Movies About Regret

Updated May 1, 2024

For Movies About Regret, there is no limit to the directors who explored this idea. Here are 25 of the best ones.

Forrest Gump (1994)

★★★★

3.5 out of 4 stars

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. The film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a simple-minded man from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining moments of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. He meets the President of the United States, serves in the army, meets a famous singer and dancer, and meets the love of his life, Jenny. The story is told largely through flashback sequences and is framed by a present-day narrative. Through his journey, Forrest discovers the importance of love and friendship, while also learning the value of hard work and perseverance.

Barry Lyndon (1975)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger
Rated PG

Barry Lyndon is a period drama directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1975. Set in 18th century Europe, the film follows the exploits of an Irish rogue, Barry Lyndon, as he attempts to make his fortune and rise in society by any means necessary. Through a series of fortuitous events, he manages to marry into an aristocratic family, becoming a member of the British nobility. However, his good fortune is short-lived as his newfound privileges do not protect him from the harsh realities of his new social status and the politicking of his fellow nobles. At the same time, he is torn between his ambition and his love for his son. With heart-wrenching performances, captivating cinematography, and a brilliant score, Barry Lyndon is a timeless classic that captures the darkest corners of the human soul and its capacity for both greed and self-sacrifice.

Boogie Nights (1997)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

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

Boogie Nights is a 1997 American drama film written, produced and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film is set in the San Fernando Valley in California during the 1970s and follows the life of a young nightclub dishwasher, Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), who is discovered by pornographic film director Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds) and is transformed into a celebrated adult film star known as Dirk Diggler. As Dirk's fame increases, he begins to enter into a decadent lifestyle filled with drugs and partying. His relationships with his fellow adult film stars, such as Amber Waves (Julianne Moore) and Rollergirl (Heather Graham), become increasingly strained as his career progresses. Meanwhile, Jack's business is threatened by the rise of the video porn industry, as well as his own personal demons. The film follows Eddie as he rises to fame, is eventually brought down by his own excesses, and then attempts to rebuild his life. Boogie Nights is a snapshot of the golden age of the porn industry and an examination of the lives of the people involved in it.

Days of Wine and Roses (1962)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

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 and starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. The film tells the story of Joe Clay (Lemmon) and Kirsten Arnesen (Remick), a young and attractive couple whose lives are quickly ruined by the insidious and destructive power of alcoholism. Despite their efforts to stay sober, they both soon succumb to the alcoholic lifestyle. Joe and Kirsten struggle to maintain their relationship as their alcoholism takes an increasingly heavy toll on them, leading to job loss, domestic violence, and eventually, a failed attempt at rehabilitation. As their lives spiral out of control, the audience is left to ponder the heartbreaking consequences of addiction.

Walk the Line (2005)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

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

Walk the Line is a biographical drama film directed by James Mangold starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. The film tells the story of legendary country music singer-songwriter Johnny Cash and his rise to fame and struggles with addiction. The film follows Cash's life from his childhood in Arkansas to his time as a struggling musician at Sun Records in Memphis, where he meets and falls in love with fellow singer June Carter (Witherspoon). Despite his fame and talent, Cash battles his inner demons, including substance abuse, and conflicts with his father. Through the power of music, Cash is able to rise above his difficulties and carve out a successful career. The film is a celebration of Cash’s courage and determination, as well as an exploration of his complex relationship with Carter.

Splendor in the Grass (1961)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Elia Kazan, starring Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, Pat Hingle, Audrey Christie
Rated Not Rated

Splendor in the Grass is a romantic drama film directed by Elia Kazan and released in 1961. It stars Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty. The story follows the romance between two teenagers, Deanie Loomis (Wood) and Bud Stamper (Beatty), from a small town in Kansas in the 1920s. The couple must struggle with the pressures of their parents and society, which has strict expectations for their behavior and very conservative views on sex, love, and marriage. The film examines Deanie's mental breakdown and Bud's journey through adulthood, as they both attempt to reconcile their love with the expectations of their families and their community. In the end, they are ultimately forced to accept that their love is not accepted by their peers and must find a way to move on with their lives.

Ray (2004)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

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

Ray is a biographical film about the life of Ray Charles, an iconic American singer, songwriter, and musician. The film follows Ray's life from childhood to the peak of his career in the 1960s, exploring the various experiences that shaped his iconic sound. It depicts his struggles with racism, addiction, and personal relationships, as well as his triumphs over adversity. The film stars Jamie Foxx in the title role and also features appearances from Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Clifton Powell. Ray is a poignant yet uplifting story of a man determined to make it in the music industry despite the odds.

Giant (1956)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From George Stevens, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, Carroll Baker
Rated G

Giant is a 1956 epic drama film directed by George Stevens, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean. Set in Texas, the film follows the story of ranch owner Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr., who is determined to keep his land in the hands of his family. He meets Leslie Lynnton, a beautiful and sophisticated woman from Virginia, and despite their different backgrounds, the two fall in love and marry. Bick's daughter, Jordan Benedict III, returns home from college and meets Jett Rink, a common laborer on the ranch. With his newfound wealth, Jett begins to purchase land in the area and eventually rivals Bick. Meanwhile, Leslie struggles to adjust to life on the ranch, while the Benedict family deals with the changing times and the clash between traditional and modern values. The film culminates in a climactic courtroom showdown between the Benedicts and Jett that ultimately results in a compromise.

Blow (2001)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Ted Demme, starring Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Rachel Griffiths
Rated R

Blow is a 2001 American biographical crime film directed by Ted Demme. The film is based on the life of drug smuggler George Jung, played by Johnny Depp. It tells the story of Jung’s rise and fall in the drug business, beginning with his involvement in marijuana smuggling in the 1970s, and later his involvement in the cocaine trade in the 1980s. The film shows his relationships with his partner in crime, Diego Delgado (Jordi Mollà), his wife Mirtha (Penélope Cruz), and his daughter Kristina (Emma Roberts). The film follows Jung’s life as a drug dealer and his attempts to escape the consequences of his actions. It also emphasizes how the drug trade affects the people involved and their families. Ultimately, Jung is arrested and sent to prison, where he is forced to come to terms with his actions.

Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Mike Figgis, starring Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis
Rated R

Leaving Las Vegas is a 1995 romantic drama about a suicidal alcoholic (Nicolas Cage) who moves to Las Vegas with the intention of drinking himself to death. There, he meets a young prostitute (Elisabeth Shue) who helps him achieve his morbid goal while they fall in love in the process. The film paints a bleak yet surprisingly hopeful portrait of two people who find solace in each other despite their desperate circumstances. It is a deeply moving and ultimately uplifting story of redemption and self-discovery.