20 Best Poker Movies of All Time, Ranked
Poker has a way of gripping audiences with its blend of strategy, luck, and high-stakes drama. From smoky backrooms to glitzy casinos, the game makes for compelling cinema that keeps you on edge.
I’ve put together a list of the 20 best poker movies, ranked from good to greatest. These films capture the thrill of the table, the tension of a bluff, and the human stories behind the chips.
20. ‘The Grand’ (2007)
This mockumentary-style comedy follows a quirky group of players in a fictional poker tournament. With improv-heavy scenes and cameos from real pros like Phil Hellmuth, it’s a lighthearted take on the game.
The cast, including Woody Harrelson and David Cross, brings chaotic energy, but the loose plot can feel uneven. Still, it’s a fun watch for poker fans who don’t take the game too seriously.
19. ‘Deal’ (2008)
Burt Reynolds stars as a retired poker player mentoring a young hotshot, played by Bret Harrison. The story dives into the fundamentals of the game, with plenty of table action.
While the plot is predictable and the film didn’t wow critics, it’s packed with poker scenes and cameos from pros like Antonio Esfandiari. It’s a solid pick for amateurs learning the ropes.
18. ‘Lucky You’ (2007)
Eric Bana plays a talented but reckless poker player chasing success in Las Vegas. His strained relationship with his father, a poker legend, adds emotional weight to the story.
The romance with Drew Barrymore feels tacked on, but the poker sequences shine with real pros like Sammy Farha. It’s a decent drama that captures the grind of the game.
17. ‘Shade’ (2003)
This crime thriller follows a group of con artists, led by Stuart Townsend, trying to outsmart a poker legend played by Sylvester Stallone. The focus is on deception and card mechanics.
The nonlinear plot keeps you guessing, but the poker scenes steal the show with their gritty realism. It’s a tense ride for fans of heist films and card sharps.
16. ‘High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story’ (2003)
This biopic traces the rise and fall of poker legend Stu Ungar, portrayed by Michael Imperioli. It shows his genius at the table and his struggles with addiction.
The film doesn’t shy away from Ungar’s tragic side, making it a heavy watch. For poker fans, it’s a raw look at one of the game’s greatest players.
15. ‘Luna’s Game’ (2001)
This Spanish drama centers on a young woman, Luna, whose life is shaped by her father’s gambling. Poker drives the story, reflecting themes of risk and family.
Less known than Hollywood poker films, it offers a fresh cultural lens. The emotional stakes make it a hidden gem for those seeking something different.
14. ‘The Gambler’ (1974)
James Caan plays a professor spiraling into gambling debt, with poker as one of his vices. The film explores addiction’s grip on a man’s life.
It’s not solely about poker, but the tense card scenes hit hard. Caan’s raw performance makes this a classic for fans of character-driven stories.
13. ‘All In: The Poker Movie’ (2009)
This documentary dives into poker’s modern boom, sparked by Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 WSOP win. Interviews with stars like Phil Hellmuth reveal the game’s cultural impact.
It’s a nostalgic trip for players who lived through the craze. The film balances the game’s highs with its darker moments, like the 2011 Black Friday scandal.
12. ‘Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker’ (2013)
Another documentary, this one follows online poker pros during the early 2000s boom. It captures the grind and dreams of players chasing big wins.
The personal stories of triumph and loss make it relatable. For anyone curious about poker’s digital era, it’s an engaging deep dive.
11. ‘Croupier’ (1998)
Clive Owen stars as a struggling writer turned casino dealer, drawn into the seedy world of gambling. Poker isn’t the focus, but the card scenes crackle with tension.
The film’s noir vibe and Owen’s cool performance make it a standout. It’s a smart look at the psychology of risk, both at and beyond the table.
10. ‘House of Games’ (1987)
A psychologist, played by Lindsay Crouse, gets pulled into a high-stakes poker world while helping a patient. The story twists through cons and mind games.
David Mamet’s sharp dialogue drives this psychological thriller. The poker scenes feel authentic, making it a must-watch for fans of cerebral drama.
9. ‘Mississippi Grind’ (2015)
Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn play two gamblers on a road trip through the South, hitting poker games along the way. Their friendship anchors the story.
The film nails the emotional rollercoaster of gambling, with strong performances. It’s less about winning big and more about chasing the next hand.
8. ‘A Big Hand for the Little Lady’ (1966)
This Western comedy follows a family caught in a high-stakes poker game in the 1880s. The massive pot and clever twists keep you hooked.
The old-school vibe and sharp script make it timeless. It’s a fun, light watch that still delivers on poker drama.
7. ‘Casino’ (1995)
Martin Scorsese’s epic about the mob’s grip on Las Vegas includes gripping poker scenes. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci lead a stellar cast.
While not a poker-only film, the casino backdrop and tense games capture the era’s allure. It’s a masterclass in crime drama with cards as a bonus.
6. ‘Maverick’ (1994)
Mel Gibson stars as a charming gambler aiming for a big poker tournament. This Western comedy blends action, humor, and card-sharping antics.
Jodie Foster and James Garner add spark to the ensemble. The lighthearted tone and clever poker scenes make it a crowd-pleaser.
5. ‘The Sting’ (1973)
Paul Newman and Robert Redford play con men targeting a mob boss in a scheme involving a rigged poker game. The 1930s setting pops with style.
The film’s wit and twists earned it seven Oscars. Its iconic train poker scene alone makes it a classic for card game fans.
4. ‘Casino Royale’ (2006)
Daniel Craig’s James Bond faces off against a terrorist financier in a high-stakes poker game. The Montenegro casino setting oozes tension.
The Texas Hold’em scenes, with Mads Mikkelsen’s chilling villain, are unforgettable. It’s a sleek thriller that brought poker to a global stage.
3. ‘Molly’s Game’ (2017)
Jessica Chastain plays Molly Bloom, who runs exclusive underground poker games for celebrities and tycoons. The true story blends glamour and legal drama.
The film’s sharp script and Idris Elba’s standout role keep it gripping. It’s a fascinating look at poker’s elite world and its fallout.
2. ‘The Cincinnati Kid’ (1965)
Steve McQueen stars as a young poker player challenging a veteran, played by Edward G. Robinson. The five-card stud showdown is pure suspense.
The film’s gritty vibe and stellar cast make it timeless. It’s a raw portrait of ambition and skill at the table.
1. ‘Rounders’ (1998)
Matt Damon plays a law student turned poker pro, navigating underground games to save a friend. The film’s realistic Texas Hold’em action set a standard.
With Edward Norton and John Malkovich stealing scenes, it’s a cult classic. It captures poker’s heart and hustle like no other.
Which poker film tops your list, or did I miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!