The Best Movies About Snooker Ever

Go Around The Table

When you think about sports in movies, you probably think about football, the NFL, athletics, etc. The sports that are renowned for being fast, action-packed, adrenaline-pumped… and perfect for the silver screen. What you may not have thought about, though, is cue sports like snooker. But maybe you should – because this is a game of precision, patience, and high stakes – and actually translated pretty well to the movie world – and, as such, it has also had its fair share of representation on the big screen.

So, with that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best movies about snooker and cue sports that have ever been made…

The Hustler – 1961

OK, The Hustler is actually more about pool rather than snooker, but it still deserves a mention because it had a huge impact on cue sports in cinema. The film, which stars Paul Newman as “Fast” Eddie Felson, is all about a talented but self-destructive pool player who is trying to hit the big time. 

The film has a really gritty portrayal of all the highs and lows of those who enjoy a bit of pool and snooker betting – and it really sets the tone for all the snooker and pool movies that were to follow.

The Color of Money – 1986

Of course, we have to mention the sequel to The Hustler, The Color of Money where Paul Newman reprises his role as Eddie Felson. However, this time he is mentoring a young and cocky pool player – famously played by a young and upcoming Tom Cruise. 

The movie, directed by the Oscar-winning genius that is Martin Scorsese, isn’t just about the tension that comes with a high-stakes sports game, but it’s also about personal redemption, making it well worth watching if you consider yourself a fan of snooker – and, of course, pool.

Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire – 1987

Then, we have this one, a Brit flick, which has become a bit of a cult classic, and is one of the few films that is actually completely based on the game of snooker itself. This is a mix of sports drama and musical fantasy, and it tells the story of Billy the Kid, who is a young snooker prodigy who’s about to face off against the reigning champion, Maxwell Randall – nicknamed the “Green Baize Vampire.” 

The film is surreal and theatrical – and its unique take on the snooker world is well worth watching.

The Rack Pack – 2016

If you’re after a more realistic and historical take on snooker, then The Rack Pack is an excellent watch. This is a BBC-produced film that is all about the intense rivalry between those two legends of the game Alex Higgins and Steve Davis during the 1970s and 1980s – which many fans consider to be the golden age of snooker. 

With some seriously decent performances The Rack Pack, in our opinion, is a must-watch if you enjoy a bit of snooker action.

Snooker – 2009

This one is a much lesser-known, independent film, and it follows the life of a snooker player who is struggling, but trying his hardest to make it in the professional circuit. The movie is basically about all the dedication and sacrifice that it takes to be a serious competitor in such a mentally draining and difficult sport. Although it doesn’t have any world-famous actors in starring roles, it manages to give us the perfect look at the life of a pro snooker wannabe.

Legend of the Red Dragon – 1994

If you’ve seen this movie, you’ll be well aware that it’s essentially a martial arts film that stars the legendary Jet Li. However, the movie does have a seriously iconic snooker sequence that is a pretty big moment in the film. This scene is based around a high-stakes snooker game being played – but this one comes with the added element of martial arts-style trick shots – which, in our opinion, makes it one of the most memorable cinematic representations of the sport ever.

So, there you have it! Although you might not necessarily immediately think about linking snooker and movies, when you do, there are some incredible viewing options available!