If you like poker, and you like movies, then you are probably going to find something to enjoy on our list. Have we written this post because we want to get poker enthusiasts onto the pages of our casino-related blog? You bet we have! But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean the list itself isn’t worth reading.
We have trawled through the online archives to find the best poker-themed movies around, and left the critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes to be the judge of the best of them. After we got to sixth place in the list the levels kind of dropped off a cliff, so we won’t bother bringing overdue attention to flops like Poker Face (9% on RT) or similar.
Okay poker flick fans, read on to see if you agree that our movie picks are Aces.
1. Mississippi Grind (91%)
A compelling drama-road movie hybrid, Mississippi Grind stars Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds as two down-on-their-luck poker players embarking on a cross-country trek in hopes of hitting it big. Their journey spans small-town dives and glittering casino floors, showcasing both the thrill of poker and the desperation of gambling addiction. With authentic dialogue and richly drawn characters, the film subtly explores how the game can bind people together—and tear them apart.
Director Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck capture the melancholic beauty and hard-edged reality of life on the edge. The cinematography leans into the rusted charm of the American South, while the poker scenes feel lived-in, not over-stylized. It’s a deeply human story disguised as a gambling flick—beautifully raw and unlikely to leave you indifferent.
“richly rewarding existential gambler road movie” (theguardian.com)
2. The Cincinnati Kid (86%)
Steve McQueen delivers his iconic cool as “The Kid,” a cocky young poker prodigy aiming to beat the legendary Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson) in a winner-takes-all match. Set in 1930s New Orleans, the film is a slow-burning character study more than a high-stakes thriller. Every glance, every bet matters, embodying themes of ambition, respect, and mortality.
Under the steady direction of Norman Jewison and Sam Peckinpah, the movie’s muted color palette and deliberate pacing emphasize tension over spectacle. McQueen’s steely performance is matched by Robinson’s seasoned gravitas, creating a gladiatorial showdown that resonates long after the final fold. It’s poker, but also poker as existential struggle.
“respectably packaged drama… strictly for those who relish—or at least play—stud poker” – The New York Times
3. Molly’s Game (82%)
Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut sheds light on the real-life story of Molly Bloom (played by Jessica Chastain), a former Olympic hopeful who channeled her ambition into running exclusive, high-stakes poker games. Behind luxurious tables and celebrity guests lies a complex moral portrait—of a woman driven by power, loyalty, and a fierce intellect.
The film crackles with sharp, fast-paced dialogue, trademark Sorkin style, and Chastain’s powerful central presence. Idris Elba brings warmth as her lawyer, contrasting the icy poker elite. Though poker drives the plot, Molly’s Game is above all a study in agency, consequences, and an unwavering fight for survival in a male-dominated arena.
“Powered by an intriguing story and a pair of outstanding performances… Molly’s Game marks a solid debut” (rottentomatoes.com)
4 Rounders (64%)
The cult favorite Rounders stars Matt Damon as Mike McDermott, a law student drawn back into underground poker to help settle his friend’s debts. Edward Norton’s Worm is magnetic and unpredictable, injecting chaotic energy. The film strikes a balance between emotional depth and gritty realism.
Set in New York City’s backroom poker world, Rounders nails the tension of the game—every card flip feels consequential. Though its 64% critic score is modest, it has become essential viewing among poker aficionados, largely thanks to Damon and Norton’s chemistry and flat-out authentic depiction of strategy, risk, and loyalty.
“Richly atmospheric and colorful performances contributed to the movie’s entertainment value.” (editorial.rottentomatoes.com)
5. All In: The Poker Movie (45%)
This documentary captures the explosive growth of poker in the early 2000s, tracing the phenomenon from Chris Moneymaker’s miraculous WSOP win to the rise of online platforms. Interviews with legends like Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, and Annie Duke offer insight into the game’s culture and charismatic protagonists.
While engaging and informative, critics argue that it sometimes reads like a promotional piece for poker rather than an investigative look at its social impact. Still, it’s vibrant with archival footage and player anecdotes, offering a lively snapshot of the poker boom.
“energetic, if overly worshipful” – Los Angeles Times (rottentomatoes.com)
6. Dead Money (31%)
A 2024 thriller about a hustler forced into an extreme high-stakes game after a bag of stolen cash lands him in jeopardy. It blends crime and poker into a dark narrative with veiled motivations and tense showdowns.
Despite a promising concept, critics largely found the script underdeveloped, leaning on generic plot twists rather than genuinely surprising poker play or character depth.
“Dead Money relies far too much on… stagey plot devices.” (rottentomatoes.com)
So that’s your selection of the best poker movies, but if you still have time on your hands then feel free to check out our equivalent list of the best movies about blackjack. Fair to say that on that particular list the highs may be high but the lows are really getting down there…
