Thu, 08/04/2011 – 22:36 – PokerPages Staff

Poker movies are some of the most exciting films you can watch: they contain great villains, amazing suspense and even intriguing twists. Like all films, you get some bad ones and good ones but, sometimes, you get a great one! Find out the top five films no poker fan should miss.

#5 Maverick (1994)
Richard Donner’s remake of the television series made in 1957 is great for a rainy Sunday. Bret Maverick, played by Mel Gibson, needs cash for a poker tournament and faces various challenges and humorous mishaps getting it. This film also stars Jodie Foster and James Garner plus many Indians and bar fights.

#4 California Split (1974)
This Robert Altman comedy portrays the less glamorous side of poker. Elliot Gould and George Segal are very much into to drink and gambling. Their passions create a close friendship but their bad luck soon catches up with them and they try their last ounces of luck in Reno.

#3 The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
If you prefer serious suspense and action then this stylish Noman Jewison classic is the one to watch. Based in the 1930s, McQueen stars as Eric Stoner who comes to New Orleans to show off his poker skills.

#2 Rounders (1998)
Not many films have tried to and succeeded in portraying modern-day poker. Directed by John Dahl, Matt Damon is a law student, keen to give up poker but persuaded otherwise by his friend, Worm, played by Edward Norton. There’s even a cameo by Johnny Chan.

#1 The Gambler (1974)
Away from the glitz and glamour, this Karel Reisz film looks at addiction, bookies and the violent world of loan sharks. James Caan, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance, plays Axel Freed, a New York City professor whose gambling addiction leads him down a self-destructive path.