Playing cards are highly flexible, used for serious poker games and awesome magic tricks alike. There are a bunch of thematic cards worth discovering in 2024. While themed playing cards might seem like a simple novelty, detailed and creative artwork is often front and center. Not only does this make such playing cards highly collectible, but also accessible.
There are card games for players of all ages, so it’s important to consider different themes and price tags as needed. Fortunately, there’s also a range of pop culture collaborations that will allow you to express your fandom while you play. So, here are the best themed playing cards this year, for collectors and casual players alike.
Updated on June 14, 2025, by Kenny Kimberly:Thematic playing cards can help to bring new life and appreciation to every card game you use your deck for. We’ve come back to this article to add a few more fun decks and flesh out our thoughts on these beautiful decks.
Bicycle World of Warcraft Premium Special Edition Playing Cards
With your favorite lore figures as face cards
These special edition playing cards from Bicycle are officially-licensed World of Warcraft cards to celebrate WoW’s 18th anniversary. Available for the Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King expansions, they’re gold-foiled and full of gorgeous art.
If you’re a World of Warcraft fan looking for a deck of playing cards, the officially-licensed World of Warcraft Special Edition deck from Bicycle is our suggestion. These cards are gold foiled to make them easier to shuffle - and to catch the light during your game.
The face cards have popular lore figures, like the former warchief Thrall. The gold foil also helps toprotect the cardsagainst minor bits of damage, such as the sides getting notched during shuffling.
7 Deadly Sins Premium Themed Playing Cards
Biblically accurate solitaire
Looking to add a Biblical flair to your shuffle, or just need a set of extra cards? The 7 Deadly Sins Playing Cards from Brybelly turn each sin into another deck in this collection inspired by the Divine Comedy.
If you want to add a Biblical flair to your card, we suggest this set of official cards from Brybelly. These cards are based on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, with particular attention to the most well-known of the three books, Dante’s Inferno.
These cards aren’t especially foiled, though they’re made of high-quality cardstock. The main claim is theirgorgeous artworkand the plethora of decks you have to choose from. While these cards are wholly safe for work, some cards have slightly suggestive art, meaning you may not want to gift this package to anyone too young.
Paladone Minecraft Playing Cards
Cute Fun For Families!
This playing card set includes a standard deck featuring popular characters from Minecraft, such as the default heroes Steve and Alex, as well as the terrifying Enderman.The set also comes with a collectible, protective tin. It’s excellent for safely storing the cards, or taking them on the go for the whole family.
Although this novelty set from Paladone released a couple of years ago, it remains a highlight for kid-friendly playing cards. It’s also perfect for gamers who have likely played the generation-defining title, Minecraft. Paladone’s playing cards feature familiar characters from the game, including both heroes and iconic enemies.
The content is thoroughly family-friendly, aside from the theme alone. The set is cheaper than most, so you don’t have to worry too much about replacing damaged cards. It also comes with a protective tin to avoid that in the first place, and it’s ideal for camping trips or holiday travel. These cards are also perfect for playingeasier, family-friendly games.
Aquarius Pink Floyd Playing Cards
Display And Rock Out!
This music-themed set includes a standard deck and two Jokers, with artwork inspired by the iconic band Pink Floyd.This set is officially licensed, and every single playing card features its own unique artwork for collectors. The tuck case also includes a collage of similar art.
This officially licensed Aquarius set is also from 2021, but it’s still a high bar for music lovers. Pink Floyd is one of the quintessential bands of its time. It also happened to be specifically renowned for theincredible artworkof its albums, which needed to reflect the music’s thoughtful and complex themes.
Although these playing cards aren’t as durable as comparable products, they are lavish and make a statement. The artwork is full of Pink Floyd fan service, with excellent references that any fan will enjoy. You are more likely to spend your time admiring and displaying these cards, rather than shuffling them about for game night over a few drinks.
Bicycle Back To The Future Playing Cards
Retro Fun, Fresh Designs!
These playing cards are inspired by the classic 1980’s adventure movie Back to the Future. Custom artwork includes Doc, Marty McFly, and the iconic time machine DeLorean.The stylized designs are featured on all the playing card backs, court cards, and the elaborate tuck case.
The Bicycle brand offers some of the most inventive-themed playing cards on the market. But the Back to the Future set is often used to represent the brand altogether. It’s a premium product that cleverly blends classic playing card imagery with the beloved heroes and their DeLorean.
The truly custom designs were only reserved for court cards and cardbacks. However, the tuck case is embossed to create depth, and in addition to the incredible foils, it even comes with a themed closure seal. It’s a gorgeous love letter for cinema lovers, with great movie references to the climactic clock and more.
theory11 Star Wars Playing Cards - Dark Side (Grey)
Star Wars Fun For Everyone!
This set of premium playing cards was officially produced with Disney and Lucasfilm in 2023. The artwork has characters, lightsabers, Darth Vader, and other Dark Side content.The cards are made from quality paper stock, and the art was made with theory11’s signature finish and premium ink.
Star Wars has united fans across all mediums, generations, and boundaries, much like the Force itself. There have been many Star Wars-themed playing card sets, but this 2023 release from theory11 has spectacular artwork. The premium cards are also official, and they were produced alongside both Lucasfilm and Disney.
Some Star Wars playing cards get too specific. This set broadly features a variety of famous characters and vehicles, both on the playing cards and on the tuck case. The Dark Side’s iconography has a lot of attitude with this set’s fresh gray colorway. The combination of refined style and mature fandom is similar to the appeal of complex LEGO Star Wars sets.
Bicycle Disney Mickey Mouse Playing Cards
Classy And Fun For All!
This premium set of playing cards features Mickey Mouse throughout the art design. The cards also feature metal foil and Bicycle’s high-quality finish.The black and gold theme makes this more of a collector’s set, but the Mickey Mouse imagery is suitable for fans of all ages.
This Disney-themed set is the perfect combination of premium style and mainstream appeal. Disney is everywhere these days, with constant creative output. Artwork inspired by Mickey Mouse will please fans of every Disney property, from the iconic animated films to the expansive theme parks.
And, although Mickey and Minnie are predominantly on the court cards, the Mickey design is woven throughout every playing card. They can even be found in suits and accent art. This way, you have a terrific collector’s item, but artwork that isn’t too distracting for genuine gameplay. If you missed the Disney 100 Limited Edition, this is an excellent choice for any fan.
FAQ
What Is The Best Playing Card Brand?
Kem cards are often considered the superior product. This is largely due to the unusual durability of the plastic design. Bicycle cards are also extremely popular, partially for their long-running reputation and their plethora of themed cards
What Is The Best Card In A Deck?
That depends on the rules of the game you’re playing! In many games, the Ace is the highest card, though it can also be the lowest card as a stand-in for 1. Royal cards typically are the highest value.
Where Can I Find Themed Playing Cards?
Themed playing cards are often found in gaming stores, online retailers, and general goods stores.
