7 Riveting Movies Like Molly’s Game for Fans of High-Stakes Drama
Molly’s Game (2017) is a gripping true story about Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game. With its sharp dialogue, intense drama, and Jessica Chastain’s powerhouse performance, the film captivated audiences. If you’re drawn to stories of ambition, risk, and moral complexity, this list of 7 movies like Molly’s Game is for you. From underground gambling rings to legal battles, these films deliver the same high-stakes tension and intricate storytelling.
1. The Social Network (2010)
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield | Director: David Fincher
Streaming: Netflix
This Aaron Sorkin-penned film explores the rise of Facebook and the legal battles that followed. Like Molly’s Game, it features rapid-fire dialogue, complex characters, and a story of ambition and betrayal.
Why Fans Will Love It:
- Sorkin’s Signature Style: The sharp, witty dialogue mirrors Molly’s Game’s storytelling.
- High-Stakes Drama: The legal and personal battles keep you hooked.
Key Moment: The deposition scenes, where tensions reach a boiling point.
2. Rounders (1998)
Starring: Matt Damon, Edward Norton | Director: John Dahl
Streaming: Hulu
A law student (Damon) returns to the underground poker world to help a friend pay off debts. The film’s exploration of poker culture and high-stakes gambling aligns with Molly’s Game’s themes.
Why Fans Will Love It:
- Poker Drama: The intense poker scenes rival Molly’s Game’s high-stakes games.
- Moral Complexity: The protagonist’s struggle between ambition and loyalty mirrors Molly’s journey.
Key Moment: The final poker game, where everything is on the line.
3. Casino (1995)
Starring: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone | Director: Martin Scorsese
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Plot & Similarities:
This epic crime drama follows a casino operator (De Niro) and his volatile associate (Joe Pesci) as they navigate the glitz and corruption of Las Vegas. The film’s exploration of gambling, power, and betrayal resonates with Molly’s Game.
Why Fans Will Love It:
- Gambling World: The behind-the-scenes look at casino operations is fascinating.
- Intense Drama: The film’s moral ambiguity and explosive conflicts keep you engaged.
Key Moment: The brutal fallout between De Niro and Pesci’s characters.
4. The Big Short (2015)
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling | Director: Adam McKay
Streaming: Netflix
This film delves into the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on a group of investors who bet against the housing market. Like Molly’s Game, it combines high-stakes drama with sharp, fast-paced storytelling.
Why Fans Will Love It:
- Complex Narratives: The film’s intricate plot and moral dilemmas mirror Molly’s Game’s depth.
- Star-Studded Cast: The performances are as compelling as Jessica Chastain’s.
Key Moment: The collapse of the housing market, depicted with chilling clarity.
5. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts | Director: Steven Soderbergh
Streaming: HBO Max
A group of con artists plans an elaborate heist to rob three Las Vegas casinos. The film’s blend of high-stakes gambling, clever schemes, and charismatic characters makes it a great pick for Molly’s Game fans.
Why Fans Will Love It:
- Heist Drama: The intricate planning and execution rival Molly’s Game’s poker games.
- Star Power: The ensemble cast delivers unforgettable performances.
Key Moment: The heist’s climax, where every detail comes together.
6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill | Director: Martin Scorsese
Streaming: Netflix
This wild true story follows Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio), a stockbroker who rises to wealth through corruption and excess. Like Molly’s Game, it explores ambition, moral compromise, and the consequences of living on the edge.
Why Fans Will Love It:
- High-Stakes Lifestyle: The film’s depiction of excess and risk mirrors Molly’s world.
- Dark Humor: The outrageous antics and sharp dialogue keep you entertained.
Key Moment: The infamous “Lemmon 714” scene, a chaotic spiral into excess.
7. Miss Sloane (2016)
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong | Director: John Madden
Streaming: Netflix
A ruthless lobbyist (Chastain) takes on the gun industry in a high-stakes political battle. The film’s themes of ambition, strategy, and moral complexity align with Molly’s Game’s narrative.
Why Fans Will Love It:
- Jessica Chastain: Her commanding performance rivals her role as Molly Bloom.
- Strategic Drama: The film’s intricate plotting and high-stakes battles are gripping.
Key Moment: The courtroom finale, where Sloane’s strategy pays off.
Conclusion: Why These Films Echo Molly’s Game’s Allure
From the high-stakes poker tables of Rounders to the cutthroat world of The Wolf of Wall Street, these seven films capture the same intensity and moral complexity that made Molly’s Game unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to gambling, legal battles, or stories of ambition, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.
