The 10 Most Accurate Poker Movies of all Time

With so many movies involving Poker, it’s only evident that we will have both bad and good executions in them. Poker flaunts a long-standing history with film. 

Some have been successful in dramatizing them effectively, while others have failed drastically. But it does prove a point that if used correctly, Poker has the potential to turn a movie over his head. A good Poker movie accurately captures the nuances of Poker while providing viewers a sense of the subculture associated with it. It showcases the impacts the game has on its characters and how they adjust to it. 

Poker in Cinemas

A prevalent example of movies bonding with Poker is Rounders. It is well known to movie audiences and poker enthusiasts. Apart from that, the history of cinema is enriched with many such instances where the game has enriched the screenplay effectively. The movies have featured many variations of Poker, starting from 7 card stud to Texas Holdem and 5 card draw. All these variations of the game are fun to watch and, when juxtaposed with interesting dialogue, create a fantastic screenplay for the viewers. 

In this article, we want to focus on the best poker movies that have appeared on TV. Now it’s evident that a list about movies would be personal. It might not align with everyone’s perspective. But my focus will be on movies that emphasized the game and its many variations and have impacted the screenplay significantly.

#10. Deal (2008)

We start off with the 2008 movie Deal that might be the most controversial one on this list. Now, one cannot call it a masterpiece in any sense of cinematic understanding whatsoever. But what it manages to do is amuse you if you enjoy the game Poker. Starring Burt Reynolds (Tommy) and Bret Harrison (Alex) in key roles, the movie involves Tommy teaching the game to Alex. He teaches him all strategies and tricks of Poker so that he can master the game and makes a lot of money in the process. Tommy is an ex-Poker player himself and expects to make a lot of money himself in the process. The plot is quite simple, with some well-executed Poker scenes. After watching the movie, we felt that it was mostly aimed at Poker enthusiasts, and it sails through in that regard. Cinematically though, it falls flat, and we wouldn’t recommend casual fans of the game and movie lovers to give it a try. It never manages to grab your attention and hence isn’t quite a crowd-pleaser. 

#9. Poker King (2009)

This poker movie is a comedy with good characters. However, the storyline of the movie is much predictable. The two main characters in the film are Jack (who is the scion of a gaming clan) and Uno (who becomes a casino magnate from a crook). They take part in a poker duel. The setting of the plot is in Macau, Las Vegas. When the Sun Casino died, Uno has captured it. He brought Jack back from Canada. 

Jack was an incompetent businessman who spends his time playing Poker. While Uno identifies that Jack has no skills and knowledge to manage the casino, he has tried to take the owner’s will. Although the plot is nothing unique, the characters make sense.

#8. Rounders (1998)

Rounders is an award-winning poker movie and is the best source of entertainment for poker lovers in this world. Moreover, Matt Damon plays the role of a New York law student and a talented poker player. He loses money while playing a poker game played against Teddy, a Russian gangster. Jo, his girlfriend, has pressured him to quit the game. 

However, Lester, his friend, has been reimbursed an old debt after getting out of prison. Mike also has found a chance of coming out of the debt to Teddy. He has taken the last effort to defect the Russian gangster.

#7. Maverick (1994)

It is not only a poker movie but also an action-comedy. The entertaining and funny subplots are related to Poker. The movie stars Mel Gibson (Maverick), James Garner, and Jodie Foster. Moreover, you can find a touch of different gambling elements in this movie. The 1950s TV series that starred James Garner is the inspiration of this movie. In that TV series, Garner played the role of a gambler who charms others instead of shooting them. Garner is now back for the poker movie, and the name of his character is Zane Cooper. However, this poker-centric movie has other elements of gambling.

#6. All In: The Poker Movie (2009)

You can find a unique charm while watching this movie. Douglas Tirola, the movie director, has shown sympathy to older players who took part in the game in backrooms. The movie reveals that Poker was once a card game popular only among cagey grafters and old men. The film has tried to analyze the cultural gaps created by the digital world. These gaps are between the poker players of young and old generations. Poker fans must watch this movie, as it tells about the history of the game. Tirola’s film illustrates corporate corruption that happened in the U.S. in 2011. Some online poker companies were closed for applying Ponzi schemes.

#5. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

The oldest one on our list is The Cincinnati Kid, starring Edward G. Robinson and Steve McQueen. It is much similar to the movie, Rounders. The setting of the plot is in New Orleans. The story is about Eric Stoner, a young poker player, also known as the Cincinnati Kid. His only aim is to beat Lancey, the best player, and build a reputation. Stoner has played the game against this player out of revenge. You can find the characters playing Five Card Stud where the first card faces down, and others face up. Initially, Spencer Tracy was chosen to play the role of Lancey. However, due to his health issues, he quits the movie.

#4. Molly’s Game (2017)

Released only a few years ago, the movie relates to the story of the Poker Queen, Molly Bloom. It is best for those who love something realistic in their poker movies. The Poker Queen deals with a high-stake game that includes Hollywood celebs, professional sportsmen, and entrepreneurs. The famous stars in this movie are Kevin Costner, Jessica Chastain, and Idris Elba. The movie writer has incorporated the poker elements properly. The poker lovers will not get a chance of making any complaint. However, the movie has highly focused on glitz and money. Still, you will enjoy the overall script of the movie. Watch the film and judge it from your own perspective.

#3. Lucky You (2007)

This poker drama is a story related to Huck Cheever, who is a talented young poker player in Las Vegas. L.C. Cheever is his estranged father and a WSOP Champion. Huck has the goal to earn $10,000 overnight, and he has done lots of things to gain that money. Huck and his father have faced each other at the final table. The most striking things in the movie are letdowns, estranged relationships, and loan sharks. Moreover, WSOP has also gained the attention of poker lovers. Everything is fictional. Still, you will find a reason for joy. The storytelling technique is in slow motion, and it makes the plot predictable to the audience. You will discover how Poker has helped in solving relationship issues.

#2. Shade (2003)

It is a poker movie and also a crime thriller. The movie shows some con artists who cash in on card games by employing a card mechanic (Vernon). They have made a scheme to defeat the poker legend- The Dean. Sylvester Stallone has played the role of The Dean.

The movie shows the underground poker game, 5 Card Stud. However, some games get distracted from their rules. But, there is a difference between 5 Card Stud and 5 Card Draw. The movie has revealed the gameplay and its weaknesses. You will not find dull and boring moments. This poker film has managed Poker outside the Hold ’em format. We have seen both positive and negative reviews of this film.

#1. Luna’s Game (2001)

When you like to hear the story of becoming a professional poker player, Luna is a central character, and her father (a renowned poker player) was murdered. That is why Luna has negative feelings about Poker. Still, she has tried to manage it to engage in the poker world. However, her fate was not different from her father. The movie has accurately depicted the poker player. While other poker movies are about the glamour of the game, Luna’s Game is unique. Although the character hates the game, she cannot abandon it at all.

Summary

You can watch these poker movies and get diverse feelings. Though you may not know anything about the poker rules, you will enjoy these movies. We have listed both old and newly listed movies. You will find real entertainment from them.