Top 10 Crime Films About Card Sharks

Description: This classic film follows Eric "The Kid" Stoner, a young poker prodigy, as he takes on the legendary Lancey "The Man" Howard in a high-stakes game of five-card stud. It's a tale of ambition, skill, and the price of winning at all costs.

Fact: Steve McQueen, who played The Kid, was himself an avid poker player. The film was also one of the first to feature poker as a central theme.

Description: While not exclusively about card sharks, this film features a memorable poker game where the con is the game. Two grifters set up an elaborate sting to swindle a mob boss, showcasing the art of the con.

Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its ragtime score became iconic.

Description: Bret Maverick, a charming gambler, needs to win a high-stakes poker tournament to enter a bigger game. The film blends comedy with the tension of poker, offering a light-hearted look at the life of a card sharp.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 1950s TV series of the same name, and Mel Gibson was known to be a poker enthusiast in real life.

Description: Mike McDermott, a law student with a talent for poker, gets pulled back into the world of underground gambling after his friend loses everything. This film captures the essence of the card shark lifestyle, with its highs and inevitable lows.

Fact: The film features real-life poker players like Johnny Chan, who appears as himself. The poker scenes were meticulously researched for authenticity.

Description: While primarily about a casino croupier, the film includes scenes of card games and the allure of the gambling world. It's a psychological thriller that explores the life of a man drawn into the world of cards and cons.

Fact: Clive Owen's performance as Jack Manfred was critically acclaimed, and the film was a breakout role for him.

Description: Bernie Lootz, a "cooler" who brings bad luck to gamblers, finds love and a new life, but his past catches up with him. The film includes scenes of card games and the manipulation of luck.

Fact: William H. Macy won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role as Bernie.

Description: A former military interrogator turned professional card player, William Tell, uses his skills to navigate the world of gambling while dealing with his past. This film explores the psychological aspects of gambling and redemption.

Fact: Directed by Paul Schrader, known for his work on "Taxi Driver," the film delves into themes of guilt and atonement.

Description: Mark Wahlberg stars as Jim Bennett, a literature professor with a gambling addiction. His journey through the world of high-stakes poker and underground gambling rings showcases the darker side of card sharks.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, and Wahlberg's character is based on a real-life professor.

Description: Based on the true story of Molly Bloom, who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game. While not a card shark herself, she was surrounded by them, making this film a fascinating look into the world of elite gambling.

Fact: Jessica Chastain underwent extensive poker training to portray Molly Bloom accurately.

Description: A group of card sharks plan a heist at a high-stakes poker game, but things go awry when one of them gets greedy. This film dives deep into the psychology of gambling and the art of the hustle.

Fact: The film features real-life poker players like Chris Penn, who was known for his love of the game.