5 Best Movies About Billiards That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Billiards

Movies and billiards are a match made in heaven. The Billiards Movies blog has compiled a list of more than 60 films that use billiards as a central character. Some of these films, like The Hustler and The Color of Money, have gone on to become great cinematic masterpieces. At the very least, they have helped to disseminate the idea that billiards is a sleazy sport. Five of these films will be included in this article so that you can enjoy them now that vacation time is upon us.

1- The Hustler 1961

The Hustler 1961

The Hustler is, without a doubt, a classic. As a result, it was nominated for two Academy Awards.

The story of “Fast” Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) and his contacts with the legendary Minnesota Fats (Walter Tevis) is based on Walter Tevis’s 1959 novel of the same name (Jackie Gleason). The film’s depiction of billiards in the context of gambling, smoking, and drinking has led to the negative public perception of the game today. Despite this, The Hustler was critical in helping to revive American billiards following the First World War.

2- The Color of Money 1986

The Color of Money 1986

Martin Scorsese’s The Color of Money is the second best billiard film ever, after The Hustler. Again, Paul Newman plays the lead role (with this film won his first Oscar). It is a 25-year-old sequel to The Hustler. Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) and Vincent (Tom Cruise) become friends after Felson discovers the young player. Again, wagers and spooky locales. Billiards provide as a convenient cover for discussing the things that actually matter in life: money.

3- The Baltimore Bullet 1980

The Baltimore Bullet 1980

Pool hustler Nick Casey, called “The Baltimore Bullet,” is constantly on the lookout for unsuspecting victims. For their showdown with The Deacon, Casey and Billie Joe Robbins will need at least $ 5,000 in chips on the table. Several legendary players, including Willie Mosconi, Steve Mizerak, Lou Butera, Irving Crane and Jimmy Mataya, make cameo appearances in the film. In comparison to the first two, it is less well-known, but it is no less interesting.

4- Poolhall Junkies 2002

Poolhall Junkies 2002

One day, Johnny (Mars Callahan) could become a world-class pool player, but Joe (Chazz Palminteri) is his trainer and chooses how and when Johnny plays. Joe is a sinister hustler. Imposition and responsibility are plainly shown to be a road to failure in the film. Actor and director Mars Callahan clearly enjoys the sport, as evidenced by the film’s stunning visuals.

5- Turn the River 2007

Turn the River 2007

Kailey, a billiards player obliged to win and migrate to Canada to secure a better life for her son, uses the sport as an outlet. In order to protect her son from her alcoholic ex-husband, Kailey aims to be crowned the best player in the tournament. No billiard movie can be made without alcohol, it appears.