Best Movies About Alcoholism (Top Picks At A Glance)
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Some incredible movies have come out that highlight the subject of alcoholism. As an honorable mention, one last movie that didn’t make it on the list is Bohemian Rhapsody! This is a film that ranks as one of the best released in 2018!
We decided not to add it to the list because alcoholism is not a central component of the plot, but it does, however, play a role in the movie. Without further ado, please enjoy this selection of the best films about alcoholism.
1. A Star Is Born
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You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of this movie yet, or even at least heard the songs from it! This is one of the best films of the year if not the best! And damn, who knew Bradley Cooper could sing?!
We can’t go into too much detail about the hardships both Jackson and Ally faced at the hands of Jackson’s alcoholism because we don’t want to give too much away! If you haven’t watched this movie, then go ahead and do yourself a favor and watch it now!
A Star Is Born Movie Description
Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) unexpectedly finds love when he stops at a random Drag Bar to continue drinking. Her name, Ally (Lady Gaga). About to give up on her dreams of becoming a singer, Jackson takes Ally under his wing and forces her to face her fears and shows her to the world. Soon after meeting, the two spark up a romantic relationship.
As Ally’s career takes off, Jackson’s alcoholism and other issues do too. This causes tremendous strain between the two and their relationship begins to crumble. For any hope of saving the relationship, Jackson must face his issues and defeat his demons.
2. Flight
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We hope that the pilots on any flights we take are much more responsible and trustworthy than Whip Whitaker. This is definitely a very intense movie that offers an outstanding viewing experience.
If you are looking for a powerful depiction of the consequences of being an alcoholic, then this movie is perfect!
Flight Movie Description
An alcoholic and drug using pilot named Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) has a perfect flight record even though he flies while majorly impaired. However, all is about to change when his plane has a major malfunction. Whitaker is forced to make a crash landing as the plane bolts towards the ground.
His actions save most of his passengers but with six dead, the crash has shaken Whitaker to the core. After the experience, he pledges to sober himself up. Though, it might be too late as the investigation into the crash brings his addiction to light.
3. The Spectacular Now
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This movie follows the journey of a high school student struggling with partying and alcoholism. The Spectacular Now is very touching and illustrates just how difficult decisions can be when you are an alcoholic. This movie dramatically echos the message that it’s never too late to change the path you are on.
The Spectacular Now Movie Description
On a typical morning, two highschoolers randomly meet by chance. After a night of partying, Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) wakes up on the front lawn of Aimee Finicky (Shailene Woodley). As he wakes, Sutter runs into Aimee as she’s leaving for a paper route and begins a conversation with her. The two highschoolers spend the morning enjoying each others company.
Sutter, a crazy party animal, is struggling with school and alcoholism. He is the complete opposite of Aimee, a very reserved and shy girl. Also, unlike Sutter, Aimee does really well in school. This causes Sutter to eventually ask Aimee for help with his schooling, and she is quick to agree.
The two begin to grow closer to each other and form a strong relationship. However, Sutter must conquer his problems if he doesn’t want to ruin their relationship and his future.
4. Crazy Heart
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Why does it seem like country singers always turn out to be alcoholics!? Once again, this is a fantastic movie and is worth the watch! The film is a little different than the others on this list and that makes it especially enjoyable.
Crazy Heart Movie Description
Trying to turn his life around for a beautiful reporter, Country singer Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) has one last shot at happiness. Blake was a country legend until he let alcohol dismantle his career. He now resorts to playing in bars and bowling allies.
That’s where Blake meets a reporter named Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Quickly, the two start a romantic relationship which pushes Blake to get sober. However, things begin to change, and Blake must fix his problems, or he may lose more than just Jean.
5. Everything Must Go
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We don’t think we ever expected Will Farrell to portray an alcoholic in a movie!? Even though the film does follow the story of an alcoholic, it still manages to be funny! Its got Will in it, so what else would you expect?!
Everything Must Go Movie Description
An alcoholic salesman named Nick Halsey (Will Ferrell) not only loses his job but his wife and house also. On the same day that he’s fired for showing up to work drunk too often, he also finds all his belongings thrown on the front lawn as his wife leaves him.
As a tactic to stay close to the house, Nick sets up a yard sale and spends his nights sleeping on the lawn. However, Nick is only allowed three days to hold the yard sale, so he must act quickly to fix his life up.
6. Leaving Las Vegas
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Compared with the other movies about alcoholism on this list, this film is darker. Unlike some of the other movies on this list, this one isn’t a love story. It is about a relationship between two people, however, as you will find out, it’s a bizarre and unconventional one!
Leaving Las Vegas Movie Description
Screenwriter Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) has decided to attempt to kill himself in Las Vegas by drinking. After losing everything in his life as a consequence of his alcoholism, Ben sees no use in living.
However, while in Vegas, Ben meets a gorgeous prostitute named Sera (Elisabeth Shue). Soon after, the two begin a strong but unorthodox relationship. Nevertheless, Nick’s issues threaten to destroy the one relationship he has left.
