5 Movies with Iconic Snooker and Billiards Scenes That Fans Can’t Miss

Snooker and billiards have long fascinated both players and spectators. The precision, strategy, and tension on the table create a natural sense of drama that filmmakers love to capture. Over the years, several movies have showcased unforgettable snooker and billiards scenes that have become legendary among cue sports fans. These films not only highlight the beauty of the game but also weave it into powerful stories about competition, ambition, and redemption. Here are five must-watch movies with iconic snooker and billiards moments.

1. The Hustler (1961)

Regarded as a masterpiece of American cinema, The Hustler set the standard for billiards movies. Paul Newman stars as “Fast Eddie” Felson, a small-time pool hustler with dreams of defeating the legendary player Minnesota Fats.

• Why it’s iconic: The smoky atmosphere, the slow tension of each shot, and the battle of wits at the billiards table make the pool scenes unforgettable.

• Impact: This film elevated billiards in popular culture, turning it into a metaphor for ambition, struggle, and the pursuit of greatness.

Even today, The Hustler is praised not only for its story but also for the authentic portrayal of pool halls and the psychological intensity behind every game.

2. The Color of Money (1986)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is both a sequel to The Hustler and a standalone classic. Paul Newman reprises his role as Fast Eddie, now older and wiser, who takes a young protégé (played by Tom Cruise) under his wing.

• Why it’s iconic: The film blends mentorship, rivalry, and stylish billiards scenes that show off Tom Cruise’s youthful energy.

• Memorable moment: Cruise’s character performing trick shots with flair, while Newman brings gravitas to the art of pool.

The movie revitalized public interest in billiards during the 1980s and won Paul Newman his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor.

3. The Ronnie O’Sullivan Story (Documentary, 2016)

While not a fictional drama, this documentary film is a must-see for snooker fans. Ronnie O’Sullivan, nicknamed “The Rocket,” is widely regarded as the most naturally gifted snooker player in history.

• Why it’s iconic: The film highlights O’Sullivan’s breathtaking speed at the table, his 147 maximum breaks, and his mental battles outside the sport.

• Impact: It gives fans a deeper appreciation for what makes snooker so demanding—not just technical ability, but also focus, discipline, and mental strength.

For anyone who wants to understand why Ronnie is considered the face of modern snooker, this documentary is essential viewing.

4. Kiss Shot (1989, TV Movie)

This lesser-known gem adds a fresh twist to the billiards genre. Whoopi Goldberg stars as a woman forced to hustle at pool tables to support her family, discovering unexpected talent along the way.

• Why it’s iconic: The pool scenes are fun, authentic, and showcase the excitement of competitive play.

• Unique angle: Instead of focusing solely on male characters, the film highlights a woman breaking into the male-dominated world of billiards.

Although it never achieved the cult status of The Hustler, Kiss Shot remains a hidden treasure for billiards fans looking for something different.

5. The Baltimore Bullet (1980)

This film offers a more comedic take on billiards, following two hustlers—Nick Casey (James Coburn) and Billy Joe (Bruce Boxleitner)—as they travel across America in search of big games.

• Why it’s iconic: The billiards action is fast-paced and combined with witty banter, making it both entertaining and skillful.

• Cultural impact: It captures the “road culture” of hustlers in the United States, where pool halls were both battlegrounds and community hubs.

For fans who enjoy a mix of humor and sharp billiards action, The Baltimore Bullet is a fun ride.

Why These Movies Matter to Cue Sports Fans

What makes these five films essential is not just the presence of snooker and billiards, but the way the sport is used to reflect deeper themes:

• Ambition and rivalry (The Hustler, The Color of Money)

• Resilience and personal struggle (The Ronnie O’Sullivan Story)

• Breaking stereotypes (Kiss Shot)

• Life on the road and the spirit of hustling (The Baltimore Bullet)

Each film captures the intensity of cue sports, where a single shot can mean victory, defeat, or personal transformation.

Conclusion
Snooker and billiards are more than games—they are metaphors for life, skill, and determination. These five films showcase the sport in unforgettable ways, giving fans both thrilling table action and timeless stories. Whether you are a die-hard snooker enthusiast or a casual viewer, these movies will inspire you to look at the cue ball with fresh eyes.