20 Movies That Realistically Portray Alcoholism

This powerful New Zealand drama tells the story of a Māori family facing a series of social problems, including alcoholism, leading to violence and loss. A harrowing portrayal of addiction's impact on a family.

Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman shine in this adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play about secrets, lies and unfulfilled desires in a dysfunctional family, with alcoholism simmering in the background.

An intimate look at the life of an older couple and their friends, one of whom struggles with alcoholism. Mike Leigh's film is a meditative study of happiness, aging and isolation.

Paul Newman's breakthrough role as a pool shark fighting his own demons and drinking as he tries to reach the top. This classic drama highlights the self-destructive tendencies of ambition and addiction.

Trey Edward Shults' debut tells the story of a woman trying to reconnect with her family after years of absence and addiction, leading to a tense and emotional family reunion.

Denzel Washington plays a pilot whose heroic act during a plane crash is overshadowed by his alcoholism, leading to a complex exploration of responsibility and redemption.

Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby star in this drama about an alcoholic actor and his loyal wife trying to save his career, exploring the emotional toll of living with an alcoholic.

Ed Harris directed and starred in this biopic about American painter Jackson Pollock, whose revolutionary art was as turbulent as his struggle with alcoholism.

Albert Finney shines as a former British consul struggling with alcoholism in Mexico during the Day of the Dead. An intensely personal story about isolation and loss.

In this early Akira Kurosawa film, Toshiro Mifune plays a yakuza who develops a complex relationship with an alcoholic doctor, exploring redemption and self-destruction in postwar Japan.

Gena Rowlands plays an actress whose life and career are affected by her drinking, in a film exploring the emotional complexity of addiction.

A powerful portrayal of a woman struggling with alcoholism while trying to keep her family and marriage together.

Based on the life of writer Charles Bukowski, this film offers a look at the self-destructive lifestyle of an alcoholic writer.

A European film about a homeless man struggling with his promises and his alcohol addiction.

Highlighting broken family ties and the inherited nature of alcoholism, this film won James Coburn an Oscar.

An intensely personal story about a man's struggle with his past and alcoholism, set on the raw streets of Scotland.

This film follows a young woman, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who reconsiders her relationship with alcohol and her husband after a series of disruptive events.

A classic following the depths of a weekend-long drinking binge, winning Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director.

This drama explores the destructive effects of alcoholism on a young marriage, with both husband and wife struggling with addiction.

Nicolas Cage delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a man who surrenders his life to alcohol in Las Vegas, a harrowing portrait of self-destruction and despair.