My Favourite Films About Addiction of All-Time

Not many genres have gained appreciation of addiction. Since the 1970’s, addiction has often been portrayed in memorable movies. Whether it’s drug users, Wall Street stockbrokers or alcoholic singers, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about addiction which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Requiem for a Dream

Drug addiction is a painful process that causes people to face stress. During my childhood, I formed friendships with a kid addicted to dark drugs. I remember he would often show up late to class in a dazed and confused drug-induced state. His painful addiction to weed put him on paths to fail rather than succeed. Nevertheless, I developed strong bonds with a friend I grew up to embrace giving me greater understandings of harsh challenges drug addicts face. Few films I’ve seen have captured dangers of drug addiction affecting abilities of people to achieve their dream as powerfully as “Requiem for a Dream”. Ever since its release in 2000, Darren Aronofsky’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about addiction. With the greatest film of. his career, Aronofsky used innovative cinematic techniques to capture drug addicts suffering from an addiction that causes despair. Aronofsky has always had an aptitude for making movies about the danger of addiction, and “Requiem for a Dream” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Harry is hospitalized for drug addiction that reaches its peak causing trauma is one of the most memorable moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Jared Leto, who portrayed a drug addict facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Requiem for a Dream” my favourite film about addiction of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about addiction that are targeted towards a small audience, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about the dangerous consequences of substance abuse which would resonate with everyone. Although the film isn’t an easy watch due to its disturbing subject matter, it absolutely demands to be seen. A devastating depiction of drug addiction causing the lives of youth to experience destruction, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies that are definitely worthy of celebration.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street

Wall Street stockbrokers fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a father admiring stockbrokers causing damage. He admired the way stockbrokers got away with crimes without a price to pay. As someone treasuring a father fascinated with stockbrokers on Wall Street, I adored “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie depicted the lives of drug-addicted stockbrokers on Wall Street. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a Wall Street stockbroker with severe drug addiction. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort faced the high of quaaludes for the first time wrecking his car causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies a stockbroker that abused dangerous drugs years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a great movie about addiction is its message. The film delivers a cautionary message about dangers of excessive drug use which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a stockbroker on Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences consider a treat.

3. A Star is Born

Musicians often suffer from severe drug addiction. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a kid that sought to become a musical maestro. Fond of playing the guitar, he seemed born to be a star. However, his severe addiction to weed affected his abilities to become a musician that could succeed. As someone treasuring fond memories of a musical friend torn apart by addiction, I adored “A Star is Born”. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s movie captured the lives of musicians with drug addiction. Cooper effectively used montages capturing the lives of alcoholic singers facing tragedy. For instance, the scene in which Jackson Maine humiliates Ally by urinating during her awards acceptance speech causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Cooper, who embodied a musician with shallow alcohol addiction. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” a musical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction experienced by commemorated singers that are far from shallow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre giving audiences dreams to follow.

4. The Substance

Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a girl concerned about her body image. Called drop-dead gorgeous, she was a girl my classmates would consider precious. However, she never believed that she was a pretty woman with a bright future. She had a strong desire to use a substance that could transform her into a younger version of herself people admire. As someone haunted by a girl that yearned for drugs to change her appearance, I adored “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s movie depicted a woman addicted to drugs altering her body. Fargeat used the symbolism of a drug to showcase women concerned about body image. For instance, the scene in which Elisabeth discovers using the substance changes her appearance causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Demi Moore, who embodies an actress addicted towards a body substance. Ultimately, what makes “The Substance” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about body image which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of actresses using a powerful substance to enhance their appearance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies earning a huge audience.

5. Leaving Las Vegas

Alcohol addiction causes tension. Years ago, I witnessed a companion endure alcohol addiction. He was a reckless kid that enjoyed heavy drinking. Nothing in the whole world gave him as much satisfaction as spending all day drinking. Our friendship ended when I decided I couldn’t longer bear seeing him get wasted. As someone treasuring a friend that suffered from alcohol addiction which was dangerous, I adored “Leaving Las Vegas”. Released in 1995, Mike Figgis’ movie painted bold portraits of alcohol addiction. Figgis uses captivating montages capturing an alcoholic whose health is declining. For instance, the scene in which Ben has breakdowns after a night of drinking causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Nicolas Cage, who captures an alcoholic facing damage. Ultimately, what makes “Leaving Las Vegas” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about alcohol consumption, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A phenomenal portrait of alcohol addiction causing writers in Las Vegas to crumble, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences consider special.

6. Rocketman

Elton John is a legendary musician that built a lasting legacy. A troubled musician, John suffered from severe drug addiction that almost ruined his reputation. Despite facing drug addiction, John never lost his passion for becoming a musician. In 2019, Dexter Fletcher honoured the legendary singer with elan in his movie “Rocketman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Rocketman” stand out is its honesty. Fletcher uses the captivating setting of therapy sessions to capture Elton John’s battle against addiction that’s frightening. Assisted by Taron Edgerton who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fletcher honoured Elton John’s legacy. As strong as Elton John’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has produced iconic movies about the catastrophic consequences of drug addiction which have captivated the public.

7. Babylon

Substance abuse is a serious addiction that impacts celebrities in the filmmaking profession. Since the 1920’s, drugs have enhanced lives of celebrities. During this tense era, drugs became a way for actors to cope with pressure of stardom. In 2022, Damien Chazelle depicted the era where drug addiction was common in Hollywood in his movie “Babylon”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Babylon” stand out is its depiction of Hollywood. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing lives of doomed celebrities using substances that are frightening. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is superb in the leading role, Chazelle captured drug use in Hollywood’s dark history. A heartbreaking portrait of drug addiction in 1920’s Hollywood, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has created movies audiences have understood.

8. Flight

Plane crashes are terrifying tragedies that have always scared me. As far as I can remember, I have often feared planes crashing causing disaster. As someone fearing the frightening crash of an airline flight, I adored “Flight”. Released in 2012, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured the grim impact of drug use on airline pilots. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Flight” stand out is its depiction of pilots. Zemeckis uses engaging flashbacks to capture a plane crash caused by substance use. Assisted by Denzel Washington who is amazing in the lead role, Zemeckis captures how substance abuse causes lives of airline pilots to spiral out of control. A fantastic portrait of barriers that airline pilots with drug addiction fight, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre making movies shining light on issues that are all-too-often hidden in plain sight.

9. The Great Gatsby

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about addiction, it’s worth discussing “The Great Gatsby”. Since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a literary classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about alcoholism in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of parties. Baz Luhrmann uses captivating montages capturing alcohol-fuelled parties at a millionaire’s mansion. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhramnn honoured a beloved book about addiction. A great adaptation of a beloved book about a mysterious millionaire experiencing despair, it’s a grand reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about which audiences care.

10. The Hangover

Few comedies ever made about a hangover are as beloved as “The Hangover”. Since its release in 2009, Todd Phillips’ movie has become a comedic classic about addiction. Phillips used captivating montages capturing friends having a hangover that’s frightening. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is superb in the lead role, Phillips created a captivating comedic portrait of addiction. Although I admire the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a hangover as a fun activity without consequences has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As unforgettable as Phil’s hangover after a night of partying, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced captivating movies contributing towards greater understanding of challenges addicts are facing which I will forever treasure for shaping my love of filmmaking.