Poker has long been a compelling subject for filmmakers. Whether it’s the drama of high-stakes tournaments or the psychology of a well-played hand, poker-themed films often attract attention for their intensity and skill. Here’s a list of poker films that have not only captured audiences’ imaginations but also received critical acclaim and prestigious awards.
Poker Films – 1. Rounders (1998)
Awards: Nominated for several awards, including the Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film.
Rounders is one of the most iconic poker films in cinematic history. Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, the film follows Mike McDermott, a young poker player who must return to the underground poker scene to help a friend settle his debts. The film became a cult classic and is praised for its authentic portrayal of high-stakes poker and the psychology behind it. While it didn’t win major awards, it has become a beloved film within the poker community and continues to influence aspiring players.
Poker Films – 2. Casino Royale (2006)
Awards: BAFTA for Best Sound and nominations for Best British Film.
Casino Royale, directed by Martin Campbell, is the James Bond film that features a famous high-stakes poker game. The film stars Daniel Craig in his first appearance as the iconic British spy. The poker scene in the film is pivotal, as Bond competes against the villain Le Chiffre in a high-stakes game of Texas Hold’em. While the film is primarily an action thriller, it earned several awards and nominations, including BAFTA and Critics’ Choice Awards. The poker scenes are especially lauded for their suspense and strategy.
Poker Films – 3. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Awards: Golden Globe Nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
Starring Steve McQueen, The Cincinnati Kid is a classic film about a young poker player trying to earn the respect of his peers by defeating the reigning poker champion, “The Man.” The film is revered for its portrayal of poker as both a game of chance and skill. While it didn’t win many awards, it received critical acclaim and remains a significant part of poker movie history.
Poker Films – 4. Maverick (1994)
Awards: Golden Globe Nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Maverick, directed by Richard Donner, is a comedy-western starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. The film follows a charming gambler, Bret Maverick, as he tries to enter a high-stakes poker tournament. Known for its lighthearted tone, Maverick combines action, comedy, and poker, earning positive reviews and award nominations for its humor and performances.
5. High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)
Awards: Best Actor at the Method Fest Independent Film Festival (for Michael Imperioli’s performance).
This biographical drama tells the life story of poker legend Stu Ungar, a player known for his skill and tragic downfall. The film focuses on Ungar’s rise to fame and his struggles with addiction. While it didn’t receive widespread mainstream recognition, Michael Imperioli’s performance as Ungar earned critical praise, and the film won accolades at several independent film festivals.
6. Lucky You (2007)
Awards: Nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Best Drama.
Lucky You is a drama directed by Curtis Hanson that stars Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, and Robert Duvall. The film follows a talented but troubled poker player, Huck Cheever (played by Bana), as he attempts to win a major poker tournament while navigating personal and family issues. Though the film didn’t make a huge impact at the box office, it received mixed reviews for its exploration of poker culture and character depth. The performances, particularly by Robert Duvall, were widely praised.
7. 21 (2008)
Awards: MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance (for Jim Sturgess).
Based on a true story, 21 follows a group of MIT students who use their card-counting skills to win big at Las Vegas casinos. While the film primarily focuses on blackjack rather than poker, it has become popular among gambling movie fans. The film received several nominations, including the MTV Movie Awards for Best Performance, and helped bring the world of card counting and gambling to a broader audience.
8. The Gambler (2014)
Awards: Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actor in a Drama (Mark Wahlberg).
In The Gambler, Mark Wahlberg plays a professor with a gambling addiction who finds himself in deep financial trouble. Though the film doesn’t center on poker exclusively, it delves into the world of high-stakes gambling and the psychological toll of addiction. The film received critical attention for Wahlberg’s strong performance and its exploration of the darker side of gambling.
9. Poker Night (2014)
Awards: Best Thriller at the Austin Film Festival.
This thriller follows a rookie cop who finds himself kidnapped by a mysterious group of criminals after a poker game with fellow officers. While the film focuses more on the thriller and crime genres, the poker game plays an important role in the plot. The movie received praise for its suspenseful atmosphere and strong performances, earning recognition at various film festivals.
10. Mississippi Grind (2015)
Awards: Best Cinematography at the Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival.
This film tells the story of a down-on-his-luck gambler and his relationship with a younger, more optimistic player. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn, Mississippi Grind explores the highs and lows of gambling, with poker being one of the central themes. While the film wasn’t a major box-office hit, it was well-received for its honest portrayal of gambling addiction and earned several festival awards, particularly for cinematography.
