Rounders (1998)- Rounders is definitely one of the most captivating poker movies of all times and really impacted the game's popularity. The film tells a story of a young law school student (played by Matt Damon) who loses his savings in a high stakes game of poker. Realizing the gravity of his situation, he promises his girlfriend that he will abandon poker tables for good.

However, when his best buddy is released from jail he is forced to resume play in order to help his friend pay a debt he has incurred to a Russian mafia boss (played by John Malkovich). The poker card marathon scene towards the end of the movie is truly incredible. The film's tag line is "You've got to play the hand you're dealt." Edward Newton (playing Damon's friend) received the SEFCA Award for best actor performance.