12 Best Movies About Alcoholism On Netflix Update 04/2024

Movies About Alcoholism On Netflix

While it’s not good for your health to drink too much, it’s perfect for a night at the movies. They get more attention from the audience than any other character. To me, drinking deepens the character and gives the plot a menacing edge. In some cases, we feel sorry for them, while in others, we despise them. It doesn’t matter either way you look at it. Such films appear to have a reliance on alcohol as a form of therapy. The limit to which actors can go in order to portray a perfect alcoholic on screen is yet to be determined. These alcoholic characters frequently cause actors to get a little tipsy when they’re trying to portray them.

Even though many excellent performances have had actors portraying alcoholics, playing an alcoholic is still a difficult role for even the most accomplished performers. Alcohol consumption is a convenient method, but it’s not the most effective. Alcoholism has primarily been employed to deepen the characters’ characterizations by bringing out their flaws. The subject of alcoholism is rarely examined in depth in films. Here is a list of the best movies about alcoholics and alcoholism. Some of the best films about alcoholism may be found on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

12. Barfly (1987)

Barfly (1987)

Charles Bukowski’s drunken alter-ego is depicted in the film ‘Barfly.’ It doesn’t give a detailed account of the author’s life, but it does demonstrate how bad things often turn out for them in the real world.. Mickey Rourke’s acting as the alcoholic in the film is highly praised, and the film uses the theme of alcoholism to its advantage.

11. Scent of a Woman (1992)

Slade, a blind ex-military guy, is cared after by a prep school student. Slade is a carefree drinker who constantly worries the student, but they finally form a bond as a result of his character flaws. Retired military man’s life loses purpose and he drinks himself to death because of it, as depicted by the film. Al Pacino won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as the blind lieutenant colonel in the film.

10. Dev.D (2009)

Dev.D (2009)

‘Dev.D’ is a perfect example of Anurag Kashyap’s reputation for producing gloomy films. ‘Devdas’ is reimagined in a contemporary setting. Abhay Deol takes on the role of a despondent alcoholic in this film. Director and screenwriter Kashyap are practically flawless, but the soundtrack takes the experience to a whole new level. The film should be seen by everyone in India, not only lovers.

9. Drunken Master (1978)

‘Drunken Master’ stands out from the others because it portrays alcoholism in a positive light. The plot revolves around Jackie Chan’s character, Wong Fei-hung, a teenage mischief maker. A drunken master named Beggar so shows up and instructs him in the art of Drunken Boxing. At the same time, the action sequences are both humorous and cool. Everyone who loves Jackie Chan will have a great time with this film.

8. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

His career hasn’t been stellar, but this film shows Nicolas Cage’s full ability as an actor. In the affluent city of Las Vegas, he plays an alcoholic Hollywood screenwriter and absolutely owns the part. It’s impossible not to empathize with him and Elisabeth Shue in this heart-wrenching story, in which they have an emotional bond. Numerous awards and critical acclaim were bestowed to the picture.

7. Pollock (2000)

Alcoholic biopics are unusual and fascinating. As a result of this, you save films like “Pollock,” which depicts the anguish and desperation of an alcoholic painter. This film, starring Ed Harris as a painter, tells the story of his early attempts to become a successful artist. It was Harris, not Marcia Gay Harden, who won the Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her work in the picture.

6. Devdas (2002)

Devdas (2002)

Every time you bring up the name “Devdas,” you’re met with the conundrum of which picture to bring up first. Because Shah Rukh Khan’s acting here is so real, you can’t help but feel sorry for his character’s plight. Besides her grace and dance prowess, Madhuri Dixit also possesses impressive acting chops. Most of the people in this film are mourning their losses, and as a result, the film is filled with intense sadness.

5. When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)

Andy Garcia is well known for his performance as Terry Benedict in Ocean’s Eleven, but he plays an entirely different character in this picture. When Alice Green (played by Meg Ryan) is intoxicated, he portrays the devoted husband who loves her despite her erratic behavior. The film does a good job of portraying the negative impact of alcoholism on a family’s dynamics, and much of the film’s success may be attributed to Meg Ryan. It just goes to show that a man’s love for a woman can overcome any obstacle.

4. Ironweed (1987)

Ironweed (1987)

Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, two of Hollywood’s most recognized actors, are an obvious draw for this movie. Then, all of this is blended together to create a truly enjoyable film. After losing his son, the ex-baseball player (Nicholson) is comforted by his girlfriend/drinking buddy.

3. Days of Wine and Roses (1962)

When alcoholism wasn’t such a widespread problem, a film was made in black-and-white showing the struggle of two alcoholics. Days of Wine and Roses is a must-see because of its brilliant storyline and the performances of its two stars. It gives us hope that we can overcome a terrible addiction like drinking. The film’s best moment is at the very end, when we grieve with the alcoholics as they are torn apart but are also given hope for their future reunion.

2. The Spectacular Now (2013)

The Spectacular Now (2013)

Director James Ponsoldt demonstrates in this novel adaption his considerable knowledge of alcoholism. Although it explores the dangers of alcohol consumption in young people, ‘The Spectacular Now’ is mostly about the blossoming romance between an alcoholic and his quiet, reticent lover. While Miles Teller shines as the party prankster, Shailene Woodley plays the quiet girl with ease. It’s one of those teen love stories you can’t miss.

1. Smashed (2012)

When it comes to alcoholism, ‘Smashed’ is a lovely and touching romantic picture. This time around, director James Ponsoldt chooses to focus on alcoholism and a couple’s efforts to overcome their addiction to alcohol. A career-best performance from Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the wife who decides to change her ways and give up drinking is featured in this film. It is clear that alcoholism has a devastating effect on both a person’s personal and social life. Those alcoholics who are trying to get sober will learn a lot from this.