It's time for the biggest live poker event to descend on us, so here at PokerNews, we thought this was an opportune moment to take a look at some of the best gambling entertainment you can find away from the tables.
So, during the 2025 World Series of Poker, if you want a change of pace in between events, we've got you covered with our Top Gambling Movies to Stream now!
Editor's Note: as this is a topic we've revisited a few times, I've omitted some certified classics like '21', 'Rounders', 'Molly's Game', and others. Let's be honest, you've already seen all those, right?
When the World Series of Poker (WSOP) rolls around, poker players and fans of live poker are often glued to the tables, whether attending in person or catching up on the latest coverage online. But even seasoned pros need an occasional break from the grind, and a great gambling movie could be just the right entertainment to check out during the series.
From high-concept heist flicks to gritty tales of addiction, these films differ in plotline, but they all have a common theme: the high-risk, high-reward world of gambling and poker. So, whether you're about to sit down at the final table or just want some poker-themed escapism, here are the best gambling movies to stream during the WSOP.
Uncut Gemsstars Adam Sandler as Harold Ratner, a charismatic yet unconventional New York jeweler with a sports betting addiction and the debts to match.
This 2019 Netflix flick was popular during its release for its commitment to anxiety inducement, as we accompany Harold on his quest to retrieve a priceless gem, pay off his debts, and come out on top.
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Whilst it's not an 'easy' watch, Uncut Gemsis an often anxiety-inducing thrill-ride, giving the audience a front-row seat to watch the breakdown of a New York hustler.
Ok so it's almosta cliche to feature Ocean’s Trilogyhere, but few films capture the glamour of Vegas like Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen. Blending a compelling heist plot, casino landmark locations, and a star-studded cast, the Oceans Trilogyare three films to return to again and again, especially during WSOP.
Did You Know?
The first Oceans Elevenis a remake of a 1960 heist movie, Oceans 11, starring Frank Sinatra and the 'Rat Pack'.
Ocean's Eleven
Ocean's Twelve
Ocean's Thirteen
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The Oceans Trilogymovies still stand up years after their release, and they're great fun to watch if you want to get in the WSOP mood.
Possibly one of the more overlooked titles on our list, Win It Allfeatures Jake Johnson as small-time gambler, Eddie Garrett, who finds a stash of cash and decides to risk it all.
It's definitely a slow burner compared to the glitzy action of the Oceansmovies, and despite some humorous moments, is confronting in its depiction of a struggling gambler and the grip of his addiction.
The PokerNewsRating
Possibly the most realistic depiction of gambling addiction and its myriad problems, Win It Allis rougher around the edges than other entries on our list, but succeeds because of that contrast.
This remake of the 1974 James Caan classic stars Mark Wahlberg as a literature professor with a sports betting addiction and ever-increasing debts. The Gamblerfeatures many sub-themes linked to gambling, highlighting the lack of control shown by Wahlberg's character, Jim, when he seeks to borrow money to consolidate debts, only to gamble it away in a casino.
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A good but not great watch, The Gambleris a decent watch, but other 'addiction' movies do a better job of portraying gambling issues.
Read the stories behind the Hollywood movies!
Our Casino Cheating article shows the biggest scandals to hit the gambling industry.
Read moreThough not a poker or casino movie, Eight Men Outexplores one of history’s most infamous sports gambling scandals: the 1919 Black Sox.
Featuring stars like John Cusack, Charlie Sheen, and David Straithairn, Eight Men Outspotlights the eight Chicago White Sox players accused of fixing the 1919 World Series, and was acclaimed for showing the link between sports gambling and organized crime in the early twentieth century.
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It might appear dated now, but Eight Men Outoffers a great insight into the clash between sports betting and organised crime in the early twentieth century.
Whether you're about to attend the Main Event or just playing online, these movies add drama, inspiration, and depth to the WSOP experience. From the gritty realism of Uncut Gemsto the slick charm of Ocean's Eleven, they remind us why we love a gamble.
So if you want to stay sharp between events, you could do worse than to check out our list of gambling movies!
Why no Poker Facein this list?
You might have been expecting to see the 2022 Russell Crowe flick in our list, but let's just say the critics didn't agree, and the 'poker' action in the game is sparse to say the least.
Read what our very own Jon Sofen had to say about this much-maligned movie in his Poker Facereview.
Most are available on major platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+, or for rent on Apple TV. Streaming availability may vary by region.
Yes. Eight Men Outis famously based on a true story surrounding the 1919 White Sox baseball team.
Although not on our list this time, Roundersis widely regarded as the most authentic poker movie, though Win It Alloffers a grounded and emotional portrayal of low-stakes gambling.
While they won’t teach strategy (and nor should they), they can offer psychological insights, motivation, and help you understand the emotional highs and lows of poker.
Most gambling films deal with adult themes, but Ocean’s Elevenis relatively clean and entertaining for older teens and adults.
All In: The Poker Movieis a great documentary that explores the rise of poker and its cultural impact.