Not many genres have earned appreciation of alcohol addiction. Since the 1980’s, stories of alcoholics have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s shallow singers, shining authors or airline pilots in dangers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about alcoholism that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Shining
Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, isolation affected my abilities to write movie reviews causing sorrow. When I was diagnosed with COVID during the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in rooms taking measures which were catastrophic. Unable to step outside for walks in the fresh air, I struggled to write film reviews about which I had grown to care. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how frightening isolation can cause people to succumb towards alcohol addiction as powerfully as “The Shining”. Following its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about alcohol addiction. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an alcoholic writer facing despair. Kubrick has always had an aptitude for making movies about alcoholics whose lives are in danger, and “The Shining” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Kubrick effectively used foreshadowing to capture a child facing abusive fathers in a hotel that’s frightening. For instance, the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” sequence in which Jack attacks his wife and child with an axe causing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a self-destructive author impacted by severe alcohol addiction. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” my favourite film about alcohol addiction of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies made in the 1980’s which are often outdated, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic horror film about shining writers facing isolated hotels that are frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing memorable movies about alcohol addiction that are worth celebrating.
2. Leaving Las Vegas
Alcohol addiction causes people to face tension. Years ago, I witnessed a companion endure alcohol addiction causing sorrow. He was a reckless kid that enjoyed heavy drinking. Nothing in the whole world gave him as much satisfaction as spending all day drinking. It was heartbreaking seeing a close friend engage in heavy drinking with consequences that were terrifying. 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 a bold portrait of alcohol addiction. Figgis uses 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 embodied an alcoholic. Ultimately, what makes “Leaving Las Vegas” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which will resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcoholism causing writers in Las Vegas to crumble, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences consider special.
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. He always had a rare talent for composing great melodies that people loved to hear. 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 that has made movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
4. Manchester by the Sea
Family tragedy causing tension can often cause people to face alcohol addiction. Several years ago, my grandfather was heartbroken when his brother passed away causing sorrow. My grandfather turned to alcoholism as a coping mechanism. He saw drinking as an effective way of coping with a loss that was devastating. As someone treasuring a grandfather that faced alcoholism causing tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured impact of alcoholism on grieving men facing tragedy. Lonergan used captivating flashbacks capturing the life of a grief-stricken man turning to alcohol addiction to cope with depression. For instance, the police station scene in which Lee recounts the memories of his family’s death causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Casey Affleck, who embodied an alcoholic that’s tragic. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of grief tearing families apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made precious art with power to mend a broken heart.
5. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book that my teacher would always appreciate. I remember a school teacher that grew up to treasure a book about millionaires facing disaster. He would always speak fondly about a book that captured alcoholic millionaires in the 1920’s. Drawn to the green light, he adored a book capturing the barriers that alcoholics fight. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about alcoholism in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann has always thrived at making lavish movies about the lives of alcoholics in danger, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gatsby is first introduced to Nick Carraway in a drunken state at a party causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied an alcoholic millionaire facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Great Gatsby” a great movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class inequalities that would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about a millionaire that’s mysterious, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences consider precious.
6. Babylon
Substance abuse is a serious addiction that impacts celebrities in the filmmaking profession. Since the 1920’s, drugs have played a pivotal role in lives of celebrities. During this tense era, drugs became a way for celebrities to cope with pressure of stardom. In 2022, Damien Chazelle depicted alcohol addiction of celebrities during this era 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.
7. 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 scary crash of an airline flight, I adored “Flight”. Released in 2012, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured 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 harrowing 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.
8. Walk the Line
When it comes to the greatest musicians that suffered from rash alcoholism, it’s worth discussing Johnny Cash. Earning fame in the 1950’s, Cash composed timeless melodies. Despite his severe alcoholism, Cash achieved great stardom. In 2005, James Mangold honoured the divine musician in his movie “Walk the Line”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Walk the Line” stand out is its depiction of musicians. Mangold uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing alcoholic hardships that Johnny Cash was facing. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is outstanding in the lead role, Mangold honoured a legendary musician. As strong as Johnny Cash’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has made iconic movies about tragic alcoholism which have captivated the public.
9. The Wolf of Wall Street
Jordan Belfort is a legendary stockbroker that consumed drugs building a legacy. During the 1980’s, Belfort engaged in excessive alcohol consumption causing tragedy. In 2013, Martin Scorsese honoured the Wall Street stockbroker in his movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” stand out is its depiction of stockbrokers. Scorsese uses captivating montages to capture hedonistic lifestyle of a stockbroker which consumed drugs that are frightening. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is extraordinary in the lead role, Scorsese honoured a stockbroker that achieved fame years ago. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a famous stockbroker on Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences consider a treat.
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10. The Hangover
Few comedies ever made about alcohol addiction causing disaster 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 making captivating movies about hardships that alcoholics are facing which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking.
The Film Buff 