Our Favorite Poker Documentaries

Caption: If you can't be at the poker table then these documentaries are the next best thing​

If, for some reason, you're unable to play poker this weekend, then the next best thing is switching on one of these documentaries instead. Nobody likes to be out of the loop in the poker world; in fact, sometimes it literally pays to be in the loop. So, with that in mind, it's never a bad time to educate yourself further. We've hand picked this selection of documentaries that all have poker at their core; some are the stories of great players, some the tales from behind the scenes at tournaments, but all of them will have you on the edge of your seat.​

​One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stu Ungar (2006)​

​Many people who enjoy poker will already be familiar with the name Stu Ungar as he is one of only two players who have won the World Series of Poker Main Event not once, not twice, but three times. As is often the case with those who might be considered geniuses, Ungar was at times a troubled man, which led him to behave in ways that weren't always healthy. He experienced dizzy heights in his poker career, which many of us would have struggled to cope with, but crushing lows alongside that in his personal life that certainly many more would have struggled with. This documentary does an incredibly good job of giving a balanced and unbiased view of a life that was extraordinary but in the end, tragic. Ungar died far too young in 1998 and the poker world was a little less bright for him leaving it. The documentary doesn't shy away from his difficult end, but instead offers enlightening and insightful commentary by fellow players Mike Sexton and Doyle Brunson.​

​Poker Queens (2020)

Caption: This one is available to watch on Amazon Prime

Whilst Stu Ungar's documentary ended up being more of a tragic tale, those who are after something a little more uplifting should try out Poker Queens. There's generally more out there in terms of viewing material for the tournament player than there is for the online player but, interestingly, they make plenty of space for online poker in the Poker Queens documentary. This documentary follows the story of a handful of female poker players who battle it out at the tables. In a game that one would imagine ought to be fairly gender-balanced, only 5% of professional players are women. Poker Queens sets out to take a look again at the reasons for this and the discrimination that some women face. Familiar faces like Kristen Bicknell, Jennifer Tilly, and Loni Harwood, amongst a selection of others, all give their views on being a woman in the industry, as well as some of the challenges that they've faced. Sandra Mohr is the mastermind behind the documentary and gives a fascinating insight into the steps she's had to take to get ahead.

All In: The Poker Movie (2009)

Although this film choice bills itself as a movie, we think it could definitely take the title of documentary too. It focuses on the history of poker, paying particular attention to the explosion of growth during the early noughties. Within this part of the exploration, there are appearances from some of the best-known names in the game, which will be hugely nostalgic for those watching nowadays. The section on Chris Moneymaker's Main Event win of 2003 is a particular highlight and now that we've celebrated more than 30 years of the WSOP, it still remains one of the most exciting moments in the tournament's history. As well as commentary on live tournaments, of which there's plenty, there's also an interesting discussion with several poker players about their thoughts on the crackdown on online poker rooms. For many who enjoy this form of poker it could feel like the government has been necessarily harsh, but hearing a balance of opinions makes for riveting viewing and will give you plenty of ammunition for any debates you might have on the topic. Don't worry, nobody has to know they're secondhand opinions!