
Box Office: $459,098
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10

“Shade” is an action-packed poker movie revolving around a group of swindlers setting up a high-stakes poker game. The plot twists will keep you on edge, while the poker scenes are surprisingly realistic.

No. 6 – All In: The Poker Movie (2009)

Director: Douglas Tirola
IMDB Rating: 6.6/10

This documentary tells the story of poker’s rise in popularity, from its roots to Moneymaker’s historic 2003 WSOP win and the infamous Black Friday event. Featuring interviews with top players, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in the game’s history.

No. 5 – Maverick (1994)

Lead Actors: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner
Director: Richard Donner
Box Office: $183 million
IMDB Rating: 7/10

This action-comedy follows Bret Maverick (Gibson) as he gambles his way through a series of poker games to enter a major tournament. While not strictly poker-focused, the film’s humor and high-stakes gambling make it a fan favorite.

No. 4 – The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Lead Actor: Steve McQueen
Director: Norman Jewison
Box Office: $7 million
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

In this classic, Steve McQueen’s character faces off against a veteran poker player in a tense game that explores power dynamics at the poker table. The film captures the gritty essence of 1960s New Orleans and is considered one of the greatest poker movies ever.

No. 3 – Rounders (1998)

Lead Actors: Matt Damon, Edward Norton
Director: John Dahl
Box Office: $22.9 million
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

“Rounders” follows Mike McDermott (Damon), a young poker player trying to make it big in underground poker circles. Featuring an unforgettable performance by John Malkovich as the villainous Teddy KGB, this film sparked a resurgence in Texas Hold’em’s popularity.

No. 2 – Molly’s Game (2017)

Lead Actors: Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Box Office: $59.2 million
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10

This real-life tale of Molly Bloom, who ran high-stakes Hollywood poker games, is one of the most recent poker films. With a powerful script by Aaron Sorkin and strong performances, it explores the allure and danger of the poker world.

No. 1 – Casino Royale (2006)

Lead Actor: Daniel Craig
Director: Martin Campbell
Box Office: $616 million
IMDB Rating: 8/10

While not a traditional poker movie, “Casino Royale” is famous for its high-stakes Texas Hold’em tournament, where James Bond (Craig) goes head-to-head with a terrorist financier. The poker scenes are intense and drive the action in this blockbuster film.

Conclusion

With a wide variety of poker films on this list, there’s something for everyone—whether you enjoy tense showdowns, biographical stories, or action-packed adventures. Head to MayaGame to learn more about poker, and maybe even try your hand at the tables after watching these classics!