10 poker movies that are hard to break away

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Action films, thrillers, dramas and even comedies about what a passion for gambling leads to.

10. Lucky

• USA, Germany, Australia, 2007.
• Drama, melodrama, sports.
• Duration: 124 minutes.
• IMDb: 5, 9.

Hack Cheever is a skilled poker player and wants to take part in a major tournament. To do this, the guy needs a large amount, and therefore he has to borrow money. In addition, in the competition, the hero meets his father, who is also a strong player. He left his wife and son long ago, leaving them without a livelihood. Haku will not only have to get rid of debt, but also deal with the relationship.

The picture was shot by Curtis Hanson, known for his works "8 Mile", "Conquerors of the waves" and others. The main roles were played by Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore. The plot of the film keeps you in suspense, and the love line creates a romantic mood.

9. Player

• USA, 2014.
• Thriller, drama, crime.
• Duration: 111 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 1.

Jim leads a double life. During the day he is a teacher and a writer, and at night he turns into a gamer. Addiction leads the hero to problems: he turns out to be in debt to the owner of the casino and the usurer. Creditors begin to put pressure on the man, threatening his mother and girlfriend. Jim needs to figure out how to get out of this situation without consequences.

The film is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. The main role was played by Mark Wahlberg. He managed to convincingly portray a person with a craving for self-destruction. Throughout the tape, Wahlberg's hero slowly but surely turns his life into hell. By the way, for filming in "The Gambler" the actor lost 25 kilograms.

8. Dexterous hands

• USA, 2003.
• Thriller, crime.
• Duration: 101 minutes.
• IMDb: 6, 3.

Dean Stevens is a legendary poker player. Once he survived a shootout, after which everyone began to consider him invincible. However, there are those who want to take this status away from Dean. Sharpie Charlie, Vernon and Larry conspire to defeat the star of the card world.

Famous actors such as Sylvester Stallone, Melanie Griffith, Jamie Foxx starred in this crime drama. The plot of the film is captivating, and the denouement of the story is surprising. Also, the picture is notable for scenes in which card tricks are shown.

7. Maverick

• USA, 1994.
• Comedy, Adventure, Western.
• Duration: 127 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 1.

Excellent poker player Bret Maverick is looking for a big sum to enter the tournament. For this, the hero comes to the town of Crystal River to collect money from debtors. However, they are in no hurry to help their lender. In addition, a local gangster is trying to prevent the man from entering the championship. Maverick overcomes obstacles in the company of the scammer Annabelle.

This comedy western is based on the 1957-1962 television series of the same name. The film was well received by critics and audiences. All thanks to the ease of storytelling, excellent humor, exciting plot and unexpected ending. The cast of the film also deserves attention: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner starred.

6. California Poker

• USA, 1974.
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 108 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 2.

Seasoned poker player Charlie meets newcomer Bill. Friendship is struck between the men, and they decide to go to a poker tournament together. Here the heroes will have to fight the reigning champion.

The script for the picture was created by Joseph Walsh, who himself suffered from gambling addiction. He managed to talk about the problems of gambling addicts who are not satisfied even in moments of success.

The film lacks a clear storyline, but it has a unique atmosphere. The mixture of drama and comedy, coupled with excellent acting make the tape worthy of attention.

5. Big jackpot for the little lady

• USA, 1966.
• Comedy, western.
• Duration: 95 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

The couple travels to California to buy a farm there. On the way, the couple find themselves in a small town where local wealthy people play poker. The gambling husband joins them and bets a large sum. In the process, he has a heart attack. In order not to lose his family fortune, the hero's wife decides to take his place at the card table. However, she does not know how to play poker at all.

The film is not well known, but it is worth watching. The film starred excellent actors, including Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards, Paul Ford and other stars. The viewer will surely conquer the naughty mood of the tape and the unexpected denouement.

4. Sharpie

• USA, 1998.
• Drama, crime.
• Duration: 121 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Mike is a law student and a talented poker player. One day a guy loses a large sum to a Russian bandit, after which he throws cards and finds a job. Soon, Mike's friend Lester is released from prison, who owes other people a lot of money. Mike decides to help his friend pay off, so he returns to the game.

The lead role is played by Oscar-winner Matt Damon, who loves poker in real life. During the "poker boom" in the early 2000s, the film became a cult film.

3. Cincinnati Kid

• USA, 1965.
• Drama.
• Duration: 102 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 3.

Eric Stoner, better known as the Cincinnati Kid, is adept at Stud Poker. Lancey Howard, who is considered the best in this game, comes to town. Kid wants to beat Lancey in order to increase his credibility in the card industry. Shortly before the fight, the hero is faced with problems. Among them are difficulties in a love relationship, as well as a conspiracy between his rival and the dealer.

The film was shot by the famous Hollywood director Norman Juison ("The Thomas Crown Affair", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "The Power of the Moon"). And the script was based on the novel by Richard Jessup about the card player.

2. Big game

• USA, Canada, China, 2017.
• Drama.
• Duration: 140 minutes.
• IMDb: 7, 4.

Molly Bloom gets a job at Dean Keith's law office. At night, she helps her boss conduct underground poker games, and after being fired, she organizes her big game. Molly's affairs are going uphill, but once the chosen path leads her to connections with criminals and arrest. Charlie Jeffy, a successful lawyer, is appointed to represent Molly's interests in court.

This film is the directorial debut of Hollywood screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. The film was nominated for Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. The plot is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, who organized the underground poker empire.

1. Casino Royale

• Great Britain, Czech Republic, USA, Germany, Bahamas, 2006.
• Action, thriller, adventure.
• Duration: 139 minutes.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

James Bond embarks on his first mission as agent 007. He is sent by his superiors to Montenegro, where international terrorist banker Le Chiffre will play poker. Bond's goal is to prevent the villain from winning. This is how the spy begins the most dangerous game of his career.

Casino Royale is the 21st film in the 007 series of films. The plot is based on the first James Bond novel. Prior to that, the work had already been filmed twice.

There were more than 200 applicants for the leading role, but in the end it went to Daniel Craig. And his partner was played by Eva Green, who is very much in the image of the femme fatale.