Pool-Billiard Movies | Pool Videos

From the pure cinematic, unbiased point of view, you've got to admit that most of the movies themed around pool and billiard games are, to be kind, not very good movies. With the exception of The Hustler (some less strict critics will include The Color of Money), the pool and billiard movies recommended below will find it hard to squeeze themselves into a list of the top ten thousands good movies.

But looking through the eyes of a pool fan, who gives a damn about poor acting or miserable screenwriting when you get to view almost 90 minutes of pool games and trick shots? So, if you are a pool fan, try to catch up with the viewing of these pool and billiard films:

The Hustler (1961)

Credits: Directed and co-written by Robert Rossen. Based on a novel by Walter Tevis. Features Paul Newman (as the young, arrogant, self destructive and talented pool player Eddie Felson) and Jackie Gleason (as the legendary and unbeatable pool player Minnesota Fats).

In one line: The rise and fall story of a pool hustler known as Fast Eddie and his crucial match against a well known pool champion.

Trivial Facts: Pool champion and billiards hall of fame inductee Willie Mosconi was the technical advisor of the film. He also makes two appearances in the movie: one as himself (on a poster) and the other as a bettor named Willie. All the pool trick shots were performed by Newman and Gleason except one masse shot that was performed by Mosconi.

Watch the final scene of The Hustler:

The Color of Money (1986)

Credits: Directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Richard Price. Again, based on a novel by Walter Tevis and features Paul Newman as Eddie Folson. Tom Cruise plays the role of a mirror view of Fast Eddie in the Hustler, i.e., a young, cocky and ambitious pool player.

In one line: After 25 years out of the game, Fast Eddie returns to the pool hustling scene through a protégé by the name of Vincent Lauria.

Trivial Facts: Pool players Mike Sigel and Ewa Mataya Laurance were the technical advisors of the film. Laurance had also played a small part in the movie and Sigel was responsible for performing one trick shot instead of Tom Cruise. The notable pool player Steve Mizerak aka The Miz played the role of one of Eddie's pool game opponents.

Poolhalls Junkies (2003)

Credits: Directed and co-written by Mars Callahan who had also played the leading part of Jimmy Doyle. Also features Chazz Palminteri, Rod Steiger, Alison Eastwood and Christopher Walken.

In one line: A rehabilitated poolhalls junkie returns to the action to save his younger brother and to get back at his former manager whose responsible for his failure to establish a professional pool playing career.

Trivial Facts: Most pool trick shots were not performed by the movie actors although Mars Callahan is an actual pool player. However, Christopher Walken did make one of the most difficult shots seen in the movie; moreover, he did it in one take.

Watch a cult scene of Poolhall Junkies:

The Baron and the Kid (1984)

Credits: Directed by Gary Nelson and features Johnny Cash as the Baron, a former pool hustler, Greg Webb as the Cajun Kid and June Carter Cash as The Baron ex-wife and the Kid mother. Based on and inspired by Cash song The Baron.

In one line: The baron, a former pool hustler, reunites with the child he never knew he had, who is making his first steps in the world of pool hustling, through an oddysey of pool tournaments

Trivial Facts: Following the success of "The Gambler" a TV film based on Kenny Rogers hit of the same title, "The Baron and the Kid" was produced. "The Gambler" was recorded by Johnny Cash as well.

Stickmen (2001)

In one line: Three recreational pool players, each one of them is facing a personal crisis, find themselves in a middle of a high stake pool tournament.

Trivial Facts: Stickmen is one of the most successful

New Zealand

movies of the recent years.

The Baltimore Bullet (1980)

Legend of the Dragon (1990)

A comedy about a naïve kong fu trainee leaves his rural home to try and make a big fortune as a snooker player in Hong Kong.

Shooting Gallery aka Pool House Prophets (2005)

A skilled pool player finds himself playing against a group of ruthless pool hustlers and one crooked cop.

Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire (1985)

A musical/horror movie centered around a fatal snooker game taken between a young snooker player aka Billy the Kid and a 6 times world champion aka Green Baize Vampire.

Up Against the 8 Ball (2004)

Two African American girls attempting to earn their college tuition by pool hustling in Las Vegas.

Kisses and Caroms (2006)

The consequences of a menage a trios featuring an owner of a billiards supply stores, a seller and a pool tables installer.

Coming Soon: "9-Ball"