Counting Down The Best Poker Movies
If you're a fan of poker, there's a good chance you’ve seen a fair few poker movies in your time. These movies are packed with tense moments, high-stakes drama, and characters who are always one bad move away from losing it all. But which poker movies truly stand out?
Whether you're an online poker pro or just someone who loves a good poker night, there’s something undeniably thrilling about the way these movies capture the essence of the game. And hey, if you're feeling up for it, you can always test your own skills and play live poker at Jackpot City.
But first, let’s get the popcorn and settle in for a countdown of some of the best poker movies ever made.
5. Rounders (1998)
We’ll start with a classic, shall we? Rounders might just be the quintessential poker movie. It stars Matt Damon as Mike McDermott, a law student who’s more than a little obsessed with poker. After losing all his money to a Russian gangster, he’s forced to make a comeback and take on the underground poker scene to pay off his debts. What makes this movie stand out is the tension, the strategy, and the real-world implications of the game. It’s not just about the cards – it’s about the people you play with. Plus, the poker scenes are some of the best you’ll ever watch. If you're a fan of online poker, you'll appreciate how they get into the psychology behind each move.
4. Casino Royale (2006)
Hold on a second – Casino Royale is a James Bond movie, so why is it on this list of poker movies? Well, this isn’t your typical Bond movie. The movie’s centrepiece is a high-stakes poker tournament in Montenegro, where Bond (played by Daniel Craig) faces off against villain Le Chiffre in a game that’s more intense than any action sequence. While it’s still packed with explosions and gadgets, the poker tournament is what really sets the tone for the entire movie. The suspense of the game, combined with Bond’s legendary cool demeanour, makes this one a standout.
3. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
In the world of classic poker movies, The Cincinnati Kid is often seen as the gold standard. This movie stars Steve McQueen as a young poker player trying to make a name for himself by challenging the reigning champion, Lancey Howard. The tension in this movie builds slowly, but when the final hand is dealt, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s a great example of poker as a battle of wits and nerve, with a dose of 1960s style.
2. Maverick (1994)
“You wanna play poker? You gotta know how to bluff.” That’s one of the many memorable lines from Maverick, a poker movie that brings together comedy, action, and a bit of a Wild West vibe. Mel Gibson plays Bret Maverick, a charming gambler who is looking to enter a high-stakes poker game. Along the way, he faces off against Jodie Foster’s character, Annabelle, in a series of challenges that involve not just poker, but also con games and a fair amount of trickery. The game itself is the heart of the movie, but the humorous moments and witty banter make it a fun watch for anyone who enjoys a good story with a twist.
1. The Sting (1973)
At the top of our list is the timeless classic The Sting. While this movie isn’t exclusively about poker, it does feature some of the best poker-related scenes ever filmed. Paul Newman and Robert Redford star as con artists who set up an elaborate scheme to take down a mobster. Along the way, they use a poker game as part of their plan, and the way the game unfolds is both riveting and full of surprises. The movie combines clever con games, high-stakes drama, and a legendary scene that has become iconic in the world of poker movies.
Dealer’s Choice: Molly’s Game (2017)
Before we wrap up, we’ve got to mention Molly’s Game. While it doesn’t make our official top 5, it’s an add-on and one of our absolute favourites. Jessica Chastain stars as Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier who ends up running the most exclusive poker games in Hollywood. Featuring an ensemble cast and razor-sharp dialogue, this Aaron Sorkin-directed movie is as thrilling as the hands dealt in Molly’s games.
From the highs of luxury to the lows of FBI investigations, this movie captures the glitz, glamour, and grit of poker like no other. If you’re looking for a true story that’s wilder than fiction, Molly’s Game deals you a winning hand.
Wrapping It Up
If you are looking to test your skills and try your hand at online poker then we have a great selection of games here at Jackpot City Casino.
