Top 50 Best Poker Movies To Watch

The Hustler is a classic film centered on the world of pool hustling, following the ambitions of a talented hustler striving to make a name for himself. Adapted from Walter Tevis's acclaimed novel, the movie captures the gritty and competitive atmosphere of the sport.

This film serves as the introduction to the character Eddie "Fast Eddie" Felson, whose journey continues in The Color of Money. In The Hustler, a young and determined Fast Eddie sets his sights on defeating Minnesota Fats, the most renowned pool player of the time.

With remarkable skill and determination, Eddie navigates the high-stakes world of professional pool players. The Hustler was recognized for its cinematic excellence, receiving numerous nominations from the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes.

"The Sting" follows two clever con men as they attempt to outsmart both the law and dangerous mob bosses who are hot on their trail.

The story opens with a classic grifter setup centering around a high-stakes poker game. When Hooker scams a courier out of $11,000, he unwittingly crosses a ruthless crime boss.

To evade retribution, Hooker flees to Chicago, seeking help from an old friend who is also a fugitive from the FBI.

Together, they assemble a team of skilled con artists, orchestrating an elaborate illegal poker game designed to take down the mob and avoid capture by the police.

Featuring the iconic pairing of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, "The Sting" brought these stars together even before their unforgettable roles in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

"Atlantic City" is a critically acclaimed film that delves into themes of fleeting affection, unwavering loyalty, and shifting relationships in the world of gambling. The story centers on Sally, a casino worker with big dreams of becoming a blackjack dealer, who dedicates herself to rigorous training for a better future.

Sally yearns to escape to Monte Carlo and start anew, but her troubled past resurfaces, threatening to shatter her ambitions before she can realize them.

At this pivotal moment, an aging, small-time gangster steps in to support her. Sally, recognizing his affection for her, leverages their connection to pursue her dreams against the odds.

This powerful film garnered five Academy Award nominations and received numerous accolades, including BAFTAs and Golden Globe awards.

"Uncut Gems" delivers an intense and nerve-wracking experience that plunges viewers into the chaotic world of high-stakes gambling, dangerous debts, and relentless loan sharks. Directed by the Safdie brothers, the film earned widespread critical acclaim for its gripping story and masterful direction.

Adam Sandler gives a career-defining performance in a rare dramatic role, drawing praise for his raw and compelling portrayal. The plot revolves around Howard Ratner, a gambling-addicted jewelry store owner who tries to escape mounting debts after smuggling a valuable black opal into the United States.

Ratner, deeply entangled in risky bets and desperate maneuvers, finds himself threatened by his own brother-in-law, who acts as a menacing loan shark. The film's realistic storytelling, powerful acting, and nail-biting climax make it an essential watch for anyone seeking a thrilling cinematic ride.

Casino Royale marks a thrilling chapter in the James Bond franchise, starring Daniel Craig alongside Eva Green and Judi Dench. The story centers on Bond’s mission to prevent terrorists from securing funds for their illicit operations and ultimately save the world from chaos.

Uniquely, much of the action unfolds around a high-stakes poker game. Here, gambling serves as a crucial element in the terrorists' financing scheme, forcing Bond to enter the game with a staggering $10,000,000 buy-in. It’s a tense, winner-takes-all match that showcases both the danger and glamour of high-roller poker.

"House of Games," written and directed by David Mamet, features a brilliantly crafted and intricate plot. This neo-noir psychological crime thriller captures attention from the first scene, immersing viewers in its suspenseful storytelling.

The story follows a psychologist who inadvertently enters the shadowy world of con artists. Intrigued by their methods, she decides to observe them closely, with plans to write a book about their deceptive lifestyles.

As her fascination deepens, she forms an unexpected emotional connection with one of the conmen. Ultimately, she discovers that she has been the real target of an elaborate con from the very beginning.

The film explores her journey as she confronts betrayal and tries to make sense of her experience. "House of Games" is a compelling must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and intelligent crime dramas.

Often hailed as the greatest gambling film ever made, California Split offers a compelling look into the world of high-stakes bets. The movie centers on the lives of Bill Denny, a newcomer to serious gambling, and Charlie Walters, a seasoned old hand who's experienced every thrill and setback.

The duo gradually pawn off their possessions in order to fully embrace the highs and lows of the gambling lifestyle, traveling from racetracks to bustling casinos in search of fortune.

In a last desperate attempt, Bill and Charlie pool their remaining money for a trip to Reno. There, Bill embarks on an unexpected winning streak that changes everything.

However, even with a major payday, Bill finds himself disillusioned with the gambling world. With Charlie's support, he chooses to walk away, and the two friends ultimately part ways.

"Croupier" follows the story of Jack Manfred, a casino employee known as a croupier, whose job is to oversee and manage bets at the gambling tables.

Jack is tasked with ensuring fair play and preventing any illegal activities, making him a key figure—and sometimes a target—in the high-stakes environment of the casino.

As Jack immerses himself deeper into the world of gambling, he becomes entangled in schemes involving cheating and illicit betting, gradually losing control over his own boundaries.

Unwittingly caught in a conspiracy to rig a poker game, Jack eventually discovers that he was being manipulated for ulterior motives by his own father and an accomplice.

The film earned critical acclaim for its tense storytelling but was ultimately disqualified from Academy Award consideration because it had been previously broadcast on Dutch television.

"The Color of Money" (1986), directed by Martin Scorsese, serves as the sequel to the classic 1961 film "The Hustler." Paul Newman returns as Eddie Felson, a seasoned pool hustler now older and more experienced, taking on a new role in the world of high-stakes billiards.

The story centers around nine-ball pool. At this point in his life, Eddie Felson has left his hustling days behind and works as a liquor distributor in Chicago, looking for meaning beyond the pool hall.

Everything changes when Eddie meets a talented young pool player named Vincent and his confident partner, Carmen. Drawn back into the world he once ruled, Eddie guides Vincent through the ebb and flow of gambling and hustling.

The film delivers thrilling nine-ball matches with high stakes and intense drama. Paul Newman's outstanding performance as Eddie Felson earned him an Academy Award, making this a must-watch for fans of gambling and sports dramas.

Casino is an acclaimed film directed by Martin Scorsese, adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's novel Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas. The movie captures the vibrant world of Las Vegas and the intricate power dynamics that shaped its legendary casinos.

The film received numerous accolades, including Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe win for Sharon Stone's unforgettable performance. The story centers around Sam Rothstein, a brilliant gambling expert and handicapper.

Sam is tasked with managing a major Las Vegas casino on behalf of the Chicago Outfit, where organized crime leaders hold absolute authority and ruthlessly enforce honesty. The presence of the mob is a constant force throughout the film.

As Sam navigates this high-stakes world, he discovers that Las Vegas begins to alter his character, his friendships, and his family relationships. Casino is celebrated for its gripping portrayal of real-life casino managers and mob figures, making it a standout in the genre.

"Ocean’s Eleven" is a stylish remake of the original Rat Pack classic. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film retains the core concept of a daring Las Vegas heist but injects new energy, wit, and a fresh plot twist, making it a highly acclaimed crime-comedy.

After being released from prison, Danny Ocean reconnects with his old friend Rusty. Together, they scheme to rob three premier Las Vegas casinos—The Bellagio, The Mirage, and the MGM Grand—owned by the formidable Terry Benedict.

The duo enlists the support of Reuben Tishkoff, a fellow casino enemy of Benedict. Assembling a colorful crew of ex-cons and skilled associates, they set the stage for one of cinema's most elaborate and entertaining heist plots.

"Bugsy" is an acclaimed, Oscar-nominated biographical film that chronicles the dramatic rise and passionate romance of notorious mobster Bugsy Siegel and Virginia Hill.

While not strictly a poker movie, "Bugsy" delves into the gritty world of mob-controlled gambling, high-stakes betting, and the criminal underworld that shaped Las Vegas.

The film stars Warren Beatty as Bugsy Siegel and Annette Bening as Virginia Hill, offering a captivating, romanticized glimpse into violent mob wars and power struggles of the era.

"Mississippi Grind" follows the journey of two gamblers, Gerry and Curtis, as they travel through the southern United States chasing fortune. The film explores their adventures as they move from poker tables to racetracks, taking risks with every bet they place.

Gerry, a middle-aged gambler overwhelmed by debt, is struggling to reverse his misfortune. Curtis, his younger companion, is just starting his journey in the world of gambling. Together, they form an unlikely partnership, navigating the highs and lows of the gambling scene.

Throughout their journey, they experience both wins and losses, participating in poker, horse betting, and Texas Hold'em. Despite their efforts, luck rarely seems to be on their side, leading them into deeper trouble.

Desperate to keep gambling, Gerry goes so far as to sell his car—and even steal from his workplace—to finance his addiction. The film offers a raw and unflinching look at the reality of gambling addiction and its impact on those affected.

Critics praised "Mississippi Grind" for its authentic storytelling and strong performances, highlighting its realistic portrayal of addiction.

"Hard Eight" marks the directorial debut of Paul Thomas Anderson and is adapted from his short film "Cigarettes & Coffee." This compelling drama delves into the intricate world of seasoned gamblers and the secrets they keep beneath a composed surface.

The story centers on Sydney, an experienced gambler who takes a destitute young man under his wing, teaching him the art of gambling and guiding him toward a better life. Sydney's mentorship is not limited to gambling; he also helps the young man find companionship and encourages him to marry, treating him as a surrogate son. Their relationship grows stronger as trust and affection develop between them.

However, as the film unfolds, the true nature of Sydney's past and the darkness behind his respectable facade are gradually revealed, exposing the profound complexities of life in the gambling underworld.

"Molly’s Game" tells the gripping true story behind high-stakes underground poker games attended by Hollywood stars, wealthy tycoons, and members of both the Italian and Russian mafia.

The film follows Molly Bloom as she becomes an assistant to a real estate developer hosting secret high-roller poker matches at the Cobra Lounge in Los Angeles.

After a falling out with her employer, Molly boldly launches her own poker operations. While she achieves notable success, she also deals with shady characters and draws the attention of unsuspecting businessmen.

As Molly’s poker empire flourishes, she inevitably attracts the scrutiny of organized crime and the FBI. Aaron Sorkin's brilliant screenplay makes "Molly’s Game" an essential watch for poker movie fans.

The film received major award nominations for Sorkin and widespread acclaim for Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba’s powerful performances.

Produced by Martin Scorsese, The Card Counter is a compelling film that weaves the aftermath of the Afghanistan War into the high-stakes world of the World Series of Poker.

The story follows an ex-serviceman dishonorably discharged for his involvement in Abu Ghraib, who turns to professional poker as a form of escape. Haunted by guilt and paranoia, he becomes a skilled card counter while struggling with his troubled past.

He avoids forming personal relationships, but when an opportunity arises to assist a former acquaintance, he reluctantly steps forward, setting in motion a tense psychological drama.

The film features outstanding performances by Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe, and an excellent supporting cast. Critics gave it reviews ranging from average to favorable, and it earned a Metacritic score of 7.8.

"The Cincinnati Kid" is a classic poker film featuring the legendary Steve McQueen and veteran actor Edward Robinson.

Renowned for its gripping poker scenes, the film centers on the game of 5 Card Stud, a popular choice during its era. The matches are both intense and authentic, drawing viewers into the high-stakes world of old-school poker.

The story follows the ambitious Cincinnati Kid, a rising poker talent determined to claim his place among the greats. As he dominates one game after another, his journey leads him to challenge Lancey Howard, the reigning poker champion.

Facing Howard is the ultimate test, and beating him will earn the Kid the title of the unofficial king of poker.

"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" is a British crime caper directed by Guy Ritchie that gained him international recognition. This film also introduced Jason Statham, known at the time as a professional diver, to movie audiences.

The story follows four friends who pool all their savings to enter a high-stakes poker game, hoping for a big win. However, the game is gritty and unforgiving, and they end up losing £500,000.

The friends are given just one week to repay the poker boss, placing them in a desperate situation. Meanwhile, their neighbors—who happen to be small-time thieves—become part of their wild scheme.

Desperate to escape their predicament, the friends hatch a daring plan involving both their neighbors and their debtors. The film scored 66 on Metacritic and was widely praised by critics for its sharp writing and energetic direction.

"Owning Mahowny" is a gripping Canadian film that delves into the dark world of gambling addiction. Based on a true story, the movie features powerhouse performances from stars such as Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Hurt, and Minnie Driver.

The film earned widespread acclaim and was notably recognized by critic Roger Ebert, who named it his best movie of the year.

The narrative centers on Dan Mahowny, a dedicated bank employee who betrays the trust of his manager by embezzling funds to fuel his escalating gambling habit.

Unbeknownst to his colleagues, Mahowny makes frequent trips to Atlantic City, wagering—and losing—large sums of money. His activities remain undetected by the bank until the police stumble upon the scheme while investigating a well-known bookie.

"The Gambler" is a critically acclaimed film penned by James Toback, earning a prestigious four-star review from Roger Ebert for its engaging and tightly woven storyline.

James Caan delivers a powerhouse performance that garnered him a Golden Globe nomination, bringing depth and complexity to the role of an English professor living a double life.

Outwardly, he is cherished by his family and respected by students, maintaining warm and cordial relationships with those around him.

Beneath the surface, however, he is ensnared by a gambling addiction, drowning in debt and facing dangerous threats from his bookie.

The film powerfully depicts the tragic unraveling of a respectable man. While a remake appeared in 2014, none could rival the magnetic impact of James Caan's original performance.

The Cooler is an award-nominated film with an Academy Award nomination for Alec Baldwin, two Golden Globe nominations, and two SAG nominations.

The film also won a Satellite Award for Maria Bello and a National Board of Review award for Baldwin.

The Cooler is an unlucky player who is sent to break the winning streak at a poker table. Shelly is an old-fashioned casino manager who employs Bernie as his cooler and prides his old-school ways of managing the casino.

The business also runs smoothly, but troubles begin when the cooler falls in Love. With love, the Cooler’s luck turns, and he starts winning.

Shelly desperately tries to bring back his bad luck, and this makes up the plot of the film.

Ocean’s Thirteen is the third film in Steven Soderberg’s Ocean’s film series. Although Soderberg drew inspiration from the original Ocean’s 11, the story and plotlines have been built on and modernized.

In the third installment, Reuben Tishkoff invests in a casino in Las Vegas, but his partner swindles him and steals his ownership rights.

To avenge Tishkoff, Ocean brings the team back together and plots an elaborate scheme to sabotage the opening of the casino.

In the typical fashion of the Ocean's film series, the team makes an airtight military-style plan and successfully executes it.

He rigs the casino’s slot machines and poker tables causing large-scale losses and also usurps the food inspector who comes to grade the hotel standard.

Killing Them Softly is a crime film based on the novel Cogan’s Trade by George V Higgins. The film opens with a mob-protected gambling den that runs illegal poker nights.

The manager of this den is another crooked man who steals from the business by hoodwinking the mob. Three small-time thieves plan to use the crooked manager as an excuse and steal from the mob during one of their poker matches.

While the thieves manage to get away with the loot, the mob figures out that they were cheated and sends out hitmen to collect the dues and eliminate all threats.

The film has Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, James Gandolfini, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, etc. as the hitmen and thieves.

Maverick is a western about a poker player who is short of $3000 for a deposit to enter a winner-takes-it-all poker tournament.

To make a fast buck and collect the much-needed deposit for the poker tournament, he turns to gambling. Maverick, the poker player, portrayed by Mel Gibson, enlists the help of Annabelle Bransford and attempts all kinds of debt collections, misadventures, and more to make up the money needed.

The film offers a fun and entertaining adventure where the duo comes up with ridiculous schemes to make money.

The film is a must-watch for the entertainment value more than anything.

Rounders is one of the best poker movies that are at the top of every list of best movies.

The film stars Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich, and more. The film is a crime drama that showcases gambling addiction, ruin, and renewed hope.

Matt Damon is a poker player who manages to blow away all the savings that he won in a high-stakes Poker game of Texas Hold’Em.

He loses all his money to Teddy KGB and swears away from the habit of gambling. He stays strong till his old friend is released from jail and enlists Damon to help him make a fast buck.

The film has everything that a poker fan loves, and we get to witness stellar performances from Edward Norton, John Malkovich, Matt Damon, and all the cast.

Shade is a crime thriller where a group of hustlers attempt to pull a sting at a poker game.

However, they are caught unawares by the mob enforcers who come there to collect their money. It becomes a suspenseful game of poker with twists at every turn.

The film's cast comprises Jamie Foxx, Gabriel Byrne, Thandiwe Newton, etc. They come up with masterful performances, especially during tense Poker games.

The plot has fights, drama, suspense, and thrills to keep everyone satisfied.

A Big Hand For The Little Lady was released in the UK as Big Deal At Dodge City. The film is based on a TV play titled Big Deal At Laredo.

The film was praised for its intriguing plot and masterful performances from the cast. The movie starts with the buildup of a yearly high-stakes poker game between a group of wealthy men.

Next, we see a young family that stops by on their way to the next town to buy a farm.

The young father who is a gambler enters the poker game with all the family’s savings and a tense game ensues.

The climax is a surprise that is unexpected and entertaining. The audience loved the movie.

The Grand is a unique concept film that was made by Zak Penn and stars Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Dennis Farina, Jason Alexander, Ray Romano, Werner Herzog, etc.

The Grand is an improvisational comedy movie that is set during real poker games. The script of the film is not a defined plot but rather a general sketch of the characters.

The director gathered the actors and put them into actual poker games that were taking place. The actors improvised based on the character assigned to them and played the part.

The poker games are real, and the script is impromptu. This makes the film all the more fun and entertaining.

21 is a film about the real-life card counting team called the MIT Blackjack team. They were a group of math geniuses who counted cards at The MGM casino and made millions.

The film does take creative liberties and withholds key calculations, but it is based on the novel about the team.

The film starts with a brilliant MIT student who has a chance to attend Harvard medical school, but it's short on tuition money.

A corrupt Math professor uses his brilliant mind to count cards and brings him into the MIT blackjack team.

However, the team had a falling out with the professor, and he betrayed their identity to the casino security. The film has a suspenseful climb and a gripping narrative.

Poker Night is not an outright poker film but a hostage escape film. A rookie police detective Stan is kidnapped by a psychopath and held hostage along with Amy, the daughter of another detective.

Stan has to rely on the insights that he gained from his superiors during an informal poker night. Stan's senior detectives shared their wisdom on murder cases during the poker games, and this will help Stan and Amy figure out the kidnapper’s plan.

The film received an unfavorable review, yet it has a 5.39 approval rating on Metacritic.

Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker is a documentary film about online poker games. The director, Ryan Firpo tracks a group of online poker players who started out when Internet poker was in its nascent stages and became multimillionaires.

The film studies the online poker industry that boomed in the early 2000s and created a generation of young poker professionals.

The film tracks the lives of three players, in particular, one is a young mother, another is a poker savant, and the third is a host at the World Poker Tour.

The film looks into the rise of illegal gambling in these online poker games and the crackdown by the US government, which led to the ban of online poker.

Lucky You is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the World Series of Poker. The film is a remake of the Goerge Stevens film from 1970, titled The Only Game in Town.

It was, in turn, adapted from a Broadway play with the same name. Huck is a regular poker player in Vegas who has learned the game from his father.

He is estranged from his old man and holds a deep resentment for being abandoned. Although Huck is a good poker player, he has a reputation for being hasty, and hence, he cannot find a bookie to enter the World Series of Poker.

The film plot revolves around how Huck gets his entry ticket to the WSOP and also reconciles with his father while finding a girl for himself.

Two For The Money is not exactly a poker movie, but it is about the gambling and betting involved in sporting events.

The film explores the well-established world of betting on football matches. Brandon Lang is an ex-footballer who has a knack for picking winners.

Lang is discovered by Abrams, who runs a sports consulting operation, which successfully predicts winning matches during the season.

As the consultancy starts winning, they attract unsavory elements who don’t like to lose money. The greed, paranoia, and suspicion get the best of the operation, and everything falls apart.

Dark City was made in 1950, and it was one of the earliest films by Charleston Heston. The film is a mystery suspense with strong performances from the cast.

The film has Heston playing a crooked gambler who cheats a man out of $5000. This drives him to suicide, and this triggers the conscience of the gambler.

When the dead man's brother starts tracking down the perpetrators, what will the gambler do? This is the crux of the film.

Heston himself felt the movie was nothing but a B-grade thriller, but it gave him his breakthrough.

High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a biopic about the life, struggle, addictions, victories, and losses of Stu Ungar.

He was the greatest player of Texas Hold’em and Gin. He is one of the only two players to win the World Series of Poker Main Event three times.

He is the only person to win Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker three times. The film begins with Ungar in a motel room on his last day.

We see him retell his life to a stranger. Ungar was the son of a bookie and got an early start as a gin player.

Slowly, he graduated from Gin to Texas Hold’Em and poker. While his poker life was a hit, his personal life was in shambles.

He was addicted to cocaine, and his marriage had ended. At the end of the movie, in a poignant scene, we see Stu Ungar leave the motel room with the stranger to whom he narrated his life. It is indicated that the stranger was the grim reaper.

Smart Money is a movie about gambling in the early days when cheating was rampant, and gambling was illegal.

The film was a success and was nominated for the 4th Academy Award in the Best Story category. The story is about a small-time barber, Nick, who runs an illegal gambling den.

Once he gets a taste of success, he gets ambitious and confident in his skills and goes to the big city. Although he faces initial losses, he makes a comeback and starts to win big.

He makes Smart Money but cannot escape the long arms of the law.

Brad Furman directed the criminal thriller "Runner Runner" in 2013. In the film, Justin Timberlake plays Princeton graduate student Richie Furst, who gets entangled in the world of offshore and online gaming. 

Richie goes to Costa Rica to confront Ivan Block (Ben Affleck), the proprietor of the website, after he is defrauded of his tuition money in an online poker game. Richie learns about the seedy and crooked sides of the gambling industry as he continues to delve deeper into it.

Critics gave the movie varying degrees of positive to poor reviews. While some appreciated the performances—Ben Affleck in particular for his portrayal of the seductive but morally dubious Ivan Block—others panned the film's overall execution and its predictable plot.
 

Vegas Vacation is the fourth installment of the film series National Lampoon’s Vacation. This film does not carry the moniker of National Lampoon’s Vacation, yet the storyline continues from where it stopped in the third installment.

The Griswold family plans to take a vacation with the bonus money that Chris earns, and they end up in Vegas.

As can be expected, Chris gambles away all the family savings while Rusty wins four cars at another slot machine.

Vegas Vacation is a comedy vacation film that revolves around the excesses, trappings, joys, and sorrows of life in Las Vegas.

Deal is a poker movie for hardcore poker fans. The film showcases a simple story of a senior poker player who takes in a young rookie and teaches him the tricks of the trade.

He shows him all the tales and wisdom that he has gathered over the years with the intention of sending him to WSOP.

Burt Reynolds plays the senior gambler who trains the rookie hoping to split the winnings halfway. The film did not get the best reviews from critics as the plot is rich in poker games and thin on plot.

Yet, the film is worth the watch to get a feel of real poker games, with many veteran players having cameos in the film.

Guns, Girls, and Gambling is a complex game of cat and mouse where a group of Elvis impersonators plays a game of poker as a front to steal a priceless Indian artifact.

The film is an action thriller with murder and mystery that does not clear up till the end. The film has an impressive cast of Gary Oldman, Christian Slater, Powers Boothe, Dane Cook, etc.

However, it only earned approximately $150,000 worldwide. The film is forgettable for the plot, but the cast makes the film watchable at least once.

"Poker King" is a 2009 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Chan Hing-kai and Janet Chun. The film follows the story of a talented poker player, Sing, who dreams of becoming the world's best poker player.

Sing, along with his friend, Wai, gets involved in various comedic and dramatic situations as they navigate the world of high-stakes poker tournaments.

With Sing's natural instincts and Wai's help, they rise through the ranks, encountering colorful characters and challenging opponents along the way.

Some viewers appreciated the film's lighthearted humor, entertaining poker sequences, and the chemistry between the lead actors. However, others found the plot predictable and felt that the comedic elements overshadowed the potential for a more engaging and substantial story.

Grinders is a documentary film about the life of Matt Gallagher. While most films about gambling revolve around people addicted to gambling or crime bosses, it is not the same with Grinders.

Gallagher is an out-of-work filmmaker, and he needs finances. He has a wife and a new child on the way, so his unemployment is detrimental.

This makes Matt Gallagher desperate, and he turns to illegal poker nights to earn fast money. But he soon realizes that the risk in a poker game is not just about the game.

As the influence of his poker games spreads to every aspect of his life and so does the risk of losing a life or limb.

"No Limit: A Search for the American Dream on the Poker Tournament Trail" is a 2006 documentary film directed by James Ronald Whitney.

The film follows the director himself as he embarks on a journey across America to participate in various poker tournaments in pursuit of the American Dream.

Whitney explores the world of professional poker, sharing insights into the high stakes, competitive nature, and the challenges faced by players on the tournament circuit.

Along the way, the documentary examines the dynamics of the game, the sacrifices made by players, and the underlying dreams and aspirations that drive them. "No Limit" offers a compelling exploration of the poker subculture and provides a thought-provoking look at the pursuit of success and the American Dream in the context of the game.

All In: The Poker Movie is a documentary that follows the popularity of poker in American culture. It follows the sharp rise in poker professionals and the online poker boom that took place in the 2000s.

We also get to listen from old and new poker professionals about the changing environment. The film highlights the impact of online poker games till there was a crackdown on Black Friday by the US government.

In the DVD extras, we are also provided with the insights of poker players into the government crackdown and the fallout.

The film is a serious study of the changing landscape in the Poker industry. It is a must-watch for viewers interested in the history of the game.

Cold Deck is a Canadian film about the dark and seedy world of gambling. The film highlights how addictive gambling is and how low a gambler falls during his listing streak.

Bobby and Ben are friends who are on a losing streak. The gambling boss Chips abuses their addiction to encourage them to continue losing.

He even proposes a dangerous scheme to defraud another high-stakes gambler. The scheme costs Ben his life, and Bobby realized his mistake.

What happens next is a tense poker match to even out the score. The film is worth a watch, although it is not a slick Hollywood crime flick.

The 2020 film Poker Queens tells the story of a gang of female poker players. The movie is a Sandra Mohr documentary. It honours women's strength, knowledge, and fortitude in a world where men predominate.

The world's largest poker tournament has never seen a female winner. However, a group of talented and driven women poker players is out to change that. They are daring, clever, and attractive enough to win millions at a game that is still seen as a "man's game." 

They strive for the wealth and glory that come with winning despite encountering sexism and uncertainty. As they practise, compete, and overcome obstacles both on and off the table, the movie chronicles their adventure. 
 

Luna’s Game is a Spanish film about the vengeance of a daughter. Luna is a poker player who has made a living with her poker skills.

She finds out the ones who have killed her father and sets out to take revenge on them through a poker game.

The film captures the seedy, dark, and sinful life of a gambler who does whatever it takes to get money and goes to any length to attain his goals.

Luna, being a woman, breaks into this world and plots her vengeance, and gets away.