Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

Rounders

Play trailer Poster for Rounders R Released Sep 8, 1998 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
64% Tomatometer 81 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) loses his money in a poker game against Russian gangster Teddy "KGB" (John Malkovich). Under pressure from his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol), he promises to quit gambling. This lasts until his friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton), gets out of prison and needs to pay off an old debt. The pair come close to earning the money back but are caught cheating. Then Mike finds out the debt is owed to Teddy and makes one last-ditch effort to beat the Russian.
Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

Where to Watch

Rounders

Rounders

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Richly atmospheric and colorful performances contributed to the movie's entertainment value.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (81) Critics Reviews
Jason Bailey Flavorwire The most vivid and most enjoyable movies immerse us in a world, and show us how that world works. The screenplay by David Levien and Brian Koppelman does that; Dahl's direction closes the deal. Jun 19, 2016 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: B Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Rita Kempley Washington Post The wholesome pup's poker face alone, however, hardly accounts for the film's failure to thrill. Damon's character doesn't really have that much stake in the story's outcome. Mar 25, 2008 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault This is tired, tired stuff. Rated: C- Sep 2, 2022 Full Review Mark Jackson Epoch Times "Rounders" is basically "Good Will Hunting 2." I'll go so far as to say that it's even more entertaining. I've seen "Good Will Hunting" twice. I've seen "Rounders" at least nine times. Rated: 4/5 Aug 31, 2021 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com If you are a fan of poker, you will likely love this film's portrayal of the poker world. Rated: 3.5/4.0 Sep 21, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews
Dave S Already involved in a fractious relationship over previous gambling issues, law student Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) further complicates things when he becomes involved with debts owed to a Russian mobster by his friend Lester (Edward Norton), recently released from prison. With Rounders, director John Dahl, graduating from his signature film noirs, tells a story of greed, passion, and loyalty that features an interesting storyline, equally interesting characters, and a great performance from Norton. On the flipside, the voiceover narration, especially early on, feels lazy, the performance by John Malkovich as the Russian mobster is way over the top, and viewers with no knowledge of poker may find the Texas Hold ‘Em scenes baffling. Despite these minor shortcomings, it’s one of the best poker movies available for those who enjoy the game. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/13/24 Full Review timmy b Incredibly well written, acted & directed. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/02/24 Full Review Mike H One of my absolute favorites. So well written and performed. Best poker movie out there. Oh and there’s Malkovich. The great Malkovich. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/20/24 Full Review Caleb J Best Poker film of all-time. Damon & Norton are fantastic. Certified Banger. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/20/24 Full Review Matthew C Dated and boring, particularly the nonsense with the judge. Poker was mainly good but thats all this has. Malcovich over acts and where was a card dealer? Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/02/24 Full Review Amin K "Rounders" is an electrifying dive into the world of underground poker, directed by John Dahl. Set against the gritty backdrop of New York City, the film follows the journey of Mike McDermott, played by Matt Damon, a talented poker player who finds himself torn between the allure of the game and the desire for a stable life. Alongside Damon's compelling portrayal, Edward Norton delivers a magnetic performance as Mike's unpredictable friend, Worm. What sets "Rounders" apart is its authentic depiction of the poker subculture. From smoky underground clubs to high-stakes tournaments, the film immerses viewers in the adrenaline-fueled world of professional gambling. Each hand of cards is played with palpable tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Beyond its gripping narrative, "Rounders" features sharp dialogue and insightful commentary on themes of risk, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness. The screenplay, written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, skillfully weaves together a story that resonates long after the credits roll. In summary, "Rounders" is a cinematic gem that delivers an unforgettable experience without spoiling the plot. With its stellar performances, riveting storyline, and rich thematic depth, it's a must-watch for anyone seeking a thrilling cinematic ride. Whether you're a poker enthusiast or simply a fan of compelling storytelling, "Rounders" is sure to leave you captivated from beginning to end. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Rounders

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

54 15% 36% 54 Watchlist The Crossing Guard 76% 53% The Crossing Guard Watchlist Playing by Heart 60% 79% Playing by Heart Watchlist Exotica 95% 83% Exotica Watchlist The Wings of the Dove 86% 78% The Wings of the Dove Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) loses his money in a poker game against Russian gangster Teddy "KGB" (John Malkovich). Under pressure from his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol), he promises to quit gambling. This lasts until his friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton), gets out of prison and needs to pay off an old debt. The pair come close to earning the money back but are caught cheating. Then Mike finds out the debt is owed to Teddy and makes one last-ditch effort to beat the Russian.
Director
John Dahl
Producer
Joel Stillerman, Ted Demme
Screenwriter
David Levien, Brian Koppelman
Distributor
Miramax Films
Production Co
Miramax Films, Spanky Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 8, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$22.9M
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
Most Popular at Home Now