The Best Movies Made About Addiction Ranked

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. Leaving Las Vegas

Alcohol addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed a companion face grim consequences of alcohol addiction. An alcoholic, he always loved to engage in excessive heavy drinking without any concern for the grim consequences that could be tragic. Nothing in the whole world would ever give him as much satisfaction as spending all his days drinking. Our friendship ended when I decided I could no longer bear to witness him getting wasted. Few films that I’ve ever seen have captured the damaging consequences of alcohol addiction as powerfully as “Leaving Las Vegas”. Following its release in 1995, Mike Figgis’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about addiction. With the greatest film of his career, Figgis used innovative cinematic techniques to demonstrate alcoholics experiencing despair. For instance, the scene in which Ben experiences nervous breakdowns in a casino after a night of heavy drinking causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an great role by Nicolas Cage, who embodied an alcoholic facing emotional damage. Ultimately, what makes “Leaving Las Vegas” my favourite film about addiction of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about alcohol addiction, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about grim effects of alcohol addiction that would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of alcohol addiction causing lives of writers to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate manufacturing movies audiences commonly appreciate.

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 undeniable treat.

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 childhood trauma 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 commonly 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 commonly follow.

5. 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.

6. 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 commonly captivated public.

7. The Substance

Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a girl concerned about her body image.  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. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Substance” stand out is its depiction of body image. Fargeat uses captivating montages capturing hardships an actress seeking to change her appearance is facing. Assisted by Demi Moore who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fargeat created a captivating addiction drama. A phenomenal portrait of actresses using a powerful substance to enhance their appearance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies earning a huge audience.

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 common sight.

9. Ben is Back

Drug addiction often causes parents to face tension. It’s often challenging for parents to raise children with drug addiction. Teens with drug addiction often drift apart from parents that are left with a broken heart. The back-breaking struggle faced by parents raising children with drugs is beautifully depicted in “Ben is Back”. Released in 2018, Peter Hedges’ drama capturing teens with drug addiction facing trauma. Hedges used stunning montages to capture the strained bond between a mother and drug-user son. Assisted by Julia Roberts who is superb in the lead role, Hedges created a poignant portrait of teen drug addiction. A terrific portrait of trauma faced by teen outcasts using drugs in their routine, it’s a tremendous reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which deserve to be seen on the theatrical big-screen.

10. Babylon

Substance abuse is a serious addiction in Hollywood. Since the 1920’s, drugs have enhanced celebrities. During this era, drugs allowed celebrities to cope with stardom. In 2022, Damien Chazelle depicted drug addiction of celebrities in his movie “Babylon”. Chazelle used montages to capture celebrities using drugs in the 1920’s. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is amazing in the lead role, Chazelle captured drug use. Although I’m a fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s glamorization of substance abuse in 1920’s Hollywood has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. A dazzling depiction of Hollywood’s substance abuse, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies changing views of drug addiction which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for writing movie reviews.