What are some good movies about billiards (pool)?

Billiards, with its smooth felt, polished balls, and satisfying clack, has captivated audiences on and off the table for decades. Films have long been drawn to this world, capturing the drama, camaraderie, and even the smoky atmosphere of pool halls. Here, we explore some of the best movies about billiards, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways filmmakers have used the game to tell stories

The Hustler (1961)

This iconic film, starring Paul Newman as the ambitious pool hustler “Fast Eddie Felson,” is considered a genre masterpiece. It delves into the world of a high-stakes pool, exploring themes of ambition, redemption, and the price of success. The film features memorable lines like “The hustle never ends,” and its black-and-white cinematography creates a timeless atmosphere.

The Color of Money (1986)

A sequel to The Hustler, this film sees an older Fast Eddie, played by the still-magnetic Newman, mentoring a young pool prodigy (Tom Cruise). The film explores themes of legacy, aging, and the changing landscape of the game. While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, “The Color of Money” still offers a compelling look at the world of competitive billiards.

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Poolhall Junkies (2002)

This cult classic takes a comedic and relatable approach to the game. It follows a group of friends who spend their days hanging out at the local pool hall, offering a glimpse into their lives, aspirations, and struggles.

The Baltimore Bullet (1980)

This film stars James Caan as a washed-up pool player trying to make a comeback. It features a more gritty and realistic portrayal of the pool hall scene, and the performances are captivating, particularly Caan’s portrayal of a desperate man clinging to his fading glory.

Turn the River (2007)

This neo-noir thriller uses billiards as a backdrop for a complex love, betrayal, and revenge story. The film features stylish visuals and a strong central performance by Ray Liotta.

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Mr. Fifteen Balls (1998)

This Italian comedy tells the story of a charismatic pool player known for his flamboyant tricks and exceptional skills. It offers a lighthearted and entertaining look at the game, showcasing the joy and camaraderie that can come with it.

Hard Luck Love Song (2020)

This Filipino film delves into the lives of two pool players, exploring themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. It showcases the unique cultural significance of billiards in the Philippines, where the game is more than just a pastime.

Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything (2016)

This documentary offers a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the greatest snooker players (a close cousin of billiards). It delves into O’Sullivan’s complex personality, exploring his struggles with mental health and his undeniable talent.

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As Seen Through a Glass: The Life and Times of Dorothy Kamenshek (2015)

This documentary tells the story of Dorothy Kamenshek, one of the most successful female pool players in history. It serves as an inspiration to aspiring players, regardless of gender.

While billiards takes center stage in many films, it can also be a significant element in movies not primarily focused on the game.

Casablanca (1942) 

In this iconic film, Rick’s Cafe features a billiards table where characters gather and tensions simmer. It adds to the smoky atmosphere of the film and serves as a subtle backdrop for the larger story.

The Sting (1973)

This classic con film features a memorable scene where Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) uses his pool skills to impress a potential target. The scene demonstrates how billiards can be used to establish character traits and build tension in a film.

Billiards uniquely combines physical skill, mental focus, and drama. Films have capitalized on this, using the game to explore themes of ambition, redemption, competition, and the human condition. Whether it’s the intensity of a high-stakes match, the camaraderie of a local pool hall, or the backdrop for a larger story, billiards have proven to be a versatile and captivating subject for filmmakers. So, the next time you’re looking for a good movie, consider grabbing a cue (metaphorically or literally) and exploring the billiards world on the silver screen.

Conclusion

Billiard movies come in many styles, from dramatic stories about hustlers and comebacks to lighter films about friendship and love. Whether you’re interested in the intensity of competition or the smoky atmosphere of a pool hall, there’s a billiards movie out there for you. So next time you’re looking for something to watch, grab a cue (metaphorically or literally) and explore the billiards world on the silver screen.