17+ Best Movies About Chess (List)

Chess is a game that has captivated minds for centuries, with its strategic depth and intellectual challenges.

It is no wonder that this ancient game has inspired numerous movies that explore the nuances of chess and the minds of its players.

Here is a list of various movies where chess plays a central role or is a significant element in the storyline:

Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) – A film based on the life of chess prodigy Joshua Waitzkin.

Pawn Sacrifice (2014) – A biographical drama about the American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer and his famous 1972 match against Russian Boris Spassky.

The Queen’s Gambit (2020) – Although not a movie but a miniseries, it has been highly praised for its depiction of the world of chess, focusing on the life of an orphaned chess prodigy.

Brooklyn Castle (2012) – A documentary that follows the lives of five members of the chess team at a below-the-poverty-line inner city junior high school.

Computer Chess (2013) – A black-and-white film that focuses on a man-vs-machine chess tournament in the 1980s.

Knight Moves (1992) – A thriller revolving around a chess grandmaster who becomes a suspect in a series of gruesome murders.

Fresh (1994) – A crime film where a 12-year-old boy uses his chess skills to outwit a local drug dealer.

Life of a King (2013) – A drama based on the true story of Eugene Brown, an ex-convict who starts a chess club for inner-city youths in Washington, D.C.

The Luzhin Defence (2000) – A drama that tells the story of a mentally troubled chess grandmaster and his relationship with a woman he meets at a world championship.

Queen to Play (2009) – A French-German film that explores the life of a chambermaid who develops an interest in chess.

The Dark Horse (2014) – A New Zealand drama based on the true story of Genesis Potini, a Maori speed-chess champion who teaches underprivileged kids how to play chess.

Endgame (2015) – A drama that portrays a young boy who, inspired by the story of the 1944 chess match between Nazi SS officer Karl Junge and Polish priest Stuligrosz, joins his school’s chess club.

Critical Thinking (2020) – A drama based on the true story of the first inner-city high school chess team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship.

The Coldest Game (2019) – A thriller that takes place during the Cuban Missile Crisis, where a math genius is drafted to play in a U.S.-Soviet chess match.

Game Over (2005) – A documentary that explores the match between Garry Kasparov, the highest-rated chess player in history, and Deep Blue, a chess-playing computer developed by IBM.

Magnus (2016) – A documentary that follows the life of Norwegian chess prodigy Magnus Carlsen.

Bobby Fischer Against the World (2011) – A documentary that explores the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer. (We feature the full YouTube video below.)

Closing Gambit (2018) – A documentary that focuses on the 1978 World Chess Championship between the defending champion Anatoly Karpov and the challenger Viktor Korchnoi.

Below we look deeper into the world of chess on the silver screen and explore some of the best movies about chess.

Table of Contents

The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

One of the most recent and highly acclaimed movies about chess is “The Queen’s Gambit.

” Released as a limited series on Netflix in 2020, it quickly gained popularity and became a global sensation.

The story revolves around a young orphan named Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who discovers her prodigious talent for chess and rises through the ranks of the chess world.

The Queen’s Gambit not only showcases the intense and competitive nature of chess but also delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of its protagonist.

The series beautifully captures the psychological aspects of the game, as Beth battles her own demons while striving for greatness in the chess world.

With its stunning cinematography, compelling storyline, and exceptional performances, The Queen’s Gambit has become a favorite among both chess enthusiasts and general audiences.

It has also sparked a renewed interest in chess, with online chess platforms reporting a significant increase in new players following the release of the series.

Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)

Based on the true story of chess prodigy Joshua Waitzkin, “Searching for Bobby Fischer” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking movie that explores the pressures and sacrifices associated with exceptional talent.

The film follows young Josh as he navigates the competitive world of chess, torn between the traditional approach of his mentor and the unorthodox teachings of a park chess hustler.

Through its portrayal of Josh’s journey, the movie raises important questions about the nature of genius, the role of parents in nurturing talent, and the balance between ambition and personal fulfillment.

It showcases the emotional and psychological toll that chess can take on its players, particularly at a young age.

“Searching for Bobby Fischer” is a powerful exploration of the human side of chess, highlighting the importance of finding one’s own path and maintaining a healthy perspective on success.

It serves as a reminder that chess is not just a game of intellect but also a reflection of the human condition.

Pawn Sacrifice (2014)

“Pawn Sacrifice” is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer, played by Tobey Maguire.

The movie focuses on Fischer’s historic 1972 World Chess Championship match against Soviet grandmaster Boris Spassky, which was not only a battle of minds but also a symbol of the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The film delves into Fischer’s complex personality, his struggles with mental health, and the immense pressure he faced as he prepared to take on Spassky.

It captures the intensity of the match and the psychological warfare that unfolded both on and off the chessboard.

“Pawn Sacrifice” provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-stakes chess competitions and the toll they can take on the players involved.

It showcases the sacrifices Fischer made for his passion and the impact his genius had on the game of chess.

Fresh (1994)

While not solely focused on chess, “Fresh” is a gripping drama that incorporates chess as a central theme.

The movie tells the story of a young boy named Michael, played by Sean Nelson, who uses his exceptional chess skills to navigate the dangerous streets of Brooklyn.

Through the game of chess, Michael learns to think strategically and anticipate his opponents’ moves, both on the chessboard and in real life.

The film explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of intellect in overcoming adversity.

“Fresh” is a unique take on the chess genre, blending elements of coming-of-age drama with the strategic thinking inherent in the game.

It showcases the transformative power of chess and its ability to empower individuals in unexpected ways.

Chess documentary: Bobby Fischer Against The World (2011)

FAQs – Best Movies About Chess

1. Are these movies suitable for non-chess players?

Yes, these movies are not only enjoyable for chess players but also for general audiences.

They offer compelling storylines, well-developed characters, and explore universal themes that resonate with viewers.

2. Are these movies based on true stories?

Some of the movies, such as “Searching for Bobby Fischer” and “Pawn Sacrifice,” are based on true stories.

They provide a glimpse into the lives of real chess prodigies and their experiences in the chess world.

3. Can these movies help improve my chess skills?

While these movies may not directly improve your chess skills, they can provide valuable insights into the strategic thinking and psychological aspects of the game.

They may inspire you to explore chess further and develop a deeper understanding of the game.

4. Are there any other notable movies about chess?

Yes, apart from the movies mentioned in this article, there are several other notable movies about chess.

Some examples include “The Luzhin Defence” (2000), “Computer Chess” (2013), and “The Dark Horse” (2014).

5. Are there any documentaries about chess worth watching?

Yes, there are several documentaries that offer a more factual exploration of chess and its players.

Some notable documentaries include “Bobby Fischer Against the World” (2011), “Magnus” (2016), and “Life Itself” (2014).

6. Are there any foreign language movies about chess?

Yes, there are several foreign language movies that explore the world of chess.

For example, “The Seventh Seal” (1957) is a Swedish film directed by Ingmar Bergman that incorporates chess as a central theme.

7. Can these movies be watched with children?

While some of these movies may be suitable for older children, it is advisable to check the age rating and content of each movie before watching them with children.

Some movies may contain mature themes or scenes that may not be appropriate for young viewers.

8. Do I need to know how to play chess to enjoy these movies?

No, you do not need to know how to play chess to enjoy these movies.

While a basic understanding of the game may enhance your appreciation of certain scenes or references, the movies are designed to be accessible to a wide range of audiences.

9. Are there any upcoming movies about chess?

As of now, there are no major upcoming movies solely focused on chess.

However, given the recent success of “The Queen’s Gambit” and the renewed interest in chess, it is possible that more movies about chess will be developed in the future.

10. Can these movies inspire someone to learn and play chess?

Yes, these movies have inspired many individuals to learn and play chess.

The compelling storylines, relatable characters, and the portrayal of chess as a game of intellect and strategy have motivated people to explore the world of chess and develop their own skills.

Summary – Best Movies About Chess

Chess has long been a source of inspiration for filmmakers, offering a richness of intellectual battles, personal struggles, and triumphs.

From the recent sensation “The Queen’s Gambit” to the thought-provoking “Searching for Bobby Fischer,” these movies provide valuable insights into the world of chess and the minds of its players.

These films not only showcase the strategic depth and competitive nature of chess but also delve into the psychological aspects of the game.

They explore themes such as genius, sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

Through their compelling storylines and exceptional performances, these movies have captivated audiences and sparked a renewed interest in chess.

Whether you are a chess enthusiast or simply appreciate thought-provoking cinema, these movies offer a captivating journey into the world of chess and the complexities of the human mind.

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