Given that poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, it’s no surprise that Hollywood has taken notice. Over the years, a number of movies have been made about poker, ranging from dramas to comedies to documentaries. Here are some of the best poker movies ever made.
Rounders
Rounders is a classic that stars Matt Damon and Edward Norton as two aspiring poker players. The story centers on a young gambler who dreams of becoming a professional poker player. His dream is dashed when he loses a game to a Russian underworld gangster named Teddy.
In Rounders, Tommy mentors Alex after losing the final table, where he learns how to read other players and their tells. Both players had obstacles that they had to overcome, including their families, but both were determined to stay in the game. The film is a fun and educational watch for both poker players and non-poker fans.
The Cincinnati Kid
“The Cincinnati Kid” is a poker movie set in 1930s New Orleans. It stars Steve McQueen as a young poker player named Eric Stoner. The film is based on the short pulp novel of the same name by Richard Jessup and was directed by Norman Jewison. The storyline follows Stoner as he makes his way to a poker game. He meets a shoe-shiner boy who challenges him to a coin toss.
This movie is considered by many to be the best poker movie ever. However, even if you don’t play poker, you can still enjoy this film. The climax of the movie has a scene where the host of the game explains the rules of poker to the participants. For example, in the movie, players are not allowed to make “string bets” or “bets on hands.” However, due to script inconsistencies, the rules of the game are broken.
The Grand
The Grand is an improvised comedy that captures the poker subculture. The film follows six players as they prepare for the final table of the Grand Championship of Poker. It stars a host of comedic talents including Chris Parnell, Dennis Farina, David Cross, and Woody Harrelson. It was originally screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Players from all 50 US states are eligible to participate in the Grand Poker Network. They also accept players from traditional sports betting jurisdictions, though French residents are not eligible. The game also accepts Bitcoin and four major prepaid cards.
Smart Money
Smart Money is a compelling tale of how a small-town poker player manages to become the poker king in the big city.
The movie was produced by Warner Bros. and was nominated for an Academy Award. It is about a barber named Nick the Gambler and stars Jimmy Cagney as a young Nick. The film was released in the early days of sound and stars two giants. The story is based on the real-life poker king, Nick Dandolos.
Poker Night
Poker Night is a film noir set in Los Angeles in the late 1940s. The story follows a group of friends who meet for a weekly poker game. The game is hosted by Nick, played by Peter Lorre. One night, one of the players is killed, and the others must solve the murder. The suspects are all familiar to the viewer, making Poker Night a suspenseful thriller.
The Sting
The Sting is set in 1930s Chicago and stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two con artists. The story centers on their attempt to con a mob boss out of his money. In order to do so, they set up a fake poker game. The movie is filled with twists and turns, and the con artists must use their wit and intelligence to outsmart the mob boss.
The Hangover
The Hangover is a comedy about a group of friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party. The night before the wedding, they lose the groom and must find him before the wedding. Along the way, they get into all sorts of hijinks, including getting kicked out of their hotel room, losing their clothes, and being chased by a tiger.
Conclusion
Poker is a popular game that has been the subject of many movies. These movies are entertaining and offer a glimpse into the world of poker. Whether you are a poker player or not, these movies are worth watching.
