Drinking in on Screen: A Journey Through Movies About Alcoholism
Alright, guys, buckle up! We're about to dive into a list of movies about alcoholism that'll make you laugh, cry, and think. These films aren't just about booze; they're about the people behind the bottles, the struggles, and the triumphs. So, grab your popcorn (and maybe a glass of water), and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and movies about alcoholism.
The Classics: Iconic Movies About Alcoholism
The Lost Weekend (1945)
Kicking off our list is Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend, a film that's as old as time but as relevant as ever. This movie follows Don Birnam (Ray Milland), a struggling writer with a serious drinking problem. It's a raw and honest portrayal of alcoholism that was way ahead of its time. Fun fact: This classic won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Ray Milland.
Days of Wine and Roses (1962)
Next up, we have Days of Wine and Roses, a film that's as bittersweet as its title suggests. Jack Lemmon plays Joe Clay, a successful advertising exec who's also a functioning alcoholic. Lee Remick plays his wife, Kirsten, who starts drinking to keep up with Joe. This movie is a poignant exploration of how alcoholism can destroy not just the alcoholic, but also the people around them.
The '70s and '80s: Alcoholism on the Big Screen
The Shining (1980)
Yes, you read that right! The Shining is more than just a horror movie; it's a story about Jack Torrance's (Jack Nicholson) descent into madness, fueled by his alcoholism. The iconic "Here's Johnny" scene is a chilling reminder of the monster alcohol can turn a person into.
Barfly (1987)
Barfly is a gritty, no-holds-barred look at life on the fringes, seen through the eyes of an alcoholic poet, Henry Chinaski (Mickey Rourke). This movie is based on Charles Bukowski's semi-autobiographical novel, and it's a raw, unflinching portrayal of alcoholism and the people it affects.
The '90s and Beyond: Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Feel
Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Leaving Las Vegas is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and alcoholism. Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) is a Hollywood screenwriter who's hit rock bottom, both literally and figuratively. He moves to Las Vegas to drink himself to death, but meets a prostitute named Sera (Elisabeth Shue) who tries to save him. This movie is a tough watch, but it's also a powerful testament to the human spirit.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now is a coming-of-age story with a twist. Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) is a high school senior with a penchant for partying and a serious drinking problem. The movie follows Sutter as he navigates love, loss, and the reality of his alcoholism. It's a funny, sad, and ultimately hopeful movie that'll leave you feeling all the feels.
Beautiful Boy (2018)
Beautiful Boy is a biographical drama about a young man's struggle with meth addiction, but it's also a story about alcoholism. The movie follows Nic Sheff (Timothée Chalamet) as he battles his addiction, and his father David (Steve Carell) as he tries to help him. It's a raw, emotional portrayal of the impact addiction can have on a family.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Laugh... And Then Think
Sideways (2004)
Sideways is a comedy-drama about two friends, Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church), who go on a wine-tasting road trip before Jack's wedding. Miles is a struggling writer with a drinking problem, and the movie explores how his alcoholism affects his relationships and his life.
The Hangover (2009)
The Hangover is a comedy about a group of friends who wake up in a Las Vegas hotel room with no memory of the previous night's events. It's a hilarious movie, but it's also a story about the consequences of excessive drinking and the importance of friendship and forgiveness.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Inspire You
28 Days (2000)
28 Days is a comedy-drama about a woman, Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock), who's sentenced to spend 28 days in a rehab facility after a DUI. The movie follows Gwen as she navigates the 12-step program and learns to face her alcoholism head-on. It's a funny, heartwarming movie that'll leave you feeling inspired.
Flight (2012)
Flight is a drama about an airline pilot, Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington), who saves a plane from crashing but later faces accusations of being drunk at the time of the crash. The movie explores Whip's struggle with alcoholism and his journey towards accepting responsibility for his actions.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Think Twice
Rain Man (1988)
Rain Man is a drama about a young man, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers he has an older brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), who's an autistic savant. Raymond also has a serious drinking problem, and the movie explores how Charlie helps Raymond face his addiction.
The Fighter (2010)
The Fighter is a biographical sports drama about boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), who's also Micky's trainer. Dicky is a former boxer who's now struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism. The movie explores Dicky's journey towards accepting help and getting sober.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Appreciate Life
A Star is Born (2018)
A Star is Born is a romantic musical drama about a musician, Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), who falls in love with a singer, Ally (Lady Gaga). Jackson struggles with alcoholism throughout the movie, and his journey towards accepting his addiction and seeking help is a powerful one.
Come As You Are (2019)
Come As You Are is a drama about three young men with disabilities who embark on a road trip to a brothel in Canada, where they hope to lose their virginity. One of the men, Scott (Grant Rosenmeyer), struggles with alcoholism, and the movie explores how his friends help him face his addiction.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Cry... And Then Cheer
When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)
When a Man Loves a Woman is a romantic drama about a couple, Michael (Andy Garcia) and Alice (Meg Ryan), who struggle with alcoholism and the impact it has on their marriage and their family. The movie follows Alice as she seeks treatment and Michael as he struggles to support her.
My Name is Bill W. (1989)
My Name is Bill W. is a biographical drama about Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The movie follows Bill as he struggles with alcoholism and eventually finds a way to help others overcome their addiction. It's a powerful, inspiring movie that'll leave you feeling hopeful.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Laugh, Cry, and Everything in Between
The Departed (2006)
The Departed is a crime drama about an undercover cop, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), who infiltrates a gang of Irish mobsters. The movie explores Billy's struggle with alcoholism and the impact it has on his life and his career.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Birdman is a black comedy-drama about a former Hollywood action star, Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), who's trying to make a comeback on Broadway. Riggan struggles with alcoholism and his own ego, and the movie explores his journey towards self-acceptance and redemption.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Think About Your Own Life
The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)
The Man with the Iron Fists is an action film about a blacksmith, Li (RZA), who's forced to defend his village from a group of ruthless pirates. Li struggles with alcoholism and his own demons, and the movie explores his journey towards finding inner peace and acceptance.
The Words (2012)
The Words is a drama about a writer, Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper), who steals a manuscript and passes it off as his own. The movie explores Rory's struggle with alcoholism and the consequences of his actions. It's a thought-provoking movie that'll make you think about the choices you make and the impact they have on your life.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Appreciate Life, Love, and Friendship
The Big Chill (1983)
The Big Chill is a drama about a group of friends who reunite after the death of one of their friends. The movie explores each character's struggle with alcoholism and the impact it has on their relationships and their lives. It's a powerful, poignant movie that'll leave you feeling grateful for the people in your life.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club is a comedy-drama about a group of high school students who are forced to spend a Saturday in detention. One of the students, Andrew Clark (Emilio Estevez), struggles with alcoholism and the impact it has on his life and his relationships. The movie is a reminder that everyone has their own struggles, and that we should always be kind and compassionate to one another.
Movies About Alcoholism That'll Make You Laugh, Cry, and Everything in Between... And Then Some
The Apartment (1960)
The Apartment is a romantic comedy-drama about a man, C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon), who lends his apartment to his superiors for their extramarital affairs. Baxter struggles with alcoholism and his own insecurities, and the movie explores his journey towards finding love and self-acceptance.
The Descendants (2011)
The Descendants is a comedy-drama about a man, Matt King (George Clooney), who's trying to navigate his family's complicated dynamics after his wife falls into a coma. Matt struggles with alcoholism and his own demons, and the movie explores his journey towards finding forgiveness and redemption.