Looking to take a break from the tables but still stay in the poker mindset? Whether you’re grinding online or dreaming of your first live tournament, these best poker movies of all time will keep your head in the game — and maybe even teach you something.
We’ve ranked 15 of the top poker movies that range from underground grinders to big-money casino scenes. No spoilers, just honest takes. Let’s dive in.
🎰 Casino Royale (2006) — 8.0 IMDb
Yes, it’s Bond — but this one comes with a surprisingly legit Texas Hold’em scene. The centerpiece poker game at Casino Royale might not be 100% accurate in mechanics, but it captures the tension perfectly. If you want glamour with your movies about poker, this is it.
| Year | 2006 |
| Director | Martin Campbell |
| Release Date | November 17, 2006 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0/10 |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Main Cast | Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen |
🎲 Rounders (1998) — 7.3 IMDb
If you watch just one movie about poker, make it Rounders. This cult classic follows a gifted law student who dives back into the underground poker scene to help a friend in trouble. The film is beloved by grinders for good reason: the characters feel real, the stakes are high, and the lingo is spot on.
| Year | 1998 |
| Director | John Dahl |
| Release Date | September 11, 1998 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Genre | Drama |
| Main Cast | Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich |
🃏 Molly’s Game (2017) — 7.4 IMDb
Based on a true story, Molly’s Game is a sharp, fast-paced drama about a former Olympic-class skier who runs one of the most exclusive underground poker games in the world. This isn’t just a good poker movie — it’s a masterclass in risk, image, and survival.
| Year | 2017 |
| Director | Aaron Sorkin |
| Release Date | December 25, 2017 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
| Genre | Biography, Drama |
💎 A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966) — 7.3 IMDb
This old-school gem involves a massive poker hand in the Wild West, with more plot twists than you’d expect. Classic storytelling.
| Year | 1966 |
| Director | Fielder Cook |
| Release Date | May 31, 1966 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Genre | Western, Comedy |
| Main Cast | Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards |
🎬 Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker (2013) — 7.2 IMDb
Essential viewing if you’re into online poker. Chronicles the rise (and fall) of the online boom through the eyes of grinders. Great context for modern players.
| Year | 2013 |
| Director | Ryan Firpo |
| Release Date | June 2013 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Main Cast | Danielle Andersen, Tony Dunst, Martin Bradstreet |
🌴 California Split (1974) — 7.1 IMDb
One of the earliest famous poker movies, capturing poker and gambling culture in a way that still feels real today. A slice-of-life look at two friends chasing action — one a seasoned shark, the other a classic fish player still learning the ropes.
| Year | 1974 |
| Director | Robert Altman |
| Release Date | August 7, 1974 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1/10 |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy |
| Main Cast | George Segal, Elliott Gould |
🤵 Croupier (1998) — 7.0 IMDb
While not strictly a poker movie, it explores the casino world from a dealer’s perspective. Cold, stylish, and cerebral — a slow burn that’s worth the time.
| Year | 1998 |
| Director | Mike Hodges |
| Release Date | June 25, 1999 (USA) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0/10 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Main Cast | Clive Owen, Gina McKee, Alex Kingston |
♠️ Maverick (1994) — 7.0 IMDb
Want some classic western-style poker with charm and wit? Maverick blends poker, cons, and comedy in an Old West setting. Pure fun.
| Year | 1994 |
| Director | Richard Donner |
| Release Date | May 20, 1994 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.0/10 |
| Genre | Comedy, Western |
| Main Cast | Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner |
🂡 21 (2008) — 6.8 IMDb
Okay, it’s technically about blackjack, but this one makes the list because it captures the thrill of card games, bankroll swings, and calculated risk — all core to poker. It’s also based on the real MIT blackjack team.
| Year | 2011 |
| Director | Matt Gallagher |
| Release Date | April 2011 |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Main Cast | Matt Gallagher |
🌐 Drawing Dead: The Highs & Lows of Online Poker (2013) — 6.7 IMDb
Two contrasting player stories — one success, one tragedy. Powerful reminder of the highs and lows of chasing the poker dream.
| Year | 2013 |
| Director | Mike Weeks |
| Release Date | April 2013 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Main Cast | Dusty Schmidt, Michael Korpi |
⚡ Mississippi Grind (2015) — 6.4 IMDb
A hidden gem among top poker movies. This indie drama is less about the cards and more about the players. Two down-on-their-luck gamblers hit the road chasing high-stakes action. It’s raw, honest, and a little depressing — but in a good way.
| Year | 2015 |
| Director | Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck |
| Release Date | September 25, 2015 |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4/10 |
| Genre | Drama, Road Movie |
| Main Cast | Ryan Reynolds, Ben Mendelsohn |
🤑 Win It All (2017) — 6.2 IMDb
Win It All is a refreshing indie movie about poker and gambling addiction. A small-time guy finds a bag full of cash, and things spiral. It’s messy, funny, and real. One of those famous poker movies that hits differently.
| Year | 2017 |
| Director | Joe Swanberg |
| Release Date | April 7, 2017 |
| IMDb Rating | 6.2/10 |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy |
| Main Cast | Jake Johnson, Joe Lo Truglio, Aislinn Derbez |
✨ The Grand (2007) — 5.9 IMDb
A mockumentary about a fictional poker tournament, this one’s got improve comedy, real poker cameos, and lots of laughs. It’s not trying to be serious — and that’s the charm.
| Year | 2007 |
| Director | Zak Penn |
| Release Date | March 21, 2008 |
| IMDb Rating | 6.0/10 |
| Genre | Comedy, Improv |
| Main Cast | Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Cheryl Hines |
🍀 Lucky You (2007) — 5.9 IMDb
Set during the golden era of televised poker, Lucky You show the pressure of the WSOP and personal struggles behind the felt. Flawed but still worth a watch for poker fans.
| Year | 2007 |
| Director | Curtis Hanson |
| Release Date | May 4, 2007 |
| IMDb Rating | 5.9/10 |
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
| Main Cast | Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall |
🎯 Grinders (2011) — 5.6 IMDb
A documentary about life as a low-stakes grinder in underground Toronto games. Real, raw, and eye-opening for aspiring pros.
| Year | 2011 |
| Director | Matt Gallagher |
| Release Date | April 2011 |
| IMDb Rating | 5.6/10 |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Main Cast | Matt Gallagher |
These best movies about poker aren’t just entertainment — they can inspire, educate, and help us see the game in a new light. Whether it’s Rounders’ gritty realism or Molly’s high-stakes glam, every title on this list brings something valuable to the table.
So next time you’re tilted after a bad beat? Maybe fire up one of these and remember: poker’s not just a game — it’s a story.
What’s your favorite poker movie? Did we miss one? Let us know.
You forgot about old school …. Cincinnati Kid