Long before Lady Gaga sang about her 'poker face', pop culture has been obsessed with one of the greatest card games ever created. From saloons to spaceships - the game of poker has been featured in countless films even being the focal point of the plot plenty of times. Without further adieu, here are our picks for the top 10 poker movies of all time.
10) Ocean's 11
Let's get this out of the way quickly, not every movie on this list features poker as the main focus of the plot. However, this remake of the classic Sinatra heist film is set in Vegas and features a very memorable (and hilarious) scene where Brad Pitt is struggling to teach a group of celebrities how to play the fabled game. "ALL RED".
9) The Gambler (2014)
This lesser-known film is based off of a Dostoevsky novel and features Mark Wahlberg as the titular character who finds himself indebted to a loan shark whom he must pay within 7 days or be murdered. The film is written by the same screenwriter who brought us The Departed, if you didn't need any more reason to give it a go.
8) Lucky You
Truth be told, we saw this movie which released in 2007 at arguably the height of Texas Hold Em's pop culture surging popularity and then largely forgot it. However, it is definitely worth revisiting if you're interested in some romance with your poker movie. Eric Bana even earned an AFI Best Actor nomination for his part in the film.
7) The Cincinnati Kid
His name may be McQueen, but when it comes to being cool in movies he is the king. The Cincinnati Kid may not be as well-known Bullitt or The Great Escape, but it is no less of a great movie. Centered around a depression-era poker player in New Orleas, the film proves that when it comes to acting - Steve McQueen is 'second best' to none.
6) High Roller - The Stu Ungar Story
This biopic is the real-life story of American professional poker player, Stu Ungar. Featuring cameos from several poker players, it is a much watch for fans of the game.
5) Tombstone
Remember when we warned you that not every movie on this list was solely centered around poker? Well, Tombstone is another one that features memorable poker scenes but we also feel compelled to include it because of its real-world proximity to poker history. The classic western features scenes of Doc Holliday playing the classic card game, which he was well known for including being part of the longest continuous game of poker ever played. During his time in Tombstone, Holliday frequented the Bird Cage Theater which held a poker game that did not stop for over 8 years.
4) The Sting
Without a doubt, the greatest heist film ever created. The Sting reunites Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Redford and Newman) in different roles and one of the most iconic poker scenes ever.
3) Maverick
This western comedy is based on the TV show of the same name and set the bar on how to adapt a classic western TV show into a whimsical movie without being completely stupid (looking at you, Wild Wild West). Starring Mel Gibson as Bret Maverick who sets off to con his way into a high-stakes poker game. The film also features the original Maverick actor, James Garner, and plenty of cameos from western and country stars.
2) Rounders
Odds are, you knew this movie would make the list. However, you might be surprised that it is not number one. This classic film with Ed Norton and Matt Damon is almost synonymous with the game of poker. If you're a fan of good movies, or poker, you will not be disappointed by this movie and its heavy-hitter cast.
1) Casino Royale
Here is where we are going to ruffle some feathers. Casino Royale is not only the greatest movie made centering around the world of poker, it is also the best Bond film to date. Daniel Craig's first time donning the iconic tuxedo touts a grittier and more realistic 007 as he enters a high-stakes poker game in order to put pressure on organized crimes money-man in hopes of turning him into an asset for Her Majesty's Secret Service. Featuring thrilling poker scenes and plenty of action, this is as good as it gets.
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