Must-see poker documentaries of 2026! From the Moneymaker era to modern high-stakes psychological warfare, this selection of 6 classic works explores poker history, legendary figures, and true stories, available on streaming platforms.
Published: 2026.05.04Updated: 2026.05.05Category: International News
International Poker NewsCurrently showing: Top poker documentaries you must see in 2026
*All In: The Poker Movie* – A crash course in poker history. This film features interviews with legendary players such as Matt Damon, Kenny Rogers, Daniel Negreanu, and Chris Moneymaker, taking you back to the rise of the poker craze. Available for free on YouTube.
Whether you're a newcomer looking to understand the roots of poker in the "Moneymaker era" or a seasoned player seeking a glimpse into the psychological battles behind the high-stakes tables, this documentary offers a unique window into the world of poker.
The modern gaming landscape has evolved into a hybrid of GTO strategy and large-scale global tournaments, making it more important than ever to understand the industry's history, its heartbreaking moments, and the heroes who built it.
From the high-speed, dramatic plots of the early online era to the daily grind of today's world's top players, these six poker documentaries are must-see classics for anyone ready to go beyond the cards and see the real human stories at the poker table.
All In: The Poker Movie
*All In: The Poker Movie* – A crash course in poker history. This film features interviews with legendary players such as Matt Damon, Kenny Rogers, Daniel Negreanu, and Chris Moneymaker, taking you back to the rise of the poker craze. Available for free on YouTube.
Need a poker history lesson? This movie is for you. Released in 2009 at the height of the Moneymaker craze, it explains how poker, a niche card game, transformed into a global phenomenon.
This is a fast-paced, energetic crash course featuring stars from Matt Damon to Kenny Rogers, as well as pros of the era, including Daniel Negreanu, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Howard Lederer, and Chris Moneymaker.
Year of issue2009
IMDb rating6.6/10
Length1 hour 49 minutes
Viewing platform:Youtube
Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker
*Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker* – The rise and fall of online poker. Follow the stories of Danielle Andersen, Tony Dunst, and Martin Bradstreet to witness how Black Friday 2011 forever changed the online poker landscape. Available on YouTube.
If you've ever wondered how people make a living playing cards on laptops, then the movie "Bet Raise Fold: The Story of Online Poker" is for you.
It chronicles the story of three distinctive players—Danielle “dmoongirl” Andersen, Tony Dunst, and Martin Bradstreet—during the "golden age" of online poker. However, everything collapsed with the Black Friday incident in April 2011, and players had to adapt to the unregulated online poker environment in the United States.
Year of issue2016
IMDb rating7.2/10
Length1 hour 41 minutes
Viewing platform:Youtube
The Gambler
*The Gambler* – The journey from accountant to high-stakes gambler. Stripped of the Hollywood glamour of poker, this film realistically portrays John O'Shea's dramatic fluctuations and psychological challenges on the WSOP stage. Available on Amazon Prime.
In 2013, John O'Shea toured live tournaments, eventually making his debut at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. This documentary strips away the Hollywood glamour usually associated with poker, showcasing the game's brutal volatility; in the film, O'Shea loses €100,000 in a single day.
This is a fascinating biographical study of how one person transitioned from a stable accounting career to the volatile world of high-stakes gambling.
Year of issue2013
IMDb rating7.2/10
Length52 minutes
Viewing platformAmazon Prime
Nosebleed (High Table)
"Nosebleed"—The brutal truth of high-stakes poker. A behind-the-scenes look at top French players Alex Luneau and Sebastien Sabic battling it out at the WSOP, showcasing the mental strain and real-world pressures of high-stakes cash games and tournaments. Available on YouTube.
"Nosebleed" offers an unvarnished, authentic perspective you don't usually see in poker documentaries. It follows two top French pros, Alex Luneau and Sebastien Sabic, as they travel to Las Vegas for the WSOP.
This documentary strips away the glitz and glamour of live poker, revealing the harsh reality of high-stakes volatility and the mental toll professional players pay in their training.
Year of issue2014
IMDb rating7.7/10
Length1 hour 26 minutes
Viewing platform:Youtube
KidPoker
*KidPoker*—The legendary life of Daniel Negreanu. How did this superstar, hailed as the "Poker Kid," transform from a street player into a global icon through his ability to read people at the poker table and a positive mindset? This film takes you on a journey to find out. Available on Netflix.
Daniel Negreanu's personal documentary, *KidPoker*, delves into the life of this poker legend. Released in 2015, the film chronicles his journey from a small-time billiards hall swindler in Toronto to a millionaire superstar and poker ambassador.
By watching this film, you will understand the importance of "reading people" and witness how a positive mindset can transform a card player into a global icon.
Year of issue2015
IMDb rating6.7/10
Length1 hour 29 minutes
Viewing platformNetflix
The Ultimate Stack
*The Ultimate Stack*—A beginner's guide to modern poker. The latest addition to this list (to be released in 2024), this documentary chronicles the intense battles of the 2023 WPT World Championship and is an excellent resource for beginners to learn about "new-style poker" strategies and contemporary stars. Available on YouTube.
The latest addition to this list, *The Ultimate Stack* offers a modern perspective on the current state of the game, documenting players' journey at the Wynn Las Vegas for the 2023 WPT World Championship. Perfect for beginners looking to understand what "new-style" poker looks like, it showcases modern strategies and the latest generation of stars.
It has served as a great bridge between the history and future of poker.
Year of issue2024
IMDb rating6.1/10
Length1 hour 30 minutes
Viewing platform:Youtube
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