Movies About Alcoholics Anonymous

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is an iconic 1994 black comedy crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino and written by Tarantino and Roger Avary. The film follows the lives of two mob hitmen, Jules and Vincent, who are on a mission to retrieve a mysterious briefcase belonging to their crime boss, Marsellus. Along their journey, they become entangled in the lives of their boss' wife, Mia, a former boxer, Butch, and two small-time criminals, Pumpkin and Honey Bunny. As they navigate their way through the criminal underworld, they are forced to confront their own morality as they question their own values and beliefs. Pulp Fiction provides a unique glimpse of the dark and twisted world of crime and morality, as it explores themes of fate, loyalty, redemption, and violence.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Rated R

Goodfellas is an American crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. It follows the story of Henry Hill, an Italian-American mobster, and his friends and family over a period of three decades, from the late 1950s to the late 1980s. The film focuses on Henry's rise in the mob and the consequences that follow. Along the way, Henry and his friends are involved in organized crime, murder, and drug dealing. As Henry's criminal career progresses, he and his cohorts become increasingly paranoid and reckless, leading to their eventual downfall. In the end, Henry is left alone, reflecting on his past with regret.

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God (2002) is an acclaimed Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. It follows the life of Rocket, a young boy living in a slum in the City of God in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The film follows Rocket as he grows up among the violence of Brazil's drug trade and gangs, and the choices he makes in order to survive. The film also follows other characters in the slums, including a gang leader known as Li'l Zé and a young photographer who dreams of making it out of the slums. The film is an unflinching look at the harsh reality of life in Rio de Janeiro's slums, and the difficult choices people must make in order to survive.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film tells the story of four New Yorkers whose lives spiral out of control due to drug addiction. The characters, Harry, Marion, Tyrone, and Sara, all struggle with addiction, poverty, and desperation, leading to tragedy and loss. The film paints a stark and realistic portrait of the destructive power of addiction, and emphasizes the importance of hope, love, and friendship in the face of adversity.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 American crime drama film directed by Brian De Palma. It stars Al Pacino as Cuban refugee Tony Montana, who arrives in 1980s Miami with nothing, and rises to become a powerful drug lord. The film chronicles his violent rise to power, his eventual downfall, and his relationships with his best friend Manny Ribera (Steven Bauer), his wife Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer), and his friend-turned-enemy, Alejandro Sosa (Paul Shenar). The movie also follows Tony's descent into paranoia, madness, and drug addiction as he attempts to hold onto his empire. The film is based on the 1932 gangster movie of the same name, and is considered one of the most influential films of the 1980s.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

Casino is a 1995 American epic crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. The story is based on the nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the film. Set in 1970s Las Vegas, the film tells the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), a gambling expert and Mafia associate who is chosen by the Chicago Outfit to run the Tangiers Casino. Rothstein's friend, Nicky Santoro (Pesci), is also an associate, and the two develop an illicit plan to skim money from the casino. They are watched closely by the Nevada Gaming Board and the FBI, who are suspicious of the casino's success. The film follows the lives of the three protagonists as they navigate the ups and downs of their casino business and the city of Las Vegas. Through the course of the story, Ace's relationships with Nicky and his wife, Ginger (Stone), are tested in ways they never could have imagined. Ultimately, the film examines the inner workings of the mob and how the Las Vegas casino industry works.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham
Rated R

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a 1998 British crime comedy directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows four London-based working-class friends—Tom, Soap, Bacon, and Eddie—who take part in a high-stakes poker game with a gangster named Hatchet Harry. After losing the game, the four friends find themselves in debt to Harry and his associates, and they must devise a plan to pay him back. Meanwhile, the four friends must also deal with the consequences of a drug-dealing scheme gone wrong. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, and Vinnie Jones. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels blends a unique mix of humor and drama, making it a classic among crime films.

From Gavin O'Connor, starring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Morrison
Rated PG-13

Warrior is a 2011 American sports drama film directed by Gavin O'Connor. The film stars Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte, and tells the story of two estranged brothers, an ex-Marine and a former boxer, who enter an MMA tournament to win a cash prize. The situation becomes complicated when their father, an alcoholic former boxer, gets involved in the fight. The film follows the three men as they struggle to overcome their personal demons and make peace with their shared past. With strong performances, emotional moments, and exciting fight sequences, Warrior is an inspiring journey of redemption and family reconciliation.

From Danny Boyle, starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd
Rated R

Trainspotting is a black comedy-drama film directed by Danny Boyle and based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh. The story follows a young group of heroin addicts in a poverty-stricken area of Edinburgh, Scotland. Led by the charismatic Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor), the group struggles with their addictions while dealing with the harsh realities of urban life. The film focuses on the highs and lows of life as an addict, and the difficult choices one must make when trying to break free. It is a gritty and often humorous look at addiction and the lifestyle it creates, as well as the power of friendship and loyalty.

From Mike Nichols, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal, Sandy Dennis
Rated Not Rated

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a 1966 American drama film directed by Mike Nichols. It stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as a married couple, Martha and George, whose explosive arguments and deep-rooted issues become the focus of the film. The two lead characters are joined by their guests, Nick and Honey, who quickly become entangled in Martha and George's chaotic and emotionally draining games. The film follows the characters as they confront the truth of their tumultuous relationship while they explore deep-seated issues of marriage and power. In the end, they learn to accept and even embrace their troubled union.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is an award-winning 1982 musical film directed by Alan Parker that is based on the concept album of the same name by the British rock band, Pink Floyd. The film follows the story of a rock star, Pink, whose inner demons lead him to a mental breakdown. The narrative of the film is presented through a combination of live action, animation and psychological imagery, and the movie is set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall. As Pink spirals further into his own personal pain and despair, he experiences a series of surrealistic dreams and fantasies. Eventually, he is able to come to terms with his own trauma and build a metaphorical wall to protect himself from further pain. The movie was critically acclaimed for its unique visual style, as well as its exploration of themes of alienation, mental illness, and creative expression.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Luis Guzmán
Rated R

Boogie Nights is a 1997 film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, set in the San Fernando Valley in the 1970s and 1980s. It follows the story of Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), an aimless teenage busboy who is taken in by porn producer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds). As Eddie transforms into the adult film star Dirk Diggler, he struggles to maintain a balance between his newfound celebrity and his personal life. Throughout the movie, Eddie comes to terms with his identity, while surrounded by a colorful and sometimes dangerous cast of characters. At its core, Boogie Nights is a story about family, friendship, and the search for acceptance and purpose.

From Richard Brooks, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack Carson
Rated Not Rated

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a 1958 American drama film directed by Richard Brooks and starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, and Burl Ives. Set in the early 1950s in the fictional state of Mississippi, the film follows the story of the wealthy Pollitt family, as they try to deal with the death of their beloved patriarch, Big Daddy Pollitt. The family is divided in two groups: Brick, Big Daddy's favorite son and his wife, Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor), who are struggling with their own personal issues, and Big Daddy's other son and daughter-in-law, Gooper and Mae. The tension mounts as Big Daddy's health begins to deteriorate, and the family gathers to celebrate his 65th birthday. Big Daddy reveals that he knows that Brick and Maggie are having marital problems, and he also realizes that Gooper and Mae are only after his money. Big Daddy confronts Brick, who admits to being an alcoholic and confesses his love for his late best friend, Skipper. In the end, Big Daddy dies, but not before admonishing his family and urging them to put aside their differences and be there for each other. The film explores themes of family, wealth and

From Blake Edwards, starring Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick, Charles Bickford, Jack Klugman
Rated Approved

Days of Wine and Roses is a 1962 drama directed by Blake Edwards, starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. It tells the story of two people, Joe Clay (Lemmon) and Kirsten Arnesen (Remick), and their descent into alcoholism. The film begins with their initial meeting and courtship, as they rapidly fall in love and marry. Unfortunately, Joe and Kirsten soon develop an addiction to alcohol, which leads to the destruction of their marriage and their lives. As the film progresses, the couple goes through a series of attempts to break the addiction, all of which ultimately fail. In the end, Joe and Kirsten, both broken and disillusioned, are forced to face the consequences of their actions and the destruction of their relationship.

From Directors: Dan Carracino, Kevin Hanlon, starring Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob, Blake J. Evans, Chris Gates
Rated Unrated

Bill W. is a 2012 documentary about the life of Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The film explores Wilson's struggles with alcoholism, his journey to sobriety, and the founding of the first 12-step program to help millions of people around the world battle addiction. Wilson's personal story is weaved together with archival footage, interviews with family members, and recollections from AA members, including his widow Lois Wilson. The film explores how Wilson's struggles and successes helped to shape AA into the organization it is today, and the impact it continues to have on the lives of people in recovery.

From James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick
Rated PG-13

Walk the Line is a biographical drama about the legendary country singer and songwriter Johnny Cash, directed by James Mangold. The film follows Cash's life from his childhood in Arkansas to his breakthrough as a musician in the 1950s and 1960s. It depicts Cash's rise to fame, his relationship with his record label, and his romance with June Carter. The film also shows the struggles that Cash faced throughout his life, including substance abuse and religious struggles. Ultimately, it portrays Cash's courage and determination to stay true to himself and his music, and ultimately win the love of his life.

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster is a 2007 crime drama directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Based on the real-life of Frank Lucas, who became a notorious drug kingpin in Harlem in the 1970s, the movie follows Lucas as he rises to power, eventually gaining control of the city's entire heroin trade, and Detective Richie Roberts, who is determined to bring him down. As Lucas and Roberts work against each other, a violent game of cat and mouse ensues, as Lucas' empire grows, and Roberts' investigation intensifies. The film highlights Lucas' complex relationships with his family, his gang, and the corrupt NYPD, as well as Roberts' own struggles with the justice system and his own moral code. Ultimately, Lucas and Roberts are forced to confront each other in a dangerous face-off.

From Billy Corben, starring Jon Roberts, Al Sunshine, Sam Burstyn, Mickey Munday
Rated R

Cocaine Cowboys is a documentary film directed by Billy Corben and released in 2006. It follows the rise of the cocaine drug trade and its ultimate impact on Miami between the 1970s and early 1980s. The film interviews several people involved in the drug trafficking, including law enforcement officers, drug traffickers, and journalists. It focuses on the wild and lawless atmosphere of Miami during the cocaine trade, discussing topics such as the corruption of public officials, the rise of organized crime and drug cartels, the violent turf wars, and the glamorization of the drug lords. The film also shows how the Cuban-American community was affected by the influx of drug money and the subsequent crime wave. In the end, Cocaine Cowboys paints a vivid picture of a city transformed by the illicit cocaine trade, and the consequences of it.

From David O. Russell, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
Rated R

The Fighter is a 2010 biographical sports drama directed by David O. Russell, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo. The film tells the story of boxer Micky Ward and his half-brother Dicky Eklund, two struggling boxers from Lowell, Massachusetts. Micky, a once promising boxer, has been hampered by his brother's drug addiction, which takes a toll on his career. His brother Dicky, a former boxer who is now a crack addict, still believes he can make a comeback. Their mother Alice, played by Melissa Leo, is a strong-willed, opinionated family matriarch who serves as manager to both brothers, despite the fact that she is their biggest distraction. While Micky struggles to get back on his feet and take control of his career, Dicky helps him train in an attempt to revive his career and turn his life around. With the help of his family, Micky is able to redeem himself and become a successful boxer. The Fighter ultimately proves that with strong determination, anything is possible.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Clifton Powell
Rated PG-13

Ray is a biographical drama film based on the life of legendary American musician, Ray Charles. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the movie stars Jamie Foxx in the lead role, alongside Kerry Washington and Regina King. The film follows the life of Ray Charles from childhood to his rise to fame in the 1950s. It highlights his struggles with poverty, blindness, addiction and the racial discrimination of the time. The movie is a tribute to his genius, his resilience, and his ability to overcome his many obstacles in order to become a legendary artist. It also showcases his unique sound and style, which has influenced generations of music. Ray was a commercial success and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two of them, for Best Actor and Best Sound.

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger
Rated R

Training Day follows the story of two LAPD narcotics officers, Detective Sergeant Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) and Officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), as they set out to prove themselves on their first day in the narcotics division. Alonzo is a corrupt cop who uses his power to manipulate and control the criminals on the streets, while Jake is a rookie who questions his superior's tactics and is determined to do things the right way. As their day progresses, the two officers get deeper and deeper into a world of crime, corruption, and violent confrontations. In the end, Jake must decide whether to follow Alonzo's lead and risk becoming corrupted himself, or to break away and try to clean up the streets.

From William Friedkin, starring Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey, Tony Lo Bianco
Rated R

The French Connection is a 1971 crime drama directed by William Friedkin and starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. It follows two NYPD detectives, Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle and Buddy "Cloudy" Russo, as they attempt to bust an international heroin smuggling ring led by French drug kingpin Alain Charnier. Over the course of the movie, Popeye and Cloudy risk their lives and careers in pursuit of Charnier and his associates. The movie is based on the true story of Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso's investigation of a heroin smuggling operation in the late 1960s. The French Connection depicts a gritty and tense atmosphere, with several intense chase scenes and violent confrontations. Ultimately, Popeye and Cloudy track down the smugglers, however, the victory is bittersweet because of the personal costs incurred. The French Connection won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Gene Hackman.

From Alexander Payne, starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk
Rated R

Nebraska is a 2013 black-and-white road movie directed by Alexander Payne. The film follows Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), an elderly, alcoholic Misurian who believes he has won a million-dollar sweepstakes prize and insists upon traveling from Montana to Nebraska to claim his winnings. Along the way, he is accompanied by his son, David (Will Forte), who reluctantly agrees to drive him. As the pair journey across the Midwest, they meet a variety of colorful characters and reconnect with estranged family members. Along the way, Woody and David confront the harsh realities of family life, struggling to find common ground amidst their differing values and beliefs. Ultimately, they discover that while material things may come and go, the bonds of family can never be broken.

From Richard Linklater, starring Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane
Rated R

Dazed and Confused is a coming-of-age comedy directed by Richard Linklater. It follows a group of mischievous high school seniors in a small Texas town on the last day of school in 1976. They spend their day drinking, smoking, partying and generally creating mayhem. The story follows each of the characters as they navigate their relationships with friends, parents, teachers and each other. It is a snapshot of teenage life in the 70s, with all its awkwardness, vulnerabilities and joys. At its heart, the film celebrates the power of friendship and the unique journey of growing up.

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jacob Vargas
Rated R

Traffic is an Academy Award-winning crime drama written by Stephen Gaghan and directed by Steven Soderbergh. The movie follows a web of interconnecting stories in both the United States and Mexico, as multiple characters grapple with the war on drugs and its impact on their lives. In Mexico, Javier Rodriguez (Benicio del Toro) and Manolo Sanchez (Jacob Vargas) are two cops working against the country’s powerful drug cartel. Meanwhile, in the US, Robert Wakefield (Michael Douglas) is the newly appointed drug czar and his daughter, Caroline (Erika Christensen), is a drug addict. Through these storylines, Traffic examines the complex issues of drug trafficking, trafficking-related violence, and the drug addiction crisis in a powerful and thought-provoking way.