Billiards in Pop Culture: From ‘The Hustler’ to YouTube Stars

Billiards has long held a unique place in pop culture, reflecting the values, tensions, and aesthetics of each era it touched. From classic cinema to the rise of digital creators, pool has evolved not only as a game but as a cultural symbol.

Hollywood's Love Affair with Billiards

One of the most iconic portrayals of billiards came with the 1961 film The Hustler, starring Paul Newman as “Fast” Eddie Felson. The movie didn't just show the game—it revealed the gritty, psychological drama behind the green felt. It romanticized pool halls as places of character, competition, and moral tension. Later, The Color of Money (1986), also starring Newman, brought the character back and introduced a new generation to the allure of high-stakes cue battles.

These films helped transform the public's perception of pool from a smoky bar game to a test of focus, talent, and resilience.

TV and Commercials: The Pool Table as a Lifestyle Symbol

In various TV shows and advertisements, the pool table often appears in basements, lounges, or bachelor pads, symbolizing coolness, leisure, or competition. It's frequently associated with masculinity, strategy, and sophistication—used more for what it represents than as a game itself.

From James Bond cueing up a precise shot, to sitcom characters hashing out life decisions over a casual game, billiards has been a versatile storytelling tool.

The Rise of YouTube Stars and Streaming Pool

In the last decade, social media and platforms like YouTube and TikTok have birthed a new generation of billiards influencers. Stars like Florian “Venom” Kohler, known for his jaw-dropping trick shots, and players like Jennifer Barretta and Shane Van Boening, have built global followings.

These creators blend entertainment, education, and personality, making pool accessible and exciting for younger audiences. Livestreamed matches and instructional videos have revitalized interest in the sport, creating communities that extend far beyond local pool halls.

Pool as a Cultural Touchstone

Whether in gritty black-and-white dramas, stylish Instagram trick shot reels, or in the background of a TV drama, billiards continues to represent more than just a game. It’s about control under pressure, confidence, precision, and personal style.

As culture evolves, so too does the image of pool. From saloons to screen time, the cue and the table remain firmly planted in the popular imagination—just with new characters and narratives in play.