Few cinema scenes are as tense as those that happen around a poker table. Movies like Casino Royale and Rounders still generate endless discussion, as moviegoers dissect just how lucky Bond got with his final hand. Of course, these aren’t the only movies that used a green felt table and a deck of cards to build suspense. Cinema history is full of gambling gems that capture the thrills of poker and casinos, as well as the dark undercurrent that can run behind them.
Whether you are studying the game’s evolution on screen or sharpening your own strategy with a modern poker calculator, these five underrated films are perfect for getting you in the mood to throw some cards down.
California Split (1974)
If there was ever a movie that shows how quickly a gambling addiction can capture the unprepared, it’s the mid 70s Robert Altman movie, California Split. Elliott Gould and George Segal play a pair of gambling buddies, as they bounce between card rooms, seedy bars, and various sports venues.
Every step of the way, we see Segal’s character slip deeper into debt. Of course, this is an action-comedy movie, so there’s a happy ending at the end, but experiencing the downward spiral on the silver screen is something every poker lover should see and take to heart.
Croupier (1998)
Most movies that feature poker either focus on the game itself or on the characters caught up in it. Few movies give us a look at what it’s like on the other side of the table, but Croupier by Mike Hodges does a fantastic job of it. The movie follows Clive Owen’s character Jack Manfred, who takes a croupier job to make ends meet. We quickly see the job take over Jack’s life at the expense of his existing relationships.
Finally, when he’s at his lowest, he’s approached by a mysterious gambler, who offers him an opportunity to be their inside man for a heist. It’s a thriller in every sense of the word, and well worth the watch.
The Grand (2007)
Movies have to play out following a script, which is why the winners and losers are predetermined. The Grand takes that idea and turns it on its head. This 2007 improv comedy by Zak Penn is unique in that the outcome of the poker tournament was determined by actual poker games played by the actors.
That also means the script was left open-ended, with actors improvising their lines in response to the game as it’s happening. It’s a bit messy at times, and the jokes may not always hit, but The Grand perfectly captures the unpredictable table dynamics of poker.
Shade (2003)
While casinos do their best to curb cheating, new tricks are always being invented by players looking to claim an advantage. If you’re fascinated by the world of card tricks and want to see it interspersed with a crime thriller story about tricking a legendary cark shark, then 2003’s Shade is the movie to watch. It’s got a host of big names like Sylvester Stallone and Jamie Foxx tied to the project, which may entice fans of those actors to try it.
Wrapping up the Showdown
There’s plenty of exciting movies out there that tackle poker in one shape or another. From lighthearted comedies to crime thrillers, the game’s rules make it an excellent choice for tense showdowns and a means to keep a scene that’s nothing but talking visually
