Poker Biopics: 10 Films That Bring the Game to Life

Description: Set in the Depression-era, this film follows a young poker player known as "The Kid" as he challenges the legendary "The Man" in a high-stakes game of five-card stud. It's a classic tale of ambition and the poker spirit.

Fact: The film was one of the first to portray poker as a game of skill rather than just luck.

Description: While not strictly a biography, this film captures the spirit of poker through the adventures of Bret Maverick, a charming gambler aiming to enter a high-stakes poker tournament. It's a light-hearted take on the poker world.

Fact: The film features a real-life poker tournament with professional players, adding an authentic touch to the poker scenes.

Description: This film is a cornerstone for poker enthusiasts, featuring a young law student who returns to the poker scene to help a friend pay off a gambling debt. It captures the essence of poker culture and the psychological warfare at the table.

Fact: The World Series of Poker (WSOP) was actually held in the same hotel where the film was shot, adding authenticity to the scenes.

Description: This film features a casino "cooler" whose bad luck affects gamblers, including poker players. It's a unique take on the gambling world, focusing on the people behind the scenes.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Alec Baldwin.

Description: A poker player tries to win the World Series of Poker while dealing with personal issues, offering a look at the competitive and personal aspects of poker.

Fact: The film features real poker players like Daniel Negreanu and Phil Laak, adding authenticity to the poker scenes.

Description: This film, while not directly about poker, is set in a house where poker games are a regular occurrence, providing a backdrop to the story of a young girl's struggle with her mother's addiction.

Fact: The film was directed by Lori Petty, who also stars in the movie, and it's based on her own experiences growing up.

Description: While not solely about poker, this film explores the life of a literature professor with a gambling addiction, including poker, offering insights into the psychological aspects of gambling.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, updating the story for a modern audience.

Description: Based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game, this film explores the glamour and danger of the underground poker world.

Fact: The film's script was adapted from Bloom's memoir, and Aaron Sorkin, known for his fast-paced dialogue, wrote and directed the movie.

Description: This biopic tells the story of Stu Ungar, one of the greatest poker players of all time, known for his photographic memory and three WSOP Main Event wins. It's a tale of genius, addiction, and redemption.

Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of Ungar's family, providing an intimate look into his life.

Description: Although not a biography, this mockumentary-style film about a poker tournament includes real-life poker pros and captures the competitive spirit and humor of the poker world.

Fact: The film was shot during an actual poker tournament, blending fiction with reality.