Top 10 Gambling Movies – The Cincinnati Kid – 4th Place

Ante Up: Why “The Cincinnati Kid” Is Still the King of Poker Movies

If you consider yourself a fan of the best gambling movies, there is one title that absolutely demands a spot in your rotation. Before the underground clubs of Rounders or the high-tech surveillance of Casino Royale, there was the smoky, sweat-drenched intensity of The Cincinnati Kid (1965).

While modern audiences are used to the rapid-fire action of No-Limit Texas Hold’em, this film takes us back to a different era – the Great Depression in New Orleans – where the game of choice was Five Card Stud . It is a movie dripping with style, tension, and the kind of “cool” that only the 1960s could produce.

The Showdown: The Kid vs. The Man

The premise is classic and irresistible. Steve McQueen plays Eric “The Kid” Stoner, a young, up-and-coming poker player who knows he’s good – really good. But being the best in the backrooms isn’t enough. To be the true king, you have to beat the king.

Enter Lancey Howard, known simply as “The Man,” played by the legendary Edward G. Robinson, Lancey is the aging master, an elegant but ruthless shark who has seen every trick in the book. When Lancey arrives in New Orleans, The Kid sets up a high-stakes marathon game to prove he has what it takes to take the crown.

The movie isn’t just about the cards; it’s a psychological boxing match. It’s about the arrogance of youth colliding with the wisdom of experience, all played out across a felt table.

A Cast of Legends and Production Secrets

What makes The Cincinnati Kid shine is the incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera.

• The King of Cool: Steve McQueen was at the height of his fame here. Unlike the loud, brash gamblers we often see in movies, McQueen plays The Kid with a quiet, stoic intensity. He doesn’t need to shout; his eyes tell you everything you need to know about his hand.
• The Old Guard: Edward G. Robinson was a veteran of the Golden Age of Hollywood (famous for playing gangsters in the 30s). His casting was perfect, bringing a level of gravitas that makes you genuinely believe he is the master of the game.
• Director Drama: The film was famously directed by Norman Jewison, but he wasn’t the first choice. The production actually began with the gritty director Sam Peckinpah, who was fired shortly after filming started because he wanted to film in black and white and make the movie much darker. Jewison stepped in, bringing a vibrant, colorful, yet moody New Orleans atmosphere to the screen.

Why It’s One of the Most Remarkable Poker Movies

Here is why this movie remains a staple for gambling enthusiasts over 50 years later:

• The Game of Five Card Stud: You rarely see this variation played in casinos today, but it is fascinating to watch. With one card down and four up, the information is open for everyone to see, making the bluffing and psychology even more intense than in Hold’em.
• Ray Charles on the Mic: The opening credits feature the soulful voice of Ray Charles singing the title track, immediately setting a bluesy, melancholy tone that fits the New Orleans setting perfectly.
• The Supporting Cast: The table is filled with incredible character actors, including Karl Malden as the anxious dealer and Ann-Margret as the femme fatale. Every face at the table tells a story.
• The “Tell”: This movie popularized the idea of the “tell” (a physical tick that reveals a bluff) in pop culture. Watching McQueen and Robinson analyze each other for tiny movements is a masterclass in acting.
• New Orleans Atmosphere: Mainly filmed on location, the movie captures the humidity, the jazz, and the unique architecture of the French Quarter, making the city feel like a character in its own right.

Watch the official trailer below: