Poker Movies and Documentaries

Poker Movies You Need To Watch

Grab your popcorn, a cold drink, and a comfy seat because Got 'Em Poker has a list of poker movies you need to see. "But where are our tips or stories today?" Even poker players need a break from the table so why not watch movies about being at the table huh? Even though poker movies are fiction based, there is some surreal moments within the Hollywood magic. Yes, playing poker can be extremely boring at times, so why watch movies or documentaries about it? Here is the reason why! You can still learn something from this! Within the movies on our list, you get to see the rise and fall of one of pokers greatest players, how ego comes into play, the beginning of the game and its swings, and the passion to obtain a goal! Heads up, there are spoilers!

Let's start out with everyone's favorite.....Rounders.

"Why are you talking about a movie every single poker player has seen?" Because this movie is on every single poker player's list of "Best Poker Movies".

Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) is a poker player in New York City. As the movie starts, Mike rolls into an underground poker house that is run by Teddy KGB (John Malkovich), a Russian Mobster. Being warned not to play there by a friend, Mike plays anyways and looses his entire bankroll. From then on he promises himself and his girlfriend that he will never play cards again.....That's until his friend "Worm"(Edward Norton) is released from prison and draws him back into the game. Prior to going to prison, Worm built up a debt to which Mike later acquires and who is the debt to? Teddy KGB. Mike goes through a grinding gruesome grinding session to try and get the money to pay the debt, only to have Worm mess him over and lose all the money. After receiving a loan, Mike enters KBG's place with hours to spare until the debt is due, and breaks KBG. Mike becomes debt free and earned back his original bankroll from the beginning. 

Next up is The Cincinnati Kid.

Steven McQueen plays  Eric Stoner aka "The Cincinnati Kid", a young stud who travels around dominating stud poker games. Tired of all the "small players", the Kid decides he is going to take down the top dog, Lancey Howard. Due to his reputation, The Kid is welcomed into the game. During the game, The Kid is faced with all type of distractions, mainly women, and a player with a vendetta to Howard, tries to blackmail the dealer in to having The Kid win. Going into a heads up match with Lancey, The Kid put all his chips in and gives a verbal IOU to Lancey. Once the cards are flipped, The Kid then known as "2nd Best."   

All-In The Poker Movie

This is a great poker movie because it covers all the bases! From the beginning of when it started out, all the way to "Black Friday 2011". The comments from professional poker players, big names and smaller ones, recreational players, and company leaders. The "Moneymaker Effect" and how it helped revolutionize the game of poker. The birth, rise, fall, and resurrection of online poker. An amazing film that make you proud to be a poker player!



 One that can probably relate to some players is the documentary, Grinders.



 This documentary goes through the lives of individuals who choose poker as a career. Now these people are not the top names in the sport but yet people who go day in and day out, playing poker in hopes to pay bills and support their family. The documentary follows Andre, a guy who plays undergound tables and have dreams of making it to Vegas. Andre wins a contest to where becomes a part of the Victory Poker team. Danny, constantly playing online and in live games to make ends meet for his wife and daughter. Danny plays any tournaments in hopes of placing in the top 3, but is unable to reach it.  Matt, who grinds on a daily basis to make at least $500 a day. On top of the daily grind, Matt and his wife are expecting a 2nd child when they are hit with bad news.  

We hope you like these as much as we did. Sure there are tons of other movies and documentaries about poker and if you like to, please comment below some of your favorites and why. As always, best of luck to you!