Poker is a subject that filmmakers have been exploring for decades and it’s not hard to see why. Poker is a multi-faceted game, it has different sides that filmmakers can bend to fit their plot. For some it embodies glamour, velvet smoking jackets, art déco casinos and people with big money who aren’t afraid of spending it. For others it encapsulates the gritty underbelly, dimly lit rooms with smoke wafting through them, coups to win the big money. These films explore all of the different sides of poker and do it in a way that’s entrancing from start to finish. So if you’re looking for a poker flick that will immediately make it to your ‘best of’ list, then you could do a lot worse than these.
Runner Runner, 2013, Online Poker Pioneer
Despite the popularity of online poker there are still surprisingly few films about it. One film that does delve into the world of online casinos though is Runner Runner. This film stars Justin Timberlake as a mastermind college student, Richie Furst and Ben Affleck as a mastermind of a different kind known as Ivan Block. Richie discovers that he has a knack for poker and sets about playing online with a view to paying for his tuition fees. However, it all goes south for Richie when he becomes entangled in a far darker set of circumstances involving the criminal Ivan Block. Richie finds himself far from his dormitory bedroom, travelling through unknown territories in Puerto Rico, looking for the person who’s swindled him. Although this film received mixed reviews from the critics, with poker fans it faired remarkably well. This film embodies all of the drama of a poker game in a sweet package of under two hours. If you’ve got a little time to kill and fancy some high octane poker fun, then Runner Runner might just be the film for you.
Molly’s Game, 2017, High-Stakes Poker Drama
Molly’s Game received enormous publicity when it was released, in part because it was based on a true story, but also because of just how fascinating that true story is. Molly Bloom is indeed a real human being, though in the film is played brilliantly by Jessica Chastain. Bloom is an ex-Olympian, specializing in skiing, but after retiring finds herself with a little time on her hands. Using her tenacity, bravery and network of wealthy friends, she begins organizing poker nights. These nights quickly gain a reputation as being some of the best around and before long actors, musicians and even politicians are enjoying Bloom’s hospitality. However, all good things must come to an end and before too long the FBI catches up with her. We watch as Bloom tries everything that she can to escape the law and continue to run her high stakes poker games. We won’t spoil the ending for you, as this really does deserve a watch. For those looking to be inspired by a powerful female protagonist, who isn’t afraid of the moral grey areas, it doesn’t get better than Molly’s Game.
Cincinnati Kid, 1965, Steve McQueen Poker King
When it comes to the really big guns, Cincinnati Kid is the ultimate poker movie for many. Even those who love a modern movie can admit that Steve McQueen playing Eric Stoner is a force to be reckoned with. Stoner is a poker player, who’s earned the nickname ‘The Kid’ from showing off his poker prowess, but he has one player that he’s yet to beat, Lancey Howard ‘The Man’. The film follows The Kid’s trials and tribulations as he tries to take the title of The Man. The film is ripe with symbolism and a little cliche at times, but the lead actors make this film incredibly compelling viewing.
