21 Best Poker Movies You Need to Watch

“The Cincinnati Kid” (1965)

• Genre: Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 (19K ratings)

The main character of the film The Cincinnati Kid is the best Five-Card Stud player in New Orleans (players are dealt one face-down card, followed by four face-up cards with betting rounds in between).

One day, Lancy Howard arrives in town. The Cincinnati Kid decides to challenge him. The entire film is about the preparation for the game and the game itself.

This movie will appeal to those who appreciate attention to detail. Every character is meticulously crafted. The atmosphere of 1930s New Orleans, the setting of luxurious hotel rooms, costumes, and music — all these elements combine to immerse you fully in the story.

Don’t expect a typical Hollywood ending in this film. It’s a story about honesty.

We highly recommend it to all fans of poker movies. It’s possibly one of the best in the genre, on par with Rounders.

“A Big Hand for the Little Lady” (1966)

• Genre: Western, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 (4,9К ratings)

The plot revolves around a cash game. Once a year, a high-stakes poker game takes place in Laredo, Texas, attracting prominent players:

• Undertaker Tropp arrives in a horse-drawn hearse,
• Henry Drummond postpones his daughter’s wedding,
• Attorney Otto Habershaw leaves the courtroom without delivering his closing argument, leaving his client’s fate hanging by a thread.

A seemingly innocent family stumbles upon the game by accident: Meredith, his wife Mary, and their son Jackie are on their way to California to buy a farm. They stop in Laredo for the night, carrying $4,000. While Mary is fixing a wheel, Meredith learns about the game. Though he promised his wife he’d quit gambling, he joins the table with $1,000.

The game is Five-Card Draw Poker with a single draw, played under Western rules: if a player cannot fully call a bet, they’re out of the game. Meredith, caught up in the action, loses all $4,000. When he can’t cover a bet, he suffers a heart attack.

Mary witnesses this drama unfold and faces a tough decision: she must finish the hand. The problem? She doesn’t know the rules, and they’re out of money.

A Big Hand for the Little Lady is a charming, lighthearted movie with an excellent script, memorable characters, witty dialogue, humor, and a brilliant, unexpected ending. It’s one of the best comedic Westerns. We guarantee an enjoyable hour and a half!

“Un poker di pistole” (1967)

• Genre: Spaghetti Western
• iMDb Rating: 5,9/10 (101 ratings)

One more hidden gem in our selection is a film in the spaghetti western genre — a subgenre of westerns that originated in Italy, known for its unrealistic style. This particular film’s surrealism is especially evident in the poker and roulette scenes.  

Lucas, a professional card player, sits in a saloon, playing solitaire. A stranger named Terrell enters and challenges him to a game of poker. They play Five-Card Stud. In the first hand, both players are dealt full houses. In the second, it’s four-of-a-kind versus four-of-a-kind.  

The game follows Western rules: during the second hand, Lucas borrows $4,000 from a random Mexican named Lazar. Terrell repays Lazar’s $4,000 and offers Lucas an unusual way to settle his debt — delivering a wagonload of worthless paper to the town of Chamaco. Along with clearing his debt, Lucas is promised a $5,000 reward.  

Lucas agrees, completes the task, and receives his payment in casino chips. He takes the chips to the roulette table, where he correctly guesses five consecutive numbers. This catches the attention of the town’s mafia boss, who runs the casino and doesn’t want to let Lucas walk away with the winnings. Lucas finds himself in yet another daring escapade. The rest of the story is filled with twists and surprises that are best left unspoiled.  

Cards make an appearance from the very first scene. The poker sequences (wide shots, close-ups of the players, and their hands) are filmed with precision and care.  

The film is available in English on YouTube in 1080p. Out of 112 comments, only two are negative: one viewer, Chain Leigh, criticized the music.  

“5 Card Stud” (1968)

• Genre: Mystery, Romance, Western, Drama  
• IMDb Rating: 6.4/10 (4.6K ratings)  

The film opens with a dramatic scene: a 7-max table playing Five-Card Stud. One player notices another cheating. The deceit is uncovered, and you can guess what happens to cheaters in the Wild West — a lynch mob forms.  

Soon after this event, a series of mysterious murders begins. One by one, the players from that game are found dead. Who is behind the killings, and what’s the motive? These two questions drive the suspense throughout the movie.  

We recommend this film to fans of Westerns. However, for those seeking a deeper philosophical reflection, 5 Card Stud might not be the best choice. It’s primarily an entertaining watch.

“California Split” (1974)

• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (8,8K ratings)

The storylines in the film are interconnected. Bill Denny meets Charlie Waters during a poker game. Bill works as an editor for a magazine, while Charlie is an idler living with two prostitutes, Barbara and Susan. Opposites attract, and Bill and Charlie become fast friends, embarking on a trip to Reno, Nevada, to hit the jackpot of their lives.

Director Robert Altman described his work on California Split as follows:

“I believe that film, as an art form, is closer to painting or music. A film is about the impression of its overall character and atmosphere — a way to engage the audience emotionally rather than intellectually.”

This insight is important to keep in mind while watching. The film feels chaotic, with no traditional plot. Instead, the focus is on the characters and their emotional journeys. Why do audiences root for unlucky characters? Why are we drawn to stories of people spiraling into despair due to their poor choices? These are the questions that arise while watching.

California Split explores different attitudes toward gambling and its outcomes. It’s about how a gambler lives and how that lifestyle sets them apart from ordinary people.

When Bill finally achieves his goal, he finds himself drained. The victory doesn’t bring him joy; instead, it leaves him hollow.

Interestingly, the film doesn’t focus heavily on poker. At the start, there’s a detailed explanation of how to join a game and behave at the table. The game featured is Lowball, Ace-to-Five. Notably, Charlie ends up with a winning hand of A-2-3-4-7 against an opponent confidently holding A-2-3-5-7. The movie also showcases horse racing, blackjack, craps, and roulette.

Don’t expect this film to leave you profoundly moved or transformed. However, if you’re in the mood for a light, occasionally humorous movie about gambling, California Split will keep you entertained for an evening.

“Asso” (1981)

• Genre: Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 6.4/10 (2,3K ratings)

If you’re in a bad mood, woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or just looking for a hilarious poker comedy, you must watch Asso starring Adriano Celentano. This film has it all: great actors (especially the stunning Italian actresses), an engaging plot, witty dialogues, clever jokes, delightful music, and of course, poker.

The story follows a poker player named Asso who marries Silvia and promises never to gamble again. No more cards, no more bets. But fate intervenes — Marseillais, a renowned gambler, arrives in town, and only Asso can beat him. The stakes are high: 100,000 lira (about $13K) to join the game. On their wedding night, Asso asks Silvia for permission to play just one game, and she reluctantly agrees.

They play Five-Card Draw with a single draw. Two iconic hands are shown:

• In one, Asso pulls off an incredible bluff, applying immense pressure to his opponent and forcing him to fold four queens.
• In another, Asso reads his opponent through a hilariously unique tell.

By the end of the night, Asso cleans out Marseillais, winning an astronomical sum. But can one person be equally lucky in both cards and love? With Silvia’s breathtaking beauty and pockets full of cash, it’s too good to last. On his way home, Asso encounters the Killer and meets an untimely demise. Yet, he returns as a ghost, visible only to Silvia, with a new mission: finding her a worthy new husband.

Asso is an uproariously funny comedy, perfect for watching alone or with a partner. The poker scenes are delightfully absurd, especially the card-shuffling antics. The only downside? The film is only an hour and a half long — you’ll be halfway through before you know it!

“McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971)

• Genre: Drama, Western
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 (29K ratings)

Set in the early 20th century, this film takes place in a remote mining town in the Pacific Northwest. McCabe, a gambler who has amassed his fortune through poker, arrives in town with the intention of opening a brothel.

Shortly after, Mrs. Miller, an experienced prostitute, arrives with her own group of women. She proposes a partnership: she will manage the new establishment. McCabe agrees.

Their brothel quickly becomes the town’s most popular venue. But success attracts the wrong kind of attention. A powerful company wants to buy McCabe’s business, but he demands an exorbitant price. This leads to dire consequences when the company sends three hired killers to deal with him.

McCabe & Mrs. Miller is not your typical Western — it’s a beautiful and complex work of art:

• The story unfolds in a cold, snowy setting instead of the usual desert heat.
• The cinematography is stunning, capturing the raw beauty of the wilderness.
• The atmosphere is enriched by a haunting soundtrack.

This film is considered one of the most significant entries in the Western genre and is also one of Stanley Kubrick’s favorite movies.

As for poker, it plays a minor role. The protagonist participates in a couple of Five-Card Stud hands, adding a touch of gambling to the story.

“Wielki Szu” (1983)

• Genre: Action, Drama, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 (1,200 ratings)

One more hidden gem in the world of poker films.

The Great Szu has just been released from prison. He’s a con artist, a master of card tricks. While Szu might have hoped to start fresh and leave his old life behind, circumstances — and his unwillingness to change — force him back to the poker table.

Szu meets a taxi driver, Jurek, who is obsessed with cards and cheating. Jurek eagerly asks Szu to teach him the art of card deception, and Szu agrees.

The entire film revolves around poker games, primarily Five-Card Draw with one exchange, but with a twist — a 36-card deck. Additionally, the film features a game of 21, where AJ equals 14, not blackjack.

Why should you watch this film?

• It’s a beautifully crafted movie, made in 1982 but available in HD.
• The setting is unusual — Poland in the 1980s.

While the film may seem lighthearted at first, it lingers in your mind long after watching. There’s something to ponder. Is the Great Szu honest with Jurek or not? The key to the answer lies in the phrase: “This is a marathon, you won’t understand.” 

The film’s main message? Know your opponents (and beware of psychopaths).

“Poker Alice” (1987)

• Genre: Romance, Western
• IMDb Rating: 5.9/10 (240 ratings)

Alice travels with her cousin John, who is a writer, though he hasn’t written a word in the past year. He is utterly devoted to Alice, who he is deeply in love with.

Alice has never worked a day in her life. Her only true passion is cards. She loves the freedom that gambling gives her, and marriage to John is not on her agenda.

Alice is invited to a poker game on a train. For her, it’s just another free roll, but if she wins, she keeps the prize. They play Five-Card Stud, and in one hand, Alice wins a brothel with four prostitutes included. Her new goal? To sell the brothel.

Alice is based on the real-life figure Alice Ivers Duffield Tabb Hackert, who even has a page on the English Wikipedia.

In one scene, Alice establishes new rules at the brothel, forbidding the prostitutes from working on Sundays. Instead of working, they are required to read the Bible — a detail that was part of Alice’s real-life story.

“House of Games” (1987)

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 (25K ratings)

Margaret Ford is a practicing psychiatrist and a bestselling author. She writes extensively, conducts therapy sessions, and is a habitual smoker.

A compulsive gambler comes to her for help, claiming that he owes $25,000 and is being threatened with death. He wants to end his life, but Margaret stops him and promises to help. She visits the gambling den where he played and meets Mike, to whom the client owes the money.

Margaret finds Mike in the middle of a poker game. To settle the debt, Mike asks her to help read the tells of his opponent. If the opponent is bluffing, Margaret must signal him. They play Five-Card Draw Poker with one exchange, using Western rules (if a player doesn’t have enough chips to match a bet, they are out of the game).

After the showdown, it turns out Margaret misread the tells. Now, she owes Mike $6,000.

As it unfolds, Margaret discovers that the whole situation with Mike and the debt was part of an elaborate scam. She becomes a victim of the con and decides to write a new book about her experience with the deception.

This film is one of Stanley Kubrick’s favorite movies and is also listed in the New York Times’ top 1000 films of all time.

You’ll enjoy this movie if you like psychology, noir, suspense, and films with unexpected twists.

“Do San” (1989)

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 (6,7K ratings)

This Hong Kong film features a straightforward plot with a charismatic lead. The protagonist, Ko Chun, is renowned in the gambling world as the “God of Gamblers.” This guy never loses and can play any game. He can even predict dice rolls by the sound they make in the cup. When his opponent rolls five ones with five dice, Ko Chun manages to roll four.

One day, after returning from an expensive game, Ko Chun falls, rolls down a hill, and loses his memory. He is found by a small-time con artist named Knife, who quickly realizes Ko Chun’s incredible gambling abilities. Knife decides to exploit these skills to get rich. The catch is that after losing his memory, Ko Chun begins to behave like a child: throwing tantrums and demanding his favorite chocolate.

Why you should watch “Do San”:

• The film is a mix of action, comedy, drama, and crime, with everything you could ask for: intense gambling scenes, shootouts, stunts, humor, and emotional depth. It’s an all-around entertaining ride.
• Chow Yun-Fat’s (Ko Chun) performance is exceptional. His smile will win you over instantly, and his charm makes this movie unforgettable. At one point, Chow Yun-Fat was as popular in Hong Kong as Jackie Chan.
• The film showcases Eastern poker play (Five-Card Stud) and features other games like Mahjong, Yahtzee (dice poker), and horse racing.

This is a great choice for anyone who loves a mix of genres with a compelling lead performance. Highly recommended for fans of action-comedy films.

“The Music of Chance” (1993)

• Genre: Semi-mystical Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 (2,6K ratings)

The film follows Jim Nash, a man who spent seven years as a firefighter before setting off for New York in his new red BMW to start over. Along the way, he meets a bloodied Italian poker player, Jack Pozzi, who has just been beaten and robbed after a game. Jack is heading to New York as well, with plans to join an expensive poker game against two wealthy men, Bill Flower and Will Stone, whom he met in Atlantic City.

To enter the game, Jack needs $10K — money he doesn’t have. He strikes a deal with Jim for a backing agreement, where Jim will cover the buy-in in exchange for 50% of the profits.

At the mansion of the wealthy men, Jack initially does well, winning $30K in Seven-Card Stud. However, luck turns, and he loses all the money, his BMW, and ends up deeply in debt. The wealthy men come up with an original way to settle the debt: Jack and Jim must build a massive stone fence from the ruins of an ancient castle. The two are forced to work 10 hours a day for 50 days. Eventually, Jack reaches his breaking point and attempts to escape.

Why you should watch “The Music of Chance”:

• The first third of the film has the tone of a quirky crime comedy, but after the poker scene, the movie shifts dramatically, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
• The story leads you into deep reflections on the price of freedom, honesty, and the cost of one’s choices.
• If you enjoy strange, semi-mystical films that blur the lines of reality, this movie is for you.

This film is perfect for viewers who are interested in unconventional narratives and philosophical questions wrapped in a gripping, mysterious plot.

“Maverick” (1994)

• Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Western
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 (122K ratings)

In this entertaining adventure-comedy, the protagonist, Bret Maverick, is aiming to compete in the “World Poker Championship” for a Five-Card Draw with a single draw. The winner takes it all, and the buy-in for the tournament is $25K. However, Bret is short by $3K. The first half of the film follows his attempts to gather the missing amount while encountering various colorful characters along the way.

Why you should watch “Maverick”:

• The film captures the atmosphere of the Wild West beautifully and delivers a mix of action, humor, and vibrant characters.
• Bret Maverick is a charming and independent character, whose appeal will make you root for him throughout the movie. The term “Maverick” comes from Samuel Maverick, who didn’t brand his cattle, and it now refers to someone who refuses to follow the rules. This perfectly encapsulates Mel Gibson’s character.
• The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Costume Design, adding to the authenticity and visual appeal of the Wild West setting.
• “Maverick” offers a fun blend of poker action, witty humor, and a dynamic narrative that will keep both poker enthusiasts and general audiences entertained.
• While the film runs over two hours, the payoff in the ending makes it worth the watch.

This is one of the best films about poker and an enjoyable ride for anyone looking for a fun and engaging movie with great characters.

“Rounders” (1998)

• Genre: Crime, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 (163K ratings)

A true classic in the world of poker films, Rounders is a must-watch for anyone interested in poker, crime dramas, or just gripping storytelling. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a treat. This film set the standard for poker movies, and its influence continues to be felt in the genre. Fans of poker are still hoping for a sequel, particularly one starring Edward Norton, as the legacy of Rounders lives on.

Plot Overview:
The film follows Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), a law student and aspiring poker player, who dreams of money, fame, and success in the world of high-stakes poker. After losing a substantial amount of money to the ruthless criminal kingpin Teddy “KGB” (John Malkovich), Mike vows to quit poker and focus on his studies. However, fate pulls him back into the game, and he finds himself facing off against Teddy once again in an ultimate showdown at the poker table.

Why You Should Watch “Rounders”:

• The film is a captivating exploration of poker, featuring brilliant performances, especially from Matt Damon and Edward Norton (who plays Mike’s friend and fellow player, Worm).
• Rounders offers a window into the world of underground poker, with tense scenes and a fascinating portrayal of the psychological aspects of the game.
• John Malkovich’s portrayal of Teddy “KGB” remains iconic, providing one of the most memorable villains in poker films.
• The film’s story is not just about poker; it explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the choices we make.
• If you’re a fan of poker, the movie showcases real poker strategy and features thrilling high-stakes games.

Rounders is a cultural touchstone for poker lovers, with its mix of drama, tension, and captivating characters. It’s the benchmark against which all other poker films are measured.

“Finder’s Fee” (2001)

• Genre: Drama, Thriller, Suspense
• IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 (3,4K ratings)

One more hidden gem in the poker genre, Finder’s Fee is a suspenseful thriller that centers around a home poker game, but the stakes quickly rise far beyond the cards. It’s a taut, well-crafted film that will keep you on edge throughout.

Plot Overview:
Four friends gather every week for their regular home poker game (Limit Hold’em), where they drink beer, eat snacks, and engage in light conversation. The highlight of the evening is the “Last Man Standing” tournament, where a player is eliminated after every hand. The winner receives a lottery ticket from each participant as a buy-in.

The twist comes when the main character, Tepper, finds a wallet before the game begins, which contains a winning lottery ticket worth $6 million. After contacting the owner of the wallet to inform him about its loss, Tepper becomes conflicted about the ticket’s fate, especially as the wallet’s owner arrives at the game just as it begins.

The game then turns into a tense and dramatic struggle, as the players must navigate the threat of the lottery ticket, their moral dilemmas, and the growing tension of the evening.

Why You Should Watch “Finder’s Fee”:

• Great Cast: The film features an impressive ensemble of actors including Eric Palladino, Ryan Reynolds, Dash Mihok, Matthew Lillard, and James Earl Jones. Their performances help elevate the film’s intensity.
• Tension and Atmosphere: Set almost entirely in a single room, the film draws you into the high-stakes atmosphere of the poker game. You become part of the action, feeling the same tension as the players.
• Unexpected Ending: The film builds to a clever, unpredictable conclusion that will leave you thinking long after it ends.
• Poker Focused: While poker is central to the plot, the film is more about the moral and psychological drama that unfolds as the characters deal with the consequences of their choices.

Finder’s Fee is recommended to anyone looking for a suspenseful, character-driven story where poker is more of a backdrop to the unfolding drama. Whether you’re a poker fan or not, the film offers much more than just the game itself.

“Shade” (2003)

• Genre: Crime, Thriller
• IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 (13K ratings)

Shade is a solid crime-thriller that offers a fun, albeit familiar, take on the world of poker and high-stakes card games. The film focuses on a group of hustlers attempting to outsmart a legendary gambler, with plenty of twists, cons, and poker action along the way.

Plot Overview:
Vernon, a virtuoso card shark, teams up with the con artist Charlie and his wife Tiffany to pull off a big scam. Their target is Dean “The Dean” Stevens (played by Sylvester Stallone), a nearly unbeatable hustler with a streak of incredible luck. The three con artists hope to take Dean down in a $250K game. However, as they dive deeper into the game, they realize that beating The Dean is far harder than they anticipated.

“Shade” (2002) is a good poker movie in the spirit of the best films like “Maverick” and “Cincinnati Kid.” It’s a light, thrilling film that lasts about an hour and a half. And even if you start to get bored, towards the end, Sylvester Stallone will make an appearance on screen. The finale, of course, is a solid 10 out of 10.

In “Shade,” there is probably the widest variety of poker disciplines featured. At the very beginning, they play Hold’em. In the middle, they play five-card draw poker with “Western” rules, similar to the game in “A Big Hand for the Little Lady.” And at the end, they play Stud.

“Stuey” (2003)

• Genre: Drama, Biography
• IMDb Rating: 6.0/10 (2,3К ratings)

The movie “Stuey” (also known as “High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story”) tells the story of the life of perhaps the greatest player and poker legend, Stu Ungar. From the age of 10, he made money playing cards in New York clubs. At 20, he was forced to flee to Vegas to escape the mafia and debts. He then won the World Championship and, a few years later, found himself on the streets. However, he managed to take control of his life and rise to the top once again.

What’s good about this movie?

The main character’s story. This movie is worth watching to learn about the most legendary poker player. It shows his childhood, how he rose to fame, what he had to go through, and what he lost. The only issue is that the main actor doesn’t look very much like the real Stu Ungar. However, the charisma of the real Stu Ungar can still be felt through archival photos.

The moral. This is an instructive film. Here are a few lessons from it:
• Gambling is evil.
• Cocaine is evil.
• A woman before marriage and a woman after marriage are two different people.
• Simply bringing money into the home isn’t enough to maintain a family; attention matters.

This movie is strange. It is beautifully filmed, with scenes from Las Vegas, and it features a bit of poker. However, it might seem very slow and bland. There’s little color or contrast in the characters, plot, and drama. If you’re hoping to see how Ungar played or acted at the table, you’ll be disappointed. If you want drama based on real events, you’ll get it.

“The Grand” (2007)

• Genre: Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.9/10 (6,1К ratings)

Turn off your brain, you won’t need it. “The Grand” has a rather strange rating:

• IMDb: 5.9
• Tomato meter critic rating: 40%; audience rating: 46%.

And the reviews are also mixed: either sharply negative (the humor is dumb, not funny) or sharply positive. We tend to agree with the second group of critics, and here’s why.

Yes, the humor in the film is dumb, like in “Scary Movie”. This is essentially what forms the negative reviews from viewers who say it didn’t work for them. Don’t expect jokes like in films with Adriano Celentano. There’s also a lot of improvisation here, so the humor doesn’t always land. 

“The Grand” is a grotesque, parody, and irony on all poker films combined.

The main character of the film, Jack Faro (Woody Harrelson), inherited the “Rabbit’s Foot” casino from his great-grandfather. Jack has been married 74 times, spent two years in rehab (because he used all kinds of drugs), and drove his casino into serious debt. Now, he organizes a poker tournament in the “winner takes all” format with a single prize of $10M, in which he himself participates. This money is enough to pay off his debts.

His main opponents are:

• Satellite player from Party Poker Andy — he had a standout hand with Phil Hellmuth and Doyle Brunson.
• Lainey — the only woman, a mother who helps her daughter with homework right at the table.
• Larry — Lainey’s brother, a player who annoys everyone at the table with his behavior.
• Deuce — a legend, an “old school” player.
• Harold — an autistic, young, emotionless player, good at math (at least he gives that impression), who only communicates with his mother.

This film includes:

• Vegas (though during the day),
• pompous one-liners,
• the father-son problem,
• an unexpected funny ending,
• plenty of No-Limit Hold’em.

In general, everything is done according to the conventions of poker films. Even real poker pros make appearances on screen, and for more time than in other typical poker movies.

“Molly’s Game” (2017)

• Genre: Drama, Biography
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 (194K ratings)

The film Molly’s Game is based on the autobiography of Molly Bloom. The woman organized underground high-stakes poker games in the USA, involving billionaires, crime lords, and Hollywood stars.

The film is based on real events. All the players at the tables have real-life prototypes. For example, in one scene, a man loses $1M in one night. His real name is Houston Curtis, and he revealed which parts of the film were true and which were fictional.

This movie will appeal even to those who are far from poker. The director of the film, Aaron Sorkin, who made The Poker House and 21, said that this is not a film about poker:

“If you love poker, you’ll enjoy the scenes with it, but this film is not about poker. We didn’t care who won or lost. The film is about the main character and what happened to her. Specifically, it’s about her relationships with her lawyer (Idris Elba) and her father (Kevin Costner).”

“The Card Counter” (2021)

• Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
• IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 (44K ratings)

William (Oscar Isaac) spent ten years in prison for a war crime. While behind bars, he learned to count cards in blackjack and became skilled at poker. After his release, William travels from casino to casino, making a living by playing games. That is until he meets Kirk (Tye Sheridan), who offers to help him take revenge on their mutual enemy, Gordo (Willem Dafoe).

What’s in the film?

• Blackjack, poker, roulette, and strategic approaches to each game.
• The main character’s poker face.
• The atmosphere of the casino.
• References to other “poker” films like The Hustler and Cincinnati Kid.

Poker is depicted well in the film, taking up about half of the screen time. They play No-Limit Hold’em, WSOP Circuit tournaments, and PokerStars patches even appear on screen several times.

However, there is no poker-based conclusion. The protagonist plays poker, makes deep runs, and reaches final tables, but there is no resolution to this storyline. If you are expecting a thrilling film full of action with a double twist at the end, you will be disappointed.

“Dead for a Dollar” (2022)

• Genre: Action, Drama, Western
• IMDb Rating: 5.4/10 (7K ratings)

Bounty hunter Max Borlund is hired by businessman Martin Kidd, who claims his wife Rachel was kidnapped and taken to Mexico. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom, and Borlund agrees to bring her back.

It turns out Rachel has fled from her abusive husband with a deserter named Elijah Jones. Max finds Rachel and Elijah, and he is faced with the dilemma of whether or not to return her to her husband.

In Mexico, Max encounters his arch-enemy Joe Cribbens, whom Max sent to prison for five years. Cribbens has served his time and is now thirsting for revenge.

Poker in the film is minimal. In one scene, Joe Cribbens plays Five-Card Draw Poker with one exchange against a British man. There is a wide shot of the cards, but no close-ups as seen in other films.

A solid B-grade movie. A must-watch for Willem Dafoe fans.