Poker’s the first thing that pops into your head when you think of casinos—it’s just that iconic. Sure, it might look like a luck-based game, but it’s really all about outsmarting your opponents with strategy and psychology. Tons of movies feature casinos or video poker online, but only a few nail the game’s true spirit. Here’s our 2025 list of the top 10 poker movies, ranked by IMDb scores and how well they capture poker. Whether you’re into cards or just love a good flick, these are worth checking out.
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1. Rounders (1998)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
No question—Rounders is the king of poker movies. Directed by John Dahl, this 1998 gem stars Matt Damon as Mike McDermott, a sharp poker player chasing the World Series of Poker (WSOP) dream. When his buddy Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton) gets out of prison, Mike’s dragged back into shady underground games to help clear Worm’s debts, messing up his law school plans and his relationship with his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol). With John Malkovich as the creepy Teddy KGB, the movie’s got killer poker scenes and lines like, “You can’t lose what you don’t put in the middle, but you can’t win much either.” It only made $22.9 million at first but became a fan favorite during the 2000s poker craze. Catch it on Amazon Prime or Apple TV for some serious poker action.
2. Casino Royale (2006)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Casino Royale isn’t a movie about Poker, but it’s got one of the coolest poker scenes ever. Directed by Martin Campbell, this 2006 James Bond reboot has Daniel Craig’s 007 taking on terrorist Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) in a high-stakes Texas Hold’em game in Montenegro. The poker scenes, even if some hands are a bit far-fetched (like that crazy four-way all-in), show off the fancy side of poker with suits and cocktails. Plus, you get classic Bond action with Eva Green as Vesper Lynd. It raked in over $606 million worldwide, making it one of the top Bond films. Check it out on Netflix or Amazon Prime for poker and spy thrills.
3. Molly’s Game (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Directed by Aaron Sorkin, Molly’s Game (2017) is a true story about Molly Bloom, played by Jessica Chastain. She went from Olympic hopeful to running a secret poker empire in LA, hosting big names like celebs and mobsters. When the FBI comes after her for illegal gambling, you get intense courtroom scenes alongside poker drama. With Idris Elba and Kevin Costner, the sharp writing and real poker details earned it an Oscar nod for Best Adapted Screenplay. It pulled in $59 million globally and is a solid watch. Find it on Netflix or Amazon Prime.
4. A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
This 1966 comedy-western, directed by Fielder Cook, is a fun surprise. Henry Fonda plays Meredith, a guy with a gambling problem heading west with his wife, Mary (Joanne Woodward), and their kid. He jumps into a big poker game, but when he has a heart attack, Mary takes over, leading to a wild twist. The cast, with Paul Ford and Burgess Meredith, makes it a blast, even if poker’s not the main focus. It’s a classic you can stream on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.
5. Maverick (1994)
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Directed by Richard Donner, Maverick (1994) is a fun western-comedy based on a 1950s TV show. Mel Gibson plays Bret Maverick, a smooth-talking con artist trying to scrape together $3,000 for a big poker tournament. He teams up with Annabelle (Jodie Foster) and a lawman, Zane Cooper (James Garner), dodging trouble and playing cards. Poker legend Amarillo Slim even pops up. The movie snagged an Oscar nod for costumes and made over $183 million worldwide. It’s a light, entertaining watch on Amazon Prime or fmovies.
6. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
A poker classic, The Cincinnati Kid (1965), directed by Norman Jewison, stars Steve McQueen as Eric “The Kid” Stoner, a young hotshot taking on poker champ Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson) in 1930s New Orleans. The five-card stud showdown is intense, even if some hands push reality a bit. Ann-Margret’s role as a seductive troublemaker adds flair. It’s a must-see, available on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.
7. The Sting (1973)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Directed by George Roy Hill, The Sting (1973) is a con-artist classic with a killer poker scene on a train. Paul Newman and Robert Redford play Henry Gondorff and Johnny Hooker, pulling off a huge scam against a crime boss (Robert Shaw). The poker game shows off clever bluffing, setting up their bigger hustle. With seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and nearly $160 million at the box office, it’s a legend. Stream it on Amazon Prime or Max.
8. High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
This 2003 biopic, directed by A.W. Vidmer, tells the wild story of poker legend Stu Ungar, the only guy to win three WSOP Main Events. Michael Imperioli plays Ungar, showing his rise from a teen card shark to a poker star, wrecked by addiction. The poker scenes feel real, but it’s a heavy watch. Poker fans dig it, and you can find it on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.
9. Dead Money (2024)
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
A new one, Dead Money (2024), directed by Luc Walpoth, is a crime thriller with Emile Hirsch as Andy, a poker player in deep trouble after a home game gets robbed. With India Eisley and Rory Culkin, it mixes solid poker talk with action. PokerNews gave it a 6/10, saying it’s fun for poker fans even if it’s not all about cards. Released September 13, 2024, it’s on VOD or in some theaters.
10. The Card Counter (2021)
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Directed by Paul Schrader, The Card Counter (2021) stars Oscar Isaac as William Tell, an ex-soldier turned poker pro and card counter. The film includes WSOP Circuit scenes but focuses on Tell’s past and his bond with a young guy (Tye Sheridan). It’s gritty and deep, great for poker fans who like a darker story. Stream it on Netflix or Amazon Prime.
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