10 Movies & Shows Like The Hustler (1961)

Description: A gripping tale of a young poker player aiming to prove himself against a seasoned veteran. The film's focus on skill, ego, and the high-stakes world of gambling creates a similar tension and drama.

Fact: Steve McQueen's performance is often considered one of his best. The film's final poker hand was meticulously choreographed to reflect real strategy.

Description: A classic con artist film set in the 1930s, featuring high-stakes gambling, deception, and a meticulously planned scheme. The film's focus on psychological manipulation and the thrill of the game mirrors the intense, strategic nature of its predecessor.

Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The iconic ragtime piano score was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, adapting Scott Joplin's music.

Description: A sequel that delves into the world of pool hustling, exploring themes of mentorship, ambition, and the thrill of the game. The film's focus on skill and psychological tension aligns closely with gambling dramas.

Fact: Paul Newman won his first Academy Award for this role, reprising his character from 'The Hustler.' The film helped revive interest in pool as a competitive sport.

Description: A crime comedy with a focus on high-stakes gambling, deception, and chaotic consequences. The film's fast-paced, gritty style and emphasis on luck and strategy mirror the unpredictability of gambling.

Fact: Guy Ritchie's directorial debut launched his career. The film's title refers to a phrase meaning 'everything is at stake.'

Description: Centers on the underground world of high-stakes poker, exploring themes of risk, redemption, and the allure of the game. The protagonist's journey mirrors the tension and psychological depth found in gambling narratives.

Fact: The film's realistic portrayal of poker helped popularize Texas Hold'em in the early 2000s. Many professional poker players cite it as a major influence.

Description: A heist film with a focus on meticulous planning, charisma, and high-risk stakes. The ensemble cast and stylish execution mirror the strategic and glamorous aspects of gambling narratives.

Fact: The film's Las Vegas setting required extensive filming in real casinos. The cast's chemistry was so strong that it led to two sequels.

Description: Features a high-stakes poker game as a central plot device, blending tension, strategy, and the psychological warfare of gambling. The sleek, high-pressure atmosphere echoes the intensity of competitive gaming.

Fact: This was Daniel Craig's first appearance as James Bond. The poker scenes were supervised by professional players to ensure authenticity.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a group of MIT students who use card counting to win big in Las Vegas. The blend of intellect, risk, and the allure of beating the system mirrors the strategic depth of gambling films.

Fact: The real-life team the film is based on won millions before being banned from casinos. The blackjack scenes were filmed in actual Las Vegas casinos.

Description: A story about a literature professor with a dangerous gambling addiction, exploring themes of self-destruction and the highs and lows of risk-taking. The film's dark, psychological tone aligns with the intense nature of gambling narratives.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1974 movie of the same name. Mark Wahlberg trained with a professional gambler to prepare for the role.

Description: A biographical drama about the underground world of high-stakes poker, focusing on power, risk, and the consequences of the game. The film's sharp dialogue and intense atmosphere reflect the high-pressure world of gambling.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his fast-paced, dialogue-heavy style. The real Molly Bloom consulted on the film.