Solitaire in Pop Culture: Movies, Series, and Literature

Yet, if you look closely, it has slipped into popular culture almost everywhere — in movies, TV shows, and even literature. Today, we can safely say that this simple card game has become a symbol in its own right.

A Symbol of solitude... but not only that

You’ve probably noticed: in films or series, when someone is shown playing Solitaire, it’s rarely for fun. Most of the time, it’s used to show a character who is alone, thoughtful, cut off from the world... or even someone wasting time instead of working.

In House of Cards, for example, we see Frank Underwood playing Solitaire on his computer — a small detail that says a lot about his personality: calculating, methodical, solitary. The game becomes a metaphor for how he moves through life — card by card, strategy by strategy.

In cinema: A detail that speaks volumes

In movies, Solitaire is often a visual storytelling tool that says a lot without a single word.

Take The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), for instance. Steve McQueen plays a rich, intelligent, somewhat distant man — and yes, we see him playing Solitaire. That’s no coincidence. The game highlights his control over time, his need for mastery, and his boredom with a world that’s too easy for him.

And, of course, there’s the iconic image of Windows Solitaire. How many films or TV shows have shown an office worker stuck at their desk, clicking through cards to kill time? That little green screen has almost become a symbol of modern life — a micro mental break between two emails.

In literature: A game of cards... and of meaning

In novels too, Solitaire has found its place. For some authors, it becomes a metaphor for life. Each game is a series of choices, mistakes, missed opportunities, and strokes of luck.

In The Stranger by Albert Camus, even though the game isn’t mentioned directly, we find a similar idea: a detached character, almost an observer of his own existence. Solitaire, in a way, is that game that confronts you with yourself — no cheating possible.

More recently, some writers have used it as a symbol of resilience or inner calm. The simple act of shuffling, placing, and starting over becomes a ritual — a way to regain control and focus the mind.

In modern series: A nostalgic nod

In more recent shows, Solitaire often reappears as a vintage touch.

In Stranger Things or The Office, you sometimes see a character in front of an old computer with Solitaire open — a little wink to a time when the internet wasn’t everywhere yet. It’s a small set detail, but it always brings a smile to viewers who remember that era.

And beyond that, Solitaire has become a cultural meme: on social media, it’s often turned into a joke, a symbol of “boredom with dignity.” Even younger generations who never played the original Windows version recognize those bouncing cards that fill the screen after a win. It’s also used as a nostalgic reminder of a time before the internet took over.

At its core, Solitaire has never been just a card game. It’s a mirror of emotion, a discreet symbol that has crossed eras and screens alike. In films, it represents solitude or self-control; in literature, reflection and destiny; and in television, the nostalgia of a digital past.

So next time you see someone playing Solitaire on screen, take a closer look — there’s a good chance it’s not just to pass the time.