I will go first with the John Wick 4 Killer poker scene and of course Casino Royale. Not looking for movies with plots completely based on card playing.(like 21) Please post your favourite scenes. Cheers
I seem to recall Maverick(1994) having a good card game as a central plot element, which takes place on a river boat casino. It’s also just a really fun movie about three competing con artists (played by James Garner, Mel Gibson, and Jodie Foster).
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen it, and it’s set in the old west, so sorry if it has any racisms I forgot about!
I’ve only ever seen the end of Maverick, and my sole memory from it is that in a 4 or 5 person deal, every single player gets an exceptional hand, enough to more or less guarantee victory in 99% of hands dealt. Naturally, everyone goes all in and most of them regret it!
It’s so great.
And the scene is even better on a rewatch.
Spoiler for Maverick
Since the dealer is a cheater with their own motives, if I recall correctly.
“Two small pair…8s and 8s” is still a staple at family card games.
Rounders has a young Matt Damon and Edward Norton and is entirely about gamblers making their living as poker players in the late 90’s or early 2000’s.
It’s pretty good
Edit: I just realized you said not entirely about cards, but I still highly recommend the movie. The plot revolves around cards, but it’s also about ambition and knowing when to cut off deadbeat friends
With all the context behind it I think the last scene of Star Trek: The Next Generation counts
Edit: Added link
Well Casino Royale comes instantly to mind
Also the oceans series.
I fact I’ve noticed many heist movies have one. Not just oceans 11 etc where the heist in based at a casino. I could talk about why for an hour but I’ll spare you.
I believe rififi starts this way
Also the oceans series.
“All reds!”
The Ocean’s 11 (2001) comes to mind as does a couple of episodes of West Wing that had scenes with card games.
The next generation has some poker scenes. There’s one episode where they are stuck in a simulation of a casino and can’t escape.
The Fizbin scene from Star Trek
I still enjoy the “Dell’s poker face” from Only fools and horses…
But probably not what you’re aiming for ;)
Terence Hill has many awesome card playing scenes in his movies like this one. No idea what the English or Italian title is.
The Hangover Casino scene
