12 Greatest Poker Movies of All Time

20 Mar 2025

Beginner

This material is for beginner players

Poker is full of intrigue and drama, making it a perfect fit for the big screen. The first poker movies began appearing as early as the 1960s, with directors drawn to stories of fierce rivalries between seasoned pros and their protégés. As the game grew in popularity, so did the number of films dedicated to it. Our selection includes the best poker movies you absolutely must watch if you're a fan of Texas Hold’em.

Feature Movies

Cards, bluffs, and high stakes — movies about poker are always filled with tension and excitement. These movies don’t just show the game; they pull you into a world of strategy, risk, and life-changing hands. Ready to discover our list of poker films that capture its true essence?

Release Year: 1998
Genre: Drama
IMDB Rating: 7.3
Director: John Dahl
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play / Apple TV

Kicking off our list is a timeless classic that inspired many high-stakes poker pros to take up the game. Rounders follows the story of two poker-playing friends. Mike is a gifted player with an uncanny ability to read opponents like an open book. He dreams of competing in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and facing off against the reigning champion, Johnny Chan. But after one disastrous session, he loses his entire bankroll and is forced to take a job as a delivery man.

His best friend, Lester, known as "Worm", is a cunning hustler who isn’t in it for the glory — he simply enjoys outsmarting amateurs and scraping by with quick wins. Fresh out of prison, Worm quickly finds himself in trouble again. When Mike vouches for him, the two friends have just a few days to pay off a massive debt. Their only hope? Playing in underground poker clubs across New York City. Matt Damon, who plays Mike, is a real-life poker enthusiast and has even competed in the WSOP.

Release Year: 2017
Genre: Drama, Biographical
IMDB Rating: 7.4
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

Aaron Sorkin’s exceptional psychological crime drama has left all competitors far behind, thanks to just three key elements. The first element is the screenplay, for which Sorkin won the BAFTA award and received a range of other accolades, along with nominations for both the Golden Globe and the Academy Award.

This poker movie is an adaptation of the biography of Molly Bloom, a woman who could have become an elite athlete but instead built an underground poker empire, only to later expose it to the authorities. The story keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The second element is the meticulous attention to detail, allowing Sorkin to create an outstanding film about poker, the secret lives of celebrities, high-stakes gambling, and criminals trying to profit from anything of value. At its core, it’s a classic story of a woman in a man’s world who, with willpower and sharp intellect, etched her name into history.

Finally, the third element of the film’s success lies in the incredible performance by Jessica Chastain, whose character walks a fine line between a nervous breakdown and a strong resolve, always finding a way out, even from the most hopeless situations. In other words, a foolproof formula for success and a well-deserved place at the top of the ratings. Although films in our top list are presented in no particular order (check IMDB rating).

Release Year: 1994
Genre: Comedy, Western
IMDB Rating: 7.0
Director: Richard Donner
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

A brilliant mix of comedy, Western action, and high-stakes poker. The story follows charming con man Bret Maverick, who needs to gather $25,000 to enter a prestigious poker championship. To do so, he heads to the town of Crystal River, hoping to collect debts owed to him. But things don’t go as planned — his debtors aren’t eager to pay up, and a local outlaw is determined to keep him from reaching the tournament.

With a stellar cast, witty humor, and the charm of the Wild West, Maverick remains just as entertaining today as it was in 1994. Unexpected twists, sharp dialogue, and lighthearted action make it a best poker movie for a fun night in.

Release Year: 1998
Genre: Crime, Action, Comedy
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Director: Guy Ritchie
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

The film that launched Guy Ritchie’s career. While not entirely about poker, its high-stakes card game scene is one of the most intense and memorable moments in cinema. The story follows four friends (Eddy, Tom, Soap, and Bacon), who dream of making a quick fortune but end up entangled in London’s criminal underworld. 

Eddy, a skilled poker player, joins a high-stakes cash game hosted by a ruthless crime boss. But the game is rigged, and he walks away with massive debt. Desperate, the group hatches a plan to rob a gang, but their scheme spirals into total chaos. Dark humor, razor-sharp dialogue, and a wildly unpredictable plot turned Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels into a cult classic. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time!

Release Year: 2007
Genre: Romance
IMDB Rating: 5.9
Director: Curtis Hanson
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

The story of this movie about poker follows Huck Cheever, a professional player who thrives on taking risks at the table. He dreams of competing in the WSOP Main Event and does everything he can to qualify, but his gambling tendencies often leave him broke. To enter the tournament, he needs a substantial buy-in and ends up borrowing money.

Huck’s personal life is just as complicated — his relationship with his girlfriend is strained, and his toughest opponent at the Main Event turns out to be his own father. As expected, the two eventually face off at the final table in an intense showdown.

Despite its lower IMDB rating, Lucky You provides an interesting glimpse into the highs and lows of a professional poker player’s life. Also this is one of those great poker movies which features appearances from real poker legends like Barry Greenstein, Erik Lindgren, Daniel Negreanu, Sammy Farha, Ted Forrest, and Jennifer Harman.

Release Year: 2014
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
IMDB Rating: 6.0
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

Jim leads a double life — by day, he’s a professor and writer, but by night, he’s a compulsive gambler. His addiction spirals out of control, leaving him deep in debt to both a casino owner and a loan shark. As the pressure mounts, his creditors threaten not just him but also his mother and girlfriend. Now, Jim must find a way to escape this nightmare before it destroys him.

This film is a remake of the 1974 classic of the same name, one of the best movies about poker of those times. Now Mark Wahlberg delivers a gripping performance as a man on a self-destructive path, slowly but surely unraveling his life. Fun fact: Wahlberg lost 55 pounds (25 kg) for the role.

Release Year: 2003
Genre: Drama
IMDB Rating: 6.9
Director: Wayne Kramer
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

Meet Bernie — a man so unlucky that anyone around him starts losing too. Naturally, this makes him a valuable asset to any casino, and Shangri-La Casino knows it. Bernie works as a "cooler," someone whose mere presence at the table can kill a player’s hot streak.

Trapped by a massive debt to the casino boss, Bernie nearly loses his leg before agreeing to work off what he owes. But everything changes when he meets Natalie, and for the first time, his luck turns around — much to the dismay of his employer.

With a touch of humor, The Cooler explores the dark side of gambling addiction while offering a fascinating look at the inner workings of a casino. The real highlight, though, is William H. Macy’s performance, which truly elevates the film.

Released: 2003
Genre: Thriller, Crime
IMDB Rating: 6.3
Director: Damian Nieman
Watch: Prime Video / TV Guide

Dean Stevens is a legendary poker player. After surviving a shootout, he becomes perceived as invincible. However, there are those who want to take this title from him. Cheaters Charlie, Vernon, and Larry conspire to defeat the star of the card world.

The plot is gripping, and the twist is surprising. The film is also notable for showcasing impressive card tricks, so it will be great to watch if you’re looking for especially Texas Hold Em movies.

Released: 2009
Genre: Drama
IMDB Rating: 6.4
Director: Toya Sato
Watch: Prime Video / TV Guide

This selection of best poker movies of all time wouldn't be complete without at least one film representing Asian cinema, often uncompromising and shocking for unprepared viewers. For Japanese directors, there are no taboo topics, and so the story of a petty thief, who by chance must pay off his friend's debt, is both fascinating and unsettling.

The lead role is played by popular Japanese actor Tatsuya Fujiwara, known for the Battle Royale and Death Note franchise. Essentially, Kaiji is an interpretation of Battle Royale, but instead of running around an island killing each other, participants fight in a high-stakes card tournament on a ship. The winner is promised freedom, while the fate of the losers is easy to imagine. There's no need to spoil the plot for those who haven't seen it yet (and it's definitely worth watching), but rest assured that the card tournament, though simple, keeps you on edge from start to finish.

Documentaries About Poker

Want to see poker from a different angle? These documentaries reveal the real stories behind the game — legendary players, high-stakes decisions, and moments that changed poker history. Let’s take a look at the most compelling ones.

Released: 2003
Genre: Drama, Biography
IMDB Rating: 6.0
Director: A.V. Vidmer
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

The film tells the story of the life and career of Stu Ungar — three-time WSOP Main Event champion, Poker Hall of Fame member, and legendary gambler. With a natural talent for the game and an extraordinary memory, Stu started playing high-stakes games at a young age. He became the youngest champion in both Gin Rummy and Texas Hold'em, and was a friend of Doyle Brunson and Chip Reese. Despite his success at the table, Stu struggled with drug addiction.

The director attempts to reveal the dramatic life story of this outstanding poker player. Unfortunately, the film falls short, as the actor fails to capture Ungar's true character and essence. The Player received poor reviews, especially from those who knew Stu personally. However, it's one of those good poker movies which are still worth watching for an introduction to the legendary player's biography.

Released: 2013
Genre: Documentary
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Director: Ryan Firpo
Watch: Prime Video / Google Play

This documentary focuses on the rise of online poker, spotlighting key moments such as Chris Moneymaker’s victory, the poker boom, and the influx of players into PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. The film also explores the dramatic online poker battles and, most notably, the impact of “Black Friday” on thousands of players.

The film features real-life poker players:

• Tony Dunst: An ambitious young man dreaming of a pro career, only to become a WPT commentator.
• Daniel Moon-Anderson: A housewife inspired by Moneymaker’s story, who decided to pursue a career in poker.
• Martin Bradstreet: A former esports player who entered online poker seeking "easy" money.

Their journeys are told, from their early steps in poker to the moment their funds were frozen in the aftermath of Black Friday. The film also features interviews with well-known poker players, who share their perspectives on pivotal events.

Released: 2013
Genre: Documentary
IMDB Rating: 6.7
Director: Gary Davis
Watch: TV Guide

Daniel Negreanu is the most famous and popular poker player, with career earnings exceeding $52 million as of January 2024. This documentary unveils the person behind the legend, chronicling his rise to fame. Stories of his life and career are shared by Daniel himself, as well as his family members. A significant portion of the film focuses on his brother, who talks about the different stages of KidPoker’s journey, from his early poker days to his major victories.

However, the majority of the story is told by Daniel Negreanu himself, as he shares tales from his past and his perspective on key moments in poker history. The documentary also features appearances by Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson, long-time friends of Daniel. This poker player movie is definitely a must-watch for anyone who admires Daniel.

Final Words

These top poker movies may not teach you how to play, but they give a great introduction to the world of poker and offer a look into its history and major moments over the past 30 years. You’ll have a blast watching them. If you're not sure where to start, go for movies with an IMDb rating of 7.0 or higher — you won’t regret it.