The ten best poker documentary films to watch

THE INSPIRATION OF CINEMA IN THE WORLD OF POKER


Poker has long been a popular game, with its roots tracing back to 19th century America when it evolved from the original French card game. With the advent of the internet, the game has gained even more popularity worldwide.

As a result, the world of poker has inspired many filmmakers to create documentaries that offer an inside look at the game, its players, and the strategies involved.


Here are the ten best poker documentary films to watch:



  • One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stu Ungar (Peter Franchella, 2006) -Stu Ungar was one of the great legends of poker history. The New Yorker won five World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, and remains, along with Johnny Moss, the only player in history to win three WSOP Main Event titles. In 'One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stu Ungar', Peter Franchella represents the career of The Kid. In addition, it also describes the dark side of the New York player, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years, which ultimately cost him his life at the age of 45.




  • "KidPoker" (2015) - This documentary is about the life of Canadian poker player Daniel Negreanu. It follows his journey from his early days as a child playing poker in Toronto, to his rise as one of the most successful poker players in the world. The film also explores his personal life and the challenges he faced growing up.




  • "All In: The Poker Movie" (2009) - This documentary takes a look at the history of poker, from its early days to its current popularity. It explores the game's impact on the American culture and features interviews with some of the biggest names in the game.




  • "Bet Raise Fold" (2013) - This documentary focuses on the rise of online poker and the impact it had on the game. It features interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth.




  • "Nosebleed" (2013) - This documentary follows the lives of three high-stakes poker players who compete in the world's biggest cash game. It explores the psychology behind the game and the players' motivations for playing at such a high level.




  • "Poker Queens" (2019) - This documentary focuses on the women who have made a name for themselves in the world of poker. It features interviews with some of the most successful female players in the game, including Vanessa Selbst and Liv Boeree.




  • "High Stakes: The Story of Sam Trickett" (2017) - This documentary is about the life of British poker player Sam Trickett, who rose to fame after winning millions of dollars in high-stakes tournaments. It explores his journey to the top, as well as the highs and lows of his career.




  • Dead Money: A Super High Roller Bowl Story" (2018) - This documentary follows the lives of some of the world's best poker players as they compete in the Super High Roller Bowl tournament. It gives viewers an inside look at the strategies and mindsets of these elite players.




  • "Life on the Line" (2016) - This documentary follows the lives of several professional poker players as they travel the world competing in tournaments. It explores the highs and lows of their careers, as well as the sacrifices they make to pursue their passion.


These films offer a unique insight into the world of high-stakes poker and the people who play it. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, these documentaries are a must-watch. They provide a fascinating look at the psychology behind the game, the ups and downs of the players' careers, and the strategies involved in competing at the highest level.

You may also like

The Rise of Women in Poker: The Bright Future of Women's Poker

The Rise of Women in Poker and the Future of Female PokerAs poker has developed and evolved over the years, so too has women's participation in this fascinating game. Although the poker industry ha...

The Untold Story of "Dogs Playing Poker" – From Advertising to Cultural Icon

The Untold Story of "Dogs Playing Poker" – From Advertising to Cultural IconThe world of art and pop culture is full of memorable images, but few have reached the legendary status of Dogs Playing P...

Poker Variance Part 4: how variance works in SPINS

Combining variance and spins in the same formula may seem like suicide. The role of variance in poker and the speed of spins, with prizes changing every minute, can drive anyone crazy who doesn't u...

Promotions

CoinPoker’s New 4-Hour Leaderboards – Win $10K Daily! CoinPoker’s New 4-Hour Leaderboards – Win $10K Daily! CoinPoker introduces a new way to win big in online poker with 4-hour leaderboards awarding $10,000 in daily prizes. Promotion runs from July 7...
LATAM Freeroll Frenzy: $20,000 in Guaranteed Prizes! LATAM Freeroll Frenzy: $20,000 in Guaranteed Prizes!Are you a poker player in Latin America? WPT Global invites you to the 4-Week Freeroll Frenzy – a $20,000 GTD series of free tournaments held eve...
Phil’s Thrill: The $10,500 Sunday Tournament Shaking Up PokerKing Phil’s Thrill: The $10,500 Sunday Tournament Shaking Up PokerKingStarting July 6th 2025, PokerKing introduces Phil’s Thrill, the Sunday event with the highest buy-in ever offered on the Winning Pok...
Poker Episodes: Grand Slam Classic with €500,000 Guaranteed Poker Episodes: Grand Slam Classic with €500,000 Guaranteed Join Betsafe’s Episode 7 of the Poker Episodes series featuring a total guarantee of €500,000. €100,000 GTD Main Event Satellites startin...