Best Poker Movies and TV Shows to Watch

Poker is a battle of nerves, strategy, and raw emotion. These make it perfect for movie screens. The tension at the table, the high-stakes bluffs, and the psychological warfare between players translate beautifully into great TV and movies.

Poker is dramatic at a quiet stare-down or a dramatic all-in moment. That’s why filmmakers and TV producers have long turned to it as a rich source of storytelling gold.
Here are the best poker movies and TV shows to watch and get the tension at the poker table:

1. Bet, Raise, Fold

Bet, Raise, Fold is a feature documentary that tells the story of online poker’s rapid rise during the early 2000s internet boom. It follows real-life players who turned digital tables into full-time careers, grinding out hands day after day from their homes.

The documentary focuses on the human side of the game, with three unique players. Danielle, a young mother, used poker to support her family. Tony, a Las Vegas pro, became a familiar face on poker TV. Martin, a math genius from Australia, traveled the world on poker winnings.

The film goes deep into the excitement, challenges, and mental strength it takes to survive in online poker. You see real wins, hard losses, and the pressure of making a living from behind a screen. It also covers the US government’s crackdown on online gambling. Known as “Black Friday” this moment changed the industry forever. Players lost access, funds were frozen and careers were forced to shift overnight.

Bet, Raise, Fold shows how online poker became a way of life full of risks and rewards. The film is one of the best ways to understand what online poker means to a generation.

2. High Stakes Poker

High Stakes Poker is a 2006 American game show featuring the no-limit Texas hold-em. It features the best cash game players in the world. Unlike tournaments, the show features real money on the line. Players buy tickets with hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What makes it exciting is the freedom of play. The bluffs are huge and the pots are bigger. Fans can recall famous hands like a match between Gus Hansen and Daniel Negreanu, or Brad Booth’s gutsy bluff against Phil Ivey. Gabe Kaplan’s commentary helps break down each move. AJ Benza makes humor out of it and sharp insight.

The chemistry is perfect. High Stakes Poker gives us a peek into the elite games. These are private wars made public. It is poker unfiltered. That’s why even pros are afraid to show too much on it.

3. World Poker Tour

The WPT changed how poker was filmed. Its slick visuals and commentary set the bar. Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten bring the energy and knowledge. Each stop on the tour builds the hype. The final tables are always intense.

The show introduces us to up-and-comers and seasoned pros. Big names like Gus Hansen and David “Devilfish” Ulliott were made famous through it. We follow entire tournaments from start to finish.

The tour even spawned a movie, Deal in 2007. Over time they have added more faces like Lynn Gilmartin and Tony Dunst. But they never lose focus. It’s one of the most respected poker broadcasts in the world. If you’ve ever watched poker on TV you’ve seen its influence.

4. Rounders

Rounders is the movie that ignites the passion in so many modern players. It stars Matt Damon, star of The Martian, and Edward Norton. Damon plays Mike McDermott, a law student chasing poker greatness. Norton plays his unpredictable friend Worm.

The movie goes deep into the underground poker scene. It’s full of quotable lines and tense moments. We remember Mike’s showdown with Teddy KGB. Real-life pros even appeared in the movie, like Johnny Chan. The poker is real, the emotions are raw.

What makes Rounders timeless is its heart. It shows the risk of chasing dreams and the cost of loyalty. Many credit it for the early 2000s poker boom.

5. The Cincinnati Kid

The Cincinnati Kid is a classic poker movie featuring Steve McQueen. He plays The Kid, a young hotshot with something to prove. His goal is to beat the legendary Lancey Howard, played by Edward G. Robinson.
Set in New Orleans during the Great Depression the movie builds slow tension. Every hand raises the stakes. Many still talk about the final scene today. It has no fancy editing but holds pure poker drama.

It’s a battle of generations and egos. McQueen’s quiet intensity contrasts Robinson’s calm dominance. Their face-off is one of the greatest poker duels in cinema. The Cincinnati Kid is a masterclass in character-driven poker storytelling.

6. Maverick

Mel Gibson plays Bret Maverick, a clever gambler with a quick wit. He’s entering a big poker tournament but needs the buy-in first. Jodie Foster and James Garner play con artists with their plans.

Maverick is about poker, adventure, and comedy. Riverboat chases, double-crosses, and clever tricks but never loses the poker. The final table scene is fun, smart, and full of twists. The movie is a crowd-pleaser with a great poker intro. If you want something light but on point, watch Maverick.

Conclusion

Poker’s highs and lows are perfect for the screen. These movies and TV shows bring the game to life with gritty realism or thrilling tournaments. The films show what poker is, the skill, risk, and heart. Watching them won’t just be entertaining. You might even become a better player. Grab some popcorn, deal yourself in, and enjoy.