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. The Wolf of Wall Street
Wall Street stockbrokers that engage in criminal behaviour have always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father acknowledging famous stockbrokers causing damage. A banker by profession, my father always took interest in stockbrokers orchestrating organizations. He would admire the way dark stockbrokers got away with committing crimes without facing prices to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured lives of Wall Street stockbrokers with addiction as powerfully as “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Ever since its release in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about addicts. With the greatest film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the lives of Wall Street stockbrokers facing despair. Scorsese has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about addicts whose lives are in danger, and “The Wolf of Wall Street” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort faces 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” my favourite film about addicts of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Wall Street, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a stockbroker on Wall Street, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies audiences consider a treat.
2. Requiem for a Dream
Drug addiction is a painful process that often causes people to face stress. During my childhood, I formed a friendship with a kid addicted to drugs. Addicted toward cocaine, he used drugs to cope with feelings of pain. I remember that he would often show up late to class in a dazed and confused drug-induced state. His painful addiction to weed put him on a doomed path to fail rather than succeed. As someone treasuring fond memories of a friend whose dream was to become a drug user, I adored “Requiem for a Dream”. Released in 2000, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured drug addicts facing tragedy. Aronofsky used captivating montages capturing hardships that drug users with frightening addiction are facing. For instance, the scene in which Harry suffers an emotional breakdown when he can’t use drugs causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jared Leto, who embodied a drug addict facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Requiem for a Dream” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about drug addiction which are often hard to watch, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about drug addiction which would resonate with everyone. A dark portrait of drug addiction causing lovers to deteriorate, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that manufactures movies which audiences appreciate.
3. Short Term 12
Trauma often causes people to turn towards drug addiction. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid that faced grim abuse causing sorrow. Adopting negative life perspectives, he turned towards drugs to cope with a childhood that was abusive. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that face short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible role by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a classic is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on teens in a mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about mental hospitals which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about which audiences care.
4. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of country music to appreciate it. 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.
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. He would often use alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with his own mental problem. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about alcohol addiction, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of addiction causing writers in Vegas to crumble, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre audiences consider special.
6. The Whale
Obesity is a serious mental condition rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to depict the lives of obese people whose addiction to food is misunderstood. In an industry where obese people are rarely depicted with detail, it’s worth praising “The Whale”. Released in 2022, Darren Aronofsky’s movie offered a powerful portrait of obesity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Whale” stand out is its depiction of food addiction. Aronofsky uses captivating montages capturing hardships that an obese teacher addicted to food is experiencing. Assisted by Brendan Fraser who is exceptional in the lead role, Aronofsky created a powerful portrait of obesity. A powerful portrait of hardships that obese communities face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies that audiences embrace.
7. My Week With Marilyn
Marilyn Monroe is a legendary movie-star that suffered from drug addiction years ago. During the 1950’s, Monroe became addicted to using substances causing adversities. In 2011, Simon Curtis honoured Marilyn Monroe’s legacy in his movie “My Week With Marilyn”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” stand out is its depiction of movie-stars. Curtis uses captivating montages capturing hardships that an actress addicted to pills is facing. Assisted by Michelle Williams who is extraordinary in the lead role, Curtis honoured Marilyn Monroe’s commemorated legacy. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies about the lives of addicts experiencing sorrow which always give audiences dreams to follow.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Ben is Back
Few movies ever made about addicts that lack emotional support are as beloved as “Ben is Back”. Released in 2018, Peter Hedges’ movie captured the life of a teen drug addict. Hedges used captivating montages capturing tensions that a teen drug addict is experiencing. Assisted by Lucas Hedges who is extraordinary in the lead role, Hedges crafted a powerful portrait of addiction. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a teen drug addict abusing substances affecting his family has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as drugs Ben seeks to use, it’a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing memorable movies which have drastically changed views of addicts which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 