Top 10 Poker Action Films

Description: Set in the Depression-era, this film follows a young poker player, known as The Cincinnati Kid, who challenges the legendary Lancey Howard in a high-stakes game of stud poker. It's a classic tale of ambition, skill, and the American Dream.

Fact: The film was one of the first to depict poker as a high-stakes, high-skill game, influencing many subsequent poker films.

Description: A light-hearted adventure where Mel Gibson plays a charming gambler who must win a high-stakes poker game to enter a major tournament. The film combines humor, action, and poker strategy, making it a fun watch for all audiences.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 1950s TV series of the same name, with James Garner reprising his role from the original show.

Description: Guy Ritchie's debut film features a group of friends who get involved in a high-stakes poker game that goes awry, leading to a series of comedic and violent misadventures. Poker is central to the plot, driving the action forward.

Fact: The film helped launch the careers of several actors, including Jason Statham, and became a cult classic for its unique blend of crime, comedy, and poker.

Description: This film dives deep into the world of underground poker, following a law student who returns to the game to help his friend pay off a debt. It's a classic tale of redemption, with poker as the central theme, showcasing the strategic mind games and the high stakes involved.

Fact: The film features real-life poker players like Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson, adding authenticity to the poker scenes.

Description: William H. Macy stars as a "cooler" in a casino, whose bad luck turns around when he falls in love. The film includes a pivotal poker game that changes the protagonist's life, blending romance with the high-stakes world of gambling.

Fact: The film won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Description: While primarily known as a James Bond film, "Casino Royale" features a pivotal poker game where Bond must outwit Le Chiffre to prevent a global catastrophe. The poker scenes are intense, showcasing high-stakes gambling and espionage.

Fact: The poker game was designed by professional poker players to ensure authenticity, and the film's poker scenes were shot in the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

Description: Oscar Isaac stars as a former military interrogator turned professional poker player, seeking redemption through the game. The film intertwines poker with themes of guilt, revenge, and personal transformation, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy a deeper narrative.

Fact: The director, Paul Schrader, is known for his work on films like "Taxi Driver," bringing a unique psychological depth to this poker-themed action film.

Description: Mark Wahlberg plays a literature professor with a gambling addiction, leading him into high-stakes poker games and dangerous situations. The film explores themes of addiction, risk, and the thrill of the game.

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

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Molly Bloom, who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game. While not an action film in the traditional sense, it has intense moments and showcases the dangerous world of underground poker.

Fact: The film was adapted from Molly Bloom's memoir, and Jessica Chastain underwent extensive poker training to portray Bloom accurately.

Description: A mockumentary about a high-stakes poker tournament, this film features a mix of real poker players and actors, providing both humor and insight into the world of competitive poker.

Fact: The film was produced by ImprovOlympic, a famous improv comedy school, which adds to its unique comedic style.